The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit (IEU) in coordination with the Industrial Link Committee of the Business Studies Department organised an industrial visit to Ocean Plastics Industry on Tuesday, 10th March 2020, for a group of 15 students. The main purpose of the visit was to give students exposure on how to manage a medium-sized business with emphasis on operations management and marketing techniques. Mr Ahmed Al-Mamari, the owner of the business, explained to the students the production process and different types of products supplied to local and international companies. The students were accompanied by the head of IEU, Mr Mohammed Al-Sakiti.
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit (IEU) organised an entrepreneurial talk on Thursday, 5th March 2020, from 10 am to 11:30 am at the VIP room. Mr Abdulaziz Al-Ghafri and Mr Morai Al-Yaqoobi, the owners of Dexter’s Lab Café, delivered a presentation on the journey of their business emphasizing the business idea, unique features of the business, challenges faced by the owners, marketing techniques and future plans. They also drew 20 free vouchers for the attendees to visit the café. At the end of the presentation, the head of IEU, Mr Mohammed Al-Sakiti, provided a certificate of appreciation to the speakers thanking them for their participation.
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit (IEU), represented by three student companies, participated in the 5th Entrepreneurship Forum at the College of Applied Sciences, Ibri, from 25 to 26 February 2020. The three participating student companies are 9 Powers, Rouh and Path Cleaners. The forum gave them a valuable opportunity to show their innovative products to the public. They also got feedback and comments on how to make improvements to their businesses in the future. At the end of the forum, all the participants received a certificate of appreciation for their active participation in the forum.
Ibri College of Technology, as a part of the quality enhancement process, initiated a benchmarking visit to the Vocational Training College, Ibri on Thursday, 6 February 2020. The team of seven staff members from the Engineering Department participated in this benchmarking process were Mr Nasser Al Shammakhi (HoD, Engineering), Dr Illankumaran (HoS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering Section), Dr Elangovan (HoS, Mechanical Engineering Section), Dr Rehna V. Jameela (Lecturer, Electronics Engineering), Mr. Abid Siddique (Lecturer, Physics), Mr Arthur Davis (Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering) and Mr Reddy Ganesh (Lecturer, Electrical Engineering).
Purpose of the visit
The main purpose of the visit was to enhance interaction and maintain public relations between Ibri College of Technology and the Vocational Training College and to explore opportunities for collaboration, resource sharing for students, along with openings for research and consultancy activities.
Insights from the visit
The dean and staff of the Vocational Training College welcomed the visitors and gave a brief introduction on the activities of the college. Mr Waleed, Head of Engineering, walked the team through the electrical and electronics labs, mechanical engineering labs, carpentry and civil engineering labs, art and craft training sessions etc. The classrooms, equipped with multifunctional smart boards, were highly admirable. Different types of 3D printers and CNC machines are used by staff and students. The feasibility of shifting a major CNC machine to Ibri College of Technology for a short period of time was also discussed. It was later decided, based on expert observation, that it is not advisable to move the machine as it is highly sensitive and may lose its precision once dismantled.
A team of eight staff members from Ibri College of Technology visited the Nomac Ibri Power Plant on Thursday, 20 February 2020. This company is the first independent power plant in the Al Dhahirah region. The plant has a capacity of generating 1509.1 MW of electricity per day with an efficiency of 58%. The company has signed contracts to start a solar power plant with a capacity of 500 MW AC and 600 MW DC power generation spanning over an area of 6 square kilometres. They are planning to use Bio facial PV model (2 sided solar panels) for the first time in Oman. Commissioning will start in August 2020.
Dr Illankumaran (HoS, Electrical and Electronics Section), Dr Sharmila Deve (Lecturer Electrical Engineering), Dr Rehna V. Jameela (Lecturer, Electronics Engineering), Mr Abid Siddique (Physics Coordinator), Mr Arthur Davis (Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering), Mr Ali Al Alawi (Head of OJT), Mr Manikandan S. (OJT Coordinator, Engineering Department) and Mr Shafi Al Shukri (Technician) were among the visiting members.
Purpose of the visit
The main purpose of the visit was to enhance interaction and maintain public relations between Ibri College of Technology and the Nomac Power Plant, and to explore opportunities for OJT and industrial visits for students along with openings for research and consultancy services.
Insights from the visit
After reaching the power plant, the HSE Engineer, Dr Mirza Muneer from the Health and Safety wing of the substation, briefed us regarding the safety rules observed in the power plant. Mr Mohammed Al Shueili, the plant manager, welcomed the visitors, gave an introductory presentation and walked us through the activities of the power plant. The team visited the heat recovery steam generator, main air compressor, RO (Reverse Osmosis) plant, DM (Demineralisation) plant, fire water pump stations, diesel and loading areas, etc. Waste management practices adopted by the plant were briefed as the plant is designed to be a zero-waste plant. The mechanism of segregating hazardous, non-hazardous and recyclable waste was also explained.
Furthermore, the following were also shown to the team:
- Gas turbines (four gas turbines, each with a capacity of 235 MW)
- Steam turbines (two steam turbines, each with a capacity of 283 MW)
- Water treatment area and FPS equipment area;
- Fuel oil unloading and pumping area;
- Gas treatment and compression area
- Black start generators area; and
- Storm water basins and evaporation ponds.
Outcome of the visit:
- The team was able to experience modern practices pertaining to generation, distribution, and maintenance of power.
- The plant manager stated that:
- The requirements of both institutions can be met by a collaborative mechanism which will help to strengthen the relationship between Ibri College of Technology and Ibri Power Plant.
- As a part of corporate social responsibility, they are ready to extend support to Ibri College of Technology to train our students and minimise the gap between industry and academia.
- There was only one student who did OJT last year in Nomac. From July 2020, they plan to accommodate more OJT students. They have promised to contact Ibri College of Technology as soon as they are ready for OJT.
- Job opportunities are currently managed through the Ministry of Manpower, offering opportunities for all graduates across Oman, but preferences are given for potential local candidates from Ibri.
- The plant manager and his team at Nomac were invited for SORESA, a one-day workshop on The Scope of Renewable Energy Systems and its Applications which is organised by the Engineering Department, Ibri College of Technology on 4 March 2020.
The Students Research Committee (SRC) of Business Studies Department has organized a presentation on “Data Analysis for Business Research”, on 11th February 2020, between 12.00 PM to 2.00 PM at the A016B. At the outset, Dr.M.Tamilslevan gave an overview of the presentation theme and the resource person. The session was handled by Mr.Asif Mahmood, he demonstrated the importance of data analysis and how to perform the data analysis using Micro Soft Excel. Around 60 students from both Advanced Diploma and Bachelor levels and 13 Business Studies Department staff members participated in the presentation. Dr.Ansarul Haque and Dr..M.Tamilslevan – Project- Coordinators have organized and coordinated the presentation. The presentation was concluded with the vote of thanks to HOD- Business Studies Department, Department Staff and students for their active participation.
As a series of activities conducted in the Risk Management Committee of the Department of Business Studies, an awareness program for all business students was conducted on 19th February 2020 (Wednesday). The coordinator of RMC Mr. Enthiyaz Khan conducted a presentation by giving an elaborate meaning of risk management & its objectives at IbriCT. The speaker explained the Risk identification, different types of risks, such as Strategic, Operational, Financial, Complain and Reputation risks with examples. Students enjoyed the session with full interaction with the speaker. Later, the feedback was collected from the students for further improvement in RMC.
As part of the department operational plan, the OJT and Entrepreneurship Committee, has jointly organized “CV Writing Workshop” on 19th February 2020 at Venue: A016A. The session started at 1 p.m. and the speakers Dr.Syeda Zubaida Hashmi and Mr.Asif Mahmood Alizai have briefed the students on the importance of CV writing, contents of CV and Do’s & Don’ts in the CV. The students were actively involved and learned ‘how to build an effective CV’ through this workshop. The speakers also enlightened the participants on how to upload and display their CV on various websites. This will enable their CV to seek the attention of various employers online and helpful for them to build their professional career. Most of the participants were bachelor level students and both the speakers made the session more interactive with them. The workshop concluded at 2 pm with vote of thanks to the College Management, Head of Business Studies Department and both the committee members for their co-operation & active participation.
The Information Technology Department, through the Academic Support Committee, conducted the Student Induction Programme on Wednesday, 5 February 2020 in Lab B119.
The induction programme is especially organised for the new Post-Foundation students who joined in Academic Year 2019-2020, Semester 2. The objective of this programme is to give an idea on various specialisations available in the Colleges of Technology in the field of Information Technology. This programme focuses on various aspects such as CGPA, IELTS, requirements to move to higher levels, purpose of on-the-job training, advisor advisee meeting, warning letters in courses and student grievances. Ms Wardah Al Majrafi, member of Academic Support Committee, provided information about each specialisation and comparisons between Database and Software Engineering, Networking and Internet and E-Security.
The Induction programme received good response from the students. In the end, feedback was collected from the students.
Ibri College of Technology, Educational Technology Center in coordination with DELL EMC organized a session entitled “Accelerating Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Deep Learning Adoption” last Tuesday 19th February 2020 at 12:00 noon in the Multipurpose Hall (Engineering Building). The Talk was given by Dr. Raed Hijer, a Senior Principal Engineer, Client Solution Technologist, Dell.
The session started with the opening remarks and introduction of the Guest speaker made by Mr. Abdullah Al Shukeily, ETC HoC. Before the talk, Mr. Georges El-Khoury, Sales Manager at Dell EMC gave a short briefer about Dell EMC.
The presentation discussed more in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Deep Learning. He has given an example of how these 3 systems would perform hand in hand. He has also given the hardware requirement that is needed in order to have these systems to work effectively. He highlighted the importance of the CPU processor and graphics processor. Before the session ended, Ms. Selma Kochan, Client Solutions Lead, Gulf at Dell EMC showcased the purpose of the said topic with the use of virtual simulation. The staff was given the opportunity to test Virtual environment where the human body was presented and focus on human parts where they can do simulation and see what's inside.
The session gathered around 157 participants from and outside the college. Specifically, there was 55 guest who was from Ministry of Manpower(MoM), Ministry of Education(MoE), Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Agriculture, Oman Chamber of Commerce, Bank Dhofar, Ibri Vocational College and Oman College of Health Science. The rest are college staff and students.
