SUAD Institutional Repository
by SUAD Library
Your reference for the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi research output and research impact
Research outputs
819
Disciplines
9
Researchers
105
Recent Additions
- Publication‘It’s probably safe’: Cultural insights and practical knowledge to shift Abu Dhabi towards tap water(2024)Plastic pollution on the rise and Abu Dhabi Emirate is piloting community initiatives to tackle it. In a country where bottled water consumption rates are among the highest in the world, despite safe tap water readily available, and where migrants continue to drive population growth, my research explores how cultural ethnicity and past practices could be leveraged towards plastic waste reduction goals. To capture data, an online, bilingual questionnaire was distributed through convenience methods. Quantitative analysis of 590 responses finds that having a filter at home replaces plastic bottled water by approximately 25% for drinking and 15% for cooking, showing promise for filters to support action against plastic pollution. Residents seek an affordable, fuss-free system that delivers personal health benefits with a refreshing taste; who influences the decision varies significantly by nationality. The study also found that past exposure positively influences ones perception of filtered tap water. Data is supportive of the notion that Abu Dhabi’s growing migrant population has potential to maintain or revive their tap water practice, potentially through a water filter initiative. It further lays groundwork for exploration of other pro-environmental habits while simultaneously providing insights that can be immediately applied to local action plans.
- PublicationAcademic Maze Runners of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi A Case study on Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Students FLE Intake AY 2017-2018-Cohort Analysis(2023)The present study investigates the various factors that impact student retention and timely graduation rates at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi-UAE. The research methodology employed in this study was the use of a mixed methods approach, which encompassed the analysis of both quantitative data and qualitative interviews. The study conducted a quantitative analysis on a specific group of 254 students who were admitted to the French Intensive Language (FLE) program during the academic year of 2017-2018. The observation of student enrollment status was conducted across many academic years in order to evaluate the progress of students and identify those who either dropped out or successfully completed their studies within the designated time frame (one year for the FLE program and three years for the bachelor's degree). The study employed chi-square tests to analyze the relationship between graduation rates and variables such as gender, age, nationality, and scholarship status. The key findings of the study revealed that male and adult learner students exhibited lower rates of timely graduation, whereas non-Emirati students shown higher rates of retention. The individuals who received conditional merit scholarships demonstrated greater rates of completing their three-year bachelors degree compared to students who received unconditional government funding. The findings of this study indicate that qualitative interviews conducted with a sample of seven graduates shed light on the influence of various individual characteristics, such as motivation, skills, and family support, on their ability to persist in their academic pursuits. Additionally, the study highlights the presence of institutional shortcomings, namely inadequate preparation for bachelor's degree programs, which emerged as significant impediments for these graduates. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the constraints in question did not have a direct causal relationship with the withdrawals. In general, a multitude of complex individual, societal, and organizational factors influenced the academic paths of students. The recommendations encompass many strategies to enhance institutional practices. These strategies involve the implementation of expanded tracking mechanisms for multi-year cohorts, the integration of grade and attendance data, conducting interviews with withdrawn students, and implementing targeted modifications to address specific institutional shortcomings.
- PublicationHigher Education and Sustainability: An exploratory Study in the UAE(2024)Sustainability is a topic of vast audience in the recent years, as countries and organization across the globe adopted sustainable principles to progress into sustainable development for a better future for all. As the emergence of the sustainable development goals of the United Nation has amplified the need to adapt to sustainable practices across all sectors. The education sector is no difference, with augmenting focus on the higher education institutions. As these institutions are perceived as leading bodies, change drivers, youth enablers and community influencers. This is due to the many achievements and development higher education institutions has accomplished in the topics of sustainability. Thus, this study is an exploratory study to review literature concerning the challenges and barriers associated with the implementation of sustainable practices in higher education institutions. Also to introduce the status of higher education system and the challenges associated with integration of sustainability in higher education in the UAE. To provide an appropriate recommendation for methods of accelerating the sustainability incorporation in higher education institution of the UAE.
25 230 - PublicationAssessment of the Non-Compliance Mechanism in the Paris Agreement(2024)The 2015 Paris Agreement stands as a monumental achievement in the realm of international environmental law, embodying the collective will of the global community to confront the challenges of climate change. Central to the success of this accord is the effectiveness of its NonCompliance Mechanism (NCM), which is designed to ensure that parties adhere to their commitments in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This thesis examines the CM within the Paris Agreement, evaluating its design, operational procedures, and practical effectiveness. It further contextualizes this mechanism by comparing it to those established under other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), such as the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and, within the climate change regime, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. This research identifies both strengths and weaknesses in the NCM's ability to ensure compliance among parties, focusing on its facilitative, non-punitive approach. This approach is contrasted with more stringent enforcement mechanisms found in other agreements, highlighting the balance between support and accountability. The thesis also examines case studies and operational procedures of NCMs under other environmental and international treaties to assess their real-world application to provide insights into their successes and limitations. This thesis contributes to the ongoing debate on international environmental governance by assessing the adequacy of the Paris Agreement's NCM and identifying aspects for improvement within the mechanism. It underscores the importance of balancing facilitation with accountability to achieve the goals of the agreement. The research reveals that the Paris Agreement's NCM is unique in its strictly non-punitive, facilitative approach, which distinguishes it from the more punitive enforcement mechanisms seen for examples under the Montreal and Kyoto Protocols. While the Paris Agreement's emphasis on support, transparency, and capacity-building fosters greater inclusivity and cooperation, the lack of enforcement measures raises concerns about its ability to handle persistent non-compliance. Additionally, the study finds that engagement with stakeholders and transparency measures are critical for building trust among parties, but further refinements, such as broader peer review processes similar to the mechanisms under Trade law and Human Rights law, could strengthen the mechanism's overall impact.
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