Dhofar University

College of Engineering
Academic Year: 2023-2024

Meeting: Ad Hoc Committee

Meeting No.: 4 Date: 28th November 2023
Venue: CE 211A Time: 13:00 – 13:30
Attendees: S. Name: Designation:
1. Dr. Issam Mahfoodh Bait Bahdoor Dean
2. Dr. Wesam Hassan Beitelmal Associate Professor – CVE
3. Dr. Md Akter Hosen Assistant Professor – CVE
4. Dr. Paul Chukwuleke Okonkwo Associate Professor – MME
5. Dr. Mazhar Ul-Islam Associate Professor – CHE
Apologies: S. Name: Designation:
1. NA NA
Agenda: 1. NA
2. NA
Matters Arising from Previous Minutes
Item No.: Summary of Discussion Action/Status/Deadline
NA NA NA
Discussion of the Meeting
Item No.: Summary of Discussion Action/Status/Deadline
4.1 AoB, Program Benchmarking: Dr. Wesam reported the
completion of benchmarking, with all members receiving
emails seeking their feedback.

The committee collectively decided on an 18-month

duration for the Master’s Program.

Dr. Issam inquired about the targeted student

demographic, with Dr. Wesam specifying engineers. Dr.
Issam suggested inclusion of Computer Science and
Information Technology graduates for program
sustainability.

Dr. Mahad proposed the inclusion of Math graduates, but

Dr. Issam clarified this isn't feasible in the Omani system.

Dr. Issam emphasized the need for sustained student

intake to prevent a decline as observed in Abu Dhabi and
Ras Al Khaimah universities.

Dr. Issam advised against opening the program to

graduates from diverse majors to maintain its value.

Dr. Mazhar recommended a curriculum with fewer

 mandatory core courses and an increased number of
elective courses, allowing students greater flexibility in
selecting courses aligned with their bachelor's degree
background.

Dr. Issam inquired about the "Introduction to the Project"

course scheduled for the second semester. Dr. Wesam
explained its importance in preparing students for the
Project course in the third semester.

Further discussions ensued regarding whether the Project

course should be mandatory for all students or if it could be
replaced with other courses or comprehensive exams. Dr.
Issam emphasized the necessity of the Project course being
compulsory, citing its 6-credit value. Substituting it with
elective courses would require taking 6 electives, extending
the program duration to two years, which is not feasible
given the Master's program's 18-month timeline.

The committee settled on 5 core courses, including 4

courses and 1 mandatory Project course.

Suggestions for elective courses, such as Environmental

Project Management and Energy Production and
Management, were proposed by Dr. Mahad and Dr.
Mazhar respectively.

Admission requirements were adjusted to exclude

Engineering Economy and Probability and Statistics as
passed course requirements. The minimum IELTS
requirement was set at a score of 6.

Dr. Issam clarified that students with diplomas and work

experience don't meet the minimum admission criteria of a
Bachelor’s degree.

The committee agreed on the program title, "MEng in

Engineering and Project Management," with flexibility for
future changes.

Dr. Wesam committed to updating benchmarking

documents and initiating syllabus development.

Dr. Mazhar highlighted the need for new faculty hires to

meet the program's course requirements, while other
facilities could be finalized post-program approval.

Adjournment: 13:30
Recorded by: Mr. Tofayel Ahmed
 Signature
Approved by: Dr. Issam Bahdoor
: