Employee engagement is the ability of employees to express themselves ‘physically, cognitively and emotionally during role performance’. Nurse employees comprise the largest workforce in healthcare. They spend a significant time caring for patients, they have a strong impact on patient experiences. Thus, in order to improve patient care experiences, nurse employees require positive work environments with the necessary factors that drive employee engagement. This study aimed to investigate current nurse engagement practices and the work-related aspects that impact engagement among nursing employees. The ultimate goal was to enable nursing management to identify the areas for continued sustainability and to improve gaps identified through appropriate implementation initiatives. The hospital is in the central part of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and consists of a multicultural population and the local Saudi nurses. The study population is nursing employees, employed for one year and longer within the organisation, and includes both genders between the ages of 18 to 60 years old. Simple random sampling was adopted using a sampling frame. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the sample of nurses from the hospital. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were performed to analyse data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 for Windows, while Ordered Probit regression was conducted using the Stata statistical program version 14 for Windows. This study showed the extent of nurses’ engagement using the selected constructs. Areas of strengths and weaknesses were identified. This study found that nurses were generally positive and passionate in their contribution to the organisation and connected in their work roles. This was established statistically and literature was also used to interpret the results. Respondents placed high importance on items that assessed the extent of nurses’ engagement and work-related factors. All the loadings in the eight dimensions measured were above 0.5, which shows significant correlation. In terms of organizational factors that impact nurse engagement, the estimates from the Ordered Probit regression showed that “feelings about the job” by employees had a statistically significant and positive influence on the employees’ or nurses’ “satisfaction about job aspects”. Results suggest the need to strengthen the identified areas in order to improve the nurses’ level of engagement. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

This research started with a realization that two organizations in Saudi Arabia were spending large amounts of money, millions of dollars in fact, in acquiring separate sets of geospatial data that had identical basemap components. Both the organizations would be using the data for similar engineering purposes, yet both would be independently outsourcing the data gathering. In all probability, resources are being wasted through two organizations each developing and operating stand-alone geographic information systems and then populating the databases with geospatial data obtained separately. Surely with some cooperation, a shared database could be established, with a diffusion of economic benefits to both organizations. Preliminary discussions with representatives from both the organizations revealed high levels of enthusiasm for the principle of sharing geospatial data, but the discussions also revealed even higher levels of scepticism that such a scheme could be implemented. This dichotomy of views prompted an investigation into the issues, benefits and the barriers involved in data sharing, the relative weight of these issues, and a quest for a workable model. Sharing geospatial data between levels of government, between governmental and private institutions, and within institutions themselves has been attempted on large and small scales in a variety of countries, with varying degrees of accomplishment. Lessons can be learned from these attempts at data sharing, confirming that success is not purely a function of financial and technical benefits, but is also influenced by institutional and cultural aspects. This research is aimed at defining why there is little geospatial data sharing between authorities in Saudi Arabia, and then presenting a workable model as a pilot arrangement. This should take into account issues raised in reference material; issues evidenced through experience in the implementation of systems that were configured as independent structures; issues of culture; and issues apparent in a range of existing data sharing arrangements. The doubts expressed by engineering managers towards using a geospatial database that is shared between institutions in Saudi Arabia have been borne out by the complexity of interrelationships which this research has revealed. Nevertheless, by concentrating on a two party entry level, a model has been presented which shows promise for the implementation of such a scheme. The model was derived empirically and checked against a case study of various other similar ventures, with a consideration of their applicability in the environment of Saudi Arabia. This model follows closely the generic structure of the Singapore Land Hub. The scalability of the model should allow it to be extended to other, multi-lateral data sharing arrangements. An alternative solution could be developed based on a Spatial Data Infrastructure model and this is suggested for ongoing investigation. Major unresolved questions relate to cultural issues, whose depth and intricacy have the potential to influence the realization of successful geospatial data sharing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

<p>Two fundamental structural elements, basement architecture and basal decollement, play a significant role in the evolution of a tectonically active region. Using different approaches (field data, literature review and analogue models) this thesis demonstrates that these two elements affected the deformation style in the Zagros fold-thrust belt during Mesozoic extensional and Cenozoic contractional episodes. </p><p>Reassessment of available data suggests a new configuration for the basement to Zagros basin that consists of basement faults with three different trends. Complicated interrelationships of these basement faults divide the Zagros basin into two major basement blocks, active and passive. This model associated with geological evidence suggests that deformation in the basement due to the convergence between Arabia and Iran is not restricted to the Zagros Mountains but already involves a considerable part of the Arabian platform. However, deformation in the cover units is not only governed by the deformation in the basement, which are decoupled from each other by the Hormuz salt in many parts in the Zagros fold-thrust belt. </p><p>Geological evidence shows that there is a clear relationship between activity of the Hormuz structures and the basement faults in the Zagros basin. Extended analogue models indirectly show how Hormuz types of basal decollement associated with the opening of Neo-Tethys can control the distribution, number, width and geometry of faults, penetrative strain, and diapirism. Analogue models shortened from one-end show that the spatial distribution of the Hormuz salt in the Zagros belt map viscous and frictional decollements to the thin-skinned deformation. Shortening of the cover results in formation of partitioning of strain into transpressional zones, different topographic wedges and differential sedimentation of growth sediments along the Zagros belt. Model results supported by geological and geophysical data sets suggest that some of the faults previously attributed to basement could have developed above the initial lateral boundaries between viscous and frictional basal decollements.</p>

Craters within Arabia Terra, Mars, contain hundreds of meters of layered strata showing systematic alternation between slope- and cliff-forming units, suggesting either rhythmic deposition of distinct lithologies or lithologies that experienced differential cementation. Hypothesized origins of these intercrater layered deposits include lacustrine, aeolian, volcanic airfall, and impact surge deposition. On Earth, rhythmically deposited strata can be examined in terms of stratal packaging, wherein the interplay of tectonics, sediment deposition, and change in base level results in predictable patterns with respect to changes in the amount of space available for sediment accumulation. Fundamental differences between tectonic regimes of Earth and Mars demand that packaging of layered strata primarily reflects changes in sediment influx and base level. Analysis of stratal packaging may therefore help us understand the relative roles of these parameters, and provide crucial constraint on martian depositional models. Rhythmic stratal patterns in Becquerel Crater (7°W 22°N) have been attributed to astronomical forcing of regional climate. A clear depositional model, however, has yet to be presented. Here, we reanalyze strata of Becquerel Crater and compare results with two additional crater successions. Results indicate that, by contrast with Becquerel Crater, strata within Danielson Crater (7°W 8°N) and an unnamed crater (Crater X; 1.2°W 9°N) do not record hierarchical packaging readily attributable to astronomical effects, and suggest that regional climate forcing may not be readily applied as a paradigm for all intracrater deposition. Similarities in depositional style in these three craters, however, may be linked by a model for sediment accumulation—with potential links to regional climate—wherein episodic melting of ground ice raised local base level, stabilized aeolian sedimentation, and resulted in differential cementation of accumulated strata.

Two fundamental structural elements, basement architecture and basal decollement, play a significant role in the evolution of a tectonically active region. Using different approaches (field data, literature review and analogue models) this thesis demonstrates that these two elements affected the deformation style in the Zagros fold-thrust belt during Mesozoic extensional and Cenozoic contractional episodes. Reassessment of available data suggests a new configuration for the basement to Zagros basin that consists of basement faults with three different trends. Complicated interrelationships of these basement faults divide the Zagros basin into two major basement blocks, active and passive. This model associated with geological evidence suggests that deformation in the basement due to the convergence between Arabia and Iran is not restricted to the Zagros Mountains but already involves a considerable part of the Arabian platform. However, deformation in the cover units is not only governed by the deformation in the basement, which are decoupled from each other by the Hormuz salt in many parts in the Zagros fold-thrust belt. Geological evidence shows that there is a clear relationship between activity of the Hormuz structures and the basement faults in the Zagros basin. Extended analogue models indirectly show how Hormuz types of basal decollement associated with the opening of Neo-Tethys can control the distribution, number, width and geometry of faults, penetrative strain, and diapirism. Analogue models shortened from one-end show that the spatial distribution of the Hormuz salt in the Zagros belt map viscous and frictional decollements to the thin-skinned deformation. Shortening of the cover results in formation of partitioning of strain into transpressional zones, different topographic wedges and differential sedimentation of growth sediments along the Zagros belt. Model results supported by geological and geophysical data sets suggest that some of the faults previously attributed to basement could have developed above the initial lateral boundaries between viscous and frictional basal decollements.

This study aims to provide a human resource planning example to inform government bodies in Saudi Arabia to reallocate community resources towards better dental health. This was achieved by: conducting an inventory on government human and structural oral health care resources in Jeddah and Bahrah; assessing the oral health status and treatment needs for Saudi citizens following the WHO criteria for oral health surveys; exploring the potential differences between oral health supply and treatment needs; and providing 16 models of the number and mix of dentists and hygienists to balance requirements and supply. We conducted a population-based sample survey to collect data on dental status and service requirements through self-administered questionnaires and clinical examinations. We also conducted a census of dentists and assessed their total service output by means of self-administered questionnaires. The population’s treatment needs time was estimated using the clinically assessed treatment needs multiplied by time units contained in the 2001 ODA fee-guide. Dentists’ available time was calculated from dentists’ questionnaires and the activity assessment forms. The times for treatment needs and supply of services were compared to identify differences in treatment hours. Of the 2000 participants aged 6, 12, 16, 24-29 and 35-44, 76.8% rated their oral health as excellent and 29.2% reported visiting the dentist at least once a year. The prevalence of periodontal conditions as described by the CPITN was 86.1%. The caries prevalence for the permanent and deciduous dentitions was 71.3% (mean DMFT=4.92) and 85.5% (mean dmft=5.45) respectively. One hundred seventy-five government and university dentists (56.6% response rate) completed the total service output instruments. When the projected total FTE-dentists needed to treat the incidence of oral diseases/ conditions (11,214) is contrasted with the total available supply in Jeddah and Bahrah (289 dentists) the remaining FTEs needed to meet the needs becomes 10,925 FTE-dentists. Health promotion strategies and increased productive hours could reduce this to 2,729 dentists and 1,595 hygienists. The General Directory of Health Affairs of Jeddah will need to develop different approaches to oral health promotion and/or care provision to meet the population needs.

This study aims to provide a human resource planning example to inform government bodies in Saudi Arabia to reallocate community resources towards better dental health. This was achieved by: conducting an inventory on government human and structural oral health care resources in Jeddah and Bahrah; assessing the oral health status and treatment needs for Saudi citizens following the WHO criteria for oral health surveys; exploring the potential differences between oral health supply and treatment needs; and providing 16 models of the number and mix of dentists and hygienists to balance requirements and supply. We conducted a population-based sample survey to collect data on dental status and service requirements through self-administered questionnaires and clinical examinations. We also conducted a census of dentists and assessed their total service output by means of self-administered questionnaires. The population’s treatment needs time was estimated using the clinically assessed treatment needs multiplied by time units contained in the 2001 ODA fee-guide. Dentists’ available time was calculated from dentists’ questionnaires and the activity assessment forms. The times for treatment needs and supply of services were compared to identify differences in treatment hours. Of the 2000 participants aged 6, 12, 16, 24-29 and 35-44, 76.8% rated their oral health as excellent and 29.2% reported visiting the dentist at least once a year. The prevalence of periodontal conditions as described by the CPITN was 86.1%. The caries prevalence for the permanent and deciduous dentitions was 71.3% (mean DMFT=4.92) and 85.5% (mean dmft=5.45) respectively. One hundred seventy-five government and university dentists (56.6% response rate) completed the total service output instruments. When the projected total FTE-dentists needed to treat the incidence of oral diseases/ conditions (11,214) is contrasted with the total available supply in Jeddah and Bahrah (289 dentists) the remaining FTEs needed to meet the needs becomes 10,925 FTE-dentists. Health promotion strategies and increased productive hours could reduce this to 2,729 dentists and 1,595 hygienists. The General Directory of Health Affairs of Jeddah will need to develop different approaches to oral health promotion and/or care provision to meet the population needs.

The purpose of the study was to provide for the improvement of instruction in the secondary schools of Saudi Arabia. To fulfill this goal, the study was designed to accomplish three tasks: 1) describe the nature, scope and effectiveness of the current system of teacher evaluation; 2) determine the attitude of the Saudi educators toward the existing system; 3) develop a new system and propose it for evaluating secondary school teachers in Saudi Arabia. Literature relating to the model of evaluation, criteria used in evaluating teachers, role of personnel involved in teacher evaluation, and processes and instruments used in evaluating teachers was reviewed.Letters to some of the Saudi educational authorities were sent in order to obtain information about the present system of teacher evaluation, and to acquire any studies that have been conducted in the area of teacher evaluation. A questionnaire was sent to Saudi administrators and teachers now studying at American universities. The purpose of the questionnaire was to obtain information relating to the procedure used in evaluating secondary school teachers in Saudi Arabia, to elicit their judgments of the effectiveness of the present system, and to obtain their recommendations for developing the present system of teacher evaluation.Most of the literature that was received from Saudi Arabia indicated a negative reaction toward the present teacher evaluation system. Also the answers and comments of most of the respondents to the questionnaire statements revealed a general dissatisfaction with the present evaluation system.The proposed design was based upon the review of literature, interviews with American school personnel, suggestions from respondents to the questionnaire, participation in part of the activities of the staff development program at Ball State University, consultation with some experts in the field of teacher evaluation, review of some evaluation instruments used in evaluating teachers at different school systems in Indiana, and the review of most of the material now used for evaluating secondary school teachers in Saudi Arabia.The evaluation model described the expected role of the supervisor, the building principal, the department chairman, the peer teachers, the students, and the teacher being evaluated in teacher evaluation. Also the model defined the criteria which should be used in the teacher evaluation program.The suggested procedure for evaluation was illustrated under the listed activites:1. An introductory conference. The main purpose of this conference, which is managed by the supervisor, is to explain the general outline and the procedure evaluation process.2. Departmental meetings. The chairman of the department is in charge of running these meetings. The common technique of conducting a departmental meeting in general and the technique followed at the first departmental meeting in specific are clarified.3. Field work or the cycle of evaluation. This section is concerned with the procedure to be followed in the teacher evaluation. The procedure of evaluation includes the following activities:a) Setting goals and objectives. The teacher with the help of the department chairman writes the behavioral or instructional objectives of the course in general and of each unit in specific.b) Data collection. The data about the teacher being evaluated is collected from various sources and by different techniques such as classroom observation, teacher self-evaluation and student and peer questionnaires.c) Analysis of data. The department chairman and the teacher analyze the information collected by classroom observation and questionnaires.The purpose of the data analysis was defined. After the data analysis the department chairman writes the evaluation report.The evaluation of the department chairman and the end-of-the year evaluation were included in the model. Recommendations related to the application of the model and to the betterment of the teaching-learning process were formulated.

During the last decade, the Internet and Geographic Information System (GIS) have made changes in the relationship between governments and citizens in many developed countries. Citizens, in such countries, have been given more chances to participate in the decision making process of the spatial issues relevant to them. Such participation has helping to make urban planning more democratic and to make planners plan with the public rather than plan for the public. In Saudi Arabia (a developing country), participation of citizens in spatial decision making is very limited. Such limitation is more severe when considering women due to the circumstance of gender segregation in the Saudi society. While males may somehow muddle through ways to express their views about spatial issues to the planning authority, females have no ways unless they behave against the local norms. There is a persistent need for implementing distance participation for women in Saudi Arabia. This research examines whether developing and employing an Internet / GIS participatory approach can facilitate (without conflicting with the local conservative cultural norms) women’s participation in the municipal decision making process of the neighborhood’s outdoor recreational facilities. The goal was primarily to adapt the technology to serve the society instead of necessitating the society to change its inherited norms to be able to advance. The research involved an exploratory ethnographic case study carried out in a selected residential community in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The research was carried out in two phases where the current status of public participation in the Saudi community planning was investigated first, and then a prototype for an Internet/GIS system for female public participation was developed and evaluated. The research found that there is a legitimate enthusiasm amongst the public and officials of the research sample for adopting e-public participation. Such enthusiasm is supported by a number of political, economical, technological and religious reasons. However, the findings showed that adopting e-public participation is more promising in the near future than currently due to different reasons including the current relatively small number of Internet users in Saudi Arabia. Since such research is the first of its type to be conducted in the Saudi context, the findings can serve as a road map indicating that adopting e-public participation in Saudi Arabia is promising and worth researching.

Thesis (M.A. in National Security Affairs)--Naval Postgraduate School, March 2004. / Thesis advisor(s): James A. Russell, W. Andrew Terrill. Includes bibliographical references (p. 51-55). Also available online.