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Assessing the Influence of External Environment Factors on Higher Education Sector Through Means- End Theory of Decision Making: the Case of Bahrain

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Assessing the Influence of External Environment Factors on Higher Education Sector Through Means- End Theory of Decision Making: the Case of Bahrain Assessing the Influence of External Environment Factors on Higher Education Sector through Means- end Theory of Decision Making: The Case of Bahrain A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy By Ali Mohamed Mahmood Brunel Business School Brunel University – London 2018 I Abstract Higher education domain has a direct impact on individuals and society in general and particularly regarding the socio-economic status and economic growth of any individual or a country. Despite recent changes in job market orientation for hiring employees without higher education degrees, higher education sector is required globally to provide training, knowledge and skill to achieve the globally stated goal of attaining economic growth and sustainable human development. This research focuses on the importance of higher education to primary beneficiaries (student, parents, and higher education institutions personals), explores defined goal of higher education, and assess the effect of external environmental factors that influence higher education sector sampling Bahrain public higher education in a single case study. Through an exploratory qualitative research, the researcher used a case study approach with semi-structured interviews to assess different beneficiaries' views of the importance of higher education to bridge the gap between different perspectives on shaping the goal of higher education. An abductive approach was followed to conduct this research as this topic requires both observing the research topic as well as qualifying an established theory. This approach allowed the researcher to gain new insights to understand the relationship between the environmental factors and higher education goal. The research assesses the factors influencing higher education to be utilised as moderator to develop a conceptual framework based on Means-end theory of decision-making combined with the dynamics of OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act) model of decision-making. Key findings of the pilot study conducted in one of Bahrain’s public higher education institutions (HEIs) and another case study on one of the leading higher education institutions in Bahrain revealed a gap between higher education beneficiaries’ perspectives on higher education and demonstrated the importance of the revision of the overall structure and implementation of policies concerning higher education sector in Bahrain. Ali Mohamed Mahmood II Empirical findings highlighted some main areas where there is a huge gap between what is planned and implemented. Through comparing results of previous studies, the researcher concluded that each environment has its own effect on higher education goal definition which in turn affect the attainment of higher education benefits and the definition of its attributes. Key words: Higher education (HE), Means-end theory, OODA loop, HE goals, HE benefits, HE attributes, HE environment. Ali Mohamed Mahmood III Declaration I hereby declare that the ideas, findings, analysis, results, and conclusions presented in this thesis are entirely my own work and have not been the subject of submission in any other academic institution. I also confirm that the researches and papers used have been properly referenced. The thesis conforms to Brunel University Code of Ethics (CoE) issued on 14th May 2013 and revised on revised on 9th December 2014 that aims to balance between safeguarding the dignity and rights of the research participant and providing a supportive and protective ethical environment. Some of the material displayed herein has already been discussed in the form of the following forms: Mohamed, A., Irani, Z., and Kamal, M., (2017) “Evaluating the Performance of Higher Education Institutions: Means-End Theory Approach” British Academy of Management Conference (BAM 2017). Mohamed, A., Irani, Z., and Kamal, M., (2017) “Evaluating the Performance of Higher Education Institutions in the Context of OODA Loop theory” Brunel Business School Doctorial Conference (BBS 2017) Mohamed A., Kamal M., (2018) “Shaping Higher Education Goals for the Gulf Cooperation Council States” under revision Ali Mohamed Mahmood IV Acknowledgement Praise to Almighty Allah for his countless blessings and best prayers and peace to be upon his best profit messenger Mohammed Bin Abdulla, his pure descendants and his noble companions. I would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to all who helped and supported me during my PhD journey. After Allah Almighty, I would like to thank previous first supervisor, Professor Zahir Irani, for his guidance and support, valuable advice, and perceptive suggestions through and extend this gratitude to Dr Muhammed Mustafa Kamal who shouldered the responsibility of my supervision and for his believe in my work throughout my PhD as he was the main source of guidance and support. I also would like to thank my wife and children, brothers and sisters, and my family for standing by me during the journey and for their role in providing me the time to work offering me support sacrificing their comfort and interests. I am also greatly indebted to Col. Salah Almahmeed, Major Isameel Amin, and Dr Zahra Al Habsi, and Dr Susie Carson for their continuous support and motivation and constant help administratively and academically. I am extremely thankful for "YOU" for believing in me all the time. Last but not the least; I am indebted to my country Bahrain, and my sponsor; Bahrain Defence Force, and to Brunel Business School in Brunel University for the time I spent here wishing all above-mentioned great luck and success. Ali Mohamed Mahmood V Dedication To those who I can't express my thanks and gratitude, to my late father (Mohamed Mahmood Mohamed), mother (Fatima Ahmed Almalood), and sister (Hesa Mohamed Mahmood) who lift this world for a better place in heaven before and during my PhD journey. I would like you to know that I am in debt for you for every letter, word, and sentence written in this research. Ali Mohamed Mahmood VI Table of Contents Abstract .......................................................................................................................... I Declaration .................................................................................................................. III Acknowledgement ...................................................................................................... IV Dedication .................................................................................................................... V Table of Contents ........................................................................................................ VI List of Figures .............................................................................................................. X List of Tables .............................................................................................................. XI CHAPTER ONE-RESEARCH INTRODUCTION ...................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Research Background and Context ......................................................................... 2 1.3 Research Problem ................................................................................................... 4 1.4 Research Aim and Objectives ................................................................................. 6 1.5 Research Questions ................................................................................................. 7 1.6 Research Approach .............................................................................................. 8 1.7 Thesis Outline ......................................................................................................... 8 1.8 Research Structure Plan ........................................................................................ 11 1.9 Chapter Summary ................................................................................................. 12 CHAPTER TWO- LITRATURE REVIEW ............................................................... 13 2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 13 2.2 Research Context and Rationale ........................................................................... 13 2.2.1 Background to the Higher Education Institutions in Bahrain .................... 16 2.2.2 Public Higher Education Institutions ........................................................... 18 2.2.3 Private Higher Education Institutions .......................................................... 19 2.3 Higher Education Sector ....................................................................................... 20 2.3.1 Importance of Higher Education ..................................................................... 20 2.3.2 Goals of Higher Education ............................................................................... 23 2.3.3 Factors Affecting Higher Education ................................................................ 26 2.4 Strategic Analysis Models .................................................................................... 30 2.4.1 SWOT Analysis Model ...................................................................................... 30 2.4.2 The PESTLE Analysis Model ........................................................................... 32 2.4.3 Value Chain Model ..........................................................................................
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