Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of partnership in integrating the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of project stakeholders towards better housing affordability. Design/methodology/approach-A research methodology, consisted of literature review and field studies, is designed to accomplish four objectives. First, to provide a comprehensive literature review of the concepts of affordable housing, project stakeholders, CSR and partnership; second, to present and synthesis the results of relevant field studies examined the experiences of CSR and partnership among selected construction firms and the Government of South Africa (SA) in affordable housing projects; third, to develop a CSR-partnership model (and its action plan) that integrates the CSR of project stakeholders to achieve greater housing affordability; finally, to draw some conclusions and recommendations to improve the practice of CSR and partnership among government authorities and construction professionals. Findings-Affordable housing is one of the greatest challenges that face countries around the globe, especially developing countries. The complexity of the problem hinders governments, alone, from achieving their plans for sustainable development. Project stakeholders must have social responsibilities towards supporting government initiatives for affordable housing development. The five-domain CSR-partnership model developed by the authors will help integrating the CSR of project stakeholders as an approach for developing affordable housing project. Research limitations/implications-Because of the conceptual nature of the proposed model, it has to be tested and validated to ensure its capability to integrate the CSR of project stakeholders as an innovative approach for overcoming the difficulties facing governments in providing housing for the poor. Originality/value-The conducted review provides better understanding of the issue related to the practice of social responsibilities and partnership of project stakeholders, both worldwide and in SA. Through its five domains (government, society, economy, law, and technology), the proposed CSR-partnership model and its action plan are expected to serve as a foundation for optimising the partnership of project stakeholders with government authorities towards better housing affordability. This ideology has received scant attention in construction literature. The developed model represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.

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PurposeThe purpose of this research is to improve the understanding of what constitutes a successful thesis proposal (TP) and as such enhance the quality of the TP writing in architecture, planning and related disciplines.Design/methodology/approachBased on extended personal experience and a review of relevant literature, the authors proposed a conception of a successful TP comprising 13 standard components. The conception provides specific definition/s, attributes and success rules for each component. The conception was applied for 15 years on several batches of Saudi graduate students. The implications of the conception were assessed by a students' opinion survey. An expert inquiry of experienced academics from architectural schools in nine countries was applied to validate and improve the conception.FindingsAssessment of the proposed conception demonstrated several positive implications on students' knowledge, performance and outputs which illustrates its applicability in real life. Experts' validation of the conception and constructive remarks have enabled further improvements on the definitions, attributes and success rules of the TP components.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed TP conception with its 13 components is limited to standard problem-solving research and will differ in the case of other types such as hypothesis-based research.Practical implicationsThe proposed conception is a useful directive and evaluative tool for writing and assessing thesis proposals for graduate students, academic advisors and examiners.Social implicationsThe research contributes to improving the quality of thesis production process among the academic community in the built environment fields.Originality/valueThe paper is meant to alleviate the confusion and hardship caused by the absence of a consensus on what constitutes a successful TP in the fields of architecture, urban planning and related disciplines.

Nowadays, flood and drought will become more common as climate change causes. Due to climate change consequences, flood occurrence and its impact on Gaza people have been of great concern to the Palestinian water authority, as it has a negative influence on various humanitarian and social issues. The hazards and damages resulted by flooding cause loss of life, property, displacement of people and disruption of socioeconomic activities. This research focuses on assessing Gaza Strip vulnerability to flooding using analysis of GIS-based spatial information. Not only did it consider the physical-environmental flood vulnerability, it also investigated social flood vulnerability aspects e.g., population densities. Soil and slope were considered to have the highest weight in the vulnerability mapping, as they represent the main factors in urban hydro-ecosystem structure. The long term average rainfall, a climate function factor, has the lowest weight, because it could be considered as a threat factor in addition to a vulnerability factor. This research demonstrates that urban area and population density as strong factors influencing flood vulnerability for humanitarian and saving life purposes. The findings of Geospatial analysis were used to map vulnerable areas likely to be affected in the event of flood hazard and suggest future interventions and related adaptation strategies in Gaza areas for flood mitigation.

Background: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the education sector around the world. In order to control the spread of the virus, eLearning practice has been introduced in Saudi higher education. Such online communication has become an important tool to narrow the teaching practice gap. This study assessed the characteristics of eLearning and distance learning and the inclination of Imam Abdulrahman BinFaisal University (IAU) faculty members in terms of skills, and managing classes and tests using online learning tools. Methods: A QuestionPro questionnaire with 22 questions on eLearning experience, training experience, and skills and knowledge in the educational process of IAU teaching faculty was conducted through the online university e-mail domain. The questionnaire was sent to the IAU’s teaching faculty. The questionnaire’s reliability was studied using Cronbach’s a coefficient. The criterion value was statistically studied using the KMO (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin) and Bartlett’s test. The variables associated with the present survey model were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Results: The study showed positive responses and readiness (skills and abilities) and the effectiveness of IAU’s faculty members to perform e-learning activities during COVID-19. IAU faculty received a strong positive response, and the respondents were also impressed with and agreed on trainer knowledge, session management, communication and expertise on training topics. Conclusions: The positive response indicates the readiness of IAU to provide the necessary support (tools, information and updates) required for a successful online educational process.

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Due to shortage of local research in Saudi Arabia dealing with land use planning in general and service-related commercial land use in specific, there is a lack of sound understanding among professionals dealing with land use planning, which in turn causes a large disparity in urban structure in the current Saudi cities. The main goal of the study is to determine the factors affecting service-related commercial land use pattern in Alkhobar City, in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study accomplished this aim by conducting a literature review and a field questionnaire survey applied on a sample of planning experts to verify stated hypothesis defining the factors affecting service-related commercial land use pattern. Principle Component Analysis and Regression Analysis were used to define these factors and the level of impact for each foctor. The study found that service-related commercial land use pattern is determined by factors related to the site spatial planning and regulations and strategic issues. These factors include road width, availability of landscape elements, accessibility, mobility, land use regulations, land use mechanism and availability of commercial lands for population.

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