ACK Industrial Advisory Board

Scope:

Provide networking support with business leaders in the community allowing the college to develop strong industry partnerships and engagement with key industry decision makers.
Provide trends and scenarios for the medium term development of industry sectors needs with respect to:

Professional abilities or competencies.
Market forces.
Structural changes that affect human capital.

The depiction of the trends of the industry needs are achieved for the above attributes and sectors through the development, and subsequent regular revision, of graduate attributes and Program-specific knowledge and skills (Program Educational Objectives), that fulfills industry requirements.
Provide a platform that can support and enhance ACK student internship and mentoring programs, by facilitating access to industry members’ organizations.
Facilitate sponsorship of academic and student activities
Provide a platform for industry contribution to the development and review of ACK strategic vision, growth and development, and conducting research.
Facilitate scholarships and funding applied research activities relevant to ACK mission and national strategy.
Provide advice on general activities to support the realization of the College mission and strategic plan.

Prof. Isam Zabalawi
President
Prof. Hussein Abdullah
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mr. Sager Al-Sharhan
Assistant for to the President for Support Services
Dr. Mohammed Abdul Niby
Dean - School of Engineering
Dr. Usameh Jamali
Member of the Board of Trustees

External Members:

Dr. Hamad Al-Hasawi (Chairman)
Kuwait Banking Association
Mrs. Huda Al-Baqshi
General Manager
Kuwait Industries Union
Dr. Yaser Al-Kulaib
Assistant Professor at College of Business Administration
Kuwait University
Mr. Bernard (Bernie) Dunn
President
Boeing Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, (META)
Secretary General
Dr. Andrew Paul Frain
Director and Chief Executive Officer
SHAMAL AZZOUR AL-OULA
Mr. Ahmed Aqeel
Chief Executive Officer
Kuwait Business Town Real Estate Co. KSC
Mr. Faisal Mansour Sarkhou
Chief Executive Officer
KAMCO INVEST
Mr. Omran Hayat
Founder and Managing Partner
Al-Mehan Holding Company
Mr. Majed Al-Ajeel
Chairman
Burgan Bank

Academic Year 2017/2018

The Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) met several times and investigated the ACK Research Policy in order to take measurable steps in supporting faculty members to develop research projects in cooperation with industry. In addition, the IAB has opened the door to activate field visits for our students to industrial physical plants and to facilitate first-hand information regarding workplace environment. Furthermore, the IAB assisted in arranging host employers for student internships, and suitable placements after graduation. At the final IAB meeting for this year in April 2018, the following main outcomes were achieved:

Expanded internship placements. Further opportunities were arranged for ACK students to benefit from internship placements as well as field trips at the IAB members’ workplaces.

International training and employment opportunities. It has now been agreed to provide opportunities for ACK students to undertake internships in IAB member organizations’ international branches and subsidiaries as well as possibilities for recruitment of ACK graduates in their international branches and subsidiaries.

Guest speaker program. Industry and business experts contributed toward the learning process of ACK students by their support with the weekly guest speaker program to share their professional and career experiences with ACK students and faculty.

Teaching and learning. Industry feedback regarding ACK interns and alumni in their industries was collected through the Industry Advisory Board committee and subcommittees. This input has been used toward the enhancement of teaching and learning.

Curriculum. A special exercise was undertaken with industry representatives to receive their feedback concerning the attributes and skills required for entry level114 positions. This information was then used to review and strengthen ACK curriculum and associated learning outcomes for improved employability of ACK alumni.

Research. In line with the ACK Research Strategy, further cooperation with industry was made to identify priority areas for research and availability of local facilities and resources for such purposes. Further, support from industry was forthcoming to enable ACK faculty members to expand research as well as potential sources of funding.

Academic Year 2018/2019

The Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) met several times and investigated the ACK Research Grant Policy in order to take measurable steps in supporting faculty members to develop research projects in cooperation with industry. In addition, the IAB has opened the door to activate field visits for our students to industrial physical plants and to facilitate first-hand information regarding workplace environment. Furthermore, the IAB assisted in arranging host employers for student internships, and suitable placements after graduation. At the final (IAB) meeting for this year in October 2018, the following main outcomes were achieved:

Expanded internship placements. Further opportunities were arranged for ACK students to benefit from internship placements as well as field trips at IAB members’ workplaces.
International training and employment opportunities. It has now been agreed to provide opportunities for ACK students to undertake internships in IAB member organizations’ international branches and subsidiaries as well as possibilities for recruitment of ACK graduates in their international branches and subsidiaries.
Guest speaker program. Industry and business experts contributed toward the learning process of ACK students by their support with the weekly guest speaker program to share their professional and career experiences with ACK students and faculty.
Teaching and learning. Industry feedback regarding ACK interns and alumni in their industries was collected through the Industry Advisory Board committee and subcommittees. This input has been used toward the enhancement of teaching and learning.
Curriculum. A special exercise was undertaken with industry representatives to receive their feedback concerning the attributes and skills required for entry level positions. This information was then used to review and strengthen ACK curriculum and associated learning outcomes for improved employability of ACK alumni.
Research. In line with the ACK Research Strategy, further cooperation with industry was made to identify priority areas for research and availability of local facilities and resources for such purposes. Further, support from industry was forthcoming to enable ACK faculty members to expand research as well as potential sources of funding.
Initiation of Sub Industry Advisory Board at each School and department level.

Academic Year 2019/2020

The Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) serves to make recommendations and provide advice about trends and changes in the industry that will employ our current and prospective students. The Industrial Advisory Board also provides practical feedback with the view of enhancing the curricula of various majors taught at the College. The Board not only plays an important public relations role by creating opportunities for industrial placements though internships and sourcing research projects for project-problem based learning units, but also provides staff with a fresh perspective on relevant business issues. The School of Engineering conducted a meeting on November 13, 2019 to discuss the curriculum development proposals in all disciplines with different representatives from the industry such as: GE Kuwait Technology Center (GEKTC), Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC), Al-Bahar CO. W.L.L and ABB Engineering Technologies Co.

As for the School of Business, the meeting was scheduled to be held during Spring 2019-2020; and got cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Scope:

Membership:

Achievements: