SUHAR: Sohar University (SU) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Indian Institute of Management, Rohtak, to explore collaboration with the intention of initiating a Bachelor of Business Administration programme.
This (MoA) was signed by Prof Dheeraj Sharma, Director of IIM Rohtak, and Dr Hamdan al Fazari, Vice-Chancellor of Sohar University, during the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) forum held at Sohar University with the theme “Elevating Intellectual Property, Research, and Innovation in Oman”, under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in the presence of Amit Narang, the Indian Ambassador to Oman. The event took place on October 2.
Prof Sharma delivered the keynote address for the World Intellectual Property Conference. Prof Sharma highlighted the need for a balance between protecting intellectual property versus open innovation. Prof Sharma also encouraged researchers to examine opportunities for disruptive innovation that truly bring value to mankind and society. He requested the researchers and eminent scholars participating in the conference to avoid commercialising and investing in frivolous innovations that create negative externalities. He cited previous research to support the view that innovation should not be an attempt to change people but should be aimed at positively changing the world we live in.
The MoA that was signed highlighted the importance of the partnership in advancing business education and research in the region and it marks a significant milestone in academic collaboration between the two esteemed institutions. Sohar University will offer its infrastructure for any such endeavour that will allow for a speedy start of the programme.
The Bachelor of Business Administration programme is specifically targeted at the considerable Indian diaspora population within the 200 km radius of Sohar University. It has been found that there is a significant opportunity to offer high quality education to potential students of the Indian diaspora in the region. The modalities for this initiative are still being worked out, but the joint degree programme will provide students with a comprehensive foundation in key disciplines such as management, finance, operations, and marketing. The programme will emphasise critical thinking, data analysis and ethical business practices, ensuring that alumni are well-prepared for the challenges of the global business environment.
Recognised as one of India’s leading management institutions, IIM Rohtak is renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to developing future leaders. The collaboration with Sohar University reflects a shared vision of fostering high-quality education and promoting research excellence through a rigorous academic curriculum and a focus on practical applications. By collaborating with a globally renowned institution like IIM Rohtak, Sohar University reaffirms its commitment to nurturing future leaders and driving transformative progress in higher education.
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