e-Learning offers ideal solution to overcome the disadvantages of classroom learning: e-TQM College

One-year-old e-Learning pioneer poised to play bigger role in providing customised online courses

DUBAI November 1, 2003

e-Learning is gaining popularity worldwide because of its ability to overcome the disadvantages of conventional classroom learning. The focus on theoretical rather than practical learning in the classroom and the ability to obtain a degree without any practical experience can restrict individuals in society today, said Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Director of e-TQM College.

"Communities and companies are increasingly adopting e-Learning because it offers several benefits which the conventional education system cannot. Individuals can work full time and learn in their breaks or after work at times and places that are convenient for them. e-Learning also gives the opportunity for all sections of society to benefit from learning, irrespective of their age and status," Dr. Al Awar said.

"The main concern with online learning is to guarantee in advance that when earning a degree, it is recognised internationally and locally to ensure a successful professional future after graduation. The College has added a qualitative edge to learning, with stress on quality improvement as well as quality assurance in order to meet the internationally designed standards of education. This is why we are on track to gain international accreditation, a recognition that will enhance our standing as the leading provider of online courses in quality management. One of our main objectives is to secure the professional future of all our learners."

"The electronic delivery of courses to learners of all ages has prompted educators to review traditional teaching models and work toward re-engineering educational courses for online delivery because of the flexibility offered by e-learning and convenience to keep on acquiring knowledge from a virtual environment, without the need to attend a class in the four walls of a classroom. The opportunities to broaden one's knowledge have never been so easy," said Dr. Narimane Hadjhamou, e-learning Director, e-TQM College.

"The online revolution will increasingly complement the traditional education system. Gradually, learning on the Internet or through CDs or discs that can be mailed directly to students will become common practice. Furthermore, the popularity of mobile technology through PDAs will boost e-learning to a great extent," said Dr. Hadjhamou.

The college was established in September 2002, as an initiative of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, with the aim of enhancing expertise to provide world-class e-learning programs to the community as well as the private and public sector employees. It is owned by Dubai Government and operates under the umbrella of Dubai Police.

Currently, the college offers a Foundation Diploma in Total Quality Management, the Best Practice Series for Executives and a Certificate Course in Policing, in association with some of the finest e-learning gurus and educational institutions. e-TQM aim to create, provide and deliver quality in all fields of life, extending beyond training sessions and workshops.

According to Dr. Al Awar, the Arab world suffers from a high degree of illiteracy even among those who have degrees to their credit. The first concern among Arabs is to collect degrees as decorations on the wall, without applying themselves to the challenge of integrating their learning to practical applications.

"e-TQM College is designed to change this mindset by creating opportunities for e-learning that directly relates to the present environment. We are driven by the concept of lifelong learning, wherein the learner keeps acquiring need-based knowledge from the cradle to the grave. We also provide equal opportunities to all, and the virtual students could be managers, housewives, farmers, grandfathers or anybody who has the will to learn a particular skill or expertise," said Dr. Al Awar.

e-TQM College is working towards arabising its courses to meet the need of an increasing number of students who are more comfortable with Arabic. "We are giving top priority to arabising the courseware because there is an urgent need for courses that are customized to the needs of the region. Developing Arabic courses will enable thousands of Arabic speaking professionals to enhance their job prospects through online learning," said Dr. Al Awar.

e-TQM College will be distributing an e-learning newsletter via email to all learners and those who may be interested. The newsletter contains the latest e-learning news and information. Additional information can be obtained by emailing etqm@etqm.net.

e-TQM College is a Dubai-based institution that has pioneered e-learning in the Middle East by launching world-class online courses in Total Quality Management. The College was established in January 2002, and inaugurated on September 2002 by General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, with the aim of enhancing expertise to provide world-class e-learning programs to the community as well as the private and public sector employees. It is owned by Dubai Government and operates under the umbrella of Dubai Police.

The college is the first of its kind in the world. It has been affiliated as a member of the EFQM, a leading European body for quality management, and has been accepted as a key member of the British Quality Foundation. It aims to be the college of choice for Total Quality Management in the Arab world.

e-TQM College provides e-learning programs to private and public sector employees as well as members of the public. Courses include Foundation Diploma in TQM, Excellence Best Practice Series and Certificate in Quality in Policing. (keralamonitor.com)

Injazat Technology Fund to invest in Rubicon of Jordan
boosting the animation company's expansion plans

Rubicon's growth strategy includes increasing e-learning and training
among governments and students in the Middle East

November 1, 2003

DUBAI - Injazat Technology Fund, the premier venture capital firm in the MENA region has recently announced that it invested in Rubicon, a leading animation and multimedia software-development firm in the Middle East. According to Hussein Rifai, Chief Executive Officer, Injazat Technology Fund, this move will boost Rubicon's expansion plans in the fields of animation and design within and ultimately beyond the Middle East region.

The Jordan based Rubicon is one of the foremost 2D and 3D animation studios in the region, working with international movie studios such as FatRock, in addition to its growing relationship with regional networks such as the Arab Radio & Television (ART) and Cartoon Channel. The company is also active in the fields of e-training and e-education, database-driven websites, enterprise solutions, corporate profiling, web-topped internal policies and procedures, orientation presentations and web marketing. Rubicon's Chief Executive, Randa Ayoubi recently won the Arabian Business Magazine (ITP) eEntrepeneur 2003 award, held during Gitex Dubai 2003.

"Rubicon has emerged as one of the most promising companies in the entertainment and multi-media sector in the Middle East, making it a prime candidate for funding", stated Rifai. Our guidelines for selecting a company for funding are very clear; only established companies in the MENA region that operate under Islamic (Shari'a) principles are considered. Injazat has chosen to partner with Rubicon as the company has capitalised on local talent and manpower to emerge as a leader in the large, but highly exclusive international entertainment market, bringing in valued foreign expertise to the region. Rubicon's high quality theatrical animation and superior information presentation and delivery is provided by a very limited number of studios worldwide".

"Moreover, Rubicon's pioneering work in the field of e-learning for schools and government organisations is in line with our commitment to blend profitable investments with social responsibility and commitment to regional development. As an active investor, we intend to work closely with Rubicon by providing strategic inputs as well as developing a timely and appropriate exit route to realize capital appreciation for our shareholders", added Rifai.

Under its initiative to develop e-education in the Middle East, Rubicon offers reusable courses utilized by educational institutions and corporate companies, as well as custom made courses developed for governments and the public sector such as traffic instruction courses for law enforcement agencies. Rubicon's library of proprietary e-training products includes more than 600 hours of conventional classroom training, and is being used in over 40 banks and institutions all over the world.

"Rubicon is honoured to be selected by Injazat as this is a unique opportunity for us to consolidate our gains by exploring new market opportunities for progress and development. We are confident that this partnership will provide us the financial access to take our expansion plans forward, as well as provide the strategic inputs and corporate governance needed to take Rubicon to the next level of growth", said Randa Ayoubi, Chief Executive, Rubicon.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers appoints Apple Centre Bahrain as an Authorised Corporate Partner

New appointment to increase FSC share in the country's IT growing market

November 2, 2003. Fujitsu Siemens Computers (FSC), the leading international IT products and solution provider, has recently announced that it has appointed Apple Centre a new authorised corporate partner in Bahrain, thus bringing the total number of Corporate Partners servicing Bahrain to three. Apple Centre is a part of the Almoayyed International Group, and has more than 24 years of specialist experience in Bahrain's IT market. The company has successfully completed a number of Government and Private sector projects.

"FSC has seen considerable success in the IT markets of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. The company has re-aligned its focus to place special emphasis on the IT sector in Bahrain. FSC is committed to helping both large corporations, as well as small and medium enterprises in Bahrain, enhance their IT capabilities. The company's extensive experience in this field, gathered in Europe, and especially in the Middle East will help in the understanding of the IT requirements of businesses in the country, so as to provide solutions best suited to individual requirements," said Sajjad Abbas, Corporate Channel Manager, Gulf Region, Fujitsu Siemens Computers. "The collaboration with regional partners will help us understand better these needs, as well as meet the demand for increased mobility and Business Critical Computing solutions."

"The tremendous growth in the IT sector in Bahrain has provided FSC with an opportunity to increase its share in the market with an experienced System Integrator. Apple Centre's expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality IT solutions in the market, as well as their localized knowledge makes them one of the most valuable FSC partners. Together we can establish a strong position in the growing IT market in Bahrain," added Abbas. "We are confident that teaming up with Apple Centre will help increase our penetration in the Bahrain IT Market for both volume products and enterprise infrastructure solutions.

Bahrain is one of the fastest growing IT markets in the Middle East, with a PC penetration growth rate of 31.7 per cent. This is the second highest growth rate among the GCC countries, after the 33.8 per cent growth rate registered in Oman. According to independent research figures released earlier this year, the GCC has a combined PC penetration average of 7.88 per cent, which is five times higher than the 1.48 per cent prevailing in the rest of the Arab World.

"The tremendous market growth reflects the growing penetration of IT in the country's business scenarios, as well as in the daily lives of home PC users. Apple Centre has witnessed the growth in demand as well as the changes in the IT scenario in the local markets. We believe we can provide FSC with the in-depth knowledge of the market, which will be essential to customising the right IT solutions for end-users in Bahrain," said Asif Mohamed Irfan, Sales Manager, Apple Centre, Bahrain.

"FSC's Business Critical Computing Solutions have proven their flexibility and scalability in IT markets across the Gulf region, Europe and Africa. The company's mobile computing products are rated highly because of the constant innovation and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies into its portfolio of products," added Irfan. "We are confident that the new partnership will help enhance the Apple Centre's ability to provide market-leading IT solutions to our clients."

ABU DHABI TO HOST MIDDLE EAST'S FIRST OIL BARON'S BALL

ADNOC-backed event to include "Excellence In Energy" Awards

Sunday, November 2, 2003

ABU DHABI, UAE: ADNOC, one of the world's largest energy companies, is supporting the regional energy industry's event of the year - The Oil Baron's Ball.

The Oil Baron's Ball is being held under the patronage of His Excellency Obeid bin Saif Al Nasseri, UAE Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

ADNOC joins other industry giants at the Ball, a glittering gala dinner to be held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi on December 17, 2003.

Underlining the key role technology plays in the energy industries, Schlumberger, HP and Intel are backing the 2003 Pipeline Magazine Excellence in Energy Awards, which will be presented at the Ball.

The Oil Baron's Ball is also backed by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), and representatives of the newly-formed UAE chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers will attend.

Organised by Reflex Publishing and Print, publishers of Pipeline magazine, the event will see around 2,000 senior industry executives converge on the five-star hotel for a night like no other.

The event will begin with the presentation of Pipeline Magazine's 2003 Excellence in Energy Awards, already noted as setting the benchmark for the regional industry, and described as the Middle East's energy Oscars.

Eileen Michael, Publisher of Pipeline Magazine, said: "As publishers of the region's leading energy magazine, it is appropriate that we host what will become the region's leading industry event. The evening is not only a chance to network with industry peers, while enjoying fantastic food and entertainment; but also a chance to find out who the industry feels is worthy of recognition through the Energy Awards.

"The massive industry investment in this event is a sure sign of the calibre of attendees we are expecting."

HE Obeid bin Saif Al Nasiri, UAE Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, is set to present the Excellence in Energy Awards, while other senior industry dignitaries and specially invited VIPs will be in attendance.

The awards, now in their third year, include categories for the overall best company; best company in health and safety; best company in environment; best company in industry technology; best company in information technology; best industry services company; industry innovator and Project of the Year.

Last year's winners - voted by the readers of Pipeline magazine - included ADNOC, the Dolphin Energy Project, Halliburton, Saudi Aramco, Total, Schlumberger and Oracle.

There is still time to vote for the companies that are shaping the regional energy industry, simply by logging onto www.pipelineduibai.com/survey/survey.htm

Those voting on-line stand a chance of winning TWO free tickets to the ball, valued at USD125 each.

The formal ball will be attended by the crème de la crème of the oil and gas industry, and has a black and gold theme, to represent oil.

Corporate tables are available. Organisations booking 20 or more seats will receive personalised tickets. "From a corporate point of view, this event could act as a great end of year or festive party, or as a staff incentive," added Michael.

The grand finale to the incredible evening will be a laser light show and firework display.

Part of the ticket proceeds - USD125 each or USD950 for a full table of ten - will be given to the UAE Red Crescent Association, making the event one worthy of everyone's support. Tickets are inclusive of food, beverages and entertainment.

Travel arrangements and accommodation are being handled by Dubai-based ITS - International Travel Services, www.itstravel-dubai.com.

DOHMS' implements advanced Lab System as part of Integrated Healthcare Information Project (IHIS)

New system implemented by Al Babtain Group (Healthcare Division) integrates four Dubai hospitals and 20 primary health centres to provide centralised laboratory management services

November 2, 2003

Al Babtain Group (Healthcare Division) located and operating in Dubai, a leading provider of healthcare information solutions in the Middle East, has successfully implemented the physician order communication & the advanced 'Lab system' as part of phase II of the Integrated Healthcare Information System (IHIS) project at Dubai's Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS). The new Lab system allows networking and system integration of Dubai's four major public hospitals and 20 healthcare centres with DOHMS to provide centralised laboratory services and seamless information transfer between the hospitals and healthcare centres.

The Lab solution, which went live recently, is driven by Misys Laboratory's Lab information system, a comprehensive, high-performance solution that manages specimen data from requisition entry to final cumulative report production.

"After implementation of the new system, all necessary patient information is easily accessible without any loss of time or money. Moreover, urgent sample processing can be delivered to the hospitals and clinics half to one hour earlier, while routine lab work done for the day is available for physician's viewing on the same day as compared to the previous system where test used to be dispatched the next day, causing delay in emergency medical cases. Lab instruments download the test request directly from the system thereby relieving the technicians from programming the instruments manually", Qadi Muroushed, Director General of Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS).

"The Department of Health and Medical Services in Dubai, a front-runner in providing world-class healthcare in the region, has been revamping its IT systems in an effort to integrate all its centres with its headquarters," said Amr Mostafa, General Manager, Al Babtain Group, (Healthcare Division). "However, medical operations being a specialised field, DOHMS needed a partner with proven expertise in this area. Al Babtain Group, (Healthcare Division) was selected for creating a solution that would enable DOHMS to achieve its goal."

"We found that Misys Laboratory provided the most appropriate solution because it allows clients to create a customised laboratory system, meeting virtually all user-specific requirements. A total of 44 lab instruments are interfaced with the system while the software has also been parameterised. We have set up a 24hour command centre to address any problems. Al Babtain also undertook training of over 400 staff members on the system including project training, core training, blood bank training, customised interface training and training via Internet," added Mostafa.

"The system is loaded with benefits, including the multi-facility support that enables multiple hospital information system interfacing with a single database, while maintaining complete patient tracking. This enables each laboratory within the enterprise to achieve high levels of service. We are delighted that our solution matched the high standards set by DOHMS." Duane Lawrence, (General Manager, Misys Healthcare Systems (International).

Under the new lab system, each time a patient visits one of the four participating hospitals or any of the twenty healthcare centres, his medical history file is automatically updated electronically to the lab's central database, which is linked to the four hospital's outpatient clinics and health care centres. Lab testing orders are placed electronically through the HIS system which are passed through an electronic interface to the lab system. This reduces the time it took earlier to get the required test requests to the lab. The test results are also automatically updated to the central database, thus making them accessible to all the hospitals and healthcare centres simultaneously.

E-learning training for college

Element K, an international e-Learning provider, works in cooperation with Unesco to develop globally recognised International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) as a computer literacy standard in the UAE among private and public schools as well as government and local agencies, a senior official said yesterday.

Element K is to provide Dubai Men's College with a bi-lingual e-learning solution designed to prepare students for the ICDL exam, Jamil Ezzo, General Manager of Element K Middle East, told Gulf News.

"The ICDL online content has been developed in both English and Arabic, offering a series of seven online classes accompanied by a variety of interactive audio and video aids. All the skills required by the ICDL exam are covered, including PC fundamentals, Internet, e-mail, word processing, presentations, spreadsheets and databases.

"With over two million certifications already issued throughout the world, the ICDL enables students to demonstrate the basic skills that many employers require of their staff today," Ezzo said.

"Our online content thoroughly prepares students for the exam through a range of carefully designed engaging courses and interactive technology.

"The ICDL has become the standard for computer literacy around the world and is open to anyone, regardless of age, education, experience or background. It gives both individuals and employers the opportunity to raise their level of competency in IT and computer skills, leading to an increased rate of productivity and improved job prospects.

"Students will study the courses in a classroom environment with a facilitator from DMC on hand to answer any questions that may arise as they progress. Because the content can be accessed from any location and at anytime, pupils can continue revising at their own pace and continue at their leisure outside of lecture periods.

"Powering these courses is Element K's revolutionary Learning Management System, named KnowledgeHub. It is the first Arabic learning management system to be developed by a global e-Learning company, offering students the most advanced learning facilities and interactivity in Arabic.

"Online learning has taken a central role in the development of curriculums around the world," said Jonathan Wilde, ICDL Manager at the Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai Men's College.

"The online content provided by Element K is part of our ongoing strategy to maintain international standards of education whilst embracing the right technology that will further our pupils' enhanced career prospects." Already utilised by over 20,000 students and employees throughout Saudi Arabia, the English version of Element K's ICDL online content has received approval from the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation in Dublin, Ireland, and the regional office of Unesco.