This study examines the implementation of Training Programmes (TPs) for the academic staff (AS) in Libyan Universities (LUs), where AS are key members of this community and supporting their continuing professional development to underpin excellence in learning and teaching is a high priority. A comprehensive analysis of the problems linked to the implantation of TPs in Libyan institutions is performed. It is obvious the pronounced TPs gap between Libya and the developed world due to social, political and economic conditions in an Arab countries where the primary delivery educational model is essentially traditional. Then possible ways of implementing successfully TPs in Libyan educational institutions by considering successful UK examples. This study identify the necessary factors for the affective implementation of training programmes in order to improve the performance of academic staff of Libyan universities. A single case study approach is adopted within one institution which is Tripoli University (UoT). The methodology used in the research had quantitative and qualitative. This study analyses data collected through a questionnaire with the holders of the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) in select fourteen UK universities in order to investigate their opinion and perception about this Certificate, followed by four semi-structured interviews with the PGCHE holder in order to clarify their ideas and with three academic providers of such TPs to obtain more information from different viewpoints. In addition, semi-structured interviews undertaken with 31 AS from UoT in Libya. This study makes contributions to knowledge in: a) attempted to bridge the gap in knowledge within the HE sector by providing an empirical understanding of the phenomenon within this sector; b) the identification of barriers to the implementation of TPs which led to; narrowing the gap in the knowledge in the field of academic training about implementation-barriers in HE in general that has never been explored before ; c) identifies issues around the improvement of existing universities in Libya and the development of future Libyan universities; d) it also leads to the potential identification 2 of ways that could improve HE in Libya and lead to education quality improvements for Libyan society; e) The recommendations of this research could aid the Libyan government to identify changes necessary in the Libyan HEIs in general so that they achieve the level of their counterparts in the developed countries; f) identification of the key factors affecting the implementation of TPs in LUs has helped in preparing the framework provided by the researcher at the end of this thesis, which could be used towards remedying the problems affecting TPs in LUs.

The Himalayan region is one of the most highly glacierised areas on Earth. Regarded as the “water towers” of Asia, the Himalayas are the source of several of the world’s major rivers. The region is inhabited by some 140 million people and ten times as many (~1.4 billion) live in its downstream river basins. Freshwater from the mountains is vital for the region’s economy and for sustaining the livelihoods of a fast-growing population. Climatic warming and the rapid retreat of Himalayan glaciers over recent decades have raised concerns about the future reliability of mountain melt-water resources, leading to warnings of catastrophic water shortages. Several previous studies have assessed climate change impacts on specific glacier-fed rivers, usually applying meso-scale catchment models for short simulation periods during which glacier dimensions remain unchanged. Few studies have attempted to estimate the effects on a regional scale, partly because of the paucity of good quality data across the Himalaya. The aim of this study was to develop a parsimonious grid-based macro-scale hydrological model for the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra basins that, in order to represent transient melt-water contributions from retreating glaciers, innovatively allowed glacier dimensions to change over time. The model initially was validated over the 1961-90 standard period and then applied in each basin with a range of climate-change scenarios (sensitivity analysis- and climate-model-based) over a 100-year period, to gain insight on potential changes in mean annual and winter flows (water availability proxies) at decadal time-steps. Plausible results were obtained, showing impacts vary considerably across the region (catchments in the east appear much less susceptible to glacier retreat effects than those in the west, due to the influence of the summer monsoon), and, in central and eastern Himalayan catchments, from upstream to downstream (effects diminish rapidly downstream due to higher runoff from non-glaciated parts).

Rapid evolution in the internationalisation of developing construction markets (along with increased global competition, technological innovation, and economic and political issues) has led organisations to become more efficient and effective. This has in turn enabled construction organisations to adapt and survive in today’s highly competitive business environment. Dealing with such challenges while carrying out ongoing construction work requires the adoption of suitable strategic business approaches, such as the market orientation approach. Market orientation focuses on understanding customers’ conflicting desires and needs, staying up-to-date with competitors’ activities, and reforming organisational policies and procedures accordingly. Several conceptual and empirical studies have investigated the relationship between market orientation and firm performance. These studies found strong support for the positive impact of market orientation on firm performance in a number of different environments and contexts, especially in developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Studies set in developing countries, such as Saudi Arabia, are still limited. In recent years, the Saudi economy has experienced marked improvements in many industries, including the construction industry. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s successful economic development. In order to retain these improvements, however, the Saudi construction industry has to face a number of economic, cultural, global, and market challenges. Bhuian (1995; 1997; 1998; 2012) has investigated the relationships between such factors and business performance in Saudi industries; however, examining these effects in the Saudi construction sector may yield different results. All of these considerations have motivated the present research project, which aims to develop a model for assessing the implementation of market orientation in Saudi construction organisations. In order to achieve this aim, a comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken. This literature review focused on factors that prompted Saudi construction companies to become market-orientated. These factors were divided into two categories; namely, internal factors (e.g., top management characteristics, interdepartmental dynamics, and organisational structure and systems) and external factors (e.g., competitiveness, market characteristics, and governmental regulations). These factors were then drawn upon to form a number of hypotheses. Accordingly, a survey, in the form of an Internet-based quantitative questionnaire, was designed in order to investigate these hypotheses. In particular, the questionnaire sought to identify factors affecting market orientation in Saudi construction companies. After administering the survey, only 220 usable questionnaires (out of 334 responses received) were analysed using factor analysis. The findings of this study support the proposed hypotheses. In particular, the study indicated that the market orientation of Saudi construction companies is determined by 15 factors across the following four dimensions: Communication and Interaction, Risk-Taking, Competition, and Organisational Systems. On the basis of these findings, an assessment model for market orientation in Saudi construction companies was developed. Subsequently, a supplementary model was built in order to help company managers to implement the market orientation concept using the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) technique, which is an effective qualitative method for developing such models. Fulfilling the aim of this research offers both academic and practical contributions to the study of market orientation. Researchers, for example, will be able to use this research to identify initial indicators and tools for further in-depth studies related to market orientation, while managers will gain added insight into and guidance on market orientation. This will ultimately help managers evaluate, reframe, and prioritise their managerial practices.

Fragmentation in the UK construction sector is hindering knowledge production which leads to low levels of productivity. For decades, several unproductive initiatives have been deployed in an effort to increase partnering and collaboration between construction supply chains. Despite these efforts recent studies highlight that the UK construction sector needs to consider the process-based view seriously with the application of knowledge communication and specifically the transferring and sharing of Tacit Knowledge within the supply chain, if performance improvements are to be achieved. In this study, a three-stage framework for transferring and sharing Tacit Knowledge within Construction Supply Chains is developed to bring collaboration and partnering, and to improve efficiency in Construction Supply Chains and in the application of Lean and Agile. Relevant and associated literature about knowledge management, supply-chain management and Lean and Agile thinking within construction supply chains is investigated in different dimensions. The study highlights some unique and fresh findings in terms of transferring and sharing of Tacit Knowledge. In addition, a novel research processes’ model “Knowledge Driven Research Methodology” is developed and applied to define a worthy research methodology for this study. To validate the factors extracted from the literature review and the conceptual framework, a systematic research methodology is adopted to collect quantitative data through a survey questionnaire. Moreover, data is analysed with frequency, the Kruskal-Wallis H test and correlation analysis and with interpretive analysis, to highlight the taxonomic relations among the findings based on the propulsive coefficients, and to identify and establish the rank of the foremost and following factors. Through the results from the data analysis, the conceptual framework is modified and then further validated through the expert interviews. The study concludes with a validated framework and establishes the fact that, if the transferring and sharing of tacit knowledge is initiated within construction processes, it will bring collaboration and partnering and increase efficiency among construction supply chains. The most estimable part of this study is that it brings forward several tiny and major contributions to the existing knowledge for Literature, academia, policy makers and practitioners.

Disasters experienced in recent years have had significant impact on people, property and the environment,and this widespread impact has informed the review of policies, mearsures and approches in managing them. Despite response arrangements such as multi-agency response, military efforts and variuos other international efforts, disasters still continue to have a negative impact on communities across the world. While response approaches and arrangements are not incorrect, they are at times not grounded in the minimal response strategies from preparedness phase. This gap emphasises the ralated concepts of practices in emregency management, its phases, and the role of strategic preparedness in ensuring that the impacts of emergencies are better managed. However, review of existing practices and literature shows that there are various explanations and operations for the preparedness phase which do not actually result in effective response to and mitigation of emergency/disasater impact. The preparedness phases as operational in the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia were all examined to identify best practice and effective preparedness cycles and systems. This approach to the research proved useful in identifying the main gaps and problems in the preparedness phase in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is the research case study. Therefore, this resaerch aims to investigate the state of emergency preparedness in the UAE, identify limitations and provide recommendations for the UAE government to adopt strategic approach for improving emergency preparedness in the UAE. Following examination of the National Response Framework (NRF), a series of interviews was carried out in the UAE which confirmed that no preparedness system, framework or cycle existed. Qualitative methods of data collection and documentation were adopted to examine the current preparedness practice in the UAE, its application and effectiveness. Content analysis was used to analyse these data which helped to identify barriers to the current deployment of the preparedness phase in the UAE. The findings of this research show that the eight elements for emergency preparedness are missing in the UAE emergency management system. This finding affirms the need for a startegic approach which combines all eight elements of emergency preparedness in the UAE. Therefore, both barriers to deployment of the preparedness phase and the lack of elements of preparedness provided the basis for the recommendation made in order to strategically improve the emergency preparedness phase in the UAE.

This research deals with the development of framework for assessing a joint venture (JV) model as of outsourcing relationship that that can be used to lead to process improvements in the healthcare system in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). A range of articles were reviewed to investigate different concepts relevant to the research toward exploring the factors affecting the successful implementation of a JV model as outsourcing relationship for healthcare services in LMICs. This was followed by three stages of semi-structured and structured interviews and group discussions and survey questionnaires, with healthcare providers, policy makers, vendors, consultants and other stakeholders from LMIC. The results support test of proposition and guide the validation process by using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) to allow the development of the implementation strategy framework. The research finding indicates that the healthcare system in the LMICs must incorporate JV in implementing outsourcing that addresses process improvement and needed knowledge transfer. One of the practical implications, the improvement of the LMIC healthcare setting require partnership with all major stakeholders and technology providers to explore further beyond the traditional organizational boundary as the framework for analysis. The findings presented in this research, help to support views on expanding the use of JV as an approach for improvement in LMIC healthcare system based on the conceptual framework in relation to the key identified factors. In addition, the researchers can use this model as a foundational framework for further research. Key words: Joint venture, outsourcing, healthcare, low and middle-income countries, developing countries.

Unmanaged urban brownfields are widely perceived as wastelands and derelict empty spaces in need of a determined future end-use; how people utilize these spaces and connect with unmanaged nature appears inconsequential. There is a dearth of knowledge on the Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) of seemingly abandoned urban brownfields. The benefits of these sites as natural green space CES providers are neglected. Consequently, they are latent landscapes not fully understood or taken into consideration by decision-makers. Perspectives on brownfields vary: informed by profession, discipline, experiential knowledge, and brownfield terminology. Knowledge from across disciplines that articulates connections that shed light on unmanaged brownfields as CES providers is reviewed critically. Process-led interdisciplinary fieldwork - integrating participatory social art practice, durational and performative public art - was used to explore every day phenomena of brownfields, and link the environmental settings and nature of unmanaged brownfields to cultural practices, benefits, and values. Analysis of the data generated by the fieldwork reveals that unmanaged brownfields are accessed for cultural practices - play and exercise; creating and expressing; producing and caring; gathering and consuming - that yield cultural benefits. Reflexive practice provides a rich picture of unmanaged urban brownfields as CES providers: as natural green space for near-by communities and urban nature explorers. It also reveals physical and sociocultural barriers that affect access, perception, and appreciation. Unmanaged urban brownfields have cultural value for those who use them. The interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences research and practice presented here reveals cultural practices and hitherto not-yet-valued CES of unmanaged urban brownfields. This is a new area of research: a first step in embedding approaches from these disciplines within ecosystem service and CES research. This research also identifies a need for an interdisciplinary characterization of brownfields to fully understand brownfields as environmental settings and the gamut of CES they provide.

The literature relating to construction in implemented and developing countries indicates that key improvements in construction work delivery and better performance could be achieved through ICT elements and e-business. In view of the improvement of Ghana’s economy, a key role of Ghana’s Government is to improve the construction industry to enable it meet the government’s agenda for delivering economic and strategic infrastructure that meets Ghana’s middle-income status. This is of particular significance to the Ghanaian construction industry; however, local construction firms lack the technological capacity and capability to work in an integrated environment that is supported by e-business technology. These limitations can be overcome if local firms are encouraged to take advantage through collaboration in view of the increased participation in the construction industry by large foreign firms who employ qualified personnel and have the capacity to deploy e-business and appreciate it in their operations. Notably, these foreign construction firms are taking advantage of the good investment climate in Ghana and are utilising Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a mode of entry. However, the issues pertaining to detailed assessments of how these foreign firms help to improve skills and technological capacity and capability of local firms in line with the investment laws have not been adequately investigated. Assessing the capacity and capability requirements of the local firms can provide the baseline for technology transfer from foreign firms to their local counterparts, moreover, this has been subjected to a very limited academic research in some cases, none at all. This research seeks to identify the fundamental requirements for e-business technology transfer to the Ghanaian construction industry for improving procurement and project management processes through an in-depth exploration of the issues identified. This research is premised on interpretivist research philosophy and utilises FDI as a medium of e-business technology transfer to the Ghanaian construction industry. Therefore, the case study research strategy was adopted in conducting this research. Although positioned within interpretivist philosophical stance, a mixed method research approach consisting of a questionnaire survey of local firms within the Ghanaian construction industry to explore the technological capacity of local firms as a precursor to e-business technology transfer and semi-structured interviews of case study foreign and local firms were employed to investigate the research questions. The findings of the questionnaire survey demonstrated that the capacity of the local firms operating in the Ghanaian construction industry is quite low coupled with limited knowledge about e-business. Additionally, the case study revealed barriers such as low ICT skills and technical skills and inadequate national ICT infrastructure to support the deployment of e-business. Also, the case study revealed that e-business can bring about improved communication, reduction in postage and travel cost and online access to tender documents. What is more, the in-depth case study revealed key fundamental elements for e-business technology transfer, namely: capacity and capability development; legal/security systems and ICT/Internet infrastructure. A conceptual framework was then developed representing the fundamental elements of e-business technology transfer informed by the findings of the research. The research provided an original contribution to the development of e-business capability within local firms in the Ghanaian construction industry.

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