The British University in Dubai (BUiD) has announced that the first female graduate to be awarded a Master of Science degree in Project Management (MSc PM) is a UAE National. The award represents a significant vindication of the university’s strategy of delivering British-style masters degrees to meet the vocational and developmental needs of the United Arab Emirates. It also demonstrates the success and further potential for higher education to help develop the workforce in the Gulf region.

An academic award to Hind Yousef Al Youha represents a milestone for both BUiD and a startling individual career. Schooled in Dubai, Ms. Al Youha has consistently combined professional responsibilities with higher education. Taken together, the partnership between student and institution shows the key role that both are hoping to play in the local economy.

“Hind’s triumph shows what The British University in Dubai is capable of achieving. Not only are our Masters Degrees ideal for working professionals, but we are providing an environment where Emirati graduate students can go on to help build a knowledge economy in the UAE,” said Dr. Kasim Randeree, Programme Director and Lecturer in the Faculty of Business. “Hind’s graduation project was of such quality as to set a benchmark for this field,” he added.

Dr Randeree’s own research suggests that highly educated female Emiratis provide a sound basis from which to meet government targets on Emiratising the workforce. His most recent dissertation student demonstrates the ability and pedagogic depth present in BUiD to make this goal a reality.

“I would like to thank my parents, my professors and especially my dissertation supervisor, DrKasim Randeree” added Hind Yousef Al Youha. “The quality of teaching has helped me to prepare to make a further lasting contribution to the development of my country and its economy.” Following her Masters Degree award, Hind was offered an adjunct lectureship teaching Project Management courses at the Dubai Women's' College.

A version of Ms. Al Youha’s research thesis will be made public in 2008, following several international invitations to present her findings to a wider audience. Under research topic of "Evaluation of Strategic Performance Management in Government Organizations", evaluaing performance management in terms of adequate systems and alignment to the organisation's corporate strategic plan.

No stranger to high quality accomplishments, Hind Al Youha achieved honours at high school before working her way up from trainee to Corporate Performance Manager in Dubai’s Department of Civil Aviation. In turn, she developed a work-study programme, where full-time employment coincided with evening study towards a Bachelor of Business Management degree, graduating with honours on the basis of her work, which was evaluated as excellent.

Hind added to her achievements by studying for the BUiD MSc degree while in full-time employment. Remarkably, she completed the masters in one year, rather than the standard two years in duration.

Source: Al Bawaba - http://www.pmforum.org/pm%20forum%20team/index.htm#5.

DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management has released a white paper entitled, "The Power of Project Management: Essential Skills for Team Leaders in the 21st Century." To view or download a copy, visit www.kelleradvantage.com/pm.

The Power of Project Management white paper outlines the evolution of project management and the increased need for this critical skill set within organizations around the world. For a multitude of businesses, having a certified project manager is essential. The authors of the white paper define the optimal path to achieve professional PM designation: a combination of education and experience.

Included in The Power of Project Management white paper:

• Statistics and professional insights on the growing need for a skilled project management workforce
  
  According to Robert Half Technology, project managers are in high demand. Project management is in the top five occupations with year-over-year growth (2007 vs. 2006) with entry level starting salaries up 4.1 percent. Likewise, a recent search on Monster.com produced nearly 1,500 positions that required or preferred the PMP certification.
  

• Project management salary survey results
  
  The fourth edition of the PMI Project Management Salary Survey (2006) showed those with Project Management Professional (PMP) certification made 10 percent more on average than their non PMP-certified colleagues. The survey also revealed a healthy trend in salary increases based on experience, with project managers achieving six-figure salaries after approximately 10 years.

• Criteria for selecting an advanced project management education/certification program
  
  Formal education is an essential part of becoming a professional project manager. The white paper details the four "Rs:"
  
  - Respect
  - Relevant real-world experience
  - Reasonable flexibility and
  - Recognized by the Project Management Institute (PMI)

In The Power of Project Management white paper, Tony Kapsak, an associate director in the project management center of excellence at a global telecommunications company, states, "the field of project management covers many technical topics, and a formal education is an important part of understanding how to apply those topics to projects." The authors state that a master’s degree in project management would benefit middle managers the most because the degree closely aligns with what their companies need the managers to do. A concentration in project management as part of an MBA or a graduate certificate in project management is also worth consideration.

In addition to project management independent professionals and contractors, key audiences for The Power of Project Management white paper include human resources managers, senior systems or operations managers, financial services and compliance professionals, and a variety of organizations seeking to enhance the project management skill set of their personnel.

For more than 30 years, DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management has delivered relevant, practical graduate education to thousands of students, helping them transform their skills and succeed in their careers. As one of the largest graduate management schools in the U.S., Keller offers seven master’s degree programs in management, as well as a variety of graduate certificate programs. Keller implements a career-oriented approach with a curriculum that is highly responsive to industry trends and taught by working professionals. Convenience and flexibility are emphasized with classes offered across a nationwide network of convenient locations, online or a combination of both. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA). Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry University is based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, USA. For more information, visit www.kelleradvantage.com/pm.