STRATEGIC PLAN 2017-2022EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Kingdom University (KU) is one of the first private higher education institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain offering Bachelor programs in a variety of disciplines. KU began operations in 2004, through its temporary campus in Manama, and in 2013, the university moved into its own permanent campus in Riffa. In 2016, KU embarked on a major expansion at the campus which includes the development of a new six-storey academic building and extension of car parks and sport facilities.

At present, KU is comprised of three colleges, namely:• College of Architecture Engineering & Design• College of Business Administration• College of Law

KU’s first strategic plan was developed in 2011, which also included an operational plan for its implementation. Subsequently, KU recognized the need to revise its strategy in line with the developments in higher education at that time and developed a revised Strategic Plan from 2012 to 2017.

Taking cognizance of the changing landscape of higher education in the region, KU senior management has decided to revisit its institutional strategies and align it with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 as well as with the strategies of regulatory authorities in Bahrain. The strategic effort was organized and built around four critical areas:

• Perception of our stakeholders on “who we are” as a higher education institution in the Kingdom of Bahrain;• Strategic aspiration of the University given the competitive challenges in Bahrain’s higher education sector;• Strategic KPIs and action plans of the University vis-à-vis the evolving regulatory requirements; and• Measurement of the achievement of our strategic directions and priorities for the next 5 years.

On behalf of the members of the Kingdom University (KU) community, I am proud to offer you a warmhearted welcome. KU has enjoyed a solid reputation in providing quality tertiary education programs since its establishment in 2001. Our alumni have enriched the public and private sectors in the

Kingdom of Bahrain through their prominent positions and successful

careers. We enjoy a constellation of goals, values, and principles that focus on serving the

society and establishing a landmark in higher education locally, regionally, and internationally in support of the vision of the Kingdom and the mission of the Higher Education Council (HEC). To keep up with the dynamic social and economic changes, KU is always engaged in a journey of addressing strategic contemporary challenges that will preserve the established positive impacts of its vision and mission.

I am pleased to present to you the new Kingdom University Strategic Plan 2022-2017. Building on the unique successes of the past, we want to ensure that all facets of our academic programmes and student life promote high levels of excellence at the university! This document, the product of many months of collaborative planning by scores of our stakeholders across all disciplines and functions, reflects the combined efforts and inputs from members of the entire KU community. Guided by the core values of the University, this plan significantly represents the ideas of students, faculty, and staff from across the university, as well as alumni, community/industry partners, and regulatory influencers in the country. Through the

synthesis of these multidimensional perspectives, ten strategic dimensions emerged which are critical to the University’s future direction. These dimensions are mutually reinforcing components that form the basis for a robust and sustainable KU. As such, many of the strategic initiatives under one dimension also have relevance to other dimensions. The ten strategic dimensions symbolize the core of our vision and mission, and therefore, shall be the principal focus for KU over the next 5 years.

While I am proud to present this executive document to our community and beyond, I hope that everyone understands that this is both a plan and a pledge. We pledge to provide a stimulating higher educational experience to our student body within an environment conducive for achieving their dreams of having successful careers in their respective fields of discipline. We shall attain this by focusing our efforts and investments on the areas where we can most clearly distinguish ourselves and where we can have the greatest impact in the society of Kingdom of Bahrain. We understand that quality is a journey that can only be successfully embarked through an experience of listening to our stakeholders and learning as we move forward. More importantly, desired program learning outcomes are best achieved through a student-centered approach within an environment of opportunities. By assuming this collective responsibility, in the coming years, we shall rise to the challenge we have set for ourselves, and an even stronger Kingdom University shall be the fruit.

Professor Mohamad Jamil TerroPresident

DEFINING KINGDOM UNIVERSITY’S (KU) FUTURE

OUR ENDURING COMMITMENTS

1. Team Work: We are dedicated to work together with the highest standards of excellence to achieve and support our shared vision, mission, goals and our students’ success.

2. Professionalism: We are committed to the provision of effective and efficient stakeholders’ focused services in all aspects of our work and practices which includes expected behaviors of responsibility, accountability, dependability and leadership.

3. Continuous Improvement: We value the pursuit of excellence in individual and collective aspirations by fostering creative and innovative solutions with opportunities for growth and change.

4. Fairness: We believe, celebrate and respect the equal value, dignity and diversity of all people by actively seeking the elimination of barriers.

5. Contribution to society and economy: We are committed to collaboration and active engagement with academic, business, public, and civic communities to promote transformative and life-long learning opportunities and excellence for our students.

6. Integrity: We affirm and are committed to honesty, scholarly ethics, freedom of inquiry, soundness of decision making and truthful engagement with our stakeholders through effective policies, communication and practices.

“Kingdom University will be an eminent University for its quality of academic programs, research and community engagement, contributing to the economic development of the region.”

“Kingdom University offers quality and challenging teaching and learning experiences, relevant research, and community engagement activities that nurtures future leaders and professionals capable of making positive contributions to the society and economy of Bahrain and the region.”

VISION MISSION

OUR CORE VALUES

OUR VALUE PROPOSITION

N. I. C. E.

EDUCATE:Learning,

Teaching, Student Experience and

Continuous Improvement

CULTIVATE:Research, Community

Engagement and Partnerships (locally,

regionally and globally)

NURTURE: StudentAdvising, Guidance& Counselling

INCUBATE: Team Work, Professionalism,Fairness, Contribution tosociety & economy,and Integrity

Environment of Opportunities

Student-Centered Approach

OUR STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK AND DIMENSIONS

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

STRATEGIC DIMENSION 1: TEACHING & LEARNING

Primary Area of Focus Critical Success Factors Strategic Enablers

Kingdom University aims to adapt to the evolving needs and trends in imparting education, and provide a distinctive teaching and learning environment, emphasizing on practicality. The university also seeks to raise the quality of its graduates by raising the intake standards and constant feedback and monitoring of student progress.

1. Quality of graduates2. Employment rates of graduates3. Satisfaction rate of employers4. Workforce readiness of students5. Satisfaction rates of students

1. ICT Infrastructure2. Industry & Employer relations3. Alumni relations and support4. Quality faculty & staff5. Intake student quality

STRATEGIC DIMENSION 2: RESEARCH

Primary Area of Focus Critical Success Factors Strategic Enablers

Kingdom University will invest in and drive research excellence to be in line with the National Research Strategy by improving the research governance and conduct and enhancing the research capacity. The university will focus its areas of research towards economic & national important aspects and agenda by maintaining originality.

1. Quality of research outputs2. Economic and social Impact3. Strong processes for resource allocation4. University rankings

1. Financial strength2. Infrastructure and capabilities3. Industry and Employer relations4. Alumni relations and support5. Quality faculty and staff

STRATEGIC DIMENSION 3: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Primary Area of Focus Critical Success Factors Strategic Enablers

Kingdom University aims to engage with the larger community around it, establishing a strong industry relationship and alumni network, while addressing the needs of the community, thus,contributing to advancement of the country.

1. Number of Industry Relations2. Number of government body relations3. Alumni network and involvement4. Society and community engagement

1. Industry and Employer Relations2. Alumni relations and support3. Government body collaboration4. Social Engagement5. Infrastructure and Capabilities

STRATEGIC DIMENSION 4: STUDENT SUPPORT & UNIVERSITY CULTURE

Primary Area of Focus Critical Success Factors Strategic Enablers

Kingdom University will provide its students with a challenging and thought-provoking student experience, to enable their all-round as well as professional development. The university will also provide support to its students to ensure that their concerns are addressed and resolved.

1. Student’s Satisfaction Rate2. Faculty’s perception of students3. Employer’s perception4. Student engagement in activities5. Student Competitiveness

1. Student cultural adoption rate2. Financial strength3. ICT Integration4. Collaboration with banks5. Industry Relations

STRATEGIC DIMENSION 5: FACULTY & STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Primary Area of Focus Critical Success Factors Strategic Enablers

Kingdom University will recruit, develop and retain highly motivated and energized academic and administrative staff by providing them a challenging, high performing and supportive environment that would ensure their personal goals and aspirations.

1. High quality and well recognized faculty and staff2. Number of PhD. Faculty3. Leadership and Innovative Activities undertaken to improve KU4. Contribution to Research and Development

1. Ease of Regulatory Approvals2. Financial Strength3. Competitive Salary Structures4. Marketing and Branding Efforts5. Economic growth

STRATEGIC DIMENSION 6: QUALITY ASSURANCE, ACCREDITATIONS & GLOBAL FOCUS

Primary Area of Focus Critical Success Factors Strategic Enablers

Kingdom University will aim to achieve high standards of quality. The university will also aim to achieve National as well as International Accreditations relevant to Programs/Courses offered. It will enhance relationships with International Universities in the fields of academics as well as research.

1. Regulatory and Quality Certification of KU and its Programs2. International Accreditations3. International Exposure to students4. International Students in KU

1. Financial Strength2. Quality of Faculty and Staff3. Global tie-ups with Universities4. Marketing and Branding Efforts5. Ease of Regulatory Approvals

STRATEGIC DIMENSION 7: INFRASTRUCTURE

Primary Area of Focus Critical Success Factors Strategic Enablers

Kingdom University aims to provide its students with solid infrastructure for the purpose of learning, physical fitness, recreation, etc. KU also aims to strengthen its ICT infrastructure in its drive to integrate technology into all its processes.

1. Quality of labs, studios and Library2. Meeting BQA and HEC Requirements3. ICT Infrastructure Quality4. University Building Appearance5. Student Satisfaction Rate6. Faculty and Staff satisfaction rate

1. Financial Strength2. Marketing and Branding Efforts3. Ease of Regulatory Approvals4. Leadership and Management Support5. Technology Adoption by stakeholders

STRATEGIC DIMENSION 8: GOVERNANCE

Primary Area of Focus Critical Success Factors Strategic Enablers

Kingdom University aims to achieve effective governance through a well-organized framework of operation to facilitate effective and prudent management that can deliver long term success for the University under the guidance of its Board. The university also seeks to facilitate cooperation among all departments to ensure smooth operations.

1. Efficiency and effectiveness of operations2. Effective recordkeeping and communication3. Effective monitoring and reporting4. Effective coordination and flexibility

1. Financial Strength2. Infrastructure and Capabilities3. Leadership & Management Support and Involvement4. Cooperation among Departments

STRATEGIC DIMENSION 9: INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Primary Area of Focus Critical Success Factors Strategic Enablers

Kingdom University aims to foster a strong sense of innovation and entrepreneurship in its graduates by encouraging critical and independent thinking, nurturing team-work and leadership skills and sensitizing students to the existing opportunities available to them.

1. Establishment of an Incubator2. Establishment of a Center of Excellence3. Number of entrepreneurs/Incubated businesses at KU4. All-round learning methodologies

1. Financial Strength2. Infrastructure and Capabilities3. Adoption of Innovative Methods and Technology by Stakeholders4. Marketing and Branding Efforts

STRATEGIC DIMENSION 10 : SUSTAINABILITY & GROWTH

Primary Area of Focus Critical Success Factors Strategic Enablers

Kingdom University aims to be flexible in adapting to its changing environment, dynamically identifying areas of Academic potential and growth. At the same time, the university will also aim to ensure the sustainability of its functioning through securing stable streams of revenue. Additionally, the university would also seek to grow its influence and reach a wider audience through strengthening its Marketing & PR function.

1. Efficient Marketing and PR2. KU Brand Awareness and Recall3. Number of new relevant programs introduced4. Number of alternate revenue streams generated5. Number of research grants secured

1. Marketing and Branding Efforts2. Financial Strength3. Infrastructure and Capabilities4. International Relationships5. Regional and Global Stability

STRATEGIC PLAN 2022-2017 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

@Kingdom_uni www.ku.edu.bh /