Muscat University, Sultanate of Oman, has an exciting opportunity for an experienced academic to implement and lead a set of three new degree programme within a new university that commenced operation in 2017 with strong support from private and Government sources in this fascinating and fast-growing country. The Faculty of Transport and Logistics comprises of the BSc Logistics with Supply Chain in partnership with Aston University in the UK, and the MSc Air Transport Management as well as the MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management; both in partnership with Cranfield University in the UK. Graduates from the programmes will receive degrees from both Muscat and Aston/Cranfield, and international accreditation will be sought.
As Programmes Director you will have full responsibility for completing development of the programme, for recruiting and leading a staff team, and for ensuring successful delivery of operations, albeit with a small initial student cohort. You will be experienced in a wide range of learning and teaching approaches, and will be able to demonstrate excellence and innovation in learning, teaching and assessment. You will also work in effective collaboration with academic colleagues in Muscat, Aston and Cranfield to enhance curricula, foster interdisciplinary links, and contribute to the wider strategic, academic and operational leadership of the University.
Responsibilities
Academic
- Continue the development and ongoing management of the BSc Logistics with Supply Chain Management programme in conjunction with Aston University, UK, capitalizing on the successful launch in October 2017.
- Continue the development and ongoing management of the MSc Air Transport Management and MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management, in conjunction with Cranfield University, capitalizing on the successful launch in October 2017.
- Oversee the industrial placement element of the programmes building ties with industry to facilitate placement of students.
- Ensure all necessary content and material is in place for the programme in time for each part of the course to be delivered: this will involve adaptation of Aston-sourced material to the Oman context, and the addition of supplementary material for example to illustrate logistics applications relevant to Oman industry.
- Ensure all necessary pastoral support is available to students both at Undergraduate as well as Postgraduate levels to enable them to succeed on their programmes.
- Recruit and induct the necessary staff and lead delivery and practical organization of flying faculty from the partner universities with the aim of maintaining the highest possible standards in learning, teaching and assessment.
- Contribute to wider academic policy and planning across the University.
- Ensure fulfilment of University responsibilities in student admissions, instruction, progression and examination; availability of pastoral assistance and adherence to the relevant regulations.
- Monitor student attendance and performance, and obtain student feedback in order to enhance the course over time.
- Develop and monitor appropriate evaluation, quality assurance and enhancement mechanisms.
- Consult with international professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), with a view to successfully securing accreditation when the first cohort graduates, and work to ensure that accreditation requirements are fully met.
- Consult with relevant national regulators, primarily the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) and the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA) to ensure that statutory requirements are met and that university’s policies, systems and procedures are observed and applied.
- Undertake suitable personal scholarship and in due course, develop with colleagues appropriate research activities and ensure synergy between research and teaching.
Planning and management
- Lead disciplinary input to the recruitment and selection of students, ensuring fair and transparent processes are followed and that able, motivated students enter the programme.
- Coordinate with Aston and Cranfield colleagues to ensure that the programmes are of the same quality and rigour as the partner equivalent and that good practice is exchanged between the three Universities.
- Oversee the training and induction of Muscat staff to achieve Aston / Cranfield ‘Recognised Teacher Status’.
- Develop a programme delivery plan in consultation with senior University management and take responsibility for its implementation.
- Plan, budget for and organise the programme resources to ensure effective delivery, review monthly spend, monitor and ensure budgetary compliance and make a case for further investments as necessary.
- Ensure that the highest standards of good practice are observed in respect of health, safety, environment and professional ethics.
- Undertake other tasks as requested by University senior management.
Communications and external relations
- Act as the first point of contact on all academic issues connected with the programmes
- Assist University staff in the promotion of the Faculty’s offerings in order to attract a high quality student intake and build a strong reputation with employers.
- Maintain, extend and utilise personal networks within the national HE sector and across the international logistics and supply chain community, creating a strong profile and esteem for Muscat University, and participate in relevant international conferences, etc., to this end.
- Network into the national HE sector and relevant practitioner community.
- Develop extensive links with employers, assemble an advisory panel including representatives of major employers of engineers, and draw on and apply the advice of panel members as appropriate.
- Monitor and ensure the quality of communications between the programme and external stakeholders.
For more information, a full job specification or to apply, please contact Chris Boote at SearchHigher at c.boote@searchhigher.com or on 02476575004