2828 research outputs found
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Simulation Study on the Effect of Courtyards Design on Natural Ventilation: The Case Study of a Beauty Centre in Germany
No full textThis open access book presents contributions on a wide range of scientific areas originating from the BUiD Doctoral Research Conference (BDRC 2022)This paper examines how to enhance the indoor environmental quality and thermal comfort in a beauty centre in Germany, by implementing courtyard in the building as a natural ventilation method. The courtyard ventilation method will be discussed in the literature review and will apply it using IES VE computer software with different strategies in different scenarios to achieve the optimum natural ventilation with the best scenario. This will include designing the base case scenario, and next, the HVAC system will be switched off during the summer and apply 3 different strategies with 3 scenarios each to study the effect of natural ventilation of courtyards in terms of energy consumption and thermal comfort and choose the best-case scenario. The winning case scenario is “scenario 8” as it has dropped 2.3 MWh from the total energy based on the base case scenario. Natural ventilation is important as it helps in improving the thermal comfort of the indoor and outdoor environment and controlling the inside temperature along with the air quality and movement. Moreover, it helps in reducing the usage of energy and thus reducing costs. All the strategies, scenarios and simulations were done by the authors using IES VE software
The Impact of School Inspection on Teaching and Learning in a Private School in Ras Al Khaimah
No full textThis study reveals impact of school inspections teaching and learning in RAK. School inspections are one of the hardest things about teaching; It stands for an accountability-based approach to teaching and learning. Moreover, Decision-makers in policy-making receive precise information on the current condition of education in their particular institutions via school inspections. The main aims of this study are to examine what extent School inspections are supporting teaching and learning in RAK private schools and to offer a few recommendations on how to carry out efficient school inspections that will enhance instruction. The methodology employed in this study is qualitative and quantitative approach. The primary research instruments used in this study include questionnaires, interviews, and documentaries. This study included 51 participants; school principal, 5 lead-teachers, 5 head of departments and 40 teachers, from private school who follow Ministry of Education of curricula conducted in the 2023/2024 academic year. The results demonstrate that school inspection plays a major part in improving schools, particularly in terms of teaching and learning, Instructors accept the feedback they receive from inspectors.
However, Teaching and learning are negatively impacted by school inspections as well.; For example, school inspection compels certain schools to demonstrate activities they have never conducted before. Moreover, in certain instances, the recommendations and inspection reports for the school lack depth and are unrelated to the school context. However, there isn't a very good rapport between inspectors and teachers. This study makes several recommendations on how school inspections should be improved
Key Determinants of Artificial Intelligence Adoption and the Perception of Decision Makers Towards Enablement of Socio-Economic Sustainability Goals: Case UAE Smart Sustainable Cities
No full textThe purpose of this research was to examine the case of the UAE smart cities with specific focus on the key determinants of AI adoption and the perception of decision makers regarding the usage of AI in enabling the socio-economic sustainability development goals of the UAE. The nexus between smart cities and sustainability was examined in detail with the underlying role of AI in smart cities functionalities being analyzed to understand how it fosters smart cities’ role in sustainability. The research adopted a quantitative methodological framework to rigorously examine the subject matter above. A survey was distributed to 500 decision makers in AI, smart cities, and sustainable development programmes across the UAE (mainly, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah). The research developed and tested six hypotheses using structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the strength of relationships between variables of AI adoption and usage, smart cities, and socio-economic sustainable development goals. The findings of the study revealed that, the mediating role of action fields of smart cities when affected by AI adoption led to the attainment of socio-economic sustainable development goals in the UAE at a strong regression coefficient of 0.789. The findings further enlightened that environmental factors of AI adoption including infrastructure readiness, stakeholder readiness, and regulatory environment strongly impacted the action fields of smart cities, overly leading to better attainment of socio-economic sustainable development goals. Other key findings of the study included but not limited to, organizational factors impacting AI adoption and usage were an impediment to the effective application of AI in UAE smart cities to realize the attainment of socio-economic sustainable development goals; technological factors of AI adoption and usage did not positively impact UAE smart cities to lead to the attainment socio-economic sustainable development goals. The research proposed a strategic conceptual model for the adoption, usage, and implementation of AI in UAE smart cities to facilitate socio-economic sustainability through achievement of socio-economic sustainable development goals. The research novelty lies in bridging the paucity in literature regarding the use of AI in smart cities by establishing the connection between AI, smart cities, and socio-economic sustainable development goals and developing a strategic conceptual model for the implementation of AI in smart cities for successful socio-economic sustainable development. Theoretically, the findings of the study regarding the relationships between AI, Smart cities and the Socio-economic development goals of the UAE, builds literature on the subject matter to a more integrated understanding of the functionalities of the disparate constructs. Practically, the conceptual model developed for the implementation of AI policies and programmes for UAE smart cities development will foster the attainment of the country’s socio-economic sustainable development goals through integration of these interdependent constructs
The Perceptions of Science Teachers and Students with Learning Difficulties in Improving and Developing Science Learning in Middle Stage of Private Schools in Dubai
No full textStudies have shown that one of the biggest barriers preventing students with LD from receiving instructions in fully comprehensive learning environments is that general education teachers lack the necessary skills to adequately reinforce this group of students in that setting. The environment may have an impact on how the material is presented, how students are encouraged to respond (for example, in writing, reading, or speaking), the environment's physical features, and how instruction is scheduled and organized.
According to research studies, there are a variety of strategies that should be used when instructing science to students with LD, including the use of technology, which is a useful tool for connecting these students to science curriculum materials, guided science inquiry instructions, and note-taking techniques.
Therefore, this research study aimed to investigate 1. science teachers’ perceptions and practices in developing and improving science learning of students with LD and 2. these students’ perceptions toward science learning in middle stage of private schools in Dubai beside 3. the other factors that might affect the students with LD to develop science learning such as parents’ academic qualification and school’s curriculum. Directed by social cognitive theory, social model of disability, Adelman Model of Learning Disabilities, and Fox’s Personal Learning Theories.
An explanatory sequential mixed method design was used in this research study, including a science teacher’s questionnaire responded by 156 science teachers, students with LD questionnaire that responded by 110 students of this group, and a semi-structured interview with science teachers. Further, using document analysis to collect more evidence that reflects the science teacher’s practices.
The results revealed that there is a positive perceptions of science teachers to develop science learning of this group of students in their science classes and they use the most known strategies and practices related to science learning to make the learning process more effective, but, this effort and potential have been done by their own and the field lacks a guidance and coordination among other stakeholders to direct these positive perceptions.
On another hand, the students with LD have low to moderate interest in science learning which might be due to the complicated structure of the science topics.
It is highly recommended for the researchers to enlarge the constructs of the study to include the whole country and compare results among the emirates.
Key Words: Science Learning- Teacher Perceptions- Learning Difficultie
Enhancing Products Delivery Through the Application of Innovative Operating Model Based on Hybrid Agile Delivery Method: Case Information Communication Technologies “ICT” Service Providers
No full textThis open access book presents contributions on a wide range of scientific areas originating from the BUiD Doctoral Research Conference (BDRC 2022)Purpose: the purpose of this study is to find out a cutting-edge innovative solution for enhancing ICT products delivery and proposing an implementation plan with transformation recommendations aiming higher success rate.
Methodology: This qualitative study is done through intensive literature review followed by qualitative analysis and selection of best product delivery method using cost benefit analysis and previous successful implementations benchmark. A proposed delivery operating model was also recommended accordingly.
Findings: Based on the problem analysis and subsequent literature review, the existing delivery methodologies of ICT services providers are not fully sufficient to cater for high complex products delivery which require high integration and customer centricity. Hence, a hybrid delivery method is recommended based on previous success stories of 5 major companies with a proposed transformative operating model (framework) including a transformation plan and implementation recommendations.
Implications: Information Communication Technologies services providers can benefit from the proposed hybrid product development approach and the suggested operating model as key differentiator for agility, customer centricity, and improved time to market. It enhances collaboration, innovation, culture, and Employee Engagement.
Originality/value: Previous literature has extensively explored projects delivery models in various industries where there was minimum focus on ICT industry. This paper uncovers and contribute positively in proposing a successful hybrid agile delivery method with a transformative operating model to support higher success rate in ICT Industry to assure high-value creation, maximize return on investments with high net present value
A Sustainable Approach to Improve the Interior Design of Existing Space: The Case of the BUiD Main Lobby
No full textThis open access book presents contributions on a wide range of scientific areas originating from the BUiD Doctoral Research Conference (BDRC 2022)The Interior designers’ role in the built environment is creating spaces that meet the needs of their clients through a process of critical thinking, research, and creative solutions. In addition to considering other aspects such as the client’s health, safety, and wellbeing as well as the environmental impact which is considered a sustainable thinking by the designer. This paper will focus on analysing the interior characteristics for a space in an educational building. The study will thoroughly explore the existing condition of the chosen space, identify and analyse the raw materials, manufacturing methods, transportation, use, maintenance, and disposal of all the furnishings, fixtures, and equipment specified for an interior environment. Subsequently, the proposed strategies and methods will be presented to replace the existing conditions with sustainable alternatives. In addition to propose options for an alternative design that follows more sustainably responsible practices using the life cycle approach, explaining the solutions that could be used to improve sustainability of the chosen building interior space
Experimental Investigation on the Flexural Behavior of Composite Floor Panels Made of Cold-formed Steel and Timber for Sustainable Construction
No full textComposite floor made of timber and steel have gained popularity and extensive application in the construction sector over the past few years. Unlike concrete-steel composites, the composite behaviour between timber and steel is not fully explored. This research investigates experimentally the flexural behavior of three full-scale specimens composed of cold-formed double cee joists connected to laminated veneer lumber using self-tapping screws. Each specimen in the set has a different screw spacing, and the degree of shear interaction was assessed by subjecting the samples to four-points loading. The deformed shapes were described, and the displacement at the midspan was plotted against the applied load. Accordingly, the initial stiffness was calculated and validated against the predictive theoretical models available in the literature. Moreover, the conformity of the proposed system was verified against the deflection and vibration criteria available in the relevant standards. Finally, the environmental impact of implementing the suggested system was evaluated by calculating the upfront carbon. The result were discussed with respect to the outputs of a benchmark reflects the conventional construction practice. As a conclusion, the proposed system adequately fulfils the strength and stiffness criteria for domestic buildings, and significantly reduces the GHG emissions attributed to construction sector
The Effects of Teacher-Turnover due to Short-term Contracts on Students’ Academic Performance: A Study among Selected Primary Private Schools in the United Arab Emirates
No full textTeacher-turnover has been a major factor affecting the scale of education that has been offered to students in recent years. These factors have transcended from affecting the academic performance of students to having more radical effect on the overall education system in the country and beyond. The major aim of this study was to analyse the effects of high teacher-turnover rates on the academic performance of children in private schools in the UAE. This was achieved by analysing to what extent the turnover of teachers affects students' academic performance, and by carrying out research of what the perspectives of teachers and school leaders are on the turnover of teachers and their performance and on students' academic achieve ments. Studies have identified staffing flexibility, reduction of the excelsside cost of enhancing motivational factors and promoting existing teachers, and the ease of dismissal are reasons behind the use of short-term contracted teachers. Despite the efforts of the UAE government to address the increase of teacher-turnover in the region, their policy on employing expatriate teachers on short-term contracts has been central in increasing the teachers-turnover rate in the country. On research methodology, this study utilised a mixed-research approach that integrates both qualitative and quantitative methods in collecting and analysing data. On the one hand, the qualitative approach utilised both primary and secondary sources of data. The Primary sources of data employed the use of a close-ended questionnaire that contained different questions. The study utilised a total of 300 respondents who were able to take part in the action. The quantitative method of data collection, on the other hand, did a correlational analysis of the problem at hand through a detailed interview of parents, teachers and principals who were interviewed using the qualitative research methods. The methodology further a pragmatic research approach that minimised inherent weaknesses of using each research approach by itself. Based on the findings, it was evident that the majority of respondents argue that the lack of adequate government involvement in the welfare of teachers, and the lack of adequate teachers’ unions are to blame for the increased teachers-turnover in the country. This study’s implications are tailored towards informing the government, policymakers, heads of institutions and academicians to work on modalities to improve the level of education in the region. The limitations of this study include the limited number of respondents and the limited literature review on the subject in addition to the issues surrounding cultural bias when it comes to the problem at hand. For posterity, the UAE government and relevant Ministries need to ensure that teachers’ welfare is met and adequate capacity building needs to be enhanced for teachers. Finally, there is a need for unionism, whereby teachers need to incorporate themselves into unions for their own welfare
High School Online Science Education: Its Application and Perceptions during COVID-19 in American Curriculum Schools in the UAE.
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on education, with many schools and universities shifting to online learning as a way to continue instruction while maintaining social distancing guidelines. To gain a deeper understanding of online science education, this study focuses specifically on teachers’ and leaders’ perceptions of online science education during Covid-19. With the collected data, the study was able to identify the difficulties that teachers and leaders faced while teaching science online. This research followed a mixed approach in which a questionnaire was used to collect data from 21 high school educators teaching science in American schools in the UAE to identify their perceptions of online science education (Quantitative). In the other tool, 3 science leaders and 4 science teachers were interviewed to explore their perceptions on the application of online science education (Qualitative).
Based on the results of this research, it can be inferred that the effectiveness of science education during the Covid-19 pandemic was not as high as traditional in-person education. There is a need for improvement in terms of curriculum, teaching strategies, and resources for online science education. Future research should expand to include a larger number of schools, educators, and curricula in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of online science education
Editorial: Future of educational management and leadership: leading the way
No full textThe world is currently going through an unprecedented moment in history with the pandemic,
war, recession and many similar other explicit and tacit realities. While at the same time, we
also witness some of the positive developments such as the introduction of the international
financial facility for education and others. All sectors including education are impacted by such
emergencies; and managing education under such circumstances is obviously a challenging
task.
It is therefore crucial for educators, policy makers, researchers and all relevant
stakeholders to reflect on the future of educational management and leadership