Procurement and Business Services Department Receives World-Renowned Certification, Targeting Next Stage of CIPS Certification

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 16 April, 2015

The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced its Business Services and Procurement Department (BSPD) has become the first among universities in the GCC region to receive the 'Corporate Certification-Standard' from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).

The certification was presented by Duncan Brock, Director of Customer Relationships and CIPS Subsidiary Offices. Outside the UK In-Charge, to Dr Fred Movenzadeh, President, and Hamza Kazim, Vice-President, Operations and Finance, Masdar Institute, at an awards ceremony organized by CIPS on 16 April 2015, which was attended by several government and industry officials.

Commending the department, Kazim said, "We are proud that Masdar Institute's Business Services and Procurement Department is the first in the region to receive this certification. The department has successfully maintained its governance standards by being agile and dynamic to match the sophistication of our researchers and their unique demands. Our strong procurement methodologies, innovative solutions and effective relationship management have ensured the credentials of Masdar Institute among international suppliers, who seek extraordinary guarantees before supplying high-technology equipment."

Kazim added, "The BSPD also explores and identifies customization requirements while seeking to purchase new equipment for many of Masdar Institute' unique cutting-edge laboratories. With global best practices, necessary governance mechanisms for effective supply assurance and compliance, we continue to achieve cost benefits. We are now looking forward to obtaining the next stage of certification in the near future."

The process of CIPS certification took seven months of preparation, including meetings with officials and direct monitoring. It involved assessment of the policy, procedures, compliances and performance according to global procurement standards. The evaluation process measured procurement functions against the world-class standards through five dimensions -- 'Leadership and Organization,' 'Strategy,' 'People,' 'Process and Systems,' and 'Performance Measurement and Management,'

"The CIPS 'Corporate Certification-Standard' shows the emphasis Business Services and Procurement department places on global best practices and standards", said Saleem Rayyan, Director. "The credit goes to the entire team within the department which has worked tirelessly towards this acknowledgement. We believe this achievement will motivate us to achieve more milestones in the years ahead".

The certification validates Masdar Institute's reputation and credibility for world-class procurement while strengthening stakeholder relationships. It is also likely to empower and motivate staff, while delivering significant cost savings and improving risk management.

-Ends-

About Masdar Institute
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute) was established by the government of Abu Dhabi as a not-for-profit, private graduate university to develop indigenous R&D capacity in Abu Dhabi addressing issues of importance to the region.

In collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute has developed an academic and research platform that articulates its mission and vision according to critical energy and sustainability challenges.

An important characteristic of Masdar Institute is its focus on complex real-world problems that require a multidisciplinary approach for the development of solutions from an integrated technology, systems and policy perspective. This multi-interdisciplinary and integrated approach is supported by the structure of its academic programs and by the emphasis placed on engaging external partners from industry, government, and other academic institutions in collaborative activities.

Serving as a key pillar of innovation and human capital, Masdar Institute remains fundamental to Masdar's core objectives of developing Abu Dhabi's knowledge economy and finding solutions to humanity's toughest challenges such as climate change.

Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.

Masdar Institute offers degrees in:

·         MSc Engineering Systems and Management

·         MSc Computing and Information Science

·         MSc Materials Science and Engineering

·         MSc Mechanical Engineering

·         MSc Water and Environmental Engineering

·         MSc Microsystems Engineering

·         MSc Electrical Power Engineering

·         MSc Chemical Engineering

·         MSc Sustainable Critical Infrastructure

·         PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering

Please visit our website www.masdar.ac.ae/

For more information contact:
Name: Shaima Al Jarman
Director - Marketing & Communications
Public Affairs Department
Email: saljarman@masdar.ac.ae
Phone: +971 02 810 9365

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is the world's largest procurement and supply professional organisation.  It is the worldwide centre of excellence on procurement and supply management issues.  CIPS has a global community of over 110,000 in 150 different countries, including senior business people, high-ranking civil servants and leading academics.  The activities of procurement and supply chain professionals have a major impact on the profitability and efficiency of all types of organisation and CIPS offers corporate solutions packages to improve business profitability.

www.cips.org; @CIPSNews
For CIPS:
Trudy Salandiak, CIPS
Trudy.salandiak@cips.org
+44 (0) 1780 761576; 07554 400 731

© Press Release 2015