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.