Child abuse has become more recognised in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), after many years of receiving very little attention. Since 2014 domestic violence, including child abuse, has been made a criminal offence in KSA. This study takes place against a background where protection laws (2013 Legislation) have been introduced, where there are cultural limitations, and where professional child protection agencies are requiring their practitioners to deal with child abuse in the light of these new laws. The aim of this study was to identify the issues for social workers and other professionals in responding to child abuse and how these responses can be improved in KSA. There are two phases to this study. The first phase examines developments in child protection practices and policy through the analysis of newspaper reports and through a series of interviews with professionals, practitioners and managers in the Social Protection Department (SPD) in Riyadh, KSA. The findings of this initial study suggest that KSA is in the early stages of developing and implementing programmes in child protection practice. It was found that training was a major issue, in particular the provision of training that was accessible and relevant to the needs of the practitioners. The second phase focused on ways that professional child protection training programmes for practitioners may be improved to increase both their quality and relevance to child protection professionals and trainees. In order to achieve these objectives, interviews, written responses and surveys were conducted with child protection practitioners, training providers and social work educators and trainees in the (SPD), the National Family Safety Programme (NFSP), Al-Wafa Association (AWA), Ministry of Social Affairs (MSA) and three universities in Riyadh, KSA. The findings provide more understanding of how child protection training, teaching and learning for practitioners can be improved to enable them to respond more effectively to child abuse in KSA. Findings are discussed with reference to the current practices as England and in other Arab countries and recommendations are offered with a view to their suitability in KSA.

Few public and social policy subjects have attracted as much attention as Affirmative Action Policy (AAP) in social sciences. AAP’s main aim is to eliminate or prevent past discrimination against disadvantaged groups and to enhance their position in society. Its role has become controversial around the world. In Saudi Arabia, despite changes and improvements in laws and strategies, over past decades, to tackle the age-old issue of native unemployment, the problem is still deeply ingrained in society. This research has investigated the role, effectiveness and consequences of AAP on Saudi labour market structure. The research has employed a pragmatic methodology over three phases of analysis. The first phase has been based on an interpretive paradigm, and been conducted through semi-structured interviews with labour market experts, to identify and understand the policy. The interviews have been analysed using a thematic analysis technique. The findings of this phase contributed significantly to the understanding of AAP’s legislative nature and role. Two different historical versions of AAP (pre- and post-2011) have been identified. The earlier version (pre-2011) was found to be a non-strategic and vague policy that made no real impact on natives’ employment, while the new version (post-2011) has been positive in increasing native employment (relatively), but it has been associated with serious unintended consequences due to its stricter enforcement. The second phase has been based on a positivist paradigm, and been conducted through time-series analysis (2004-2014), to examine policy effects on labour market structure. The results have indicated that, in addition to the continuing issue of the high inward flow of expatriates, AAP has failed to either improve the distribution of job opportunities across the country, or enhance structural issues with some occupations in the private sector. The third phase has also been based on a positivist paradigm, and was carried out using a survey (sent to over 1,000 participants) examining the policy’s socio-psychological effects on employees. The findings have suggested that employees tend to perceive AAP negatively. Mainly, the results reveal a strong correlation between AAP and all types of discrimination, both individual and institutional, and such a negative perception of discrimination has direct and indirect effects on employees’ intention to leave. The main contribution of this research is to provide much desired information on the AAP’s practice and approaches, in an interesting context. The research provides vital information about old and new AAP legislations in Saudi Arabia. Two frameworks have been developed, (with one being tested), to understand the policy effects from different perspectives. Importantly, the research shows how a strict form of AAP can have side effects on the beneficiary group and destabilise the labour market.

abstract: Saudi Arabia has been facing issues with completing construction projects on time and on budget. It has been documented that 70% of public construction projects are delayed. Studies have identified the low-bid delivery method as an important factor in causing such delays. The procurement system (low-bid) ignores contractors’ performance, and that is reflected in projects’ performance. A case study was performed, at a University campus in northern Saudi Arabia, identifying the major causes of project delays and cost overruns. The University was experiencing delays from 50% to 150%. Also, the actual project costs for four projects were examined and found that all four projects’ costs were higher than the original bid. The delay and cost overruns factors were gathered from the University engineers. A literature research identified one construction management method, best value performance information procurement system (BV PIPS), has documented multiple times its ability to improve project performance. In a comparison using the result of a case study and the results of (BV PIPS), Saudi Arabia’s delivery system was identified as a potential cause of project performance issues. The current procurement system was analyzed and modified to adapt with the (BV PIPS). The proposed procurement system using BV PIPS, which can be implemented in Saudi Arabia, was created with owner side. A large survey was conducted of 761 classified contractors and 43 universities’ representatives who rated causes of delay factors and cost overruns. The delay factors were then compared to delay factors experienced on Saudi construction projects, identified by performing a literature research. The comparison identified 14 important causes of delays. Moreover, the survey showed that classified contractors and universities’ representatives unsatisfied with low-bid, and they agreed with BV PIPS which selecting vendors based on performance with price. The proposed model required a submitted level of experience (LE), risk assessment (RA), and value added (VA). Besides, project managers of vendors should be interviewed during the clarification phase. In addition, venders should submit the project’s scope, technical schedule, milestone schedule, and risk management plan. In the execution phase, vendors should submit a weekly risk report (WRR) and director’s report (DR). / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Construction 2016

abstract: Public construction projects in Saudi Arabia have been experiencing performance issues for the past 30 years. There have been many research efforts and publications identifying the problem and potential causes, however, there have been minimal efforts identifying how to mitigate the problem and testing to validate proposed solutions. A literature search has shown that the academic research has had minimal impact in assisting the construction industry to improve its performance. This dissertation aimed to evaluate the impact of construction management research in Saudi construction industry (SCI), and to investigate barriers that hinder the diffusion of implementing the research outcomes in the construction sector in order to develop a research roadmap to bridge the gap between academic research and practice, using the experience of other organizations that have a successful experience in developing the impact of construction management research in the construction industry. In order to achieve the aim of the study, five main objectives were set up which are: evaluate the impact of construction management research in SCI, identify the barriers that affect the implementation of construction management research in SCI, develop a research roadmap to bridge the gap between the research and practice, validating the proposed solution, and proposed implementation plan and review the result from the implementation. A literature research was performed, using 5 academic databases, identifying the impact that R&D has had on the SCI. A questionnaire was also created surveying both researchers and industry professionals. The results show evidence that the current R&D process in Saudi Arabia is not helping the SCI to increase their performance, and needs to be improved. This study provides a potential solution, and an action plan that mirrors one of the most successful research and development programs in the construction industry in the world [+1915 tests, six different countries, 31 states in the U.S. and 98% customer satisfaction]. The solution proposed in this dissertation is unique to the strengths and weaknesses of the research and development programs at universities and research centers in Saudi Arabia. This study is the first study of its kind in Saudi Arabia. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Construction Management 2017

abstract: Recent studies have identified that contractors in the Saudi construction industry are not the main party that cause risks as owners and other parties have the major share of causing risks. However, with the identification that risks out of contractors’ control are a leading cause of low performance, there is a lack of efficient risk mitigation practices in Saudi to manage these risks. The main aim of this dissertation is to assess the current practices applied by contractors to minimize risk out of their control and develop a risk mitigation model to manage these risks. The main objectives of the study are: investigating the risks that are out of contractors’ control, assessing the contractors’ current risk mitigation and performance measurement practices, and finally developing and validating a risk mitigation model to minimize risks out of contractors’ control and measure performance of involved project parties. To achieve the study aim, a mixed methodological approach was adopted. Theoretical approaches were utilized to review previous research and to develop a conceptual risk mitigation framework followed by a practical approach that is considered with collecting data from contractors. The quantitative method was mainly used to meet the study objectives through distributing a survey in the form of a questionnaire. As a consolidation of the study findings, the top ranked risks that are out of contractors’ control were identified. Furthermore, the results identified that the contractors’ current risk management and performance measurement practices are not effective in minimizing projects risks caused by other parties and ineffective in measuring performance of all parties. The developed model focuses on increasing accountability of project parties through mitigating project parties’ activities and risks with measuring the deviations and identifying sources of deviations. Transparency is utilized in the model through sharing weekly updates of the activities and risks combined with updated information of performance measurements of all project parties. The study results showed that project risks can be minimized and projects’ performance can be increased if contractors shift their focus using the developed model from only managing their own activities and risks to managing all project parties’ activities and risks. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Construction Management 2018

Depuis une décennie, on assiste, en Arabie Saoudite, à l'émergence de la problématique d'un développement touristique à partir des activités de pèlerinage. Celui-ci est vu comme l'origine de la venue des étrangers dans le pays; mais aussi comme déclencheur d'une ouverture. Cette approche a d'abord concerné une extension de l'activité autour des sanctuaires ; elle n'a pas envisagé d'autres territoires, d'autres acteurs, d'autres activités. Les acteurs territoriaux entre autres pourraient intervenir en concertation pour valoriser les ressources présentes dans cet espace avec l'accent mis sur celles d'ordre culturel. Il convient en effet de constater un problème d'uniformité des produits offerts à la consommation touristique. Alors que l'exploitation conçue durable de ces ressources permettrait moyennant la réhabilitation des sites et une évolution des habitudes, l'augmentation des flux touristiques, ainsi qu'un effet d'impulsion à l'économie du pays. La pertinence ou l'efficience d'une telle conception est fonction de l'organisation du système touristique, et de la façon dont les acteurs locaux vont réussir l'association d'une part ‘‘produits'' cultuel et culturel, et d'autre part ouverture à l'international. Cette thèse souhaite apporter sa contribution à l'évolution entre une situation de quasi-exclusivité cultuelle et un développement sur une base patrimoniale et culturelle. En nous attachant à une réflexion approfondie sur l'Arabie Saoudite, qui reçoit chaque année des millions de fidèles, nous avons essayé d'établir voire démontrer que, même dans un contexte encore fortement dominé par les activités cultuelles, l'idée du développement d'un tourisme culturel travaillée notamment dans un cadre local et régional, constitue la matière pertinente pour une impulsion de nature politique. En référence aux résultats de cette recherche, le développement du tourisme culturel à partir du cultuel devrait s'appuyer pour le moins deux paramètres essentiels. Dans un premier temps, la valorisation et l'exploitation du stakeholder de connaissances déjà détenues conduirait à une part de redynamisation des politiques publiques, et à se tourner vers l'élaboration d'un système de tourisme favorisant divers partenariats. Dans un second temps, il conviendrait de mobiliser et coordonner les acteurs institutionnels et de terrain ; ce processus touchant donc les secteurs public et privé, s'appuierait sur une meilleure l'harmonisation de la gestion des activités touristiques, et la mutualisation pour partie des compétences. / Over the last decade, tourism has been developing in Saudi Arabia through the pilgrimage to Mecca, seen as a lever for attracting foreigners. This has meant that local stakeholders have primarily focused on the extension of the Holy Places without taking into account the diversification of tourism activities, whereas by working collectively they could enhance the interest of the country's cultural resources. In other words, there is a problem of the uniformity of the Saudi tourism offer. However, cultural sites could be rehabilitated by the sustainable exploitation of existing cultural sites, thus increasing tourist flows and boosting the country's economy. The pertinence and effectiveness of such a strategy would depend on the organization of tourism activities and the manner in which local stakeholders manage to blend the religious, the cultural and opening up to the outside. The present thesis endeavours to contribute to the discussion by suggesting new approaches to encouraging tourists to “pray and stay” – to go from pilgrim to cultural sightseer. In this case study of Saudi Arabia, a country that year in and year out hosts millions of pilgrims, the author seeks to show that, even in a context still strongly dominated by religious activities, the idea of developing cultural tourism is an appropriate analytical framework and could also be a powerful means of boosting regional and local policies. It is shown that cultural development based initially on the religious should meet two essential conditions. Firstly, greater recourse to stakeholder knowledge of tourism would lead to more dynamic public policies and promote partnerships. Secondly, triggering such a process would enable stakeholders to be mobilized and actions coordinated at all institutional levels by pooling skills and having public/private services dedicated to tourism activities.

In the on-going ICT world revolution, e-government applications are considered as one of the modern, growing, and important applications delivered over the Internet. These applications, enabling citizens to interact with government, have emerged in recent years, and are likely to have a positive impact on citizens, government, business and society. It is known that e-government is a new concept. Therefore, much effort is needed in achieving its prime objectives assessment strategies for both the public and private sectors. In this context, new technologies provide several benefits to government over traditional technologies. The literature review, completed by the researcher, indicated that there is a gap between practice and theory identified by the absence of a comprehensive assessment framework for e-government systems and readiness. Most of the assessment frameworks, reviewed for the study, are varied in terms of philosophies, objectives, methodologies, approaches. This implies that there is no assessment framework that is likely to cover all e-government readiness aspects. This research proposed to develop a comprehensive framework of associated guidelines and tools to support e-government Information Systems Readiness (EGISR) and Cloud Computing. The developed framework contains the internal as well as external factors affecting e-government readiness and has been categorised into four main layers namely i.e. technology readiness, organisation readiness, people/stakeholders readiness, and environment readiness. It is important to mention that the developed framework has been empirically tested and validated in a real environment taken the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a case study, surveying 600 citizens, 125 staff, and 25 officials. This research is one of the first studies in the Arab world which has focused on these three samples/perspectives and Cloud Computing. The finalised framework provides a comprehensive structure for the e-government readiness assessment process and Cloud Computing to help decision makers, in government, in setting up vision and a strategic action plan for the future of e-government. In addition it identities key elements and stages needed to implement such action plans. We believe that the assessment framework establishes an appropriate tool to assess e-government readiness. It can also be used as an effecting evaluation framework to determine the degree of progress already made, by government organisations, towards e-government implementation and maintenance.

Debates on flexible employment and labour persist in most Western market economies, while being largely absent regarding Saudi Arabia. Increasing unemployment among qualified Saudi citizens remains a major concern, particularly for females, despite a government policy of Saudisation. Notwithstanding incentives for prioritising Saudi citizens, foreign nationals dominate private sector employment. Few empirical studies consider the factors impacting employment of educated Saudi women: further, there are hardly any robust frameworks which offer policy makers, employers, and those championing the employment of this group a clear set of plausible guidelines bearing in mind the socioeconomic context of Saudi Arabia. The research aims, first and foremost, to examine how far "labour flexibility" in Saudi Arabia offers solutions to unemployment among educated Saudi females, exploring interalia the main institutions and regulatory framework of the Saudi labour market, and the effectiveness of these in managing the relationship between employers and employees. It also examines the major labour market and employment policy concerns of government, employers and employees, considering flexible employment forms in Saudi Arabia, and in what context employers and employees do or would consider flexible employment. Following on from this, the second aim is to develop a conceptual framework on key factors impacting the participation of educated Saudi females in the Saudi labour market. The framework that emerges from these analyses also provides some guidance for graduate women who seek labour market entry and participation. iii The study employed quantitative and qualitative methodologies, with targeted participants, returning 1347 usable questionnaires (41% response) augmented by 28 semi-structured interviews. The quantitative data underwent statistical examination by performing descriptive and inferential analysis on the SPSS software, and qualitative data were analysed using summative content analysis. A conceptual framework was developed and validated through interviews with ten representatives of the interviewed sample population, who held senior positions. To improve understanding of key influencing factors for educated women’s participation in the Saudi labour market for key stakeholders. The six factors identified were personal, socio-cultural, educational, legal/political, organisational and economic. The study identifies a relationship between increased flexible work patterns and increased employment of educated Saudi females and suggests a relationship between the challenges Saudi females face within employment practices and numbers employed in the labour market. Similarly, a relationship exists between educational level and employment chances for Saudi women. Recommendations are proffered to the Saudi Government, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Education, industrial sector, organisations, researchers and academia.

No description available.

Since the early 1960s the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has had several urban development strategies that have been designed to spearhead development through the deployment of internationally recognised architects and urban planners. The adoption of this strategy has opened debate on the paradigm shift away from restrictive planning regulations at both national and regional levels. The process has enabled foreign policies and ideas based on internationalisation to drive the new urban centre developments in Saudi cities including Riyadh and Dammam. In 2008, this key shift saw the traditional restrictive urban development strategies, which prescribed – among other things – the number of storeys a building could have, being replaced by a strategy permitting an unlimited number of storeys. This dissertation examines the role played by international firms of architects and developers in shaping how architecture is practised in the Kingdom. The process has led to the adoption of modern architectural styles and has advanced a modernised planning approach, whereby traditional architectural structures and the use of local materials have gradually been replaced by modern styles, high-tech buildings and the use of new foreign materials, causing the loss of historic buildings throughout the country. This is seen by many to constitute an injury to national culture and could lead to cultural conflicts that may be exacerbated by the possible importation of planning principles and regulations. A chronological review of internationalisation and how international architectural practices have been mobilised to work in the KSA reveals the impact of this process on the Kingdom’s urban development. While this may be desired by the authorities, it has been argued that the process does not seem to provide any clear strategy for the implementation of the desired sustainable urban centre development in the KSA. Hence, in the absence of clear directives, international architectural firms operate their own set of sustainability criteria to deliver the desired urban centres in the Kingdom. There has been little or no research into the mobilisation of international firms and foreign policies, nor into the impact of internationalisation on the development of planning codes, the modernisation of urban centres and the sustainability approach espoused by the KSA’s planning development strategy. This study investigates the impact of the participation of international firms in Saudi Arabia’s urban development. Government planning regulations and master plans are reviewed and a case study is conducted to identify the factors behind the engagement of international firms in the delivery of two capital projects: the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh and the Central Business District in Dammam. The study also explores the concept of sustainability and the engagement of foreign firms from the perspectives of various stakeholders through face-to-face interviews and a structured questionnaire. It establishes how the role of internationalisation as a driver of policy mobility has impacted on the new sustainable urban centres and in addition, how internationalisation has been operationalised through the notion of sustainability. Although planning codes and regulations may have been developed with good intent by the international firms concerned, their implementation has not yielded the desired result of delivering sustainable urban centres in the KSA. Thus, there is a conflict between a rapid urban development which seeks to integrate historical and traditional contexts on one hand, and the continual import and impact of globalised morphologies on the other. This leads to clear demarcations in urban evolution, making this conflict one of the key characteristics of emerging urban centres in the KSA.