Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) recently marked an important step towards enriching research and creative productivity by organizing its first-ever weekly research seminars with the participation of faculty and management members holding master and doctorate degrees in various fields and disciplines. The seminars aim to pave the way towards the establishment of a knowledge and research base that supports exploration and development for the future.
The weekly sessions also underline HBMSU's commitment to further stimulate scientific thinking, support creative grants, and provide a distinct perspective on the progress of knowledge for national and international communities, with a focus on promoting global understanding of research trends that can help improve the global competitiveness of the UAE.
Prof. Ahmed Ankit, Collaboration Research Director at HBMSU, said that the University continues to lead in research excellence as it recognizes the importance of research as a major force behind new knowledge-driven innovation, which in turn creates a solid foundation for economic development. Prof. Ankit explained that as part of its efforts to align its strategic objectives with UAE Vision 2021, HBMSU is committed to investing in research that supports the exploration and development for the future of strategic sectors in Dubai.
He said: “We intend to transform research seminars into an integrated platform for guiding the cumulative knowledge and research outputs of the faculty, management, and students to further consolidate excellence through scientific research, which is at the heart of scientific progress and economic growth.”
The first patch of research seminars featured a presentation from Prof. Ebrahim Soltani, Faculty Member of the School of Business and Quality Management, HBMSU, on the outcomes of his studies on Total Quality Management (TQM) standards in Supply Chain and the Management’s Orientations and Mindset for quality improvement initiatives and human resource management from quality and productivity perspectives.
Wali Allah Al-Bukhari, Senior Software Engineer, HBMSU, on the other hand, delivered a detailed presentation of his research findings on the design of Mobile learning frameworks and design considerations in developing mobile learning applications. Mr. HamdyAbdelaziz, Chair of the Educational Leadership Department, HBMSU, also shared his research on smart pedagogy in technology-enhanced learning environments, innovation and excellence in a technology-rich environment, leadership in creating learning communities, and mobile learning design frameworks.
Another participant, Wissam Steitie, Director of Accessibility & Lifelong Learning Center in HBMSU, talked about Emiratization in the UAE’s private and government sectors, while Huda Al Tamimi, Director of Learner Relationship Management in HBMSU, delivered a presentation on best practices in smart education, ccross-cultural issues in women leadership development, and the application of TQM across sectors and cultures.
Prof. Steven Coombs, Director of Doctoral Program, HBMSU, also presented his ideas and research on smart education and leadership systems, smart pedagogy in technology-enhanced learning environments, innovation and excellence in a technology-rich environment, leadership in creating learning communities, and quality assurance and accreditation of smart education.
HBMSU is eager to participate in advanced research projects that put the Dubai 10x initiative in real and effective contexts. This is in accordance with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of HBMSU, to move towards a leading future by implementing a radical shift from traditional business concepts, in keeping with the rapid changes taking place in the world. Through its research seminars, HBMSU looks forward to reviewing the consistency, accuracy and sound conclusions of the works of 62 distinguished researchers. The support of researchers from the UAE and abroad will be secured to stimulate scientific research and guide innovation to advance the transition to knowledge economies.
HBMSU’s weekly research seminars will focus on priority research areas that fall under the competencies of its three faculties: the School of Business and Quality Management, the School of Health and Environmental Studies, and the School of E-Education. These schools offer excellent programs for bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees. Research areas include innovation and excellence among educational leaders and innovative strategies for enhancing the UAE's global business competitiveness. They will also cover the quality of smart services and the sustainability of TQM in creative environments, quality of life, happiness, social welfare, knowledge management, pioneering leadership, Emiratization in the UAE’s Government and private sectors, smart human resource management, and smart logistics management particularly for Expo 2020.
Research areas will include smart health systems, health care ethics, innovation in public health management, best practices in e-education, leadership in educational community innovation, high-quality digital educational content, and innovation and excellence in technology-based environments, among others, as well.
The weekly research seminars are based on four main pillars of instilling a culture of serious scientific research among HBMSU employees and partners; promoting fruitful research cooperation with leading government entities and local, regional and international research, academic and educational institutions; aligning the research activities and educational outputs of faculty members and students involved with the university’s priority research areas; and establishing a highly qualified and experienced research team to advance the march to excellence led by the university as it spreads a culture of smart learning and innovation and encourages scientific research across the Arab World.
