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Item Enhancing Construction Supply Chain Management Through the Application of Digital Innovation and Knowledge Management Practices: The Case of the UAE Construction Sector(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-07) MARCHAHA, HALA MAHMOUD; Professor Edward OchiengThe construction sector in the UAE has a major role in and is making a growing contribution to the country’s economic activities. However, there are various challenges and factors that affect construction supply chain management and therefore construction projects success, which can be faced by the effective implementation of digital innovation. Noting that knowledge is a central obstacle for construction organisations in implementing digital innovation design efficiency and promote a collaborative working culture in construction projects, which has triggered the requirement for a new knowledge management framework development to support construction organisations to adopt digital innovation aiming to enhance the performance of construction supply chain management. The research aimed to examine the association of the integrated role of knowledge management practices and digital innovation on the performance of construction supply chain management in the UAE construction sector. The research proposes an innovative knowledge management framework that can be used by senior construction practitioners in the UAE to enhance construction supply chain management performance through this transformative framework that integrates traditional knowledge management practices with digital innovation, which is recommended for construction organisations to navigate the complexity of construction projects, make informed decisions, and achieve sustainable growth in an evolving sector. The aim was achieved through a quantitative research method. Data was collected by conducting a questionnaire survey with a sample size of 400 experts working in the UAE construction sector. The collected data was analysed using SPSS software selected tests that enabled the research questions to be answered and met the research objectives. The study revealed the significant association of advanced technologies on managing knowledge and enhancing the performance of supply chain partners, as the study found that there is a strong association between the integration of digital innovation and knowledge management practices and the performance of supply chain management, and that the innovative knowledge management framework proposed in this study is as well strongly associated with the performance of supply chain management. This research forms a reference for future studies on the integration of digital innovation and knowledge management practices as this was the core principle guiding the research on the enhancement of supply chain performance. The research provides recommendations to policymakers to lay the foundation for a successful implementation of the innovative knowledge management framework by the construction practitioners; this is suggested to prioritise the adoption of digital innovation to transform from traditional knowledge management to innovative knowledge management for the managing construction supply chain, and to navigate the complexities of construction projects.Item Applying Energy Efficiency Strategies to Reduce Energy Consumption in Mosques.(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-06) WAHEED ADDIN IBRAHIM ALMASRI; Dr Wael ShetaMosques are a valuable symbol of the Islamic religion and addressing the sustainability of mosques is not just an environmental imperative but also a religious and economic one and it has been clear that there is a significant research gap in the area of sustainability in religious buildings. This research investigates the application of energy efficiency strategies to reduce energy consumption in mosques, focusing on three mosques of varying sizes—large, medium, and small— with different characteristics in the Alrahmaniya suburb of Sharjah. The study sets the stage by identifying the unique architectural and operational characteristics of mosques and the specific challenges they face in adopting energy-saving measures. Through conducting thorough literature review, stakeholders and imams interviews, and detailed simulations, the research identifies and tests a range of strategies, including changing the type of external wall, glazing, roofing systems and the combination of them. The selected mosques serve as case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of these measures. Simulations indicate that these strategies can significantly reduce energy consumption without compromising the thermal comfort of worshippers. After conducting 44 simulations, the medium mosque showed the highest reduction in energy consumption, while the large and small mosques also displayed considerable improvements. The study concludes by recommending optimal design guidelines and best practices, such as an ideal height scenario for mosque design to enhance energy efficiency which was validated by implementing it on simulations. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for future research into diverse building types, collaboration with local authorities and communities, and regular energy audits and monitoring to sustain and enhance energy savings.Item The mediating effect of organisational resilience and internal preparedness on the relationship between external vulnerabilities and performance(Inderscience, 2025) Francis, Godwin; Papadaki, Maria; Saeed, HamidThe performance of an organisation is contingent on external and internal business environments. A resilient business process strengthens the stability of the organisation. The underlying study focused on the effect of organisational resilience on business performance under the influence of external vulnerabilities. A survey was conducted and data were collected from 144 organisations in the UAE. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses. The findings showed that organisational performance was positively and significantly related to external and internal factors with resilient characteristics and capacities. The relationships between resilient characteristics, resilient capacities, and firm performance were also positive and significant. The mediation results showed an indirect relationship between resilient characteristics and firm performance, and resilient capacities fully mediated this association. The research has contributed to resilience theories, and has also provided a framework to managers and decision makers to achieve greater resilience for better business performance.Item Promoting Social Sustainability through Metaverse Usage in Higher Education: An Examination of Knowledge Management Factors and Students' Perceptions(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-04) AL MESMARI, SALEIMAH MOBARAK; Dr Mostafa Al-EmranThe study mainly focuses on evaluating the current status of the of the metaverse technology application in the education in general and within the UAE Higher education will be presented. The main aim of this research is to provide a comprehensive model for understanding the actual use of metaverse technology and to explore the subsequent impact on social sustainability within UAE HEIs.The objectives of this research are to review the existing literature on metaverse technology in higher education, identifying key factors that have been utilized to understand its adoption and usage. To develop an integrated research model that combines the TPB and T-EESST theories with knowledge management factors, privacy and security concerns, and metaverse-related factors. To empirically validate the developed integrated model using a hybrid Structural Equation Modelling and Artificial Neural Network (SEM-ANN) approach, ensuring a robust analysis of the relationships between the identified factors and students' actual usage behaviour of metaverse platforms in educational settings. This study has selected the quantitative technique over the other research approaches for the two main reasons. The first reason is because of the nature of the study. In this study, the theories have been tested by formulating precise hypotheses, and then gathered numerical data to prove or disprove those hypotheses. Statistical methods are utilised in order to do the analysis on the collected data. The findings of PLS-SEM show that factors such as attitude, knowledge acquisition, sharing, application, protection, immersion, presence, perceived security, and privacy play crucial roles in the usage of a system or technology. However, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and knowledge storage capabilities are not significant determinants of use. Importantly, the use of Metaverse is found to have a substantial positive impact on social sustainability, highlighting the importance of these factors in promoting sustainable social outcomes through Metaverse usage. The ANN analysis results align with the PLS-SEM findings, confirming the significant impact of factors like Knowledge Sharing, Knowledge Application, Presence, and Perceived Security on Metaverse use and its contribution to social sustainability. In this study, a number of practical implications offered that should be taken into account by metaverse platform decision-makers, administrators, developers, and educators in the field of higher education. The findings of this research provide valuable insights for developers and practitioners in the development and design of metaverse platforms for higher educational institutions, as they could examine the possible knowledge management aspects identified in this research. hese studies uncover distinct challenges and opportunities, providing a deeper understanding of the technology's applications and implications in diverse contexts.Item Investigating the Quality Combined Effect of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) in Quality Management in Manufacturing Firms(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-11) ALBLOOSHI, ROUDHA KHALID ABDULLA; Professor Alaa A-AmeerThe escalating demand for energy-efficient lighting solutions has propelled LED High Bay lights to the forefront of the lighting industry. However, ensuring product quality and reliability remains a critical challenge. This research delves into the application of Total Quality Management (TQM) and Six Sigma DMAIC methodologies to optimise the manufacturing process of LED High Bay lights within a Golf Country-based factory. The study aimed to identify and address the root causes of product defects, primarily focusing on electrical surge protection issues. Data were collected from various departments to analyse failure rates, customer complaints, and process inefficiencies. By employing tools such as flowcharts, fishbone diagrams, and statistical analysis, the research pinpointed the inadequate 4KV surge protection as a primary defect contributor. Implementing a 6KV surge protector for higher-wattage lights significantly reduced defect rates by 0.5%. This improvement led to decreased warranty claims, cost reductions, and enhanced product longevity, ultimately reinforcing the company's commitment to delivering high-quality products that exceed the customer's expectations. Such products need to be manufactured more often if companies want to survive in the Middle East as consumers will not settle for anything less. Refined production line layouts and automated key assembly stages alongside lean production principles are crucial to eliminate non-value activities. This can enhance the production of desired products in the companies. The findings underscore the efficacy of TQM and Six Sigma in driving operational excellence and customer satisfaction within the lighting industry.Item The Impact of Game-Based Learning (GBL) on Students’ Motivation and Productive Skills Ways and Challenges of Integrating Games within the EFL Classroom(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-07) AMARA, NOAMEN; Dr Tendai CharlesGame-based learning has become an integral part of modern educational strategies. It has revolutionised the students’ learning experiences. This innovative approach harnesses the power of games to create dynamic and engaging learning environments. Unlike traditional academic methods, game-based learning captivates students’ interest and fosters genuine motivation. Through the inherent appeal of games, students are actively engaged in the learning process, leading to enhanced productivity and motivation. Moreover, game-based learning encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills among students. It provides a conducive environment for holistic skill development, including time management and adaptability. Additionally, game-based learning transforms the classroom atmosphere. It promotes interactive and collaborative learning experiences. This study has investigated the impact of game-based learning on EFL students’ motivation and productive skills. It provides evidence-based recommendations for educators and curriculum designers to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Despite its limitations, this research sheds light on the transformative potential of game-based learning in modern education. For this research, a survey was conducted among 41 school teachers. This survey aimed to ascertain their involvement in game-based learning implementation in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom. On the other hand, 6 education leaders were selected for interview. In addition, a focus group interview was conducted with six parents of students to explore their perceptions regarding the effect of Game-based learning on their children’s engagement, motivation, and development of productive skills. The interviews and survey sought to gather firsthand perspectives from participants regarding the influence of game-based learning on students’ motivation and productivity. Data analysis revealed that integrating games within the EFL classroom effectively enhanced students’ motivation and productive skills.Item Investigating Perceptions and Practice of Teacher Leadership in Somaliland’s Public Primary Schools(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-09) HUSSEIN, HINDA JIRDEH; Professor Abdulai AbukariSomaliland is facing mounting pressure to improve its education system. As a rule, the development of the education system of a country depends on a strong and reliable investment in teacher development. The country implemented a number of reforms as part of the Education Sector Strategies over the last ten years (2012-2016; 2017-2021), coinciding with the National Development Plans I and II of the corresponding periods, respectively. The main purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions and practice of teacher leadership in primary public schools. The study focuses on nine primary public schools in the city of Hargeisa in Somaliland. This study’s theoretical framework was based on distributed leadership, transformational leadership and symbolic leadership. The main data collection methods used in these sequential explanatory mixed methods included teacher leadership school survey (TLSS), document review of national education development strategies, and semi-structured interviews of selected teachers and principals. The most important finding of this study is that teachers take on teacher leadership roles inside and outside the classroom. Most teachers identified these roles as beneficial to their schools, though overwhelming for teachers as they lack training, resources and time. Furthermore, teachers have a low level of perception about the system’s commitment to teacher leadership and development due to lack of adequate voice in influencing educational policy and decision-making.Item Strategic Alignment to Net-zero Green Building Construction: Evaluating UAE Laws and Proposing International Benchmarks(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-03) ALHOSANI, MARIAM IBRAHIM; Dr Abba KoloThis dissertation explored the legal frameworks, regulations, and standards governing net-zero green building construction with a particular emphasis on the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Employing a comparative analysis, the study encompassed both international and regional laws, regulations, and standards from the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) where relevant. In the UAE, attention is directed towards the Federal Environmental Law, Federal Civil Transactions Law, Administrative Resolutions, governmental policies, the Al Sa'fat regulations, and the Estidama rating system. In the UK, the exploration encompassed the Building Act 1984, Building Regulations 2010, Code for Sustainable Homes, and the Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). On the other hand, the US search included the California Green Building Standard Code, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), International Green Construction Code (IgCC), and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The research findings highlighted the importance of the enforcement mechanism including issuing green construction-related laws and standards, and defining the non-compliance criteria and consequences. Moreover, the technical aspects addressed in this research within the fields of engineering and environment revealed limitations in existing standards, particularly in CO2 emission compliance urging the need for more robust and comprehensive guidelines. Recommendations include strengthening regulations, revising environmental laws, and adding provisions to the Civil Transactions Law. Further, the importance of a dedicated budget and employing green development strategies are stressed, proposing the enhancement of financial incentives and training programmes to encourage compliance with green construction standards. Overall, the dissertation advocates for a more integrated approach to enhance the legal framework to reach net-zero emissions in the construction sector in the UAE.Item The Implementation of Adaptive Governance of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector in the UAE(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-05) ALAWADHI, KHALID MAHMOUD; Professor BaderObeidatArtificial intelligence (AI) has been constantly progressing, with a recent hype lead by developments in artificial neural networks, such as large language models, that resulted in the evolution of generative AI solutions. Today, AI use cases are widely spread across different sectors, and governments are no exception. One example is the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has put tremendous efforts into sustaining the implementation of AI in the public sector, including implementing AI in public services. As AI implementation is highly affected and steered by its governance style, this study explores the use of adaptive governance (AG) for the implementation of AI in public services in the UAE. It utilises an exploratory qualitative research approach to investigate the challenges of AI implementation in public services in the UAE, the set of AG principles applicable to the context, and the factors that either support or constrain the implementation of such principles. The study results show that all challenges fall within the challenge categories previously identified in the literature. Also, five principles of AG were identified, which are efforts to mobilize internal and external capabilities, continuous adjustments to deal with uncertainty, wider participation to spot and internalise developments, ambidexterity, and knowledge dissemination among stakeholders. Also, eighteen factors were identified and categorized into five themes, which are organisational capabilities, stakeholders’ relations, situational awareness, enabling environment, and public welfare. Finally, a conceptual framework is developed to explain the implementation of AG of AI in public services in the UAE.Item The Sustainability Inclusion in Project Contracts and its Impact on the Performance of UAE Public Sector Projects(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-05) ALAJAMI, SAEED; Dr Waris KhanSustainable project management practices considering the triple bottom line remain vital for the efficient execution of the project activities and the overall success and performance of projects. This requires careful and controlled planning and monitoring of the project activities, controlling the execution to ensure compliance with sustainable practices throughout by including relevant clauses in the contracts for efficient project delivery across the overall project management life cycle. The research aims to investigate the impact of the influence of sustainability in project contracts and its impact on the performance of UAE public sector projects. The research has been developed with the consideration of positivism philosophy, deductive approach and explanatory design. The research has integrated primary data collection sources thereby collecting information from online surveys. The analysis of the data has been conducted with the inclusion of descriptive analysis and inferential analysis. However, concerning inferential analysis, tests of regression and correlation have been integrated to facilitate hypothesis testing. The survey included feedback from 100 respondents who have been from public sector projects in the UAE. The descriptive analysis reflected that sustainability inclusion has been essential for public sector projects as it improved the performance and quality of the same. The project managers have been found to integrate three kinds of sustainability such as economic, social and environmental. The inferential analysis further reflected that there has been a direct relationship between the performance of the projects and sustainability inclusion. The government policy makers need to establish guidelines based on sustainability legislation to improve the environmental performance of the public sector construction projects in the UAE. Worker training is an effective strategy for improving sustainability practices with the use of contracts. Government agencies require proactiveness in spreading awareness about the significance of sustainability and using it for determining the viability of the tenders and awarding the projects to the contractors. Keywords: sustainability, contract, construction, public sector projects, UAE, triple bottom line etc.