HCT-DWC STRATEGIC GOALS, OBJECTIVES & INITIATIVES AY2008-2010

1.1        Develop new Diploma and HD programs to meet the needs of emerging industry
Strategic Initiatives:

1.1.1     New Diploma and HD programs proposed, developed and introduced to better meet t he economic development of local and regional workforce
1.1.2     Rationalize existing programs - evaluate employment and career progression of current graduates
1.1.3     Modify current programs to better meet the economic development of local and regiobnal workforce

1.2        Ensure seamless progression of students across different levels of programs
Strategic Initiatives:

1.1.4      Design academic pathways between Diploma and HD, and HD to BAS
1.1.5      Facilitate enrolment for students wishing to progress to second credential

1.3        Develop and implement continual quality improvement of programs
Strategic Initiatives:

1.1.6      Ensure international accreditation of all programs
1.1.7     Continue to implement internal program and service quality audit to measure institutional effectiveness

1.4       Collaboration/ partnership woth ‘glocal’ institutions to enhance the learning
Strategic Initiatives:

1.4.1      Provide students and staff opportunities to participate in local, national and international activities to maximize holistic development and student success
1.4.2     Provide ALL students opportunities to participate in an international experience and/or virtual international experience during college career, as integrated into curriculum

1.5      Collaboration/ partnership woth ‘glocal’ institutions to enhance the learning
Strategic Initiatives:

1.5.1     Design, devlop and implement Blackboard Vista projects
1.5.2     Utilization of SafeAssign Application
1.5.3     E-learning applications/materials produced by CALM, faculty and IT Services
1.5.4     Promote innovation through the Practicing the Future (PTF) Awards
1.5.5      Expand and strengthen innovative teaching & learning practices for students
1.5.6     Design, implement and maintain an online DWC Staff Innovation Scheme AND Student Suggestion Scheme

2.1        Enhance quality of Bachelor programs and offer new master programs
Strategic Initiatives:

2.1.2      Ensure all programs are accredited/aligned with internationally accredited/credentialled programs
2.1.2 Continual improvement in the quality of Bachelor and Master programs
2.1.3      New Bachelor and Master programs proposed, developed and introduced to better meet the economic development of local and regional workforce

2.2        Ensure proper environment for faculty to conduct applied research functions
Strategic Initiatives:

2.2.1      Recruit more faculty with terminal degrees in professional discipline and provide release time from teaching to pursue applied research
2.2.2      Develop DWC Center of Excellence for Entrepreneurship in Business & IT to provide the necessary facilities and budget for strong, vibrant programs, with the help of National Research Foundation
2.2.3      Expand DWC Library to create an information commons that will serve as a modern, vibrant intellectual centre in support of research, scholarship and college life

3.1        Actively seek private sector support and participation in funding
Strategic Initiatives:

3.1.1      Expand HCT foundation as a structured vehicle to facilitate corporate support through named chairs, deans, scholarships, labs a) raise corporate funding needed to enable scholarships, expansion projects
3.1.2      Increase the number of sponsored students and cost recovery programs for specific industries that are aggressively Emiratizing a) raise funds needed to enable DWC’s competitive edge as identified from enterprise needs analysis, business intelligence and Emiratization strategies of the Emirate

3.2        Pursue local emirates’ support to augment federal funding
Strategic Initiatives:

3.2.1      Apply for specific facility and land grants from local governments for the respective colleges
3.2.2 Promote HCT reputation and visibility and actively seek new sources of funding

3.3        Develop formula funding based on student count and KPI’s with the Federal government
Strategic Initiatives:

3.3.1      Liaise through the ministry of the Higher Education and Ministry of Presidential Affairs to complete the adoption of the formula funding process - efficient use of DWC budget & non-federal funds within HCT and State Audit Guidelines
3.3.2      Work with the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister Office to implement KPIs and ensure adequate reward system is in place - provide HCT KPI data to MOFI as requested

3.4        Generate funds from DWC Resources and Facilities
Strategic Initiatives:

3.4.1      Increase the financial support of all DWC programs/services through increased enrollment and funding opportunities through - pursuing new revenue sources and resources and comprehensive fundraising campaigns to support all aspects of the college
3.4.2      Maximize existing DWC resources and revenues to accelerate entrepreneurial opportunities/ bring events, conferences and new audiences to the college

4.1        Recruit, develop, motivate and retain world class staff
Strategic Initiatives:

4.1.1      Continue to ensure that compensation packages are aligned with international trends and best practices - recruit, retain and support a talented, diverse workforce that supports the college’s responsibilities and commitment to excellence in T & L
4.1.2 Provide career development opportunities by introducing new faculty ranks and providing management development programs for faculty to move to management grades – plan for succession and turnover to ensure retention of institutional memory

4.2       Improve Emiratization at faculty level
Strategic Initiatives:

4.2.1      Develop scholarship programs in coordination with the ministry of Higher Education to help UAE nationals pursue PHD and join faculty ranks
4.2.2     Develop attractive packages for UAE nationals to join as teaching assistance and grow in academic careers

4.3        Enhance management and HR practices to improve the work environment
Strategic Initiatives:

4.3.1     Develop clear and effective performance management system (ASPIRA/PEP) in line with international best practices
4.3.2 Create effective and transparent communication system to seek staff feedback and incorporate changes in policies based on this feedback – evaluate Staff Satisfaction Index to manage and retaion an outstanding workforce that is committed to the mission and values of the college
4.3.3     Encourage interdepartmental communication and interdisciplinary collaboration to promote an open exchange of ideas and information, cultivate sharing of best practices, and create an atmosphere of openness, integrity and trust

5.1        Develop an effective Marketing Strategy to increase market share
Strategic Initiatives:

5.5.1     Develop and implement DWC Recruitment Marketing Model to increase market share – increase participation in High School / Career Fairs in the UAE and implement market research processes

5.2       Promote DWC as an innovative leader in Higher Education
Strategic Initiatives:

5.2.1      Promote the college's academic reputation and brand as an innovative leader in HE through:
a) Utilizing and accessing DWC marketing resources, and establishing processes for consistent use of research data to produce marjketing materials
b) Conducting regular activities and special programs that bring the public to the college (links to 1.4)
c) Establishing college print information process and develop criteria for college print information and new publications
d) Increase advertising: brochures/ internet - using DWC website as a publicatrion - using college TV's for advertising, marketing, publications etc.

5.3        Increase employment of DWC graduates
Strategic Initiatives:

5.3.1     Implement, monitor and evaluate the DWC Graduate Employment Strategic Plan across all programs:
a) Develop personalized student learning plans, portfolios, career plans to enhance individual employment potential
b) Provide career education to all students and graduates e.g.  via classroom visits, workshops, career fairs, guest speakers (alumni, high profile business leaders), individual and group counseling, faculty advising, curriculum advising, and resurce materials
5.3.2     Maintain information on employment destination of graduates for use in recruitment (Graduate Database) through:
a) Career Services website
b) Employer MoU's
c) Graduate sponsorships
d) Follow up job placement of graduates
5.3.2      Foster a proud Alumni Association:
a) Establish a strategy to develop DWC Alumni Association
b) Enhance communications with Alumni, inclusive events, reunions, web presence and personal contacts

5.4        Partner with local educational and training government organizations
Strategic Initiatives:

5.4.1      Foster strong alliances with ZU, UAEU, international campuses of HCT to expand and enhance DWC programs/ services
5.4.2      Improve T&L strategies through Training/ PD linkages with other institutions:
a) Encourage industry certificaton and additional academic qualifications
b) Provide T&L opportunities to collabotate with local enterprise

5.5        Maximize Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through community partnerships and outreach
Strategic Initiatives:

5.5.1      Continue to promote local, regional, international CSR initiatives - as well as recycling, green energy sources, carbon footprint reducytion to protect the environment (links to 1.4)
5.5.2      Adopt 'Green' policies and be seen as a leader in safeguarding the environment