Under the patronage of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the International Advertising Association – Jordan Chapter (IAA Jordan), held an educational workshop at the Applied Science Private University to introduce the IAA Accreditation Program, aimed at developing the educational and training programs and standards in the field of marketing communications at local universities.
The workshop was attended by the Applied Science Private University President Dr. Zeyad Ramadan, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Accreditation Director Ms. Sahar Al Yousef, deputizing for the Director of Higher Education Council for Accreditation, Prof. Taleb Abu Sharar, President of the American University in Dubai Dr. Lance De Masi, invited by IAA Jordan together with IAA Jordan President and Global Vice President for Marketing Communications and Public Relations Mr. Sharif Abukhadra, IAA Jordan Vice President Mr. Mustaffa Tabba’ and IAA Jordan General Secretary Mr. Zaid Nasser as well as representatives from other Jordanian universities.
In his welcoming statement, IAA Jordan President Mr. Sharif Abukhadra said: “The IAA Accreditation Program aims at developing the level and quality of education in marketing communications subjects at universities across the World. This program will also link the accredited university to a worldwide network that introduces the latest practices of the industry according to global standards, consequently equipping graduates with the critical skills needed for the demanding local, regional, and international job markets. Furthermore students will be encouraged to pursue their education in their home countries rather than traveling abroad to attain it from different universities, not to mention that upon graduation, these students will have better employment opportunities”.
On behalf of the Applied Science Private University President Dr. Zeyad Ramadan gave a brief on the university, explaining that the institution, which was established in 1991, was the first private university in Jordan.
Accreditation Director, Ms. Sahar Al Yousef emphasized the importance of adding such programs to universities and said: “Ensuring graduates are a step closer to finding work placements is considered the most important factor. By gearing their skills and ensuring quality higher education through academic planning is what we are here for.”
During his speech, Mr. Abukhadra said that according to a recent research, the demand for marketing and marketing communications positions inside Jordan ranked first in the recruitment table, emphasizing the need to meet this demand by providing the training and skills of an international standard for students of the Kingdom. He also added that the role of the Association is to attract and enhance local skills and talents through education and training, saying that the Accreditation Program significantly corresponds with this direction.
Vice President of the Association Mr. Mustafa Tabba’ delivered a comprehensive presentation about the IAA Accreditation Program, pointing out the importance for universities to adopt the program to elevate the level of marketing communications subjects to an international standard as well as help update teachers and students alike on the latest industry methods and applications. Tabba' said that he hoped to see the program, which grants students an international certificate, implemented in a number of Jordanian universities by the first semester of 2006/2007.
He also added that at present, there are more than sixty prominent institutions around the world that had already adopted the program.
Afterward, General Secretary of IAA Jordan Mr. Zaid Nasser presented the six steps that the universities should follow in order to become eligible to apply the program.
President of the American University in Dubai Dr. Lance De Masi shared his university's positive experience with the Accreditation Program, saying that the American University in Dubai is considered one of the first universities in the Middle East to adopt such a program along the American University in Egypt, and Notre Dame University in Lebanon.
“We hope that Jordan becomes part of the many countries that have adopted and benefited from the IAA Accreditation Program, which will definitely help students in the field of marketing communications and boosting their knowledge and experience to compete effectively in the local and international arenas,” Abukhadra concluded.
