The 12-point Declaration drafted at a regional conference in March 2003 sets the standards for TQM in the Middle East June 11, 2005. The Burj Al Arab Quality Declaration, the document that sets the standards for quality management in the Middle East, was recently presented to Danny Duhan, the President of the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the world’s leading authority on quality, by Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, President, eTQM College, Dubai.
Dr. Al Awar presented the framed declaration during the annual World Conference on Quality and Improvement held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Centre, Seattle, from May 16 to 18, 2005. The event attracted quality professionals from all over the world to share success stories, lessons and future strategies.
The historic 12-point Burj Al Arab Quality Declaration, which sets out the vision for Quality Management for the Arab World, was born out of a historic conference held in March 2003 at the Burj Al Arab, amidst the assembly of international TQM experts, eminent thinkers, top executives and decision makers. The declaration was signed by H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister and three renowned quality Gurus, in March 2004. It was later circulated among all government departments, along with an official letter from the college and a CD featuring the signing ceremony.
“The signing of the Burj Al Arab Quality Declaration by H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed, and the presentation of the same to the American Society for Quality, in the presence of international quality gurus marks a new milestone for the city of Dubai and for the development of total quality management in the Middle East,” said Dr. Al Awar. “This historical event highlights the commitment shown by e-TQM College to disseminate the principles of Total Quality Management in the Arab World through closer interaction with international associations and experts.”
ASQ has been the world’s leading authority on quality since 1946. The 104,000-member professional association creates better workplaces and communities worldwide by advancing learning, quality improvement and knowledge exchange to improve business results. ASQ makes its offers and experts available to advise the US Congress, government agencies, state legislatures and other groups and individuals on quality-related topics.
The Burj Al Arab Quality Declaration addresses the challenges faced by the Arab world on the road to development. It defines the role of TQM and the steps that the Arab region needs to take to benefit from the application of TQM. While outlining strategies for change, it calls for radical transformation that will enable Arab World to be more competitive globally. The Burj Al Arab Quality Declaration also lays out the framework for knowledge management and underlines the importance of working towards building Knowledge Based Work, a Knowledge Based Economy and a Knowledge Driven Society in the region.
“The Burj Al Arab Quality Declaration is a historic document that helps the Arab World to stay competitive while ensuring sustainable business performance,” said Dr. Al Awar. “We are witnessing two important trends emerging in the region today: the centrality of Quality Management to business processes among companies, organisations and institutions as a critical factor in maintaining a competitive edge and the paradigm shift to a knowledge based economy that requires new tools to address emerging challenges. The Declaration seeks to reconcile these trends.”
e-TQM College, which serves as a catalyst in spreading the importance of adopting TQM across all business sectors, has adopted the Burj Al Arab Quality Declaration in all its processes and it encourages its staff to apply in all its activities.
“As pioneers of e-learning in the region and specialised in conducting online programs in TQM, we believe in leading by example,” said Dr. Al Awar. “The global recognition of the Burj Al Arab Declaration brings a new challenge for e-TQM College, as it has to live up to international standards and provide a roadmap for the rest of the region to keep pace with new developments in quality management. We are fully geared to play that role, and we have lined up a series of activities to achieve our goals.”
About e-TQM College:
e-TQM College is a Dubai-based institution that has pioneered e-learning in the Middle East by launching world-class online courses in Total Quality Management. Launched in September 2002, the college is the first of its kind in the world. It has been recognized by EFQM, a leading European body for quality management, and has been accepted as a key member of the British Quality Foundation. It aims to be the college of choice for Total Quality Management in the Arab world.
e-TQM College provides e-learning programs to private and public sector employees as well as members of the public. Courses include Foundation Diploma in TQM, Excellence Best Practice Series and Certificate in Quality in Policing.
