The Intellectual Interaction of ICT

On Sunday 4^th of March 2012, Ibra College of Technology embraced “Oman Symposium on Management (OSOM 2012”, an event which attracted intellectuals, professionals from different industries and educational Institutes in Oman. The symposium inauguration was held under the auspices of HE Dr. Muna bint Salim Al Jardaniya, Undersecretary for Technical Education and Vocational Training, Ministry of Manpower. The juicy agenda of the program included theme such as

The Role of Entrepreneurship in the growth and development of Oman, People Management in Oman: Opportunities and Challenges, Education and its Role in the Economic Development of the Country and Identifying Key Sectors for Growth in Oman

HR Fragrance approached Mr. Abdul Jaleel R.S, Head of Business Studies at Ibra College of Technology to shed light on this mega-event which the college initiated.  He welcomed our invitation and with an open heart and enthusiasm our interaction with him led to the following dialogue:

Interviewed By:  Saleh Abdullah Alkhamyasi

·         How did the idea come to light?

OSOM was one of the implementation steps for faculty development initiatives of our Strategic plan 2009-2012. The idea of OSOM saw the light of the day with the plan to conduct a international conference so as to germinate and disseminate knowledge as a premier educational institution in the Sharqiya region. The plan was however converted into a symposium on the advice of the Ministry of Manpower, the sponsor and management of Ibra College of Technology. The business department of Ibra College has many firsts to its credit amongst the seven colleges of technology in Oman and therefore wanted to take the lead in conducting a national symposium, keeping its spirit alive.

·         What is the motive behind it?

The motive behind it is to germinate and disseminate knowledge pertaining to business, management and economy of Oman, which in turn can lead to a holistic development of this blessed nation. The prime objective is to enable the major stakeholders involved in the teaching-learning domain to grow by way of sharing knowledge and ideas. The symposium would also provide a forum to the industry chieftains to share their insights with the teaching fraternity, culminating in a win-win proposition for all concerned.

·         Who are the participating speakers?

OSOM have a blend of speakers representing the world of academia and industry of Oman. The occasion would be illuminated by the sugust presence of- Dr. Fauzi A Ghairabeh, President, Al Sharqiya University, Amar Al Matani, Deputy CEO, Oman LNG, Sheikh Khalfan Al Esry, MD, Prosper Management, Prof. Stephen Hill, Dean-College of Business, Sohar University, Muhammed Al Asfoor, Chairman-Injas Development, Sr. HR Expert, Omantel, Shaikh Salah Al Mawali, DG-SME, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mohd. Khamis Al Hussani, Director-Economic Research, OCCI, Tariq Al Barwani, Founder and President, KO, Mohd. Al Ghailani GM-HR,Mohsin Haidar Darwish LLC

·         What would the agenda includes (themes/topics)?

 The major themes are- Role of entrepreneurship in the growth and development of Oman, People Management In Oman, Challenges and Opportunities, Education and its role in the economic development of the country, Identifying key sectors in the growth of Oman. OSOM would also have a plenary session, apart from professional networking and knowledge acquisition and dissemination.

·         How is the conference benefit your students?

OSOM would provide major takeaways to students, directly who would participate and indirectly through the teaching experts who are part of OSOM.

·          Are the students required to share their key take from the conference in the class room?

OSOM would definitely be converted into classroom learning for the business students of ICT.

·         Last word?

Knowledge grows only if it is shared and OSOM is one of our means to disseminate the fragrance of knowledge and let our Institute as a torch of knowledge bloom as the days pass by to be a heaven that is sought by scholars and students from all walks of Oman.