GUtech professor receives national research award for addressing transportation services redundancy

GUtech professor receives national research award for addressing transportation services redundancy

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Prof. Dr. Nafaa Jabeur, Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science at GUtech, alongside co-researchers from Dhofar University, has received the National Research Award during the seventh cycle of the Annual Research Forum organised by the Research and Innovation Sector of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI).

Dr. Nafaa and his colleagues’ paper, “Transportation Service Redundancy from a Spatio-Temporal Perspective” won in the Information Systems and Communication Technologies field.

The winning research addresses the mismatch between demand and supply for taxi services in big cities. Dr. Nafaa explained that: “To address this discrepancy, we used the concept of service redundancy. More specifically, we modelled citywide taxi service redundancy as an explicit spatio-temporal phenomenon. We deployed Machine Learning techniques to qualify this redundancy in space and time. We proposed an agent-based collaborative scheme for the calculation, collection, and control of service redundancy at three different levels: namely micro level (service redundancy at the immediate surroundings of individual taxis), meso level (redundancy at taxi operators’ level), and macro level (service redundancy at a city level).” “Taxi operators are relying on several strategies to optimize the commutes of their fleets through the cities, without being successful in avoiding long empty-cruise time as well as considerable waste of fuel.” The results of the “intensive simulation experiments showed a significant decrease of imbalance in city-wide transportation supply-demand as well as a better trade-off between customers’ satisfaction and taxis’ profits,” he added.

Prof. Nafaa holds a PhD in Computer Science from Laval University in Canada. He has been working at GUtech since 2013. Prof. Nafaa is also GUtech’s Director of Research. His research interest includes sensor web, sensor networks, and wireless sensor networks; cyber-physical systems.

 

(c) Text: GUtech/ Fatima El Madkouri & Prof. Dr. Nafaa Jabeur

 

OES - GUtech Selects GEARS ERP

Oman Educational Services Collaborates with PBS to Implement GEARS ERP and Develop a New SIS for GUtech

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Oman Educational Services (OES) and Prime Business Solutions (PBS) have signed a collaborative agreement to cooperate for the implementation of GEARS ERP, a cutting-edge comprehensive enterprise resource planning solution and for the development of a Student Information System (SIS).

GEARS ERP, fully developed by PBS, is designed to help increase productivity, lower costs and improve operations’ monitoring and collaborations. By rolling out GEARS ERP to one of OES entities, the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), OES will not only be able to embrace current best practices, but it will also enable the University to integrate emerging technology to support changing organizational demands.

OES and PBS collaboration goes beyond implementing GEARS ERP, but to work together on developing a new student information system (SIS). The SIS will extend the ERP features to respond to the needs of the higher education sector and align the organisation and business insights of private universities and colleges. The ERP and SIS solutions will provide GUtech’s students as well as administrative and faculty members with the latest technology tools enabling real time access to information and processes.

Upon signing the agreement, Dr. Hussain Al Salmi, CEO of OES and GUtech Acting Rector said: “the collaboration with PBS, a strong and forward-looking Omani company, allows us to consolidate different solutions for a streamlined management of academic and administrative operations.”

The signing ceremony took place at GUtech campus in the presence of senior administrative representatives from PBS and OES, alongside heads of academic faculties from GUtech.

Al Salmi also commented: “OES has made a strategic decision to collaborate with PBS. Sharing our operational and academic knowledge with PBS team will result in an exceptional SIS to make the University’s functions simple and intuitive.”

OES is a 100% Omani-owned limited liability company with a core interest in education. OES operates a range of educational institutions in Oman, including GUtech, the first German University in GCC affiliated with RWTH Aachen University, Finland Oman School (FOS), the History of Science Centre (HSC), and other entities offering educational support and services.

 

 

(c) Text: GUtech/ Fatima El Madkouri

GUtech students and parents to obtain funding from Meethaq Islamic Bank in compliance with Islamic Sharia principles.

Oman Educational Services and Meethaq Sign Agreement to Extend Education Finance for GUtech and FOS Students and Parents

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GUtech students and parents to pay tuition fees through IJARAH by Meethaq Islamic Bank.

Oman Educational Services, the owner company of the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) and Finland Oman School (FOS), has signed an agreement with Meethaq Islamic Banking from Bank Muscat to provide financing options to students paying tuition fees at GUtech and for parents paying FOS fees.

The agreement was signed by Dr Hussain Al Salmi – CEO of Oman Educational Services cum GUtech’s Acting Rector, and Shamzani Mohammed Hussain, General Manager – Meethaq Islamic Banking, in the presence of a number of officials.

The agreement will allow working students and parents to utilise the bank’s education financing service to pay to tuition fees. Thus, helping to mitigate the financial pressures on students and parents.

Besides the parents of FOS students, the financing facility will allow GUtech students and parents to obtain funding from Meethaq Islamic Bank in compliance with Islamic Sharia principles.

Following the principle of ‘Ijarah’, Meethaq will be subleasing the education services of GUtech and FOS at the request of students and parents against deferred payments to be concluded through a Service Ijarah contract.

Speaking about the agreement, Dr Al Salmi said that the partnership with Meethaq Islamic Bank allow us to expand the range of payment options available to students and parents.

Oman Educational Services operates among others Oman’s first green campus, a full-fledged campus encompassing GUtech, FOS, History of Science Centre, a Solar Facility Training, Siemens Mechatronics Lab, and a variety to workshops and labs dedicated to enriching the educational experience of students.

GUtech boasts four faculties offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All GUtech programmes are being developed in collaboration with European partners. GUtech’s undergraduate programmes are internationally accredited.

FOS is the first private school in Oman, established in 2018, offering Finnish pedagogical model in Oman to K-12 students. FOS is open to all students from all nationalities.

The Global Executive MBA at the WU Executive Academy of the University of Vienna University of Business and Economics, now stands at the 32nd place globally.

WU MBA, offered in Oman at GUtech, Jumps in Financial Times Ranking

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Jumping 16 spots in the Financial Times 2020 Executive MBA rankings, the Global Executive MBA at the WU Executive Academy of the University of Vienna University of Business and Economics, now stands at the 32nd place globally.

The Executive MBA by the WU Executive Academy is offered in Oman in collaboration with the German University of Technology in Oman. Currently, 19 students are enrolled in the programme at GUtech campus and another intake is due to start in February 2021.

The #32 ranking offers greater value to WU alumni, students, and prospective candidates. “We are very proud of our partnership with the Executive Academy of Vienna University for Economic and Business; we have excellent feedback from our current students who could see the added value that such a global programme offers them. Our unique offering of a double degree is very well received by our students, we are now recruiting for our new batch starting in February 2021.” Commented Prof Dr Heba Aziz, the Director of WU-GUtech MBA.

Joining the ranks of the world’s Top 50 Business Schools for its Executive MBA programme, the Financial Times 2020 ranking confirms the Executive MBA excellent standing. This achievement is a testament to the quality of the ongoing global success of the Executive MBA.

Financial Times Ranking for the EMBA programmes is open for business schools that are either AACBS or EQUIS accredited. It requires responses from alumni on five criteria: salary today which carries the most weight, salary increase, career progress, work experience, and aims achieved.

The WU Executive Academy is also the recipient of the coveted “triple crown” accreditation status. It is recognised by the three most prestigious international accrediting bodies: AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA.

GUtech students elect student advisory council for the academic year 2020-2021

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Students of the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) participated in electing representatives to the Student Advisory Council (SAC) for the academic year 2020-2021 recently.

Twenty six (26) student candidates competed for eight (8) elected positions that represent the university’s diverse student body, and embody the strategic orientation of the university.

The SAC election started on 9 December 2020 and closed on 13 December 2020. The voting followed two week-long electoral activities in which candidates campaigned for votes through digital platforms.

The students elected to SAC for 2019-2020 are Sara al Shukaily as the President of SAC, Usama al Maskari as the Vice-President, Mayia al Barwani as Secretary, Rawan al Hinai as Head of Academic Committee, Sara al Barwani as the Head of Students Services Committee, Haifa al Balushi as the Head of Initiatives and Activities Committee, Nusrat Jahan as International Students Representative, and Ahmed al Riyami, a GUbridge Representative.

The Student Advisory Council, which serves as a voice for the student body and works directly with the university administration, aims to initiate activities that cater to the demands of the student body as well as engage with the general public.

Sara al Shukaily said, “I am grateful for the opportunity, and along my SAC colleagues, we will work to raise awareness about the SAC’s functions for the betterment of GUtech, and to voice students’ concerns to the administration.”

Al Shukaily added, “My team -SAC- and I are starting in a very exciting way and we have many goals that we really want to accomplish. We believe that we will accomplish a lot.”

The Student Advisory Council election was organised by the Department of Student Affairs (SA). Congratulating the students, Nawal Jawad, Head of SA, said: “We are glad to see GUtech’s students eager to elect and work with SAC members and I congratulate the newly elected SAC members and wish them the very best of luck for a productive and fruitful tenure. I also wish to thank the outgoing SAC members for their many accomplishments throughout their term. Our appreciation to SA staff for ensuring a smooth and orderly election.”

Minister of MOHERI visits GUtech

Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation Visits German University of Technology in Oman

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Prof. Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqiya, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation (MOHERI), visited the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) on 22 October.

Her Excellency was accompanied during the visit by HE Dr. Bakhit bin Ahmed Al Mahri, Undersecretary for Higher Education, HE Dr. Saif bin Abdullah Al-Haddabi, Undersecretary for Scientific Research, HE Dr. Mona Bint Salem Al Jardaniya, Undersecretary for Vocational Training, and a number of MOHERI officials.

The visit aimed at sharing the aspirations, vision, and plans of MOHERI for the higher education sector in the Sultanate. In addition, the visit focused on the expectations with regard to research outputs and innovations of universities in Oman.

Besides the University’s Rectorate members, His Excellency Abdullah bin Salem Al Salmi, member of the Board of Directors, and the Honourable Sheikh Dr. Alkhattab bin Ghaleb bin Ali Al Hinai, member of the University’s Board of Trustees welcomed her excellency and the accompanying team.

Dr. Hussain bin Sulaiman Al Salmi, Acting Rector of GUtech, presented an overview of the University’s achievements in the last twelve months and outlined the University’s efforts and incentives to boost research outputs by faculty and staff. Al Salmi diligently pointed to the goals of the recently established Technology Transfer Office at GUtech, and elaborated on the costly price of quality education.

Afterwards, Prof. Dr. Armin Eberlein, Deputy Rector for Academic Affairs, presented key issues encountered during the transition to online teaching as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. He then commended MOHERI for approving the cyber security bachelor programme. Afterwards, he touched on the students’ performance level in correlation to the level of English language requirement and other basic skills.

The visit also included a meeting with the University’s academic board and a presentation by Prof. Dr. Michael Modigell, Director of Oman Hydrogen Centre. Modigell gave an overview of the activities of the centre for the intensification of hydrogen uses in the Omani market where the centre will play an active role in the process of promoting and commercialising hydrogen.

Her Excellency stressed the importance of joint cooperation among private higher education institutions to bid for joint funding research grants. In addition, she advocated the importance of the university’s collaboration with the private sector to reach supportive partners and investors. Moreover,  She encouraged the university to benefit from research funding programmes in collaboration with other institutions.

The Minister stressed on the importance of achieving institutional accreditation locally and praised the University for obtaining international accreditation for all its Bachelor programmes, which makes GUtech an attractive destination for international students from different countries of the world.

The Minister asserted the importance of offering academic programmes that meet the fourth industrial revolution, the market needs and the national economic diversification plans.

HE also affirmed the importance of improving the quality of education in the Sultanate to be among the top 300 universities in the QS ranking. She emphasised the importance for universities to collaborate with MOHERI to achieve the integration between higher education, vocational training, research and innovation.

On meeting the student advisory council (SAC), she commended the members on their role and emphasised the importance of continuous communication between the student and the academic advisor. Members of SAC discussed with her excellency the academic challenges facing students with regard to getting practical experience in the logistics industry and the block courses format. Her Excellency advised students to continuously follow up on their academic progress via MOHERI platform.

Her Excellency also visited Finland Oman School (FOS) and the History of Science Centre (HSC), both institutions are owned and managed by Oman Educational Services (OES). GUtech, FOS, and HSC are among the different entities constituting the education eco-system situated at GUtech campus. Finland Oman School (FOS) draws on experiences and knowledge from the Finnish education system, which uses a Finnish research-based teaching approach and an innovative approach to teaching and learning for K-12 pupils.

 

 

 

Strategic Partnership with Webware

A strategic partnership between the German University of Technology in Oman and World Web IT Solutions to enhance applied research and develop innovative technological solutions

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The German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) has established a strategic partnership with World Web IT Solutions (Webware) to collaborate across a range of areas and in particular in applied research, to develop innovative solutions, and to exchange expertise in technical and academic areas.

Dr Hussain bin Sulaiman Al Salmi, GUtech’s Acting Rector and Dr Ahmed bin Sleim Al Junaibi, Webware Chairman, signed the agreement recently at the company’s headquarter in Al Ghalbi Tower in Muscat.

This partnership goes along GUtech strategic initiatives aimed to create opportunities for cooperation with the private sector and to launch applied research projects that serve Oman’s economy. It is also a driving engine for applied research enabling knowledge transfer and exchange that address real-world business challenges and requirements of the private sector. The strategic partnership with Webware also includes offering training opportunities to GUtech students in various disciplines and making it easy to incubate students’ graduation projects.

At the signing, Dr Hussain bin Sulaiman Al Salmi, Acting Rector of GUtech, said: “we are delighted to enter into a strategic partnership with Webware, and we look forward to a fruitful collaboration offering our students and faculty plenty of opportunities to engage in real-world applied research projects emanating from the needs of the private sector and offering technology-driven solutions.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr Ibrahim bin Sleim Al Junaibi, CEO of Webware, said: “the cooperation with the German University of Technology in Oman, a pioneer educational institution in Oman, opens up prospects for growth and progress for us, and enhances our business efficiency.” “With the expertise of its faculty members hailing from different disciplines, together with GUtech, we are well equipped to co-develop new innovations that serve the market and raise the efficiency of the business sector” He added.

Al Salmi indicated that strategic partnerships with the private sector including Webware enables GUtech to align the curriculum with the markets expectations and needs and provide an exceptional educational experience to our students.

World Web IT Solutions (Webware), a subsidiary of Al Ghalbi International Group, is one of the leading companies in the field of technology. In the last six years, Webware has evolved to a well trusted and recognised company offering valuable and efficient technological solutions for an effecient business environment.

GUtech and PhazeRo bring in real-world artificial intelligence skills into the classroom and beyond

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The German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) signed on Tuesday 8 September a cooperation agreement with PhazeRo at GUtech campus to offer artificial intelligence, AI, courses to equip GUtech students with much needed AI skills and to bridge the gap between AI theory and real-world AI applications through project-based learning with real industry challenges.

Dr Hussain Al Salmi, GUtech’s Acting Rector, and Mr Masood Al Rawahi, PhazeRo Executive Director, signed the agreement, in the presence of Dr Nabil Al Sahli, Dean of the Engineering and Computer Science faculty at GUtech.

PhazeRo is a specialist consultancy and future-oriented technology education group, building the region’s largest engineering team out of local software talent. PhazeRo handles digital consulting, software development, talent onboarding, and continuous improvement for corporate clients so they can get back to focusing on their core business.

Al Salmi announced that the signing of the agreement establishes a solid partnership ground with PhazeRo, as it will contribute to bring in real-world AI applications to the classroom. He added that GUtech spares no effort to provide students with the right practical skills they need to be ready for the job market. “collaborating with PhazeRo to infuse our curriculum with hands-on learning opportunities is an example,” he said, before adding that GUtech always seeks to bring in the industry into the learning process of students.

GUtech is finalising all requirements to launch the Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence programmes, he stated. “It is extremely important to bring in the practical aspects of AI into our Computer Science curriculum and beyond.”

Through the expertise of PhazeRo, GUtech students will get to explore the real-life applications of AI in different sectors. Al Rawahi “We believe that high-performing tech talent is at the heart of a thriving innovation ecosystem. Our mission is to accelerate the development of the next generation of software engineers and data scientists to realise the ambitious goals laid out in Vision 2040. To achieve this, deep integration between industry and academia is necessary. We are excited to co-create a programme, with the GUtech, that infuses our industry experience with a rigorous academic curriculum that is very practical in nature.”

In the pilot stage, PhazeRo will deliver introductory AI courses to third year Computer Science students in September 2020. Al Sahli explained that “With the AI boom, it was necessary for GUtech to find an industrial partner who can support our vision in forming local AI experts.”

He continued: “PhazeRo is a young and very promising Omani company which we think can connect GUtech to the AI market and support us in improving our academic programmes by offering the opportunity to our students to practice AI concepts in real-world applications. We will start this partnership as soon as this month with a course that PhazeRo will offer to our third year CS students. This course will focus on machine learning and will give students the opportunity to plan and execute real machine learning projects to solve real-world problems.”

The collaboration with PhazeRo will also benefit students who will be joining the recently approved GUtech’s Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence programme. Upon launching the programme, PhazeRo will be engaged to deliver specialised courses.

The collaboration also aims at extending AI courses and trainings to passionate professionals seeking to upskill their technical knowledge in machine learning and AI applications.

The signing ceremony was held at GUtech campus in the presence of Mr Talal Al Nabulsi, responsible for training at GUtech’s training unit (TSSC), and Ms Reem Al Taei, the Business Development Executive at PhazeRo.

GUtech Commemorates 7th Anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Visit

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The German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) commemorated on Tuesday 24th December the 7th anniversary of the visit of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said to its campus.

The 24th of December marks the private visit of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said to GUtech campus in Halban. The commemoration of the private visit of His Majesty is annually observed by GUtech community. Students and staff remember the day to reflect on the importance of the visit in GUtech’s history and on the vision of His Majesty the Sultan for Oman’s academic and research development.

In the late afternoon of December 24th, 2012, the founders of GUtech and members of the rectorate welcomed his majesty to GUtech campus and its facilities, few weeks only after its opening.

In visiting GUtech campus and meeting the founders and the rectorate, His Majesty confers upon it an unusual distinction. “We welcome His Majesty’s private visit to GUtech campus as a gracious expression of his trust in our university and a vital catalyser enticing us to work harder and faster for further progress” proudly declares Dr Hussain Al Salmi, Deputy Rector for Administration and Finance.

The significant and ever-lasting contributions His Majesty has made to Oman and to the lives of its people are universally known; not less impressive than the wise introduction of far-reaching reforms which has promoted the development of the education system, and the prosperity of the country in general.

As more as 3000 male and female students enrolled in the university in the last 12 years. More than 400 male and female students graduated from it while there are more than 2200 male and female students are currently pursuing their studies.

(c) GUtech/Text: Fatima El Madkouri

“Making Clever Minds Active” – Football and Basketball Tournaments held

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To connect with each other, between students and staff members and to enhance their overall well-being, GUtech has launched a series of Tuesday sports outdoors and indoors competitions. After having held table tennis and badminton competitions recently, a total of 96 students and staff participated in the Football 6aside competition and 14 participated in the Basketball 3on3 indoor games last week. Therefore, opening up the brand new grass football field in front of the GUtech campus building. Two matches were held at the same time and the competition was sponsored by Strabag Oman. In addition two referees from Oman Football Association (OFA) participated in the games.

“In times when everybody is connected via social media, physical sports activities are important to improve the overall well-being and to connect with each other. While playing students and staff have to communicate and engage with each other on the field,” said Gunhild Pfaff, manager of the Sports office at GUtech.

“For playing 6aside you have to be quick and fast,” said Ghassan Al Shaaili, Foundation Year student in Engineering who is a member of the GUtech futsal team. He does sports every day along with family members or friends. I go to the gym in the mornings and throughout the day I like to play badminton, table tennis, or beach volleyball. Sports make a person fitter and healthier,” he said while adding, that he has to carefully manage the time for sports and studies. “Outside the university I like to play football with friends on the beach or on an artificial grass field,” said Amar Dahir, 1st semester Process Engineering at GUtech. He and his team were successful during the matches. To continue throughout summer indoor competition for Women and men like futsal, table tennis and dancing are planned.

 

The winning teams were:

Football competition:

  1. Place: Libya: Marwan Al Mahrouqi, Saleh Al-abadi, Atallah Kubas, Amur Al Wahaibi, Ali Al Hajri, Abdulaziz Al Ma’amari, Anas El Bera and Sanad Al Harthi
  2. Place: Black star: Musaab Amer, Said Al Harthi, Mazin Al houti, Hassan Al sahlani, Abdullah Al Rawahi, Mohammed al Busaidi, Mansoor al Kindi and Laith Saeed AlKharusi
  3. Place: Escobar: Al Mahanad al Ghafri, Sultan al Karosi, Haitham al Waaili, Qusai al Hajri, Al Yagdhan, and Qabas Al-Khusaibi

 

Basketball competition:

Ammar Al Aghbari, Said Al Ofi and Tim Reisdorf claimed the win of the tournament over Ferdinand Marcelo, Omai Albalushi, and Chaudhry Taimoor Niaz.

Third place was earned by Ali Mansuri’s team with Baha Al Kahlawi and Mohammed Mansuri.