Kuwait unversity is loosing its ranking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Kuwait unversity is loosing its ranking - Essay Example This population accounts for at least half the population of Kuwait; thereby raising alarm amongst scholars and educators alike as to whether this drop in world rank is representative of a drop in the quality of skills and competency transfer within the institution? What does this portend on the institution’s capacity to attract international students in light of an ever globalizing world? To a country whose population comprised almost half by teens aged 18-24 years, the youth represent a significant component towards the future development of Kuwait as a country. The former Minister for education in Kuwait, Noria Al-Sabeeh ably identified that, â€Å"investing in young people is actually investing in the future.† But this is not so evident at the university. In a 21st century environment, the use of ICT learning is one of the most revolutionary concepts for all proactive educators. According to the Kuwait University 2011-2012 catalogue, there seems to be a failure to reconcile this thought in its academic policies. Emphasis is still being placed on student’s physical attendance in class without providing clear stipulations as to how open-distance learning can be effected. Subsequently, with the high levels of student intake it seems clear that the existing four campuses were inadequate for the increasing student level approximated at over 19,000 in 2005. The continued falling of teacher-student ratio nationally which currently stands at a paltry 0.06:1 may have contributed to a decline in the state university ranking (StateUniversity.com). The educational statistics for 1997-98 shows a greater decline of Kuwaiti educators at university level; the tendency to rely on foreign educators has an indirect impact on the student performance because learning cannot be effectively â€Å"localized† in the sense of practical exemplification of theoretical concepts; development and assessment of student projects and proposals. Finally, the occurrence of

IKEAs Resources and Competences in Developing Competitive Advantage Essay

IKEAs Resources and Competences in Developing Competitive Advantage - Essay Example With specific references to its competencies, it is apparent that since its inception, IKEA has always shown a great concern for people and the environment. This is based on its vision which is to create a better everyday life for many people. Indeed, its concern for people and the environment enhances its proper use of resources. Thus, it endeavors to keep its cost as minimum as possible. The IKEA entrepreneurial culture is enduring. For instance, its founder Ingvar Kamprad exhibited elements of entrepreneurship early in his childhood. As a fact, entrepreneurs are usually born and/or made. This way, the environment in which IKEA’s founder was raised up in nurtured his entrepreneurial skills. The Smalanders for instance, are famed for their informality and entrepreneurial spirit. For instance, His aunt would send him large quantities of matches which he would sell in small quantities at a lucrative price. Thus, he was exposed to an entrepreneurial culture early in his life. The leadership and organizational structure of IKEA are also ideal. Peter Hogsted, the CEO is subscribed to the idea of cost-cutting and promotes informal structure within the organization. Through the Hawthorne experiments, Elton Mayo, a renowned behavioral theorist was able to affirm that work satisfaction and performance among workers is basically not economic. It is rather more contingent on working conditions and attitudes. This includes proper communication, positive management response and encouraging employees to work hard by motivating them.