BSpace

The British University in Dubai (BUiD) Digital Repository

Welcome to BSpace, the online institutional repository of the British University in Dubai. BSpace provides access to the Dissertations, Thesis, Research projects, Faculty publications and archives of BUiD.

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Now showing 1 - 7 of 7

Recent Submissions

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    Optimizing Urban Performance: Automated Multi-Objective Trade-offs Between Thermal Comfort and Energy Use in Hot Climates: Case study of Dubai City Walk.
    (2025-10) Emam, Alaa; Prof. Bassam Abuhijleh; Dr. Fuad Baba
    The growing challenge of urban heat stress in arid climates necessitates optimizing outdoor thermal comfort while reducing energy consumption. This study investigates the interplay between the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and Energy Use Intensity (EUI) in an urban plot within Dubai City Walk. Using parametric modeling and multi-objective optimization, the research explores how urban morphology, building orientation, shading strategies, and ventilation corridors impact both pedestrian comfort and energy efficiency. The findings demonstrate that strategic urban configurations can reduce UTCI by up to 1.5°C and lower EUI by 26.5%, highlighting the potential of integrated design solutions to mitigate extreme heat. Seasonal analyses confirm the year-round effectiveness of optimized urban forms in improving outdoor usability while minimizing cooling loads. By bridging the gap between outdoor thermal performance and energy demand, this study offers practical insights for urban planners and policymakers to develop climate-responsive and energy-efficient urban environments. The results align with sustainability objectives, underscoring the need for adaptive design approaches to enhance livability in hot regions. Keywords: outdoor thermal comfort, energy use intensity (EUI), universal thermal climate index (UTCI), urban morphology, passive cooling, hot climates, sustainable urban design.
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    Variation Works Under UAE Law and FIDIC Contracts
    (Sara, 2025) Mardini, Sara; Al Eisaei, Hamad
    This study addresses a crucial issue of the variation works in construction projects, and its objective is to have insight into how the variation is controlled under and by the UAE law and FIDIC contracts. It focuses on the major distinctions between the two legal systems and stresses the need for well-defined difference clauses in contracts to avoid disputes in the course of the implementation of projects. Changes are a fact of life, and sometimes they are uncontrollable, as in the case of large projects where the changes in scope, time, or cost are constantly changing. Investigating the reasons for such variation, this paper aims to explain the effects of variation on all parties concerned, the owner, the contractor, and the consultant, especially when there is a conflict. An understanding of variations and how variations are to be put into play can go a long way in minimising disputes and will undoubtedly ensure more streamlined project delivery for all stakeholders. Keywords: variation works, construction projects, UAE law, FIDIC contracts, contractual disputes, scope changes
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    Students Plugged: The Psychological Impact of Smart Devices Screen Time Exposure on Cognitive Concentration Skills in Primary School Students in Abu Dhabi
    (BUID, 2025-09-07) Shorouk Sobh; Dr. Emad Abu Ayyash
    This study examined the relationship between the time primary school students spend on screens and their cognitive concentration. It gathered quantitative and qualitative data using a mixed-methods approach to provide a comprehensive view of the effects of excessive screen exposure. The cognitive concentration of students was assessed through a modified version of the CAB_AT test administered via Google Forms, which collected the quantitative data. Additionally, parents recorded screen time data over three weeks in daily logs detailing the types of content (educational and entertainment), categorised into seven types: games, social media, phone usage, watching TV or movies, and playing on LCD screens. Increased engagement with entertainment and gaming content was linked to lower cognitive scores; in other words, screen time correlated with diminished cognitive concentration. However, high screen exposure was identified as a factor influencing health, correlating with reduced cognitive concentration, while physical activity proved to be a mitigating factor. These findings were further supported by qualitative data from parental interviews, where parents expressed concerns that excessive screen time may negatively affect their children’s attention spans and behavioural outcomes. While educational content may appear beneficial for cognitive outcomes, it seems unsuitable for cognitive development—there’s a detrimental impact due to insufficient use of screens for entertainment and gaming. The findings hold significance for parents, educators, and policymakers, emphasising the importance of considering screen time for children and promoting healthy cognitive development. Keywords: screen time, cognitive skills, physical activity, selective attention, divided attention, social interaction, mental health, cognitive load theory
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    The Influence of Intelligent Automation on Senior Project Practitioners’ Roles and Responsibilities for a Successful Implementation of Intelligent Automation Services in the UAE Public Sector
    (The British University in Dubai, 2025-03) ABU LEBDEH, LINA ABDALLAH; Dr Ochieng, Edward
    This study investigates the influence of intelligent automation (IA) on the roles and responsibilities of senior project practitioners (SPPs) in the UAE public sector, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework for successful implementation. By focusing on public sector challenges, this research bridges theoretical gaps between IA, project management, and governance while providing practical strategies for implementation. The findings equip public sector organizations and SPPs with tools to foster innovation and resilience in an era of technological advancement. With the rapid evolution of IA, it is imperative for senior project practitioners to adapt to new organisational processes that facilitate efficient project management. Using a quantitative survey-based approach, responses from 291 SPPs were analysed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and regression modelling to identify key drivers of IA readiness. The findings underscore SPPs' need to transition into mentorship roles, focusing on human interactions and addressing skill gaps within their teams. This research fills a vital gap in the existing literature by concentrating specifically on the UAE public sector, offering insights into government agencies' unique challenges and opportunities. The developed conceptual framework serves as a foundation for future research and practice in the realm of IA within the UAE public sector. This study bridges theoretical gaps by integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) into understanding IA adoption, linking its implications to project management and public sector governance. Practically, it equips UAE public sector organizations and SPPs with strategies to implement IA, providing essential tools to drive enhanced organizational performance and productivity.
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    The Integration of AI Into Quality Management in Industries Like Automotive, Healthcare, and Defence
    (The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2025-06-15) ROBARI, SAUD HASSAN ; Dr Maria Papadaki
    This study investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into quality management (QM) across the automotive, healthcare, and defence industries. As organisations increasingly seek data-driven solutions to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and regulatory compliance, AI offers transformative potential. The research analyses how AI technologies—such as machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing—are reshaping quality assurance by enabling predictive and proactive strategies over traditional reactive methods. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative survey data from 100 industry professionals with qualitative insights from six managerial interviews. The survey included ten closed-ended questions, while the interviews were guided by six open-ended prompts exploring the practical impact of AI integration in QM operations. The findings reveal that AI significantly enhances real-time monitoring, defect detection, and predictive maintenance, contributing to improved product quality and operational resilience. Despite its benefits, AI integration poses challenges, including data quality issues, ethical considerations, and infrastructure readiness. These barriers highlight the need for sector-specific frameworks and strategic planning. The study also emphasises the importance of aligning AI systems with existing processes to ensure successful adoption. Overall, this research offers valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for implementing AI in quality management. It underscores the role of AI in advancing compliance, reducing human error, and fostering continuous improvement in complex, highly regulated industries.