MUSCAT -- The Ministry of Higher Education yesterday launched a symposium for Strategic Plan of the Colleges of Applied Sciences 2013-2020 "Future Vision" under patronage of Dr Rawya al Busaidiyah, Minister of Higher Education, at Crowne Plaza, Qurum. The two-day symposium is considered essential as the Colleges of Applied Sciences (CAS) spans major regions and constitute an important part of the Sultanate's higher education system. It is expected that this plan will be revised and finalised immediately after the symposium is finished. Dr Rawya stated that it is the Ministry's job to promote CAS outputs according to qualitative and quantitative growth they witness and in a way that goes with requirements of Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA).
"In 'Phase 2' of our plan for CAS, we aim to benefit from all feedbacks that are coming from concerned parties in both government and private sectors. "It is very important, after this symposium, to finalise the plan's draft to prepare if for appliance. We ensured that the participants are from related academic fields, experts, consultants, graduates, and parents. Plus, there is a wide participation of experienced sectors, universities deans, and executive managers of big companies" she added. She also emphasised that this symposium is a chance to know the important challenges faced by higher education in the sultanate in general and CAS's in particular. To overcome these challenges, solutions and ways will be provided during the symposium represented in 20 main initiatives and other support initiatives for CASs.
The document discussed during the symposium represents 'Phase 2' in the development of strategic plan of the CAS. The document in "Phase 1" was a result of a concerted effort on the part of the Deans of the CAS, two internal task forces with broad representation across the colleges and a core group of international experts. The result was a preliminary strategic plan centred on six strategic objectives. 'Phase 2' was envisaged as grounding the initial plan in data based on research, consultation and an environmental scan. The plan was further developed in light of the information gathered over the course of several months in 2010-11 and a second document produced. Input was incorporated from a broad spectrum of stakeholders and the second document is also informed by analysis of the empirical literature on relevant topics such as learner-centred education, generic skills and applied research. The symposium continues today with presentations about the initiatives suggested for the plan. They will be delivered by a number of professors, deans and experts.
© Oman Daily Observer 2013
