Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Intercultural communication Saudi Arabia'
To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Intercultural communication Saudi Arabia.
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'Intercultural communication Saudi Arabia.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Altwaian, Haila. "Intercultural communication challenges and impact on multicultural teams in Saudi Arabian companies : perceptions and roles on beliefs of trust." Thesis, De Montfort University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2086/16271.
Full textAbstract:
Trust is very important in multinational organisations as it serves to improve teamwork, creates a positive and creative environment, and helps develop cooperation and enhance communication amongst members of the multicultural organisations and ameliorate their performance at work. However, despite the importance of trust in building collaborative and effective relationships in the workplace, the increasing cultural diversity in these organisations often makes perception of trust face many intercultural communication challenges, which can disrupt the organisational performance and competitiveness. These rise to conflicts among them and even lead to severance of relations. The aim of this research is to explore how team members in multicultural teams at multinational companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia understand trust. This research adopts an innovative approach by using a mixed method framework in which three data collection tools were used: questionnaire, interviews, and metaphor analysis. This method has not been utilised before in the literature to study the conceptualisation of trust. 482 members of multicultural teams working in four international companies have participated in the questionnaire as well as 38 members participating in the interview in this study. Thematic analysis, descriptive statistics and regression analysis is used to analyse qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. Significant findings of this study show that ten key individual personality characteristics contribute to perceptions of trust among multicultural team, which are honesty, reciprocation, reliability, credibility, ability, security, openness, dependability, loyalty and shared understand. However, three characteristics of the trustee were considered highly valued and critical for the establishment of the trust between the trustor and the trustee, which are ability, honesty and reciprocity. The social and cultural factors were found to contribute to the development of trust perceptions of trust between team members in multicultural teams, which are experience, social environment (organisational environment), religion, education, upbringing, and culture. Furthermore, the cultural similarities and differences in the perception of trust were revealed to be an important factor in the development of trust within multicultural teams in multinational organisations in Saudi Arabia. The major similar trends in perception of trust were the honesty, ability and reciprocation perceived as the key features of trustworthy person, while reliability, security and openness are perceived differently among different nationalities. The perception of trust model was drawn based on personality characteristics of the trustee and cultural Perception of trust vi similarities and differences, which contributes an important piece of knowledge to the existing literature on the issues of trust in multicultural teams. Another important finding of this was that the perceptions of trust were positively associated with the communication and teamwork. For the first time, this study validated the use of metaphor analysis to dissect the issue of perception of trust in multinational companies. Thus, this study has important implications for both managers and practitioners working with multinational companies to reduce the mistrust issues.
2
Al, Swaidan Raneem Saleh Abdul Rahman. "Language and culture: representations of English-speaking cultures in 1st year secondary english language coursebooks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." Master's thesis, Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10362/12081.
Full text
3
Alzomily, Faisal M. "Has Safeer Improved SACM's Work and Helped Saudi Students in the USA Resolve Their Needs Quickly." TopSCHOLAR®, 2013. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1274.
Full textAbstract:
This study examined efficiency of the Safeer by gathering and analyzing the perception of 131 Saudi students from Bowling Green, KY. The purpose of the study was to ensure that the system is able to perform its function as the bridge between different institutions and Saudi students studying in the US who require assistance in processing their academic requirements. A self-administered survey using five scale points was employed. Results were summarized using descriptive statistics at 95% confidence level. The result confirmed the hypothesis that the use of the Safeer program provides quality service delivery within SACM, which in turn benefits Saudi’s students in the USA by making and facilitating their requests faster. Findings show that students found the Safeer software interface easy to use. The overall impact of Safeer to SACM in serving the student community from Saudi Arabia is generally positive. It made SACM more responsive, convenient, and accessible. However, some students demonstrated concerns about the loading speed, security of personal data, and other issues. Safeer not only made SACM’s services more accessible to students, it also provided a more current and technologically relevant option for the users and contributed to the organization’s goal of bridging culture, geography and technology while providing quality service to Saudi Students from all over the US.
4
Al, musaiteer Suliman Saleh. "The Saudi students' experience in intercultural communication." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1439568586.
Full text
5
Qabur, Ibrahim. "FACTORS INFLUENCING EFFICACY OF CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA." Cleveland State University / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1528220206039982.
Full text
6
Almotiri, Naif. "Teleconsultation perspective for cardiovascular patients in Saudi Arabia." Thesis, Brunel University, 2012. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/7343.
Full textAbstract:
This research of teleconsultation services aims to improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment for rural cardiovascular patients through utilizing distant medical expertise. Equitable access to expert healthcare as well as improved medical management for these patients can assist in modifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and reduce morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia. The objectives were to design and develop a new care pathway for cardiovascular disease patients by utilizing teleconsultation technology, investigate factors and issues that might act as barriers to its adoption, and then evaluate the impact of this model on the stakeholders. A small scale pilot project was used to determine the issues of technology, processes and human resources required to deliver an effective service with the context of the research setting. Four primary healthcare centres, two regional hospitals, fifteen patients and sixty other participant stakeholders were included in this study. An approach using (PCP) patient care pathways was used to introduce the teleconsultation technology and integrate it within the healthcare delivery system. Compared to the traditional PCP, the modified PCP utilising teleconsultation technology improved the quality of healthcare through: Improved access to medical care and quality of diagnosis by obtaining the expertise of a distant specialist. More efficient medical evaluation and management. Enhanced role of primary healthcare centres and participating hospitals by providing all levels of health services for patients. Evidence-based referral (reduced waiting time, reduced burden on outpatient clinics). The telconsultation adoption barriers included: Inadequacy of finance Limited infrastructure Legal and regularity difficulties. Organization issues. Literacy on technology. This study recommends the following for telemedicine implementation in the country: Promote perception and readiness for ICT services with the healthcare community. Enhance structural readiness including appropriate infrastructure and adequate funding, human resources and equipment. Proactive policies to encourage growth of the telecommunication sector and to address concerns regarding privacy and security.
7
Taibah, Hassan. "Investigating Communication and Warning Channels to Enhance Crowd Management Strategies: a Study of Hajj Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2015. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc801945/.
Full textAbstract:
The global increase in the number of mass gatherings and crowded events has brought with it new emergencies and unintended consequences for public administrators and first responders. Crowd managers attempt to overcome these challenges by enhancing operations, alleviating financial losses, keeping event organizers safe from liability and, most importantly, keeping the attendees safe. Effective communication among and between officials and guests has been identified as a key element in this process. However, there is a lack of risk communication studies, especially about heterogeneous crowds that congregate at religious events. With this gap in mind, this research aims to investigate the use of major communication channels available and/or preferred by Muslim pilgrims in Makkah, Saudi Arabia during Hajj to gauge their effectiveness in communicating risk information. This annual religious pilgrimage was chosen because it attracts over 2 million pilgrims from more than 140 countries, most of whom speak different languages and belong to different cultures but perform the same rituals at the same time. This dissertation seeks to answer three broad research questions: “what are the most popular communication channels used by pilgrims,” “what are the weaknesses of the current communication strategies,” and “what can be done to improve risk communication among pilgrims, and between pilgrims and authorities to enhance crowd control and crowd management strategies.” The protective action decision model (PADM) is used as the theoretical framework to understand the influence of six factors (environmental cues, social cues, information sources, channel access and preferences, warning messages, and receiver characteristics) on risk communication. In collaboration with the Transportation and Crowd Management Center of Research Excellence (TCMCORE) of Saudi Arabia, a convenience sampling strategy was employed to interview 348 pilgrims in the Prophet’s Mosque area, during the Hajj of 2013. The surveys were conducted in Arabic and English and included pilgrims from different backgrounds and countries. Data analysis included an evaluation of the correlation between the use of risk communication channels and receiver characteristics, message content, and information sources. Findings highlight low percentages in the overall use of communication channels. It also demonstrated an over-dependence on channels that foster the passive top-down communication strategy (such as TV stations, messages at mosques, billboard, text messages, and pamphlets), while marginalizing channels that foster the horizontal and bottom-up strategies (such as bilingual staff outreach and social media). The findings also show the differences in risk communication channels used by pilgrims from different socio-demographic groups. The study concludes that adopting bottom-up and horizontal strategies is key to effective risk communication. Additionally, crowd managers must recognize the importance of social media and use this medium more proactively. They can also work towards increasing the overall effectiveness of risk communication channels by addressing the impact of information sources, channel access, and receiver characteristics to better suit the needs of pilgrims. Finally, the study states the limitations and future research directions.
8
Almahraj, Yazeed. "The profession of public relations in Saudi Arabia : a socio-cultural perspective." Thesis, Queen Margaret University, 2017. https://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/7342.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis examines public relations in Saudi Arabia as an occupational group. The thesis investigates the knowledge public relations practitioners possess, and how Saudi culture and public communication factors affect public relations practitioners. The thesis offers insights into the cultural background of the country, public communication and public relations practice in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it provides an analysis of theories of the profession and the relationship between the profession and public relations occupation. For the purposes of this research, in-depth unstructured interviews were used to collect data from 27 practitioners. A constructivist paradigm was utilised to examine the Saudi practitioners’ perceptions of knowledge, culture, public communication. Moreover, the thesis has followed a socio-cultural approach and theories of the profession to investigate the empirical data. The thesis has several contributions to knowledge. Firstly, it brings an understanding of the role of the state in the process of professionalization. Using Vygotsky’s theories the thesis has found that educational institutions influence PR practice and this results in lack of progress and limited opportunities for change, learning and career movement. Secondly, the thesis found that there is disconnection between theories that are taught in universities with PR programmes and PR practices. The thesis found that there is a problematic nature of abstract knowledge, which determines the disconnection between communication theories and PR practice. Moreover, there is a disconnection between the practice immersed in culture and that cultural practices are stronger than professional practice. Finally, the thesis has contributed to the literature by finding out that ethics in Western countries are regarded as something that is developed by a professional body in a way that relates to society, however in Saudi Arabia the Muslim values and ethics are implemented directly in the work context and ethics is not developed by a professional body.
9
Al-Rashed, Hamad Abdul Aziz. "Teachers and information communication technology in Saudi Arabia : current use and training needs." Thesis, University of Hull, 2002. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:3562.
Full textAbstract:
Education planners in Saudi Arabia, as in many other countries, are anxious to exploit the potential of ICT to enhance the teaching and learning process. However,concerns have been voiced that teachers are ill-equipped to cope with the new technology. This study investigates the present use of ICT among Saudi primary teachers in the classroom, for professional development and for personal use; factors that deter/prevent use; teachers' perceptions of their skills in ICT, their attitudes to ICT; and their training needs in relation to ICT. Data were collected via a questionnaire survey of primary school teachers in Riyadh, Makkah and Dammam, and complementary semi-structured interviews with teachers, government officials with responsibility for education and representatives of private sector bodies involved in various ways with provision of ICT facilities.The findings showed that teachers' use of ICT was low, especially in the classroom. The major constraints on use were lack of availability,lack of skills,and time and budget constraints. More than half the teachers had received no training in ICT and many lacked basic competencies. However, some had downloaded resources for teaching, and some used ICT to exchange ideas with colleagues. Attitudes to ICT were generally positive. Some differences were found in use of ICT, attitudes to ICT and perceived competence in ICT, in relation to personal variables, most notably in relation to the amount of previous in-service training received in ICT. Government officials wanted all teachers trained in ICT, but plans and policies were diffuse and unclear. Training and technical support are available in the private sector, which teachers could use, given the time and financial resources.On the basis of the findings, recommendations are made for in-service training to equip teachers with the operational and pedagogic skills needed to use ICT effectively in the classroom.
10
Hasan, Adnan I. "Enhancing L2 learners' oral communication skills in an industrial setting in Saudi Arabia." Thesis, University of Leicester, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/2381/30827.
Full textAbstract:
This observational study examines classroom instruction in the Basic English Program (BEP) in three Industrial Training Centres in Saudi Aramco, the largest oil producing and marketing company in Saudi Arabia. The researcher has been professionally involved in English language instruction in Saudi Aramco for more than 25 years, and the study emerges from the assumption that the BEP does not provide enough opportunities for learners to build up a communicative competence that helps them to use language for real communication. The subjects in the study ware Saudi high school graduates with little background in English. Successful completion of the BEP program is a pre-requisite for their technical training in Saudi Aramco.;The study sets out to explore the types of L2 learning activities, the teaching methods and strategies the teachers employ, as well as the learners' roles in the class and the organizational policies which control the Basic English Program. The data were collected through direct observation of thirty lessons using one part of the Communicative Orientation of Language Teaching (COLT) Observation Scheme. In addition, audio-recordings of several observed lessons were also made.;The analysis of the data from the COLT Scheme, and the transcribed lesson extracts reveal that the Saudi Aramco Basic English Program does not provide the learners with sufficient and appropriate practice opportunities and this is one reason why there is a lack of competence in the use of English in real communication.;The study concludes that classroom instruction in the Basic English Program limits the students' chances for spontaneous use of language and hence their ability to communicate in real situations. Among the recommendations made are that changes need to be introduced by the syllabus and teaching methods in order that learners are provided with the necessary language skills to enable them to use English to communicate inside and outside the classroom.
11
Alabdulkarim, A. N. M. "Measuring communication participation in Saudi Arabia : investigating Arabic speakers with neurogenic speech disorders and their communication partners." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 2014. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/1434208/.
Full textAbstract:
Identifying participation restrictions in individuals with communication disorders might provide a better understanding of their ability to take part in different life situations, and possibly improve their rehabilitation process. In this research, the Arabic Communication Participation Scale (ACPS) was developed to measure communication participation restriction in Arabic speakers with progressive dysarthria. This scale is different from other communication participation scales because it is intended to measure communication participation from the perspectives of individuals with communication disorders and their communication partners. The development of the ACPS went through several phases, starting from selecting relevant items to form the scale, followed by the translation and cultural adaptation of the scale for it to be applicable to this research-targeted population. In the pilot study, Saudi speech therapists, Arabic speakers with progressive dysarthria, and their communication partners, evaluated the scale’s usability and applicability. Field testing of the ACPS was then applied to 50 Arabic speakers with progressive dysarthria and 50 control participants, divided equally into two groups (25 Arabic speakers with progressive neurological diseases but no communication disorders, and 25 healthy speakers). The psychometric properties of the ACPS were tested. The relationship between individuals with progressive dysarthria and their communication partners, in measuring communication participation, were then investigated. Finally, examples of factors affecting communication participation were presented. This study showed that the ACPS was able to detect degrees of communication participation restrictions in Arabic speakers with progressive dysarthria. Cultural adaptation was found to be as important as translation to assure the sensitivity of the scale in measuring its intended concept. The ACPS has acceptable psychometric properties. It showed a positive significant relationship between Arabic speakers with progressive dysarthria and their communication partners. Finally, although a positive relationship was observed between the presence of a speech disorder and restrictions in communication participation, the findings showed that other factors such as (physical disability) could affect communication participation. Future research is needed to investigate the possible effect of a different types of factors associated with Arabic speakers living in Saudi Arabia. Examples include measuring the effects of psychosocial factors, environmental factors and surgical/medication effects on communication participation restrictions.
12
Herbert, Suzan Margaret. "Factors underlying registered nurse interactions in a multicultural tertiary healthcare perioperative area." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/97009.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MCur)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Disruptive behaviour among health care providers in high stress areas such as the perioperative setting has been linked to negative patient safety. Conflicts of power, role and personality lead to communication failure, which are identified as the leading root cause of medication errors and wrong site surgery. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the factors underlying registered nurse (RN) interactions in a tertiary healthcare perioperative area. A non-experimental, descriptive, exploratory study with self-administered survey using a quantitative approach was used. The total population of N=52 participants working in the perioperative area of a Middle Eastern tertiary healthcare centre were invited to participate in the study and the response rate was n=44, 85%. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Reliability and validity was assured by means of a pilot study and consultation with nursing experts and a statistician. The Health Research Ethics Committee of the University of Stellenbosch approved the study. Permission for the study to be done in the tertiary care centre was obtained from the Internal Ethical Review Board and the Nursing Executive. Informed written consent was obtained from the participants. Anonymity and confidentiality was respected. The data was analysed with the assistance of a statistician and presented in frequencies, tables and histograms. The responses were compared using Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal- Wallis ANOVA and Spearman’s Rank correlation, on a 95% confidence level. Only one factor showed a significant result, following Spearman’s Rank correlation that an association exists between work experience and lateral violence (p≤0.045239). The open-ended questions were categorized into themes and respect and communication emerged as factors necessary in teamwork and task management The level of respect and open communication between RNs were seen as important factors for interacting with colleagues in the workplace and if poor, affects team work. An area of concern was the high number of neutral responses to the statements on morale and conflict. Underpinned by the literature and the outcomes of this study, it is recommended that strong leadership is required to implement regular team building activities. Furthermore, perioperative staff should be monitored for emotional fatigue which results from conflict situations in order to avert adverse patient care events.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Steurende gedrag onder gesondheidsorgwerkers in hoë gespanne areas soos in die perioperatiewe omgewing, word gekoppel aan negatiewe pasiënt veiligheid. Konflikte van mag, rol en persoonlikheid lei tot mislukking van kommunikasie wat geïdentifiseer word as die hoofoorsaak van foute by die toediening van medikasie en verkeerde plek vir chirurgie. Die doel van die studie was om die faktore te ondersoek en te beskryf wat onderliggend is aan geregistreerde verpleeg (GV) interaksies in ’n tersiêre gesondheidsorg perioperatiewe area. ’n Nie-eksperimentele, beskrywende, ondersoekende studie met ’n self-administrerende opname deur ’n kwantitatiewe benadering, was gebruik. Die totale populasie van N=52 deelnemers wat in die perioperatiewe area van ’n Midde-Oosterse tersiêre gesondheidsorgsentrum werk, was uitgenooi om deel te neem aan hierdie studie en die responskoers was n=44, 85%. ’n Gestruktureerde self-administrerende vraelys was gebruik om die data te kollekteer. Betroubaarheid en geldigheid was verseker deur die gebruik van ’n loodsprojek en konsultasie met verpleegdeskundiges, asook ’n statistikus. Die Gesondheidsnavorsingsetiekkomitee aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch het die studie goedgekeur. Toestemming vir die uitvoer van die studie by die tersiêre gesondheidssentrum was verkry van die Interne Etiese Oorsigraad en die Uitvoerende Verplegingsbestuur. Ingeligte geskrewe toestemming was verkry van die deelnemers. Anonimiteit en vertroulikheid was gerespekteer. Die data was geanaliseer met die hulp van ’n statistikus en aangebied in frekwensies, tafels en histogramme. Die response was vergelyk deur van Mann-Whitney U-toets, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA of Spearman se Rangkorrelasie op ’n 95% vertroulikheidsvlak gebruik te maak. Slegs een faktor het ’n beduidende resultaat getoon, dat daar ’n assosiasie bestaan tussen werkservaring en laterale geweld (p≤0.045239), deur Spearman se Rangkorrelasie te volg. Die ope-vrae was gekategoriseer in temas. Respek en kommunikasie het as noodsaaklike faktore vir spanwerk en taakbestuur na vore gekom. Die vlak van respek en ope kommunikasie tussen geregistreerde verpleegsters was gesien as belangrike faktore vir interaksie met kollegas in die werkplek en indien dit swak is, affekteer dit spanwerk. ’n Area van besorgdheid was die hoë aantal neutrale response op die stellings oor moraal en konflik. Ondersteun deur die literatuur en die uitkomste van die studie, word dit aanbeveel dat sterk leierskap vereis word om gereelde spanbou aktiwiteite te implementeer. Verder behoort perioperatiewe personeel gemonitor te word vir emosionele moegheid wat spruit uit konfliksituasies, ten einde nadelige pasiëntsorg af te weer.
13
Hijazy, Muhammad. "Equity perception and communication among Arab expatriate professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." Thesis, University of Hertfordshire, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2299/17710.
Full textAbstract:
The research aims to study how the communication context within the Arab cultures influences the employees' perception of equity and reaction to inequity. Specifically, the study explores how employees from Arab cultural backgrounds communicate with each other within the Saudi working context; and how they collect, interpret and use the different contextual information - from the contexts in which they live and work - in order to make judgements about issues related to the perception of equity and reaction to inequity. In order to study the research topic, a conceptual framework is developed to reconcile between Equity Theory, Social Comparison Theory and Hall's Context Model; and as a base serving the process of designing/choosing the methods of collecting and analysing the data. Three main research questions are developed which are about (i) how the communication context is related to employees' willingness and ability to react to inequity (ii) how the communication context shapes the nature of inequity reactions executed by employees and (iii) how the communication context is related to the way equity is perceived among employees. A modified version of critical realism is adopted to focus on exploring the mechanisms, within the communication context, which influence the perception of equity and reaction to inequity. A combination of retroduction and abduction is developed in a sense that retroduction is used to direct the research toward exploring the structure and mechanisms within the research setting, while abduction is used to draw conclusions about how the phenomena studied in the research are evolving by the structure and mechanisms. A mixed methods approach is adopted in the research. The research includes data from thirty-five semi-structured interviews which are conducted in mainly three Saudi private-sector organisations located in Jeddah with twenty-nine male employees and six male managers of six different Arab nationalities. Template analysis is used to analyse the qualitative interview transcripts and field notes, while cluster analysis is used to group the research participants based on their quantitative responses. The research finds that there are no clear-cut areas separating the activities linked to the perception of equity and reaction to inequity. I also conclude that the perception of equity norms and equity comparison components can sometimes be separate activities. Some factors such as the religious interpretation, face-saving, and contextual norms and powers influence the employees' willingness to react to inequity by altering the way in which those employees perceive equity norms. Here, unwillingness decisions are often made not as a result of personal conviction but as a compromise based on the personal evaluation of the surrounding context, realising the inability of the self to react to such situations in the first place. Thus, it can be concluded that inability to react to inequity can reduce the employees' willingness to react against under-rewarded situations. The process of perceiving equity comparison components is found to be related to the type of reaction adopted to re-establish the equity; this relationship is represented by groups affiliated by a hidden factor or factors, which is more influential than the ethnicity/nationality of the group's members. The research makes a methodological contribution to knowledge by suggesting a new approach to study human relations through the communication context; a conceptual contribution by combining the concepts of equity perception, social comparison and communication context in one conceptual framework; and an empirical contribution by providing a fresh insight to contextual themes in the Saudi working environment.
14
Al-Hariri, Rafeda. "An approach to decision-making and communication among women's school administrators in Saudi Arabia." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 1986. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/10019627/.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this study is to indentify the difficulties faced by women administrators in making decisions and in communicating, and to try to find solutions for these difficulties. Women's education in Saudi .Arabia is only 26 years old' and Saudi women administrators are still taking their, first steps in a new field of work and they need practice, experience and training. This work is divided into three sections: 1.- The development of women's education in Saudi Arabia. A brief historical background of Saudi women's education. section also family structure and the status society and in Islam. 2.- Theories of effective management talks about of women in Saudi Arabia This section is intended to define authority and responsibility, and their relations to decision making. This section has brought out some definition of decision-making as the heart of administration. Theories for decision-making were considered in this section such as the Barnard theory and Simon's theory of decision-making. From the theories about decision-making indicated in Section two of the thesis, some methods could be implemented in decision- making in Saudi Arabia women's administration. 3. Research findings A questionnaire was sent to 70 Saudi women administrators in Riyadh and 27 Saud i women administrators in Riyadh were interviewed. The questionnaire and interview questions covered all aspects of experience and problems in decision-making and exchanging information. From the response of the sample, 29 tables were produced. Section three of the research finding was concluded by suggested changes, for example, women must meet men to discuss problems with them, taking into account respect for Islamic customs. It is also suggested that women replace men in the General Presidency of Girls' Education starting with the President. Nineteen further suggested points appear at the end of Section Three, which have been derived from thi s research work by both ways indirectly and directly.
15
al-Attibi, Abdulrahman Abdullah. "Interpersonal communication competence and media consumption and needs among young adults in Saudi Arabia /." The Ohio State University, 1986. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1487268021747648.
Full text
16
Aljaid, Bandar. "Health communication and Islam : a critique of Saudi Arabia's efforts to prevent substance abuse." Thesis, University of Stirling, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1893/22734.
Full textAbstract:
Health communication has gained worldwide recognition as one of the most effective methods for tackling global health challenges; a conclusion that is supported by a range of studies showing generally positive results. Literature in the field has tended to focus on one of two perspectives: either individual behaviour change or a cultural/critical approach. This dissertation, which falls into the latter category, extends previous work on health communication and culture into a new context, namely Saudi Arabia. The thesis is motivated by two main research questions. First, how has culture influenced health communication in Saudi Arabia specifically in initiatives against illicit drug use and alcohol abuse? Second, how has this communication developed? At the heart of this study is the role of Saudi culture in health communication in an increasingly interdependent and connected world. The dissertation makes use of mixed qualitative data collection methods. Principally, it utilised semi-structured interviews with key officials and focus groups with young Saudis and health promoters in Saudi Arabia as well as attendance at and observation of health-communication events and permanent exhibitions as a subordinate method. The study reveals promising findings supporting the growing scholarly interest in the cultural dimension of health communication. It concludes that the key influence of the Saudi culture on health communication against substance abuse is Islamic beliefs about health, in particular those about substance abuse. These beliefs created a rejection of illicit drug abuse in Saudi society, thereby shaping a supportive environment for promotion activities against risky health behaviour. In addition, Islamic influence inspired the related regulations and laws in the kingdom. Islamic and local influences exert a powerful influence on the practical side of health communication in Saudi Arabia, including the content of messages, the appeal used to attract the specific audience, and the communication channels used to promote the campaigns. The study engages with four concepts constituting the Islamic model of health and illicit drug abuse: prohibition (haram), promotion (Da’wah), repentance and inclusiveness (Tawbah), and treatment and rehabilitation (Elaj). The study also examines controversial issues about health communication in the country, such as the predominance of top-down communication, the absence of participatory communication and cultural diversity. In short, a lack of innovation and creativity in delivering health communication messages. The study illustrates the major role the Saudi government has played in communicating health and substance abuse since the 1980s, when officials realised the need to modernise the means of communicating health and drug issues from mosque-based only to include modern methods such as televised campaigns, school-based programmes and hospital-based health education. Since then, government-led health communication initiatives have been well established in the kingdom. The dissertation is able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the reality of health communication against substance abuse in Saudi Arabia and make a range of recommendations to improve the efficacy of current policies and suggest new avenues for future research.
17
Algarni, Mohammed Ayedh. "The Use of Social Media in Informal Scientific Communication Among Scholars: Modeling the Modern Invisible College." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2014. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc500018/.
Full textAbstract:
The concept of the invisible college is a key focus of scientific communication research with many studies on this topic in the literature. However, while such studies have contributed to an understanding of the invisible college, they have not adequately explained the interaction of social and structural processes in this phenomenon. As a consequence, past research has described the invisible college differently based on researchers’ perspectives, resulting in misinterpretations or inconsistent definitions of the relevant social and structural processes. Information science and related disciplines have focused on the structural processes that lead to scholarly products or works while placing less emphasis on the social processes. To advance understanding of the invisible college and its dimensions (including both social processes and structural processes), a proposed model (Modern Invisible College Model, MICM) has been built based on the history of the invisible college and Lievrouw’s (1989) distinction between social and structural processes. The present study focuses on the social processes of informal communication between scholars via social media, rather than on the structural processes that lead to scholarly products or works. A developed survey and an employed quantitative research method were applied for data collection. The research population involved 77 scholars from the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), in Saudi Arabia. Descriptive statistics, frequency and percentage were conducted for each statement. Means and standard deviations were calculated. The results indicate that the majority of participants heavily use social media for scientific communication purposes. Also, the results confirm that scholars consider social media to be an effective and appropriate tool for scientific communication. Seven factors were found in the findings to have positive correlations with uses and gratifications theory and the use of social media. This research contributes to and benefits scholars, reference groups (i.e., the invisible college itself), and institutions, and provides insight about the systematic development of indices for the use of informal communication channels.
18
Alsaedy, Faiz Muberek H. "Parent-child communication: The impact of globalisation and rapid social transformation in Khulais – Saudi Arabia." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2015. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/86962/1/Faiz%20Muberek%20H_Alsaedy_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This qualitative study of parent-child communication examined the views of parents and children in a province of Saudi Arabia concerning how family interactions, parental authority and children’s behaviours are affected by the globalising influences of media and technology. Impacts reported include how tension in family communication arises as children develop a hybrid culture through accessing Western ideas and ideologies that are profoundly challenging to traditional Islamic culture.
19
Abuljadail, Mohammad Hatim. "Consumers' Engagement with Local and Global Brands on Facebook in Saudi Arabia." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1496849044166664.
Full text
20
Alqahtani, Muneer Hezam M. "Fluid cultures and identifications : the intercultural communication experiences of Saudi international students in the UK." Thesis, Durham University, 2015. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/11321/.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is an investigation into the intercultural communication experiences of Saudi international students in the UK. It focuses on the friendship experiences that Saudi international students form with home and international students in order to engage in intercultural interactions. It further investigates how Saudi international students experience interactions with individuals from the opposite gender with whom they have limited interactions with in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the study focuses on the incidents that may motivate or demotivate Saudi international students from engaging in intercultural communication. Finally, this thesis considers the changes that the participants had introduced to their worldviews, identifications and practices as a result of their overall intercultural experiences in the UK. The findings show that 1) the participants’ identifications of in-group and out-group members were inconsistent and the boundaries between both categories were difficult to identify. 2) In contrast to studies, which suggest that Saudi international students are homogeneous Muslims who come from a collectivistic culture, the findings show that the participants had different worldviews and identifications and cannot be categorized in a fixed category. 3) The findings also illustrate that despite the segregation between men and women in Saudi Arabia, Saudi international students do not necessarily find interaction with individuals from the opposite gender challenging, as some literature claims. 4) The experiences that demotivated the participants from engaging in intercultural communication are not necessarily negative ones, since universities religious organisations, such as the Islamic Society, which was perceived positively by the participants, may also contribute to demotivating their attendees from experiencing intercultural communication. 5) The overall intercultural experiences in the UK had influenced the participants’ worldviews, identifications and practices on various levels. Thus, some participants introduced significant changes to their worldviews and identifications, others accepted changes that do not contradict with their understandings of religion, while others resisted any changes. Overall, the study argues for moving beyond essentialist descriptions for Saudi international students that describe them as a homogeneous Muslim group, coming from a collectivistic culture in a country where men are dominant over women. The study gives valuable insights and practical implications for UK universities and Saudi Cultural Bureaux abroad where Saudi international students form a noticeable number amongst other international students.
21
Alsuwaidi, Alyazia. "Intercultural broadcasting : the approaches of DW-TV Arabia and TRT-Etturkiyye when targeting Arabic-speaking audiences." Thesis, Kingston University, 2013. http://eprints.kingston.ac.uk/26294/.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis introduces intercultural broadcasting as an alternative and more accurate term to that of the strongly associated term to propaganda: international broadcasting. It challenges theories of public diplomacy. and public sphere by criticising public diplomacy as a term due to its abandonment of the core element of its process that is the power of ordinary citizens' unity, and provides the Arabs and Muslims as an example of a strong transnational public sphere due to the availability of the elements of unity amongst the roots of their shared values system which shapes their culture. This thesis examines the approaches of DW-TV Arabia and TRT-Etturkiyye in building bridges when targeting Arabic speaking audiences by analysing their dialogical programme content, as well as the overall programme genres. The uniqueness of this study comes from two points: it is the first research done by one of the targeted audience's members of the DW-TV Arabia and second, the TRT-Etturkiyye is relatively new and has changed its policies within the last year. This thesis argues that, before building bridges, with the international world, countries are to build inner bridges with immigrants of the same nationalities as the international targeted groups. For instance, the Arabs and Muslims have lots of values in common that present them as a transnational public sphere; thus, Germany can seize the largest group of its immigrants - who are Muslims as well - to benefit from its public diplomacy efforts worldwide. Also, this thesis records the reactions of both DW - TV Arabia and TRT - Etturkiyye towards the Arab Uprising of 2011, which forced both to create new programmes, invite new Arab guests and adopt new airing schedules. This thesis was built upon original data collected from surveying ninety-one participants, general thematic analysis of four weeks of DW-TV Arabia and TRT-Etturkiyye programmes, and detailed content analysis of the equivalent of twelve hours of episodes for each channel. The content analysis has been divided into two phases: the first was before the Arab Uprising of 2011 and the second afterwards. This thesis attempts to propose an innovative intercultural approach, considering the reality of this era's current international affairs. It outlines how an intercultural Arabic broadcaster targeting other cultural audiences should look.
22
Al, Otaibi Salem A. "Communication through the audit report : an empirical investigation of the unqualified audit report in Saudi Arabia." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2003. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/7596.
Full textAbstract:
This study is an examination of communication through the unqualified audit report currently in use in Saudi Arabia and the usefulness of modifying the wording of such a document. In order to assess the views of members of the Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA) (auditors group), the Financial Directors of the Saudi Corporations (preparers group), and Saudi financial statement users (e. g., loan officers and financial analysts in the io Saudi commercial banks and institutions and private shareholders - users group) a questionnaire was distributed. The identification of the underlying dimensions of the messages communicated by the unqualified audit report, part I of the questionnaire, resulted in the identification of five factors: (i) purpose of the audit, (2) auditor responsibilities, (3) financial statement reliability, (4) the entity future viability, and (5) the decision usefulness of financial statements. An expectation gap was found - particularly in relation to the responsibility factor. The purpose of an audit factor, however, suggested that the current standard audit report was a readable document which enhanced the credibility of the financial statements. Also, the current audit report appears to have been successful in clarifying the purpose of the audit. An audit expectation gap was seen to exist between auditor and non-audit groups concerning the extent of assurance given by auditors, the term `present fairly' and the extent of audit work performed. In relation to the future viability factor, the results indicate that an audit expectation gap exists over the question of whether the unqualified audit report communicates management efficiency and whether the audited financial statements are useful in monitoring the performance of the entity. Part II of the questionnaire related to the possible expansion of the contents of the audit report. This revealed significant differences in respondents' views regarding the expansion of the scope of auditors' opinion. Concerning the factor relating to the disclose of additional information about the internal controls and the auditor's assessment of the going concern status of the entity, the users, in contrast to the auditors, were of opinion that such disclosure would be useful in enhancing the value of the audit. In relation to the issue of the usefulness of adoption of the free form report factor, all three groups are in agreement that they are not interested in such a development. These results present a challenge for the SOCPA, as they indicate that considerable potential value of the financial reporting process is being lost as a result of the expectation gap in Saudi Arabia. These results also support the call by previous studies worldwide for a change from a short-form audit report to the long-form audit report and the need to educate the users about the nature of audit and responsibilities and duties of auditors.
23
Abdelhay, Nawaf. "Public relations practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates : western theory, local culture." Thesis, University of West London, 2014. https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1273/.
Full textAbstract:
In the last two decades public relations has developed and expanded in some parts of the Arab Middle East much more than in others. The most likely reason for this is the differences in the political and socio-economic environment (Sunil, 2004). The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are very different countries: KSA is a conservative monarchy while UAE is a federal and more liberal state. The aim of this research is to investigate how public relations is practised in each of the two countries, and how the public relations profession is affected by the prevailing cultural, political and socioeconomic environment in each country. For the purposes of this research, a combined methods approach is chosen as it can be seen as advantageous to this study. Quantitatively, the study investigates the public relations models that are most applicable in KSA and UAE. The first questionnaire is based on James Grunig’s (1984) four public relations models plus the personal influence model (Sriramesh, 1992) and the cultural interpreter model (Lyra, 1991). The second questionnaire is based on Broom's (1982) practitioner’s role measure. Qualitatively, the study investigates journalists’ opinions on the performance of public relations practitioners in both KSA and UAE. In addition, substantial theoretical background is provided in order to contextualise the emerging field of public relations in the Middle East. The results of this study have identified two characteristics of public relations models practices in KSA and UAE. Firstly, instead of Grunig’s (1984, 1992) four original public relations models, the two international public relations models, the cultural interpreter model and the personal influence model, are the most frequently practiced models in both KSA and UAE. The present study found that the cultural interpreter model is the most frequently practiced public relations model reported in UAE, and the second most frequently practiced model is the personal influence model. In contrast, practitioners in KSA are practicing the personal influence model the most and the cultural interpreter model comes next. The twoway symmetrical model is fairly practiced although the use of research as a tool to gauge the needs of the public is something that both KSA and UAE relations practitioners are evidently struggling to embrace. The finding of the present study also shows that practitioners in both KSA and UAE are functioning mainly as “cultural mediators” and “technicians”, rather than “managers”, as they show a limited management involvement in public relations itself. In summary, the findings of the present study contribute to theories of public relations and support the position that public relations practitioners with two-way asymmetrical communication and a management perspective are more likely to be found in organisations working within political and socio-economic environments that are moving towards democracy.
24
Alalwi, Fahd Shehail. "Intercultural Competence Development in a Study Abroad Context: Saudi Study Abroad Learners in the United States of America." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/605109.
Full textAbstract:
This longitudinal study used qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the development of aspects of the intercultural competence (ICC) of Saudi learners of English as a second language in a study abroad (SA) context based on Deardorff's (2004) ICC model. It also examined students' development of Saudis' perceptions of the home and host cultures at the beginning of SA and after four months. Moreover, this study explored the relationship between ICC and second language proficiency. This study found no substantial change in ICC-related attributes over four months of studying abroad. Results also showed an overall agreement in ICC assessment between the teachers and the students. As far as perceptions of members of the Saudi and US cultures are concerned in the second study, the findings suggested that the Saudi SA students continued to use their home frame of reference even after four months of study in the US and that the national stereotypes persisted. In these results, US Americans are perceived to be work-oriented, whereas Saudis are relationship-oriented. The findings of the third study demonstrated that SA students' perceived gains with regard to skills of speaking, listening, reading, grammar, and vocabulary were significantly lower than their expectations at the beginning of the program and that their expectations were relatively low for culture learning. Moreover, no significant relationship was found between SA students' L2 usage patterns and L2 learning, nor between L2 usage patterns and C2 learning. However, the level of L2 proficiency upon entry into the SA program indicated a strong correlation with perceived gains in L2 learning. Interestingly, no relationship was found between ICC and L2 learning, nor between ICC and C2 learning.
25
BAESHEN, NADIA MOHAMMED SALEH. "THE EFFECT OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION ON THE MIDDLE- AND LOWER-LEVEL MANAGERS' PARTICIPATION IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN SAUDI ARABIA." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/184012.
Full textAbstract:
Managers spend seventy-five to eighty percent of their time communicating interpersonally. Ironically, communication skills are often listed as a major weakness of today's managers. The decision-making component of the managerial task requires the abilities to gather and analyze necessary information, consult with and involve the expertise of peers and subordinates in the decision-making process, and implement the final decisions through the aid of those effected by them. Communication, therefore, is the prerequisite for sound decisions and effective management. A strong and effective organizational communication system allows the "receiver" to express his needs and thoughts to the "sender." Renis Likert, echoed by numerous writers, considered communication a central key force in the decisional participation process. The hypothesis of this study was that the more effective the system of organizational communication is, the more involved the managers in middle- and lower-levels of the hierarchy will get. Communication effectiveness was measured through four components: Upward communication, downward communication, content of communication, and the sources of information. The impact of these components on the degree of decisional participation among the middle- and lower-level managers in Saudi Arabian governmental agencies was measured and analyzed. A multiple regression analysis was performed to assess this causal relationship between the four components of organizational communication and managers' decisional participation in strategic as well as operational decisions. The results indicated no significant relationship among the variables. Except for upward communication, the other three components of the organizational communication system did not seem to have a direct significant effect on the managers' reported participation in Saudi Arabia. The exploratory research suggested several implications for future research.
26
Alkhurayyif, Saad A. "Third-Party Perception: Implications for Governance and Communication of Health Risks during the Umrah in Saudi Arabia." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2020. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1703424/.
Full textAbstract:
The current study projects the third-person perception phenomenon into the area of emergency management, specifically regarding risk communication in the context of religious gatherings. This study utilized the Umrah religious gathering in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during summer 2019 as a case study (N = 257). This study aimed to investigate whether pilgrims perceive there was a greater effect of health information on others than on themselves. Survey results were translated and then coded and analyzed statistically using SPSS software. The findings indicated that third-person perception existed among pilgrims. Specifically, the perception of pilgrims that the influence of news about MERS-CoV, believed to be undesirable in its effect on themselves, was greater on others than on themselves was found statistically significant. Further, the findings indicated that the more pilgrims watched, listened to, or read news about MERS-CoV, the larger the effect of the news they perceived on themselves and others was. Thus, exposure to MERS-CoV news did not increase, but rather decreased the perception of difference between self and others. Also, the empirical findings indicated that pilgrims who were knowledgeable about MERS-CoV could relate to the coverage. Moreover, if pilgrims believed they were affected by MERS-CoV news, they believed that the MERS-CoV news had a similar or greater effect on other pilgrims. The findings indicated socio-demographics had a partial effect on third-person perception, Finally, the stronger the perceived effect of MERS-CoV news on oneself, the more likely these pilgrims were to take protective actions against the MERS-CoV epidemic. However, the third-person perception anticipated in the use of impersonal communication (pamphlets, television, radio, newspapers, Internet, social media, text message, health clinics, mosques messages, public events, and billboards) and of interpersonal communication (friends, family member, or others you know) was not found significant. Moreover, the perceived effects of MERS-CoV news on others did not show third-person perception regarding behavior intention or consequences. These findings have implications for risk communication and its governance during religious gatherings as well as for the prepared individuals to promote preparation for risk and actions toward risk mitigation.
27
Alshehri, Khaled Ghanem. "Technology Adoption and Integration at a University in Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Study." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/100706.
Full textAbstract:
Information and communication technology (ICT) is becoming a critical part of operations and innovations in many sectors around the world (Basri, Alandejani, and Almadani, 2018). As such, ICT is commonly integrated in academic institutions on a global level, and has been used in the educational process inside and outside the classroom. Currently in Saudi Arabia, the integration of technology in educational environments is viewed as essential in the growth of Saudi education (Alali, 2015). However, the integration of such technology in teaching and learning may face some barriers especially in emerging academic institutions. Some scholars report that while the use of ICT is advocated in many universities and schools, and in particular in Saudi Arabia, some instructors are not likely to use it in their teaching processes because of barriers hindering their utilization and integration of such technology (Asiri, 2012; Albugami and Ahmad, 2015; Al Mulhim, 2014; Muhametjanova and Cagiltay, 2016).
This study aimed to examine how ICT is being used for teaching and learning within the context of an emerging university in Saudi Arabia, as well as what factors faculty identify as barriers and enablers to its use. The current study replicates the research conducted by Nyirongo (2009) in the country of Malawi, and is based on the theoretical principles of technology adoption proposed by Rogers, Ely, and Surry (Ely, 1999; Rogers, 2003; Surry, 2002). Faculty members at Al-Baha University, a new university in Saudi Arabia, served as the participants. This study found that there are several common factors that impede the adoption and integration of ICT for teaching and learning at Al-Baha University. Those factors are: lack of computer availability and accessibility for faculty members and students, poor Internet connection, lack of faculty participating in decision making regarding electronic technology, access to training and pedagogical support regarding such technology, and lack of technical support. These findings correlate with the same kinds of factors that have been identified as barriers in other educational contexts (Al Mulhim, 2014; Albugami and Ahmed, 2016; Alkahtani, 2017; Hsu, 2016; Kilinc, et al. 2018; Kler, 2014; Machado and Chung, 2015; Nyirongo, 2009).Doctor of Philosophy
Information and communication technology (ICT) is becoming a critical part of operations and innovations in many sectors around the world (Basri, Alandejani, and Almadani, 2018). Currently in Saudi Arabia, the integration of technology in educational environments is viewed as essential in the growth of Saudi education (Alali, 2015). Some scholars report that while the use of ICT is advocated in many universities and schools, and in particular in Saudi Arabia, some instructors are not likely to use it in their teaching processes because of barriers hindering their utilization and integration of ICT (Asiri, 2012; Albugami and Ahmad, 2015; Al Mulhim, 2014; Muhametjanova and Cagiltay, 2016). This study aimed to examine how ICT is being used for teaching and learning within the context of an emerging university in Saudi Arabia, as well as what factors faculty identify as barriers and enablers to its use. The current study replicates the research conducted by Nyirongo (2009) in the country of Malawi, and is based on the theoretical principles of technology adoption proposed by Rogers, Ely, and Surry (Ely, 1999; Rogers, 2003; Surry, 2002). Faculty members at Al-Baha University served as the participants. This study found that there are several common factors that impede the adoption and integration of ICT for teaching and learning at Al-Baha University. Those factors are: lack of computer availability and accessibility for faculty members and students, poor Internet connection, lack of faculty participating in decision making regarding electronic technology, access to training and pedagogical support regarding such technology, and lack of technical support. These findings correlate with the same kinds of factors that have been identified as barriers in other educational contexts (Al Mulhim, 2014; Albugami and Ahmed, 2016; Alkahtani, 2017; Hsu, 2016; Kilinc, et al. 2018; Kler, 2014; Machado and Chung, 2015; Nyirongo, 2009).
28
Binasfour, Hajar Salman. "APOLOGY STRATEGIES: A COMPARISON OF SAUDI ENGLISH LEARNERS AND NATIVE SPEAKERS OF AMERICAN ENGLISH." OpenSIUC, 2014. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/1360.
Full textAbstract:
This study compares the speech acts of apology of Saudi learners of English with those of American English native speakers to investigate the intercultural communication competence of second language learners. The investigation is based on 120 apology responses from Saudi learners of English and native speakers of American English. The responses were collected through a discourse completion task. The participants from both groups utilized the same five strategies mentioned by Cohen and Olshtain (1981): apology expressions, explanations, promises of forbearance, acknowledgments of responsibility, and offers of repair. Results showed no difference in the types of apology strategies adopted, but the frequency of using these strategies varied. The frequency of use of the strategies significantly varied only for the offers of repair and promises of forbearance. The results also indicated that the two most universal strategies used were apology expressions and explanations. Furthermore, the most common strategies that were often combined together were expressions and explanations. This study supports Taguchi's (2011) statement on the possible effect of learners' English proficiency on their speech act productions. Moreover, social power has a noticeable impact on students' production of the five apology strategies. Results indicated that the higher the social power of the offended, the more apology strategies he/she seemed to have received. Results from the current study and studies like this are informative to not only the speech act literature but also the study of intercultural communication, the globalization of American universities, and the development of Saudi cultural missions.
29
Aldhaban, Fahad Abdulaziz. "Exploratory Study of the Adoption and Use of the Smartphone Technology in Emerging Regions: Case of Saudi Arabia." PDXScholar, 2016. http://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/2651.
Full textAbstract:
Users' acceptance of a new information technology (IT) is considered to be a key determinant factor of its success. Also, studying users' adoption and use of new IT plays an important role in determining users' needs and reducing business risk, especially in industry segments with rapid changes in IT such as Smartphone technology. Such rapid evolution is influencing consumers' behaviors, their daily lifestyle, the manner of conducting their activities and their ways of consuming and using information.
Smartphone technology holds a promising future with an expected global market that could reach US $258 billion by the end of year 2015 [1]. Besides the mobile industry, Smartphone technology introduces a wide range of opportunities and challenges for many related industries that participate directly or indirectly in producing and providing Smartphone services/products to the end users. Moreover, the Smartphone technology is relatively new technology with plenty of room for improvement.
Better understanding of users' intentions and their behaviors regarding the adoption and use of the Smartphone technology plays a critical role in determining its success and benefiting all stakeholders. Significant efforts have been made to study and explain users' adoption and use of Smartphone technology. However, most of the empirical research focused on only a limited number of Smartphone aspects or on a specific profession such as doctors and nurses which may neglect other important factors.
In emerging regions such as Jordan and China, cultural and social influence showed significant relationships with users' adoption and use of the Smartphone and its related technologies. Saudi Arabia is a developing country that has different cultural and social contexts that could influence users' intention to adopt and use the Smartphone technology. The key factors that influence general users' intention to adopt and use Smartphone technology in Saudi Arabia have not yet been studied and explored in a comprehensive manner. Therefore, the main purpose of this dissertation is to empirically study and explore the key factors that influence general users' adoption and use of the Smartphone in a comprehensive manner in Saudi Arabia.
This dissertation starts with a literature review of existing research related to the adoption and use of Smartphone technology. Taxonomy is developed that includes factors that were identified as important in previous research and related to the adoption and use of the Smartphone technology. By using the developed taxonomy and reviewing literature related to the IT adoption theories, a preliminary theoretical research model is developed based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). A number of qualitative methods, namely brainstorming, focus group and individual interviews, have been conducted to evaluate, select and validate the existing factors, as well as introduce new factors, and to identify only the most related factors to be included in the preliminary research model. A survey questionnaire has been developed and validated to survey general users of the Smartphone in Saudi Arabia. A web-based survey has been designed and sent through email to 5,000 randomly selected smartphones users in Saudi Arabia. Data has been statistically analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results indicate that performance expectancy factor, effort expectancy factor, brand influence factor, perceived enjoyment factor and design factor have a positive and significant relationship with users' intention to adopt and use smartphones in Saudi Arabia. Also, the results indicate that the social influence factor has a significant and positive relationship with use behavior or actual use of smartphones in Saudi Arabia. The results of this dissertation provide more insights to practitioners in the smartphones domain and information that contributes to the body of knowledge regarding information technology adoption and its related research, especially in Saudi Arabia.
30
Khashogji, Lina N. "The influence of social media on gendered identity in Saudi Arabia, in relation to the religious curriculum throughout Saudi schools : media, politics and human development." Thesis, Kingston University, 2016. http://eprints.kingston.ac.uk/37876/.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis addresses the influence of Twitter on the development of female individualism in Saudi Arabia in relation to the religious curriculum. It reveals the process of this development through two different environments, the physical environment in religious education and the virtual environment in the form of Twitter. The thesis is based on a combination of methods (largely qualitative data obtained from observations, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires). It develops a theoretical framework based on gendered identity as the central concept of this research. the framework positions this concept within two fields of research : feminist approaches to gender and psychological approaches to identity. This thesis presents and innovative approach to the analysis of female individuality. Methodologically, the thesis establishes a position that informs the overall analysis between two different settings, i.e., the physical environment of Saudi schools, which illustrates long-established definitions of the Saudi female as the foundational unit of the analysis. It then moves to an analysis of these definitions in the virtual environment of Twitter, revealing how the different characteristics of the virtual environment influences definitions of identity, the formation of perceptions and the relationships between authorities. In conclusion, the thesis presents significant findings and recommendations.
31
Sulaiman, Mubarak S. A. "The evaluation of academic electronic bulletin boards for communication and training : HCI factors in the UK and Saudi Arabia." Thesis, Loughborough University, 1994. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/22202.
Full textAbstract:
Electronic networks services have become essential tools for the academic community. One of the services provided has been academic electronic bulletin boards (EBBs), and the use of EBBs has increased dramatically during the last decade. One question concerns the possible application of EBBs as a means both for communication and for remote training. A series of experiments were conducted during 1991, 1992, and 1993 with the aim of examining the use of EBBs for these purposes. The first experiment was carried out to investigate whether users experience problems in using EBBs. The next extended this to see how students evaluated EBBs for communication and training purposes. The main focus of the work was BUBL. After this second experiment, modifications were made to the BUBL data and a further experiment was carried out. A different group of students looked at the modified material, and also compared it with US data using different software. The fourth experiment compared the usability of a menu-based interface (dBase III +) and a hypertext interface (HyperCard) from a student's viewpoint. It was followed by an investigation of icons to find out how well different icons could be recognised and the possibility of using them for language-independent instructions. Finally, the characteristics and problems of GULFNET users were examined. The evaluation has demonstrated the general acceptability of EBBs and their likely value for training purposes. This leads to a discussion of how an EBB might best be developed for use in communication and training on GULFNET.
32
Alanazi, Norah. "A study of the influence of social media communication technologies on family relationships in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia." DigitalCommons@Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center, 2015. http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/3133.
Full textAbstract:
This study investigates the effects of using social media communication on family relationships in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A quantitative methodology with a descriptive design was used to determine the relationship between the independent variable (family relationships) and the dependent variable (social media communication). There were 499 participants involved in this research survey, and their ages ranged from 20 to 50 years and up for both males and females. The research shows that there is no significant social media communication effect on relationships between family members, including husband and wife and parent-children, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The finding shows that participants do not agree that social media influences relationships with married partners and family members. Even though the usage of social media has become a phenomenon in recent days, Saudi Arabian families are still keeping their strong and traditional relationships.
33
Alaboud, Naif Sultan Mesfer. "Development of a framework to enhance communication practice for site-based construction workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." Thesis, University of Salford, 2016. http://usir.salford.ac.uk/39116/.
Full textAbstract:
Construction projects are information intensive. A typical project generates tens of thousands of documents in the form of drawings, change orders, requests for information, specifications, etc. To ensure effective construction communication and coordination, it is essential to manage this information flow efficiently. Recent improvements to IT technologies have enabled construction companies to overcome some of the communication and co-ordination challenges they face. For example, the increased acceptance and widespread use of mobile computing and wireless technologies creates an opportunity to improve productivity and lower costs, by improving information flows to allow greater collaboration and information sharing between on-site personnel. The Construction industry in Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid growth, with many huge infrastructure projects that are government financed. These projects are subject to delays and poor productivity and faces the challenge of remaining competitive or risk being overtaken by multinational companies who are reaping the benefits of up to date technologies. However, the construction industry in Saudi Arabia has peculiar characteristics, such as its multi-cultural workforce, high level of fragmentation, low level of employee education, extreme natural environment, and the transient nature of the construction workforce. These factors complicate the implementation of new technologies and other improvements to construction processes and practices. The literature is in broad agreement that digital communication technologies will have a positive impact on reducing costs and raising productivity; however, there is less understanding of why these technologies have not been more widely adopted. This study examined the general context and condition of mobile computing, and then explored the circumstances peculiar to Saudi construction projects. It then analysed the characteristic patterns, relationships, work processes and communication tools at Saudi construction sites, and discussed this information in reference to the literature to enable the researcher to develop and validate an implementation framework strategy for mobile computing by using Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) methodology. This framework strategy would enable any Saudi construction company to implement a mobile computing solution that meets its needs.
34
Alruwaili, Zayed Fedhel Z. "The adoption and diffusion of information and communication technologies among teaching staff at AL-Jouf University in Saudi Arabia." Thesis, Curtin University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/291.
Full textAbstract:
With a mixed methods and explanatory research design that included 164 survey and 15 semi-structured interview participants, this study explored the levels of and barriers to ICT adoption and use at the College of Education at Al-Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. Using co-joint analysis, it found distinct differences in attitudes towards adoption between departments and participants based on age, amounts of experience and self-perceived levels of self-confidence in ICT. These led to relevant conclusions and recommendations.
35
Mohammad, Abeer. "A Discourse Analysis of Nursing Handoffs: Exploring Nurse-to-nurse Interactions in Two Hospitals in Saudi Arabia." Scholar Commons, 2017. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/7064.
Full textAbstract:
A new realm of discourse research has started examining medical interactions in the crowded space – hospitals (Iedema, 2007). Beyond clinical settings and dyadic doctor-patient interactions, scholars have begun investigating doctors’ interactions in various hospital settings including Emergency Rooms and hospitals’ wards (e.g., Eggins & Slade, 2012; Slade & Eggins, 2016; Slade et al., 2015). Other investigations have expanded this scope of discourse research to include other health professionals, such as nurses (e.g., Staples, 2015). Drawing on discourse analytic approaches (Critical Discourse Analysis, Halliday’s Systemic Functional Grammar, and Interactional Sociolinguistics), this study examined nurse-to-nurse handoff interactions in two hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Nursing handoff – the transfer of patient information, professional responsibility, and accountability between departing and incoming nursing teams (Manser et al., 2010; Riesenberg et al., 2010; Slade & Eggins, 2016; Wood et al., 2014) – is a critical communicative practice which ensures the continuity and quality of care provided to hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to provide detailed analyses of the language used in this type of nursing discourse and its impact on the quality of handoffs. The data included 80 nursing handoff interactions, which were observed and audio-recorded in 7 different wards at two sectors (National Guard Hospital and King Fahad General Hospital) in Saudi Arabia including: Intensive Care Units, General-Adult, General- Pediatric, Oncology-Pediatric, Oncology-Palliative, ENT, Urology and Surgical wards. The nurse participants come from various cultural backgrounds including Philippines, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The analyses provided a detailed description of this type of nursing discourse including the discourse
pragmatic features (i.e., linguistic, interactional, and interpersonal features) which nurses use while delivering and receiving patient information. In addition, the findings provide insights into the various discourse features that contributed either positively (e.g., using discourse markers, presenting complete thoughts, presenting sufficient detailed patient information) or negatively (e.g., producing questions instead of statements, shifting verb tenses, focusing on one patient issue as opposed to providing detailed patient information report) to the nursing handoff practices in this setting. The findings also point to the vital role that head nurses play in this nursing discourse and its impact on enhancing the quality of nursing handoffs.
Additionally, a six-stage nursing handoff model was developed from the data, which could be used for nursing training in the National Guard Hospital and its branches in Saudi Arabia.
Finally, the findings provide further support for Eggins and Slade’s (2012) claim that communicatively effective handovers are achieved interactionally and with the collaboration of both departing and incoming teams. Furthermore, the use of standardized protocols (like SBAR) alone proved to be insufficient in guaranteeing effective nursing handoff.
36
Alhofaian, Aisha Mohammed. "The Effects of Provider Communication Behaviors and Shared Decision Making On Quality of Life Among Patients with Advanced Cancer in Saudi Arabia." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1528391142691034.
Full text
37
Al, Qurashi Hassan. "Investigating oral communication in EFL classrooms : a case study of a Higher Education Institution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." Thesis, University of Reading, 2018. http://centaur.reading.ac.uk/79993/.
Full textAbstract:
This study investigates the factors that affect oral communication in English as Foreign Language classrooms at City University in Saudi Arabia. The concept ‘oral communication’ in this study refers to the ability of learners to listen effectively and speak fluently using the correct use of language structure, that is, syntax, grammar and vocabulary, resulting in successful communication. The study investigated the nature of and reasons for the oral communication difficulties experienced in English as Foreign Language classrooms in the university. These issues were addressed in terms of teaching and learning with the aim of improving the learning experiences of students in English as Foreign Language courses at the university. This is a qualitative study. For data collection, I used a triangulation method. The data have been obtained through focus group discussions followed by individual interviews. The study included 33 participants: 30 students of English language, and three teachers from the department of English language. For my data analysis, I adopted a modified grounded theory approach of data analysis. The results of the analysis indicate that the factors that affect participants’ willingness to communicate are grouped under two main types: external and internal. Internal factors relate to the students themselves, i.e. their behaviours and nature, whereas the external factors are caused by something outside them. Internal factors include language proficiency, motivation, and culture and psychological factors including confidence and shyness. The external factors include classroom management (class time and students’ number), teacher’s role (opportunity, teaching aids and topic relevancy), and teaching methods. It also includes first language use and code-switching. The main purpose of this study is to contribute to our knowledge and understanding of the factors that affect oral communication in English as Foreign Language classrooms at the university and to contribute to increasing our understanding of students’ reticence to participate orally in English as Foreign Language classrooms. The results of this study are intended to help to provide teachers, decision makers and course designers at the university with knowledge about teaching oral communication skills in English as Foreign Language classrooms.
38
Alkahtani, Latifah M. "The Impact of Sociocultural and Information Communication Technology Adoption Factors on the Everyday Life Information Seeking Behavior of Saudi Students in the United States." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2019. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505191/.
Full textAbstract:
This study analyzes the sociocultural factors that affect Saudi students in the U.S. as they seek information and explores to what extent these factors impact their everyday life information seeking (ELIS) behavior and their information technology behavior (ITB). The factors in this study illustrate the unique sociocultural values that distinguish Saudi students from other international student groups: gender segregation, emphasis on religion, social support, and utilization of the consultation concept. After collecting data from an online survey, the data from linear regression analyses revealed that only one culture factor (the language barrier) showed a significant impact on Saudi student ELIS in the U.S., while the other factors were not statistically significant. Also, the findings indicated that perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU) were statistically significant to the ELIS of Saudi students. Furthermore, the study showed that after academic information, food and drink, entertainment, and health were the top student needs, the top ranking sources for everyday life seeking information were social media and the Internet. The findings of the study help to shed light on a sizable user group. As the fourth largest group of international students in the U.S., Saudi students have been underrepresented in research. Also, the study's findings and recommendations provide a more profound understanding of Saudi students for both the hosting American university officials and stakeholders who provide scholarships.
39
Alsalem, Nuha Khalid. "Compliment Responses: A Comparison of Saudi English Learners and Native Speakers of American English in an Academic Environment." OpenSIUC, 2015. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/1606.
Full textAbstract:
The present study aimed to find out which compliment response types Saudi learners of English would use in particular situations within an academic context and to identify possible cultural and gender differences in the compliment responses between Saudi learners of English and native speakers of American English. In order to examine the two main variables of the present study, which were cultural and gender differences, the study used a Multiple Choice Discourse Completion Task (MDCT). The instrument included four imaginary written situations related to an academic context. Specifically, the first two scenarios involved a compliment on student achievement by a male and a female professor. In the third and fourth scenarios, the compliment was offered by a male and a female classmate, respectively. The compliment response types were based on Herbert's (1990) taxonomy. The participants included 104 American native speakers and 71 Saudi English speakers, all of them enrolled at a US university. The analysis of the data involved calculating descriptive statistics and multiple chi-square tests to elicit possible differences between native and non-native in each situation. Descriptive statistics were used to provide a detailed description of the results in terms of percentages. In addition, the value of Phi was calculated for each chi-square test in order to provide further evidence about the effect size of the observed differences. Overall, the results for the comparisons of cultural differences revealed that there were more similarities than differences between the American and Saudi participants in their compliment responses in all four situations. Furthermore, the results of the gender comparisons showed that there were more gender differences within the American sample than within the Saudi one. The lack of or very small number of cultural and gender differences was attributed to the fact that the majority of the Saudi participants had spent a substantial amount of time in the US and were all enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at a US university. Another speculation that emerges based on the results of this study is that the similarities between the Saudi and American students, and the male and female participants, could be attributed to the changing definition of culture in the present day globalized world. Particularly, it appears that cultural differences may be fading away, especially among the younger generations, under the influence of globalization, advanced technology, and the Internet.
40
Alsulaiman, Saud Abdulaziz. "Health Crisis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Study of Saudis’ Knowledge of Coronavirus, Attitudes toward the Ministry of Health’s Coronavirus Preventive Campaigns, and Trust in Coronavirus Messages in the Media." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1521673786522563.
Full text
41
Alotaibi, Naif Mutlaq. "Online news : a study of 'credibility' in the context of the Saudi news media." Thesis, University of Sussex, 2017. http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/67077/.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis explores the ‘credibility' of news in Saudi Arabia, comparing online media with official newspapers. The latter are heavily regulated offering limited viewpoints. But the Saudi government has been less able to regulate online. Against a historical background of news development in Saudi Arabia, the thesis explores the rise of online from discussion forums established in the 1990s to online newspapers and social media. Largely qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups) plus a quantitative survey, were adopted to collect two sets of data: from educated readers, and from journalists working for online publications. Additionally, material from two news case studies was gathered. Questions concerned: how online news was evaluated by users compared to more traditional reporting; how producers perceived the distinctiveness of online titles and the issues they faced. The data from the case studies – an ‘internal' news story, Corona virus and an ‘external' event, Egyptian elections – was subjected to ‘frame' analysis, addressing the different news coverage of official print titles, online news and independent Twitter accounts. Focus was on whether online reporting offered more varied viewpoints and greater reader participation, and whether there was evidence for more management of news by the Saudi authorities in relation to the internal as compared to the external news event. The thesis argues that compared to official newspapers, online titles have largely gained greater credibility amongst educated Saudi users. They are regarded as offering different views, more ‘objective' reporting and actively encourage reader comment. Findings indicate that online is less censored than official newspapers, but editors/journalists have learnt the skills of self-censorship to avoid blocking. Exchange of views on Twitter also demonstrate the possibility of distinctive voices and viewpoints being aired and argued over. In these ways, the relation between online news and readers/users begins to enable the formation of independent ‘public opinion'.
42
Salah, Romil. "The influence of national culture on the practice of project management : a study of information and communication technology projects in Saudi Arabia." Thesis, Northumbria University, 2016. http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/36002/.
Full textAbstract:
In an ever-shrinking world with advancing technology many organizations have expanded their operations internationally and experienced challenges of how to manage projects in areas with different cultural backgrounds. In a culturally unique country, like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the influence of national culture on project management has to be considered, and there is additional complexity in that most project teams are themselves diverse and multi-cultural. KSA has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world, however, many of its projects, especially in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, still fail dramatically for financial, managerial, political, social and cultural reasons. In KSA, culture is a crucial factor in business, and the management of projects is no exception. The aim of this research is to contribute to more successful delivery of ICT projects in KSA. The overall commonly-held belief is that there are elements of national culture in KSA that impact the implementation of project management processes on ICT projects. Using Hofstede’s cultural model as a basis, a conceptual framework has been created that explores and explains the impact of KSA national culture on ICT project management as characterised by the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK)1 principles. A qualitative research approach was used to collect data from four private and public sector ICT projects, in their natural settings, using a multiple case study approach. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and examination of project documentation and a cross-case analysis was performed. The conceptual framework is a very useful planning tool for human resourcing purposes is best used for the ICT project management professionals in understanding how project management practices, procedures, tools and techniques are implemented and how they are impacted by cultural factors. The findings in this study have confirmed that the dimensions of Power Distance Index (PDI), Individualism (IDV) and Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) have a significant impact on project management in KSA, but that Long–Term Orientation (LTO), Masculinity (MAS) and Indulgence (IND) have a lesser impact.
43
Ageel, Mohammed. "Using a virtual learning environment to increase the use of information and communication technology by university teachers at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia." Thesis, University of Southampton, 2013. https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/353283/.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is primarily instigated and directed by the researcher’s previous small-scale studies. These revealed Saudi teachers’ low usage and negative perceptions about technology in teaching in schools and higher educational institutions. For further our understanding, this study investigates the use of technology by a Saudi university’s teachers in their instruction and attempts to explore the viability of training within a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for their professional development. The study engages a mixed-method approach where a VLE training programme is facilitated among 40 teachers of Jazan University. It observes changes in their perceptions about technology and the level of use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools in teaching. Interviews and questionnaires are used to collect data in two phases, before and after the VLE training, on their use of a range of ICT tools. The research data shows a significant improvement in the teachers’ usage of a number of ICT teaching tools after they received VLE training. Additionally, it points to positive change in the attitudes, knowledge and skills of these teachers and promises an active role in the teachers’ professional development for these aspects . Moreover, a number of influential factors that may affect the attitude, knowledge and skills relating to the use of technology are identified, necessitating a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) scheme. By analysing the research findings it is recognised that a CPD scheme delivered via a VLE can positively change university teachers’ knowledge, attitude, and skills about technology, and consequently increase the use of ICT tools in teaching and learning. However, the study also reveals a number of difficulties and concerns among the teachers regarding VLEs and CPD, and provides recommendations to overcome these. Additionally, the research proposes some directions on possible future studies based on this research work.
44
Al, Shuraimi Abdulaziz. "A study on the effects of cultural context differences on extended technology acceptance model (TAM) : case of Saudi Arabia and France." Paris 6, 2011. http://www.theses.fr/2011PA066001.
Full textAbstract:
Le but de cette étude est d'étudier les effets des technologies de l'information grâce à l'utilisation de la technologie de réception sur modèle (TAM), vers le comportement des utilisateurs, en particulier dans les secteurs des affaires en Arabie saoudite à la suite par rapport aux utilisateurs en France. Il vise également à identifier les dimensions culturelles peuvent affecter le succès de la mise en œuvre des technologies de l'information dans la société. En dehors de ces facteurs tels que les différences culturelles et la situation financière ont été analysées en profondeur, car il peut affecter le succès de technologies de l'information dans les deux pays.
45
Abou, Hassana R. H. "Using e-learning to improve the effectiveness of teaching primary school ICT." Thesis, Coventry University, 2008. http://curve.coventry.ac.uk/open/items/c24990e3-e0d7-3dbd-c3e1-b520a3146c41/1.
Full textAbstract:
Economic, social, technological and educational factors have led to an increase in the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in education at all levels. Most research concerning this has focused on the way in which e-learning can be used to improve teaching and learning across the curriculum and has neglected the teaching of ICT as a subject (Hammond, 2004). In a 1999 Ofsted inspection, ICT was found to be the least well taught subject in primary schools. The present research considers how the teaching of ICT could be better supported in the UK and Saudi Arabia. In the first stage, an investigation was made of the teaching of ICT in UK primary schools to understand why its teaching had been rated unfavourably. It was discovered that teaching focused on technical aspects (i.e. how to use specific applications) whilst ignoring the communication and information parts. Although it has been argued widely that e-learning improves teaching and learning across the curriculum, observations showed that e-learning was not, in itself, used to support teaching of the ICT curriculum. Hence, this research explored the ways in which the teaching of the ICT curriculum (to 9-11 year olds) could be made more effective, particularly through the incorporation of e-learning material. It was hypothesized that the experience of teaching and learning could be enhanced if e-learning material was designed which specifically addressed the needs of the teachers and young learners. Evidence collected in the course of the research suggested that little material existed to support the ICT curriculum, and that e-learning material produced to support other subjects does not always suit the teachers’ needs. Therefore in the second stage of the research, a design approach that engaged end users (teachers and young students) was proposed which was tested and refined during the design of e-learning material to support the teaching of the Multimedia Unit of the ICT National Curriculum. The resulting e-learning material was evaluated in UK schools to determine the extent to which it satisfied user needs and its effectiveness in teaching the intended learning outcomes. The results in both cases were positive implying that such a method could lead to the production of useful supportive material. As a former Saudi Arabian computer teacher, one of my personal goals was to provide opportunities to improve the experience of teachers and children in my own country. As such I have been interested in how I can transfer my understanding of the UK educational system to my home country. Following the successful evaluation of the elearning material in the UK, a demonstration of how a child centred design approach can be used to design effective educational material. Unfortunately although such a process might produce more effective learning outcomes and pleasurable material, I also found that such an approach is considered incompatible with commercial design environments. In the last stage of the thesis strategies are discussed which could be used (particularly in Saudi Arabia) to encourage the producers of educational materials to engage in the design of more effective teaching and learning experiences, especially in relation to the primary ICT curriculum. One such strategy would be to train undergraduates in applying a more user centred design approach as an integral part of their practice. The resultant design approach has now been approved by the Director of the Graphic Design Department in Dar Al Hekma Collage (Jeddah – Saudi Arabia) to be taught as a design approach for designing e-learning material for children on the Information Design Course. Additionally, a set of recommendations was developed for the Saudi Ministry of Education addressing the sort of revisions needed to improve the ICT curriculum in Saudi Arabia.
46
Al, Kahtani Saeed S. "Application of appropriate teaching methods and materials to address communication problems facing students at Yanbu Industrial College." Muncie, Ind. : Ball State University, 2008. http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/610.
Full text
47
Algarni, Abeer Dhafer. "Video conferencing technology for distance learning in Saudi Arabia : current problems, feasible solutions and developing an innovative interactive communication system based on internet and wifi technology for communication enhancement." Thesis, Durham University, 2014. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/10840/.
Full textAbstract:
Context: In Saudi Arabia, distance-learning plays a vital role in the female higher education system. This system is considered unique among all the world’s countries because, for religious reasons, intermixing of the genders is not allowed within most educational settings in Saudi society. This system is currently facing a problem with an overflow of female students in higher educational institutions as these institutions suffer from a lack of female faculty members. To resolve this problem, all universities in Saudi Arabia utilise synchronous distance learning technologies such as video and audio conferences technologies for the delivery of subjects by male faculty members to female students, as this is the only authorised way for male faculty to teach female students. Although this method has been used in Saudi Arabia continuously since 1970, no study has addressed the perceptions of female students, regarding the problems they face whilst studying, through such technologies or proposed any solution for these problems. Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify the perceptions of female students at King Saud University regarding the difficulties and barriers they encounter in the distance learning classrooms that use video conferencing technology. This study also proposes feasible solutions for the most common problems. It has developed an innovative interactive communication system, CommEasy, based on the internet and Wi-Fi technologies for handheld devices and uses this system to enhance communication and participation in distance learning. Method: The research questions are answered by applying a mixture of quantitative and qualitative approaches that have been selected according to the nature of the research. A case study research design was chosen to address all the research questions related to KSU. Identifying the perceptions of female students about the problems they encounter in distance learning classrooms was gathered through a questionnaire with five main parts: classroom physical design, classroom physical features, technical support, communication and participation with male instructors and classroom management. Each part used a number of questions to measure the students' perceptions and the students were asked to respond to each question using a five-point Likert scale. Proposing feasible solutions for the problems reported by students required using a mixture of methods, such as observations, structured interviews and surveys. An incremental software development approach was used to develop the CommEasy tool that was used in this thesis and the quasi-experimental method was used to evaluate this tool in the actual learning environment. Results: The results of the thesis presented the perceptions of students towards the components of the distance-learning classrooms and showed all the satisfactory and unsatisfactory components. It produced a list of strategies for effective designing of the distance-learning classroom that uses video conference technology, produced a new physical design for the distance-learning classrooms that used video conference technologies, provided a set of feasible solutions for the problems identified and finally, showed that the CommEasy system has a positive impact, in supporting communication in the distance-learning classroom, leading to an increased level of student participation with instructors, as well as solving most of the problems students were faced with in this regard. Conclusions: in summary, the outcome of this thesis should provide both researchers and decision makers with an insight into the problems facing students in distance-learning, as well as providing them with feasible solutions for these problems. This thesis will serve as a basis for further research in this field to be conducted in Saudi Arabia.
48
Alswailim, Fahda. "Twitter, gender and purism in Saudi Arabia : a small-scale study on the decrease of Arabizi in computer-mediated communication, its hidden causes and implications." Thesis, Kingston University, 2017. http://eprints.kingston.ac.uk/41927/.
Full textAbstract:
The initial phases of this research were undertaken in the second half of 2011, at a pivotal moment in the campaign of language purists in Saudi Arabia. The campaign gathered momentum against the widespread use of the chat variety Arabizi in computer-mediated communication. As the research progressed towards its final stages of completion (between 2012 and 2014), the moral panic surrounding Arabizi as a threat to the Arabic language or to Suadi identity gradually diminished. This development was paralleled with a notable decrease of Arabizi. Partly enabled by the introduction of the Arabic keyboard in new media technologies, Arabizi became obsolete in Saudi socia media content. The objective of this research is to establish a counter-narrative on the hidden causes and implications of the gradual obsolescence of Arabizi, looking closely at social-media content generated by a small sample of Saudi female Twitter users. The research applies mixed-method approaches to data collection and analysis in computer- mediated discourse analysis (CMDA) and digital ethnography. The results of this study show a correlation between Arabic-only or English-only content generated by female users, off-line gender segregated spaces, and the position of language purists against all forms of linguistic miscegenation or hybrid language varieties. This research concludes that a critical reappraisal of the moral panic surrounding Arabizi and its obsolescence in user-generated content in Saudi Arabia, contrasted with its continued use in other parts of the Arab speaking world, is pivotal to understand how gender, language purism, national-Islamic identification, and misconceived notions about the neutrality of media technology work as mutually supporting structures of power and privilege.
49
Alkarni, Saad. "Twitter Response to Vision 2030: A Case Study on Current Perceptions of Normative Disorder within Saudi Social Media." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/38041.
Full textAbstract:
There has been a mixed public response on social media toward Saudi Vision 2030, which could threaten public support of its implementation. This research investigated local tensions between social, religious, political, and economic values concerning the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, with a view to understanding the opportunities and challenges of social and cultural change within an evolving Saudi society. In this study, Twitter activity is treated as a societal mirror that reflects some of the perceptions regarding the transformations taking place within Saudi society. Both a case study informed by tweets sampled from Saudi Arabia and Vision 2030 related documentation explored how the current public social media discourse reflects existing social, religious, and cultural tensions concerning the government-proposed Vision 2030. This study drew on theoretical framework informed by Durkheim’s and Ibn Khaldun’s theory of social change, Merton’s strain theory, and Luhmann’s Social System Theory, to explore social, political, economic, and religious tensions found within the interactions of Twitter users around projects and events implemented or inspired by Vision 2030. An application programming interface (API) was used to retrieve Twitter posts, while a thematic analysis was applied to published documents related to Vision 2030 to identify Saudi society’s challenges to the implementation of the Vision. The study found that within Saudi society, Vision 2030 had an impact upon the normative disorder already taking place due to the rapid changes brought about by the Vision. Specifically, the study highlighted the link between ambiguous, clear, or absent norms, and a person’s pre-existing background knowledge. Social and religious group norms were more ambitious than clear, whereas economic group norms tended to be clearer. Finally, the study found that over time, through public debates, norms moved from an ambiguous and absent stage and became increasingly well-defined. The study showed that Saudi society, as a result of Vision 2030, is experiencing a normative disorder.
50
Babilonová, Zuzana. "Mezinárodní profesní migrace zdravotních sester a její kulturní aspekty, případová studie: Království Saúdské Arábie." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2009. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-16375.
Full textAbstract:
The thesis is focused on the professional migration of Czech nurses to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the beginning I characterize migration theories that together with other chapters about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, healthcare systems of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic create basis for the research that is presented in chapter 5. Objectives of the research, which is the crucial part of the thesis, are to reveal motivations of the Czech nurses that lead to migration to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, their imaginations and expectations bounded with work and life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Also I would like to find out if the expectations were met and if they want to work and live in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on a longterm basis. Based on the results of the research, I conclude that Czech nurses do not want to stay in such country on a longterm basis especially due to big cultural differences between Saudi Arabian and Czech culture. At the end of the thesis I briefly characterize intercultural training that could help Czech nurses with their adaptation to Saudi Arabian culture.