An Overview on Professional Education Development in Technology Management: The Experience of Arabian Gulf University

DOI:10.21742/AJEMR.2018.3.1.04

AUTHORS

Afaf M. Bugawa,Department of Innovation and Technology Management, College of Graduate Studies, Arabian Gulf University, Kingdom of Bahrain

Odeh R. Al-Jayyousi,Department of Innovation and Technology Management, College of Graduate Studies, Arabian Gulf University, Kingdom of Bahrain

Yas A. Alsultanny,Department of Innovation and Technology Management, College of Graduate Studies, Arabian Gulf University, Kingdom of Bahrain

Medani P. Bhandari,Department of Innovation and Technology Management, College of Graduate Studies, Arabian Gulf University, Kingdom of Bahrain

Andri Mirzal,Department of Innovation and Technology Management, College of Graduate Studies, Arabian Gulf University, Kingdom of Bahrain

ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper is to review and reflect on the developments and transformations of professional graduate program in technology management at the Arabian Gulf University during the period 1990-2015. Document analysis and feedbacks from alumni were used to understand the evolution of the program and the shifts in terms of strategy, education paradigm and methodology of research. The analysis of the organization ecology was divided into four stages: pioneering, growth, maturity and renewal. Characterization of each stage of development in the program was identified so as to help in articulating a new stage of renewal and innovation. The renewal stage (2016-2020) is also discussed where it is characterized by system thinking, strong emphasis on linkages between academia and industry, research methodology, problem-based learning, technology policy, social innovation, effective web-based learning, critical thinking and communication skills.