AUS holds graduation ceremony for SEWA executive education program, the 2018 Excellence Diploma

Candidates of the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) Excellence Program have received their executive diplomas during a special ceremony held at American University of Sharjah today. The Center for Executive and Professional Education (CEPE) at American University of Sharjah (AUS), in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Engineering in the AUS College of Engineering, delivered the diploma program to 22 employees of SEWA.

Over the course of the interdisciplinary program, which began in February of this year and concluded in October, participants were exposed to both management and engineering topics through a series of monthly classes and projects. Participants were given the skills and knowledge to promote excellence and innovation in their organization, acquiring new problem-solving, critical thinking and leadership capacities. The eight modules participants were required to complete included:

• 4th Generation Government Excellence Model and Strategy Alignment
• Seven Star Services
• Process Management for Organizational Excellence
• Physical Assets and Risk Management    
• Creative Improvement Strategies
• Human Assets Management for Organizational Excellence
• Effective Project Management
• Sustainable Innovation 

H.E. Dr. Rashid Alleem, Chairman of Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), said:

“The purpose of the program is to create a holistic organization which is in a constant state of learning, driving organizational efficiencies and improving employee productivity, as well as translating new ideas into revenue-generating innovations for tomorrow.”

Dr. Ilias Visvikis, Director of CEPE, said:

“Our partnership with SEWA has seen our two organizations collaborate to identify the specific learning and development needs of SEWA people, and create a tailored solution that has real impact. We are delighted by the outcome and look forward to seeing these participants go on to enact real and lasting change in their workplace.”

The program was developed and delivered by AUS faculty as well as subject matter experts, well-known for combining academic rigor with practical application.

Dr. Moncer Hariga, Head of the Department of Industrial Engineering in the AUS College of Engineering and program coordinator, said:

"The aim of the Excellence Diploma Program is to provide a well-rounded body of knowledge for participants so that they can effectively lead SEWA's improvement efforts. The program was carefully designed by an academic team from the AUS Department of Industrial Engineering, combining theory and real-life practical application across various areas of performance excellence. The rich combination of the program materials, including excellence fundamentals, innovation and smart services, coupled project and process management, helps to ensure participants meet the demands of their role as change agent.”