The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) called on the local business sector to reinforce its efforts in the adoption of best practices as a means to further boost economic activity and opportunities in the emirate. The call was made during a special Best Practices Forum held yesterday (Monday, January 18, 2010) at the SCCI headquarters. The forum, which was held as part of SCCI’s Sharjah Economic Excellence Award (SEEA), sought to underline the importance of promoting quality and excellence in business and to maximise participation of the local business sector in the upcoming edition of SEEA.
The event was attended by participants of this year’s edition of SEEA, winners from previous editions, and various representatives from Sharjah’s government and business sector - senior managers, quality control personnel from government agencies and private businesses, academics, students and individuals who have expressed their interest in programs of excellence and total quality management.
During the forum, seven work papers concentrating on key topics like total quality management, importance of transparency, corporate governance and the challenges in achieving business excellence were presented by various experts in the field of business and governance. The first paper titled “Quality: A misunderstood concept, ” was presented by Shawqi Sajwani, Consultant for business excellence and a honorary board member of the Dubai Quality Group (DQG), followed by Abdul Qader Obaid Ali, Chairman, Idea Arabia, one of DQG Sub Groups, wherein he spoke about “Challenges facing Suggestion Schemes.” Sunil Thawani, Quality and Excellence Manager, Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Center, gave his presentation on “Improving Transparency and Performance through Corporate Governance.”
During the latter part of the forum, Keith Notle, Regional Director, Gulftainer Group, presented a paper titled “Maintaining Quality and Efficiency in a downturn” while Baljit Modi, Director of Quality and Excellence, Atkins Sharjah & Middle East, gave a talk on “Lean Management System Fundamentals.” The concluding sessions of the forum featured presentations from two Clipsal Industries-Middle East executives; Anson Alexander, General Manager and Lordraj Silvaraj, Quality Manager, who discussed “Lean Manufacturing” and “Supply Quality Management and G8D Methodology.”
Hussein Mohammad Al Mahmoudi, Director General, SCCI, said, “Leading companies in today’s global market are driven to success with their adoption and implementation of best practices. Today’s forum, which urges Sharjah’s business sector to adopt more of these practices, falls in line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to develop strategies that can help Sharjah move closer towards its goal of achieving total sustainable development. The adoption of best practices in total quality management, corporate governance strategies and principles of transparency, play a crucial role in the creation of more investment opportunities and the development of a highly competitive business environment—promoting productivity, creativity and innovation across all levels. We are also holding this forum with the aim of acting as a platform to discuss new concepts and practices in quality, business excellence and supply and flexibility management for both the public and private sector, thereby leveraging Sharjah’s position as one of the region’s rapidly developing investment destinations.”
“Moreover, we have also focused on using selected winners from previous editions of the Sharjah Economic Excellence Award to act as role models for this year’s batch of SEEA candidates—allowing them a better understanding of the importance of quality standards and the relevant role it plays in brand improvement and achieving business excellence. Amidst the presence of highly aggressive and competitive local, regional and international markets, the SCCI, through its SEEA initiative, remains steadfast in its commitment to promote the adoption of more benchmark trade practices and support the growing culture of excellence in Sharjah’s business sector.”
The Best Practice Forum is an annual initiative held under the SCCI’s Sharjah Economic Excellence Award program. The event aims to promote the adoption of best practices in operational processes and human resources; leading to the creation of more investment opportunities and the promotion of Sharjah as an ideal business and investment destination.
Now in its eighth year, the SEEA continues with its objective of encouraging the private sector to take up causes and initiatives that can help bolster Sharjah’s economic growth and development. Recipients of this year’s award will receive a free and independent performance assessment from specialized experts, to be accompanied with a feedback report highlighting success areas and key points where improvements can be achieved. Other benefits include free advertisement in a trade magazine and the Award’s website; one-year free participation in SCCI’s foreign exhibitions; inclusion in the VIP firms list of all government departments of Sharjah; the use of special facilities in World Trade Club, Sharjah TV and Expo Center Sharjah. The SCCI will also provide media and marketing based activities for the winning firm and will allow the use of the final stage logo for three years. Newer incentives being introduced for winners of this year’s award is the exemption from Chamber’s annual renewal fees and the free use of the SCCI headquarters hall to organise conferences and meetings.
