Abdullah Al Suleimany*
We are starting to feel the cold wind of recession not only in Oman and GCC countries but globally as well. Recession is an opportunity to learn new skills and techniques. It is an opportunity that you would get once in a while.
Economic recession makes businesses and manpower, skilled and unskilled alike, redundant. It ushers in a new set of innovative entrepreneurs who make an impact and provide a much-needed fillip. Some call this process ‘Creative destruction’.
During the longest bull ruled days of the world economy, when the boom was at its peak, a possible downturn had not been envisaged by many. Everyone was made to believe that recessions were things of the past. There was an unrealistic profit expectation along with a mad rush for wealth acquisition.
To argue that recessions are a feature of capitalist market systems alone is not correct. If capitalism has a cycle of booms and recessions, socialist systems, as in the former Soviet Union or Eastern Europe, were not too cyclical, but faced gradual long term irreversible recession before they actually collapsed. It is always better to face the ups and downs in life rather than reach a level of glory and then fall irretrievably. We seem to have learnt this lesson in Oman where we gradually built our infrastructure to cover a wide geographical area benefiting the working class In particular.
Nevertheless, it is important to have a strong foundation in human resource development. We need to focus and pay more attention in Oman especially for developing the secondary school leavers. For it is from this source that innovators & entrepreneurs have to emerge to make a difference during future downturns.
A powerful nation is successful in creating a strong talent pool of young technicians, technocrats, managers, engineers, graduates, post graduates and doctorates. It is from this talent pool that people, who would create new products, invent new technologies and identify new market opportunities.
The European Innovation Score Board (EIS), an initiative of Directorate for Enterprise and Industry of the European Commission, measures the innovation climate in European states. The EIS has a number of parameters based on which it ranks the member states. One of the indicators of EIS is ‘Enablers’ – those who make innovation possible, such as Secondary and Higher Secondary graduates; polytechnic and engineering diploma holders; post graduates; doctorates etc – who make innovation happen in the economy as a whole. Factors such as broadband internet penetration, entrepreneurship, regulatory barriers, Intellectual property right awareness etc also figure in the EIS index. I would argue that it is a proficient human resource pool that is most crucial. This underscores the importance of state infrastructure in creating an army of skilled and educated youths, which enhance economic opportunities.
I make this point to project the need for nurturing human resources by way of education and continuous learning in Oman.
At this time of recession we feel the importance of education more. The Schumpeterian concept of ‘creation at the time of destruction that occurs during an economic downturn’ could materialise when enablers are there to draw upon from a proficient manpower pool. A friendly regulatory mechanism in Oman also can play a key role in the process of recovery.
While in recession, an economy is looking for new business leaders who are capable of thinking differently, creating wealth and sustaining it. Such business leaders look at building their enterprise in a comprehensive manner, for the long term. This is nothing but responsible entrepreneurship that comes out of the careful nurturing of a person and an ethical upbringing, in addition to learning social and economic values as a whole, rather than understanding business as a vocation for money making alone.
Continuous education and exposure to new ideas would help us to gain a wisdom that reduces the impact of any mistakes that we may commit. For instance, education may enable us to look into a number of aspects before going in for a decision such as ‘building a set of houses and trading them’. Our exposure to business and economic history might help us consider factors such as a need for houses at all; long term pay-ability of the end customers and the job sustainability of those who might stay there; a prognosis study etc.
Educational opportunities, training and skill development infrastructure, easy availability of information supply channels such as broadband internet and a friendly regulatory mechanism in Oman would promote efficiency; reduce costs; enhance income and above all induce national development as they promote innovation. This would therefore result in reduced recessionary cycles in the future.
*Abdullah Al Suleimany, B.Sc, (Hons) University of London; MBA, University of Strathclyde. He is the CEO, East Horizon LLC.
the author can be reached at <abdullah_2580@hotmail.com>
http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20090316041056/Oman:%20Education,%20innovation%20and%20recession/
Wednesday 29 April 2009
EDUCATIONAL SPENDING, IT LITERACY AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY
By.Abdullah Al Suleimany*
Recession has a negative impact on spending. With recession, consumers often expect a fall in future prices and extend their purchase decisions. So there are shop closures, enterprises find themselves with less businesses and job losses.
One way to offset this possible negative impact would be to invest heavily in IT education. As is well known, economic activities are driven by information and communications technology (ICT). Hence it makes sense if efforts can be made to promote IT and IT related training programs and increase IT literacy in Oman. Because they would boost economic activities, generate more jobs and income. In addition this would help in having a solid foundation for information and knowledge economy, this being the power house for tomorrow’s economic expansion. The source of economic development, opulence and sustainability of growth in the knowledge economy comes at the strength of knowledge and intellectual property holding.
This involves spending at different layers of the economy, primarily by harnessing extremely IT friendly policies by the State and a strong ICT infrastructure. Today we can have mobile broadband internet access as fast as 7.2 to 8 mbps speed, thanks to Nawras and Omanmobile. A Broadband revolution is happening in Oman at an increasingly rapid pace, which is particularly important in the context of economic slowdown.
Dot.com revolution of the 1990s resulted in the sprouting of cyber/virtual or dot.com companies around the world. Many of them could not generate profit as expected and went redundant. As dot.com bubbles finally bursts imposing a recession at the end years of 20th century, which could be reversed when emphasis was laid on infrastructure development with a focus on housing and building sector, leading to a magnificent economic boom and then today’s recession.
Aspects like low IT literacy, low level of internet penetration and the cost of hardware and software were not taken into consideration by dot.com companies when they embarked on their cyber dreams in the second part of 1990s. Today, the scenario has changed and internet penetration has increased substantially. However, IT literacy has only increased marginally.
Recession is a time for learning and skill enhancement both for individuals and enterprises alike. As said earlier, economic activities are increasingly driven by ICT, more so broadband internet. ‘The rollout of mobile broadband networks would create thousands of jobs, encourage new businesses across the value chain, improve productivity and boost consumer spending’ says a report presented at the Mobile Leadership Summit, organized by GSM Association in Barcelona recently. Broadband penetration would make education cheaper with web live sessions, online teaching assistance and virtual learning. Thus, educational programs and courses in diverse streams like technology and management can be offered via the virtual medium.
Benefits of broadband internet expansion for the nation could be very crucial at this juncture because it generates employment; reduces cost; promotes efficiency; link Oman to the rest of the world; knowledge based businesses would take root and enhanced educational opportunities. Thus broadband band internet is a good means for promoting economic activities, enhancing GDP and job creation. Further, it is, so much connected to education.
The challenge here is to make more people start using internet or in other words, raise the number of broadband internet customers. This is not a challenge so simple to overcome. It is a challenge that needs to be dealt at different layers that call for comprehensive approach. First comes the challenge of awareness. Our people across the spectrum must be aware of the benefits of internet. Then they should gain some amount of IT literacy. There has to be the availability of computers, the challenge of investment in hardware & software comes here. And then we need more technical hands to service the issues of software and hardware. Also, along with it number business opportunities would come along like content development, both in Arabic and English, E-learning centers etc.
There are more than 130, 000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Sultanate, plus a 3.2 million strong population. Just for instance, if we target to make our population cent percent IT literate and strengthen SMEs with a web portal, internet etc. During this time of recession that would make the economy vibrant. Money, manpower, technology, hardware all involved in this effort would be massive. That would boost non-oil sector of the Sultanate. But will our people just acquire IT literacy just for the sake of it? Do SMEs go and invest in a website, PCs and software? State intervention along with private collaboration might help realize this dream.
But for sure IT skill development and enhanced emphasis on IT and IT based education would generate growth, income & job opportunities and place the Sultanate prominently as a knowledge power house MENA region and beyond.
*Abdullah Al Suleimany, B.Sc, (Hons) University of London; MBA, University of Strathclyde. He is the CEO, East Horizon LLC.
March 31, 2009, Oman Daily Observer. P.26
SPOTLIGHT( guest column)
Recession has a negative impact on spending. With recession, consumers often expect a fall in future prices and extend their purchase decisions. So there are shop closures, enterprises find themselves with less businesses and job losses.
One way to offset this possible negative impact would be to invest heavily in IT education. As is well known, economic activities are driven by information and communications technology (ICT). Hence it makes sense if efforts can be made to promote IT and IT related training programs and increase IT literacy in Oman. Because they would boost economic activities, generate more jobs and income. In addition this would help in having a solid foundation for information and knowledge economy, this being the power house for tomorrow’s economic expansion. The source of economic development, opulence and sustainability of growth in the knowledge economy comes at the strength of knowledge and intellectual property holding.
This involves spending at different layers of the economy, primarily by harnessing extremely IT friendly policies by the State and a strong ICT infrastructure. Today we can have mobile broadband internet access as fast as 7.2 to 8 mbps speed, thanks to Nawras and Omanmobile. A Broadband revolution is happening in Oman at an increasingly rapid pace, which is particularly important in the context of economic slowdown.
Dot.com revolution of the 1990s resulted in the sprouting of cyber/virtual or dot.com companies around the world. Many of them could not generate profit as expected and went redundant. As dot.com bubbles finally bursts imposing a recession at the end years of 20th century, which could be reversed when emphasis was laid on infrastructure development with a focus on housing and building sector, leading to a magnificent economic boom and then today’s recession.
Aspects like low IT literacy, low level of internet penetration and the cost of hardware and software were not taken into consideration by dot.com companies when they embarked on their cyber dreams in the second part of 1990s. Today, the scenario has changed and internet penetration has increased substantially. However, IT literacy has only increased marginally.
Recession is a time for learning and skill enhancement both for individuals and enterprises alike. As said earlier, economic activities are increasingly driven by ICT, more so broadband internet. ‘The rollout of mobile broadband networks would create thousands of jobs, encourage new businesses across the value chain, improve productivity and boost consumer spending’ says a report presented at the Mobile Leadership Summit, organized by GSM Association in Barcelona recently. Broadband penetration would make education cheaper with web live sessions, online teaching assistance and virtual learning. Thus, educational programs and courses in diverse streams like technology and management can be offered via the virtual medium.
Benefits of broadband internet expansion for the nation could be very crucial at this juncture because it generates employment; reduces cost; promotes efficiency; link Oman to the rest of the world; knowledge based businesses would take root and enhanced educational opportunities. Thus broadband band internet is a good means for promoting economic activities, enhancing GDP and job creation. Further, it is, so much connected to education.
The challenge here is to make more people start using internet or in other words, raise the number of broadband internet customers. This is not a challenge so simple to overcome. It is a challenge that needs to be dealt at different layers that call for comprehensive approach. First comes the challenge of awareness. Our people across the spectrum must be aware of the benefits of internet. Then they should gain some amount of IT literacy. There has to be the availability of computers, the challenge of investment in hardware & software comes here. And then we need more technical hands to service the issues of software and hardware. Also, along with it number business opportunities would come along like content development, both in Arabic and English, E-learning centers etc.
There are more than 130, 000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Sultanate, plus a 3.2 million strong population. Just for instance, if we target to make our population cent percent IT literate and strengthen SMEs with a web portal, internet etc. During this time of recession that would make the economy vibrant. Money, manpower, technology, hardware all involved in this effort would be massive. That would boost non-oil sector of the Sultanate. But will our people just acquire IT literacy just for the sake of it? Do SMEs go and invest in a website, PCs and software? State intervention along with private collaboration might help realize this dream.
But for sure IT skill development and enhanced emphasis on IT and IT based education would generate growth, income & job opportunities and place the Sultanate prominently as a knowledge power house MENA region and beyond.
*Abdullah Al Suleimany, B.Sc, (Hons) University of London; MBA, University of Strathclyde. He is the CEO, East Horizon LLC.
March 31, 2009, Oman Daily Observer. P.26
SPOTLIGHT( guest column)
Sunday 15 March 2009
OMAN BUSINESS FOCUS
East Horizon LLC was established in the year 2003. East Horizon is always attuned to latest technologies, tools and strategies. We are proud to be known as a ‘knowledge based enterprise’. East Horizon combines tradition, experience and professional excellence in its operations. Growth with diversification and synergy would go hand in hand with social responsibilities of our business operations.
Vision and mission
East Horizon works with a vision to tap, generate and disseminate knowledge & information for growth, sustainable business operations and development
Our mission is to provide world class services to all our clients and to facilitate economic activities and trade in a sustainable manner to enhance economic opportunities and Omanisation.
East Horizon business divisions
We have following divisions within East Horizon:
Export & Import: (International Business Division)
Trade Representation and Commercial Agency Division
Promotion and Market Development Division
Education and Training Division
Studies, Research and Publication Division
International Business: International Business division work with a focus on international trade – export and import. Also, we coordinate export & import activities between developed and developing countries. We deal with a variety of goods and services, as permit local and international laws. With a strong network, we would be your reliable partner. We source products from any part of the world to satisfy our business partner’s needs.
Trade Representation: East Horizon represents companies and enterprises of all types, consultancy firms, as well as non-profit organizations, governments and inter-governmental agencies etc from around the world here in Oman.
Promotion and Market Development Division: East Horizon offers a number of services to companies to promote and market their products both manufactured as well as service products. Our services in promotion and market development would help companies to reach out not only to local market but to global market as well.
Education and Training Division: East Horizon Training division offers a number of educational services to prospective clients. Those services include and not limited to educational consultancy, skill enhancement courses, specialized courses in a number of areas of current relevance and language & communication courses.
Studies, Research and Publication: This division offers a number of services such as Research and Feasibility studies and market surveys, project reports, Research assistance, data collection - survey. In addition East Horizon brings out compendiums, handbooks, directories etc.
We also offer following services:
Ø Resume writing
Ø Trade and Market Intelligence Service
Ø E-Bulletin from East Horizon updates and briefs its clients with relevant information on global trade, markets and events from around the world.
Ø Media outreach services for our clients Customized E-bulletins and delivering it as emails to individuals, Issuance of press releases
Ø Market surveys and studies
Ø Preparation and designing of brochures, pamphlets
Ø Content writing
We are located at
22, Shop No. 22, Al Washall House, way no: 3205, Bldg.:148, Muttrah, Behind Oman House Building, Sultanate of Oman
Postal Address: PO Box, 2557, PC- 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman
Email: easthorizonllc@gmail.com
Vision and mission
East Horizon works with a vision to tap, generate and disseminate knowledge & information for growth, sustainable business operations and development
Our mission is to provide world class services to all our clients and to facilitate economic activities and trade in a sustainable manner to enhance economic opportunities and Omanisation.
East Horizon business divisions
We have following divisions within East Horizon:
Export & Import: (International Business Division)
Trade Representation and Commercial Agency Division
Promotion and Market Development Division
Education and Training Division
Studies, Research and Publication Division
International Business: International Business division work with a focus on international trade – export and import. Also, we coordinate export & import activities between developed and developing countries. We deal with a variety of goods and services, as permit local and international laws. With a strong network, we would be your reliable partner. We source products from any part of the world to satisfy our business partner’s needs.
Trade Representation: East Horizon represents companies and enterprises of all types, consultancy firms, as well as non-profit organizations, governments and inter-governmental agencies etc from around the world here in Oman.
Promotion and Market Development Division: East Horizon offers a number of services to companies to promote and market their products both manufactured as well as service products. Our services in promotion and market development would help companies to reach out not only to local market but to global market as well.
Education and Training Division: East Horizon Training division offers a number of educational services to prospective clients. Those services include and not limited to educational consultancy, skill enhancement courses, specialized courses in a number of areas of current relevance and language & communication courses.
Studies, Research and Publication: This division offers a number of services such as Research and Feasibility studies and market surveys, project reports, Research assistance, data collection - survey. In addition East Horizon brings out compendiums, handbooks, directories etc.
We also offer following services:
Ø Resume writing
Ø Trade and Market Intelligence Service
Ø E-Bulletin from East Horizon updates and briefs its clients with relevant information on global trade, markets and events from around the world.
Ø Media outreach services for our clients Customized E-bulletins and delivering it as emails to individuals, Issuance of press releases
Ø Market surveys and studies
Ø Preparation and designing of brochures, pamphlets
Ø Content writing
We are located at
22, Shop No. 22, Al Washall House, way no: 3205, Bldg.:148, Muttrah, Behind Oman House Building, Sultanate of Oman
Postal Address: PO Box, 2557, PC- 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman
Email: easthorizonllc@gmail.com
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