Training is Key to Oman's Manufacturing Sector

A major skills survey of manufacturing companies has highlighted the clear link between productivity, profitability and training. There is widespread acceptance of the link between a more highly skilled workforce and improved performance, with two thirds of companies saying improving productivity was the main reason for increasing training. Manufacturers also cited the global recession and the need for higher levels of innovation as a reason for increased interest in training issues.

Held under the patronage of HE Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and led by world-renowned British manufacturing expert, Professor Steve J. Culley, Head of Design, Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bath University, the importance of skills and training to manufacturing will come under the microscope at this November’s Smart Manufacturing Conference, organized by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE).

According to Dr. Abdullah Al Zakwani of the newly-launched Industrial Innovation Centre based on PEIE’s Rusayl Industrial Estate and conference panelist: “High-level skills are needed to maintain, strengthen and sustain Oman’s manufacturing position. Unless employers and training providers work together to address this need the sultanate’s competitive advantage could be lost.”

Smart Manufacturing’s Upskilling Manufacturing: 21st Century Style panel includes: Mark Hobbs, Shaleem Petroleum; Abeer Al Jasim, Knowledge Horizon (pictured); Dr. Mohammed Al Mugheiry, The Research Council; Jody Chatterjee, Ososim; and Mark Eaton, Annis.

According to conference panellist Al Jasim: “An industry is only as good, or as bad, as the people who work in it. More people with better skills who understand manufacturing will mean a stronger industry – one that’s more competitive and able to compete in the global economy.”

The Knowledge Horizon GM went on to add: “Traditionally, manufacturing hasn't had a particularly strong dialogue with education. There has been, and there remains, a gap between what people learn in school and university about manufacturing and what they then hope to go and do in the industry. Unless manufacturers help education to understand it better as a place for young people to work in, and also take time itself to understand education better, then we're not going to give young people the relevant skills to enable them to work and fulfil their professional ambitions in this economically important sector.”

There is sound evidence to suggest that manufacturers who invest in staff training and development enjoy lower employee turnover, higher productivity and improved staff morale. “All of these elements affect a company's financial performance and can make the difference between business success and failure. However, I do question whether local manufacturers are aware of what’s on offer in the local training market,” says Salwa Al Shukaili, PEIE’s Head of Training.

Al Jasim doubts whether they do. “We need to address the hit and miss skills landscape Omani manufacturers have to navigate. There are some excellent examples of professional training programmes out there today — and there are manufacturers that are implementing world-class skills, and training providers are delivering outstanding content through quality assessors and trainers. But they’re islands of excellence. There’s a lot of good and a lot of bad out there and separating the two can be daunting for the uninitiated.”

According to Shatha Abbas, Director of luxury candle and soap manufacturer, The Nejd: “Training products and services have to be driven by local manufacturers. Too many existing training programmes haven’t been developed with Oman’s industry needs in mind. This makes it even more difficult for companies to find courses and services that fit their needs. The problem isn’t that manufacturers don't want to improve through education, but they’re simply confused by what confronts them when they look for high quality training.”

PEIE’s Ibtisam Al Faruji says the fact that the conference will attract over 200 delegates is a reflection of how many manufacturers have a serious interest in skills and training. “Part of PEIE’s role is to raise awareness of manufacturing, promote Oman as a centre of industrial excellence and help its tenants achieve their commercial goals and excel in the market. In my view, PEIE’s annual Smart Manufacturing conference goes a long way towards achieving these objectives.”



Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Sustainable Manufacturing - Mission Possible

Carbon-footprint reductions, design-for-manufacturing, lean and green, accessing finance, zero waste, the industry’s media image and supply chain management are all on this year’s Smart Manufacturing Conference agenda. Scheduled to be held 2 – 3 November at Muscat’s Grand Hyatt Hotel and organized by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) the two-day event will focus on the industry's need for a multi-functional approach to sustainable manufacturing practices.

Held under the patronage of Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, Minister of Commerce & Industry, the conference will cover choices in manufacturing methods that support and sustain a renewable way of producing products and/or services that are non-polluting, conserve energy, economically sound, as well as safe for employees, communities and consumers. “In my opinion, this is an important event for any company concerned with reducing its environmental footprint and looking for the smartest and best practice way to do so,” says Mark Eaton of UK-based Annis and conference presenter.

According to PEIE management, the development and implementation of environmental policies are top of the list for many Omani manufacturers right now, but many are unsure about where to start. There is a focus on supply chain management which is facing one of its biggest challenges since motor manufacturers used the concept to force their suppliers to deliver more cheaply. A new link in the shape of the carbon footprint is exercising the business and consultancy mind, driven by political, social and cost pressures. “Climate change, global warming and carbon emissions will undoubtedly change supply chain thinking in the manufacturing sector,” comments Eaton.

Manufacturing may appear to offer the better supply chain route to achieve a reduced carbon footprint and cost savings. Not so, argues Eaton. “Some of the most advanced supply chain practitioners are in the service industry. For example, banks are leading the way in sourcing and procurement and moving to a digital supply chain. There's a saying in the trade that the lettuce you buy from the suprmarket came through a more efficient supply chain than the plasma TV screen you've got in your living room. So if Omani manufacturers want to reduce their carbon footprint then perhaps they should be looking to the service sector for ideas and inspiration.”

But according to PEIE’s Marketing Director, Ibtisam Al Faruji, the fundamental issue facing Omani manufacturers is a basic misunderstanding of the principles of sustainability. “The majority perceive sustainability to be synonymous simply with climate change, environmental protection, reducing resources and recycling. In fact sustainability is about taking these issues and challenges and turning them into business opportunities that will differentiate companies from their competitors. Those firms that are doing this are seeing real benefits, but at the moment they’re the exceptions to the rule.”

Alya Al Hosni (pictured)of the Oman Brand Management Unit, sees the environment and a host of other socio-economic issues influencing manufacturing career decisions for the next generation of Omani managers. “Today’s '20 something' generation are looking around for a career and a company they can work with and trust. I believe that manufacturers that put the environment and sustainability at the top of their agenda will attract the best talent.”

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

The Nejd Backs Smart Manufacturing

International delegates from Europe, the Middle East and Asia will converge on Oman to attend the 4th annual Smart Manufacturing Conference organized by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE).

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, Minister of Commerce & Industry and with the theme of 'Survive and Thrive’, this year’s conference will take place 2 – 3 November at Muscat’s Grand Hyatt Hotel. The focus of the conference is on contemporary and emerging trends, developments and problems in manufacturing.

Professor Steve J. Culley, Head of Design, Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bath University and the conference keynote speaker said: “Omani manufacturing today must adjust to the current global recession and the demanding markets facing international businesses, both large and small. I believe this important event will give delegates an unrivalled independent insight into current best practices and state-of-the-art manufacturing.”

PEIE’s Mulkie Al Hashmi and Conference Co-ordinator is equally upbeat: “We aim to help local industry in a time of economic downturn by bringing together expertise within the manufacturing environment to look at production improvements in the next decade. For example, we want to help generate new markets and expand on established communications by networking between suppliers, producers and designers. I’m looking forward to showing the delegates Oman’s industries and establishing a vital network to help local firms.”

Supported by Reem Batteries, Al Mudhish and Oman Cables, and now in its 4th year, the Smart Manufacturing Conference and is very popular with Oman’s industrial sector. “This is the conference and networking event at which to find out the answers to the key questions affecting manufacturing,” says Shatha Abbas (pictured) of local luxury candle and soap manufacturer The Nejd, adding: “The innovative two-day program not only offers a top notch keynote session and panel discussions but important networking opportunities, it’s a must attend event for companies like mine.”

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

The Park Inn Hotel Joins Origin Oman

The Park Inn Hotel has joined the Origin Oman portal (www.originoman.om) and is striving to lead by example.

Launched in September 2008, the Origin Oman campaign urges consumers as well as corporates and government agencies to buy local.

Francois Galoisy, General Manager (pictured) at the Park Inn Hotel, said: “We definitely support the Origin Oman campaign. Why buy from the other side of the world when you have quality on your doorstep? In fact, more and more people want to know where their food is coming from.”

The newly-launched hotel is sticking to the company’s responsible business principles by purchasing as much of its fresh meat and produce from local suppliers, and describes the arrangement as a win-win for everyone involved.

“If I spend my money in Oman it’s helping the local economy. From my point of view, that’s vital. It’s so important to buy local if you want to be part of the local community,” suggests Galoisy.

“It doesn’t matter how good your chef is, at the end of the day you need good produce to start off with, and locally we can get the very best. Indeed, we’re keen to work with local suppliers and they’re keen to work with us; it’s a good deal for everyone,” says Sandeep Kamal, The Park Inn’s Executive Chef.

“We’ve a wealth of good, local produce - from meat, vegetables, fish, milk, crisps, yogurt, bread, tea - the list is endless, all produced by people who care about the quality and taste of the food we eat,” remarked the Park Inn General Manager adding: “Not only does local taste better but the food is produced in an environmentally friendly way with less use of chemicals, less distance to transport the products and more emphasis on animal welfare. We need to 'think local' whenever we buy food and encourage schools, colleges, businesses and government departments to do the same.”

“The Origin Oman campaign is an excellent way of promoting what we’ve got here in the sultanate and the more we can do to support local producers the better. In my experience, hotel guests would much rather eat something with a local flavour than something they know they can eat anywhere,” smiles Galoisy.

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Origin Oman's Consumer Survey Results

The National Products Campaign was re-launched in September 2008 under a new name and brand mark - Origin Oman.

Origin Oman is a think local business initiative driven by PEIE. The campaign aims to preserve and enhance the economic, human and natural vitality of Oman’s communities by promoting the importance of purchasing locally made products and services.

The Origin Oman campaign recently carried out an online and face-to-face survey with 500 Muscat-based consumers. This is what they had to say:

1. Have you heard about the Origin Oman campaign?
Yes 79.45%
No 20.55%

2. If so, where did you first hear about it?
Magazine 30.70%
Newspaper 9.77%
Radio 0.00%
Word-of-Mouth 22.33%
TV 4.65%
Other 32.56%

3. Have you seen the Origin Oman logo? (without visual prompt)
Yes 69.96%
No 30.04%

4. Do you recognize the logo? (with visual prompt)
Yes 71.65%
No 28.35%

5. Where did you first see the Origin Oman logo?
Newspaper 29.22%
Magazine 11.42%
Supermarket 10.05%
Packaging 1.83%
Other 47.49%

6. In general, do you know where the products you buy are produced/grown?
Yes 47.62%
No 7.54%
Sometimes 44.84%

7. When buying a product, do you consider the importance of whether it's locally made/grown?
Yes 52.55%
No 14.90%
Sometimes 32.50%

8. When buying a product, would a label saying Origin Oman have
A positive impact 76.82%
A negative impact 3.16%
No impact 20.55%

9. On average, how often do you buy locally made/grown products?
Weekly 60.32%
Monthly 30.54%
Yearly 3.17%
Never 3.9%

10. What stops you from buying locally made/grown products?
Lack of availability 17.37%
Don’t know what’s locally made/grown 5.67%
Too expensive8.04%
Poor packaging 14.99%
Quality is low or inconsistent 20.48%
Would rather buy a brand I trust 14.99%
Don’t see why it’s important 2.74%
Lack of information 15.72%

11. Do you think shops in Oman do enough to promote locally made/grown products?
Yes 15.42%
No 84.58%

12. Are you interested in learning more about locally made/grown products?
Very interested 43.65%
Interested 39.29%
Not interested 17.06%

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Product Design Q&A

Following on from Origin Oman's recent Product Design & Packaging Workshop - here's a 5 minute Q&A with Peter Ford of De Montfort University one of the Workshop presenters.

How has packaging evolved?

Approaches to packaging are as varied as the products they contain. The nature of packaging has to relate closely to what is being packaged, in many cases there is little need to think beyond basic protection; the packaging of potatoes for example; however this is not always the case. New materials, new processes and new analysis techniques have revolutionized the industry, for example quadroseal foil packs can be much more effective for the packaging of many products (sweets for example) than cardboard packaging. For success stories look at Quadraseal packs and of course Tetrapak.

Does packaging push up prices?

'Clever, innovative' packaging should not necessarily push up the price. Poor packaging could however lower the perceived value of the product or conversely complement or enhance the perceived value of the product; you wouldn't expect to buy Chanel No5 in a paper bag.

How packaging conscious are consumers?

The level of the packaging should always complement the product; and iPod is a clever smart piece of product design, the consumer will expect an appropriate level of packaging. There may be some occasions when the consumer is more attracted to the packaging than the product contained (a sweet dispenser for example (PEZ)), but generally speaking, if the consumer is unhappy with the product both product and packaging are wasted. However, if the packaging is poor but the consumer still purchases the product and the product is good then the packaging will simply be forgotten. The shame would be if a consumer is deterred from purchasing a good product because the packaging is poor.

Is there a 'packaging matrix' that simplifies the packaging process?

Interesting; I don't know of one other than that gained through experience, although there are a growing number of eco-tools becoming available for designers, tools that provide a checklist to a designer to map the eco/carbon footprint of their creations.

Today’s consumer is more eco-conscious and price-sensitive. How is the packaging industry adapting to this change in thinking?

It is generally seen as an opportunity rather than a threat and is giving rise to quite a growth in eco-orientated packaging. It can be seen as a marketing tool.

Packaging adds to the waste stream. How major a contributor is it?

Again I don't know to be honest but it will be a significant proportion. Further to what I said earlier, 'eco' also relates to recycling, re use and sustainability. A healthy, global approach to environmental issues will reduce waste.

Toxic materials used in packaging, despite laws restricting the use of heavy metals, add to environmental pollution. How serious is the problem?

This also relates to one of the earlier questions on environmental issues, there has to be a responsible attitude to waste management, manufacturers must be made responsible for the disposal of their goods after their usable life.

Under-packaging isn’t good but over-packaging is worse. What’s the right balance?

The right balance is the most appropriate balance of the design criteria. This will largely depend on experience and measured approach to prototyping testing and evaluation prior to a product launch.

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Top 10 Local Business Ideas

An attendee at a recent Big Business Idea Competition Workshop asked us for our top 10 local business ideas for the future. This is what we came up with.

1. Mobile lifestyle centres – these can be night-spot venues or gaming centres created out of old shipping containers that can be constructed at any location across Oman complete with electricity, audio-visual and hospitality equipment. It's all about surprising and entertaining consumers with fresh, engaging experiences in what many would consider to be ‘alternative’ locations.

2. Asset sharing - With more and more opportunities for leasing and other forms of partial or temporary ownership on the rise, how about a local website that offered Oman-based consumers an extensive asset sharing scheme ranging from handbags, watches, racehorses to classic cars to helicopters, all of which would be available in shares or time-slots.

3. New life-style magazine - Even as people spend more and more time online, they still crave the comfort of the printed page. However, given time pressure, most folk need help with keeping up-to-date with the ever-increasing number of print titles. A local bi-monthly magazine that brought together the best content from lesser-known fashion and lifestyle publications from around the world, enhanced by commentary from renowned creative figures would be an excellent initiative.

4. Hour-long MP3 audio guides to Omani cities - for example, Muscat, Salalah, Sohar and Nizwa - designed to give tourists a vibrant portrayal of Oman. The hour-long tours would blend walking instructions with historic story-telling, accompanied by the signature sounds of each city. They should be made available in Arabic, English, French, German, Russian and Japanese.

5. Finding the right teacher or course - A local portal that would help people find classes taught by Oman-based teachers, trainers, tutors, instructors and coaches.

6. Kids, the web and local issues - There are government-run websites aimed at collecting feedback and generating involvement among local residents, but we don’t have any aimed directly at Oman’s youth - nationals and expatriate. Operated by ITA or KOM perhaps, the site would be geared towards kids aged between 9 and 18 living across Oman, offering them local information and getting them involved in local community issues.

7. Green pedal-power – eco-friendly taxis have been around for generations, but what about introducing free eco-taxi rides throughout the streets of Muscat? The eco-taxi would be pedal-powered - but battery-assisted, when necessary - tricycles that could accommodate three people for emissions-free transit through Muscat. They would offer short-distance travel within Muscat from 10 am to 7 pm, seven days a week. Rides on the vehicles would be free, of course, through the power of sponsorship. Vehicles would be wrapped with brand-specific colours and imagery, and drivers could also hand out leaflets, wear branded clothing or target particular areas of the capital.

8. Locally funded Cultural Cafe - Get 12,500 people to pledge a donation of RO20. The pooled amount of RO250,000 will be used to launch a platform for local creative talent – from graphic designers, to musicians and artists. A coffee shop by day and a bistro by night, the Omani Cultural Cafe would be staffed by 12 trainees from low opportunity backgrounds, who would be trained by local businesses. Oman’s Cultural Cafe's RO250,000 investors will be able to influence the venture's development through an online community developed for the project.

If the initiative doesn't work out, not much is lost, since investors don't hand over their twenty Rials until 12,499 others have agreed to do the same. If it does work, this could be a model for other civic groups to follow to get ventures off the ground without relying on government subsidies.

9. Buy local - we’ve all seen the new Origin Oman, buy local campaign. Indeed, consumers right across the globe are demanding items that are produced locally, ethically and authentically. What about a locally manufactured range of logo-free clothing items and accessories for men, women and children with the goal of creating Oman-based jobs and promoting local creative fashion talent. Everything from design, fabric manufacture to dyeing, cutting and sewing would be performed in Oman, and through a wholesale service, retailers could customize items with the colours, fabrics and formats of their choice.

10. The Green Workout Room - a gym that generates a significant portion of its own electricity through the sweat-producing efforts of its members. Fully equipped with name-brand cardio equipment, a full weight room and a room for yoga/stretching, movement and core training, The Green Workout Room would uses a combination of solar and pedal electricity for a large portion of its energy needs. The Green Workout Room would aim to use less resources than the average health club. For example, floors would be made from recycled rubber, marmoleum and eco-friendly cork flooring; billing would be paperless; and the gym’s bathrooms would use non-toxic soaps and cleaning supplies.

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Origin Oman Showcases Local Fare

Think about the last meal you ate. Where did it come from? Chances are it traveled further to get to your plate than you have over the last few months. “Just take a look at the labels next time you go shopping, asparagus from Thailand, chicken from Brazil, milk from Saudi Arabia, bananas from the Philippines, lamb from New Zealand, the list goes on,” says Origin Oman’s Hamida Al Balushi and organizer of the recent 150 Kilometre Meal held at Knowledge Oasis Muscat.

Al Balushi argues that food production, distribution and consumption patterns have undergone a major transformation over the past 50 years. Just between 1968 and 2008, world food production increased by over 90%. “Today, we’ve identical products being shipped backwards and forwards with heavy environmental costs. Moreover, changes in our food systems have been a contributing factor in climate change,” suggests the Origin Oman Marketing Co-ordinator.

But It is not just business that is responsible for increased food production and distribution, consumers also play a major role in pushing up food kiometres. Research estimates that the average adult travels over 300 kilometres each year by car to shop for food. In fact, over a 12 month period studies show that even a small family of four emits 4.2 tonnes of CO2 from their house, 4.4 tonnes from their car and 8 tonnes from the production, processing, packaging and distribution of the food they eat.

But according to Al Balushi: “Consumers can make a difference by simply investigating where their food has come from and buying food that has been produced locally. In fact, Origin Oman’s 150 Kilometre Meal clearly illustrated that great tasting food is being produced right on our doorstep and we should be encouraging people to buy it.”

There are lots of places where you can source locally produced food – ranging from fruit and vegetable markets through to the large supermarket chains. Supermarkets are becoming increasingly aware of the demand for local produce. The Origin Oman campaign works closely with many of the large stores who have a policy of sourcing local produce wherever possible. “For instance, Carrefour, Lulu, Khimji Mart and Al Fair all heavily promote local produce and feature Origin Oman prominently in their stores,” smiles Al Balushi.

“Our research,” continues Al Balushi, “revealed that the interest in local food is not confined to the well-heeled, affluent and emerging young middle classes. Origin Oman found that more than 49 per cent of consumers would buy local food if it were more readily available and easy to find. This is fantastic news for Oman’s food and drink sector.”

“Organizing a high profile event like the 150 Kilometre Meal brings us into contact with a variety of people and organizations,” says Ibtisam Al Faruji, Origin Oman’s Marketing Director, adding: “Given the initiative’s’ success, we’re keen to forge closer ties with Oman’s catering sector, particularly hotels and restaurants who recognize the value of promoting local food on their menus. Indeed, we encourage hotels and restaurants to promote their local sourcing by publishing the names of local suppliers on their menus and websites.”

Oman Botanic Garden’s Dareen Matwani and 150 Kilometre Meal diner believes: “Choosing local food is a great way for consumers to increase the circulation of their Rials. By supporting local farmers today, you can help ensure that there will be farms in our community tomorrow, and that future generations will have access to nourishing, tasty and abundant food.”

As local food becomes an increasingly popular concept there are signs that many producers, including farmers looking to add value to their produce for perhaps the first time, believe that creating a ‘local’ product is enough to guarantee a profitable future. Sadly, this is not so and all those working in this sector must ensure that anything ‘local’ also has quality, proper provenance, traceability and, above all, good taste. “Labeling a vegetable ‘’Omani’ and selling it through a local outlet won’t ensure that it commands a premium, unless it’s produced to the correct specifications and has quality attached. A poor specimen won’t encourage repeat sales and will tarnish the special image of local food,” warns Al Faruji.

LOCAL FOOD SIDEBAR

What are the Benefits of Buying Local Food?

More nutritious and better-quality food. It is easier to monitor quality and freshness of supplies by buying direct from farmers and producers. Fewer vitamins are lost the less time food is in transit and the quicker it reaches the plate. Chefs can see how animals are reared, produce is grown and items like cheese are made if they are produced near by.

Increases a sense of seasonality. If a chef buys ingredients that are grown locally, then it is going to be seasonal and, therefore, bought when the items are at their cheapest and in peak condition.

Good traceability. It is easier to monitor production and welfare standards with food that is produced just down the road. It's more difficult to carry out checks with farmers and suppliers across the other side of the world.

It's cheaper. The shorter the distance food travels, the lower the costs in aviation fuel and diesel.

Green. Transporting food long distances uses enormous quantities of fuel, which adds to pollution and global warming. Purchasing local foods is generally more sustainable than buying from countries where rainforests are being felled to plant crops.

Economically friendly. Supporting the local economy is advantageous to all parties.

Interesting, tasty products. Locally produced foods are more likely to be made by artisans who put a greater emphasis on producing food with flavour than large manufacturers, who are generally driven by profit.

Great marketing opportunity. Chefs and caterers can promote local sourcing on their menus. Tasty local items like hamour, lettuce, lobster and tomatoes are enticing to customers.

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

KOM Showcases Omani Talent at COMEX

Five Knowledge Oasis Muscat-based companies are vying to hit the ground running in 2009 as they pitch their innovative concepts to top executives and investors at COMEX – Oman’s annual ICT exhibition.

From concepts designed to help reduce the spread of CDC H1N1 Swine Flu, to building state-of-the-art WiFi networks through to virtual worlds, serious gaming, and GIS and GPS technologies, the five companies will be “pitching technology with market disrupting potential to local and international companies attending the five-day exhibition,” remarks Mohammed Al Maskari (pictured), Director General, Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM).

“The standard of the five young Omani entrepreneurs is incredibly high and we’re very proud to be able to put these companies in front of top-tier executives and investors. I’m sure that any visitor coming along to the KOM pavilion will be impressed at our extremely vibrant and dynamic tenants,” smiles Al Maskari.

“It’s important that we spread the word about tech excellence in Oman,” comments the KOM Director General. “I can say that the talent we’ll have on show at COMEX is second to none. But we must bring together knowledge silos and develop joined-up strategies to promote the Sultanate’s ICT commercial potential. In this regard, events like COMEX play an important role,” points out Al Maskari.

Since its opening in 2003 KOM has adopted an innovative approach and a gateway policy to ensure that the Park becomes successful by attracting start-ups, early stage businesses and multinationals whose core activity is in the knowledge-based economy, science, technology, environmental, ICT and other such related activities to locate at the Park.

“In order to attract entrepreneurial initiatives with good growth potential, we developed a policy of offering flexible tenancy agreements and attractive rents for pioneering knowledge-based businesses. This allowed new initiatives that would not have previously had the means to get started with the opportunity to grow. Moreover, we assist these businesses to expand into a bigger space with equally flexible arrangements. In the process, KOM provides fledgling businesses with access to free business support to help commercialize their ideas,” remarks Al Maskari.

Alongside the business support it offers KOM nurtures innovation and enterprise in budding entrepreneurs of all ages by playing an integral role with its partners in initiatives such as The TKM – Ernst & Young Big Business Idea Competition.

The TKM – Ernst & Young Big Business Idea Competition searches the Sultanate for the brightest entrepreneurs. A RO6,000 cash prize plus an impressive business support package, including 12 months free space at TKM, KOM’s business incubator program, is offered to the winner. “Muscat Geosystems, one of the winner’s of the competition will be exhibiting at COMEX,” remarks Mohammed Al Hinai, TKM Manager. Adding: “Initiatives such as The TKM – Ernst & Young Big Business Idea Competition really demonstrate how KOM is encouraging and supporting enterprise in the community, going further than just creating employment opportunities.”

Since KOM opened its doors it has created an inspiring environment in which enterprise, business growth, job opportunities, education and skills initiatives are born, nurtured and allowed to flourish - turning what was barren land into a source of both employment and inspiration.

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Eat Local

Savour a slice of locally grown tomato and you instantly know it doesn't get any better than that. It may be harder to notice the differences between some other locally grown and shipped-in produce - carrots, onions and potatoes - but members of the Origin Oman Team, a government-run campaign dedicated to the economic, environmental and nutritional benefits of buying local say their campaign to "Think Local" goes way beyond taste.

Zuhair Al Zadjali along with Origin Oman colleagues Hamida Al Balushi, Nasser Al Rahbi and Bader Al Zadjali are co-ordinating the 26 May 150 Kilometre Meal project and he observes: “100 years ago nearly all the food we ate came from within 30 kilometres of our homes. Nowadays, we feast on the meat of the African Buffalo, or eat cheese made from the milk of the Tibetan Yak, but all this fine dining is having a huge environmental cost.”

The idea of living off locally-sourced food has fallen out of fashion only in the last few decades. But Al Zadjali says: “We’ve living in an age of any time, any place, anywhere food – this might work for telecoms but when it comes to food it’s an unsustainable way to live.”

Zuhair admits that choosing to eat from such a rigidly-defined area is a leap into the unknown for many city-dwelling Oman-based families but firmly believes that initiatives like the 150 Kilometre Meal can make a difference, as what we choose to eat is one of the few areas where we can independently reduce our carbon footprint.

People attending the 150 Kilometre Meal at Knowledge Oasis Muscat on 26 May will do so for very different reasons. Some will leave the event wanting to source 100% of their food locally while others will be saying: ‘OK, I've understood the concept. I can now cook an Oman-produced meal.’ “We're not trying to prescribe, we’re just pointing out that local produce is available and we encourage people to take advantage of it,” says Al Zadjali.

Research suggests that food grown in the community is generally picked within 24 to 48 hours of it appearing in the supermarket - it is crisp, sweet and loaded with flavour. Although biotechnology companies have been trying to commercialize genetically modified fruits and vegetables, they are currently licensing them only to very large factory-style farms. Local farmers don't have access to genetically modified seed, and most of them wouldn't use it even if they could. “If you’re worried about eating bioengineered food, you can rest assured that locally grown produce was bred as nature intended,” observes Al Zadjali.

“We have to wake up to how important the carbon footprint of food is,” says Alya Al Hosni (pictured) of the Oman Brand Management Unit and confirmed diner at the May 26th event: "Individuals have real power when they act collectively. The food and beverage sector is a very competitive market, so it means that consumer choices, even at the margins, can make a difference to communities right across Oman.”

Alya believes there are a lot of win-wins out there for the 150 Kilometre Meal project: “Buying local creates jobs, develops the local supply chain, reduces our carbon footprint and creates a stronger local community spirit. By supporting local farmers today, we can help ensure that there will be farms in our community tomorrow, and that future generations will have access to nourishing and abundant food, that’s got to be good for the local community,” smiles Alya.

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Innovate

Listen up folk - investment isn't Oman’s scarcest resource - imagination is. What Oman’s future really depends on is innovation. Indeed, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of innovation. It drives productivity. Helps businesses improve the way products and services are made and delivered. Moreover, it reduces costs by increasing efficiency. In fact, research indicates that innovating companies sustain a higher performance and grow faster than non-innovators. However, it appears that not all Oman-based businesses are taking advantage of these competitive strengths.

Research suggests that one of the measures of innovative performance is the number of businesses that introduce new or improved products, processes or services. In this regard, Oman would appear to be lagging behind. The challenge is to improve on our performance. To be blunt, many of our businesses don’t see innovation as being relevant to them – this is probably due to the fact that they don’t understand how rapidly the world is changing. In fact, globalisation and the major advances taking place in science and technology make innovation essential to most businesses, irrespective of whether you’re operating in Nice, Northampton or Nizwa.

What Don’t You Understand?
The fact that many of our businesses don’t see innovation as relevant may also be due to the perception that innovation is just about science and technology. That’s just plain wrong. Innovation’s about anything that enables a business to improve the products and services it offers. Exploiting new technology may be one way of doing this. But it’s equally likely to come from adopting a new business process, using new management techniques or increasing the skills of your workforce. For example, one of the most potent sources of innovation is design. Design can play a catalytic role in the development process, bringing together all aspects of a business from research, through production, sales and marketing. Let’s be clear, innovation has to be for everyone, it’s just as relevant to service industries as it is to the more technology-driven parts of Oman’s economy.

Drucker...Again?
As most of you would expect, it was Peter Drucker who put innovation centre stage. A lot has been written about technological innovation, but Drucker had something else in mind - a new orientation to the concept of innovation and learning:

"Every organization - not just businesses - needs one core competence: innovation. And every organization needs a way to record and appraise its innovative performance." Harvard Business Review (Jan-Feb: 1995).

On the media front, it was probably Fortune magazine that called it first in the business press:

"Innovation is the spark that makes good companies great. It's not just invention, but a style of corporate behaviour comfortable with new ideas and risk...Companies that know how to innovate don't necessarily throw money into R&D. Instead, they cultivate a new style of corporate behaviour that's comfortable with new ideas, change, risk and even failure." (March: 1997).

Simply put, and according to Mark Hobbs, GM, Shaleem Petroleum: “innovation is the successful exploitation of new ideas. These ideas may be new, or simply new to your sector, industry or company. It’s a process that creates wealth from knowledge, reflecting the importance of the value of what you know.” I’d expand on Hobbs’ excellent definition to include: Innovation involves the creation of new designs, concepts and ways of doing things and their exploitation and subsequent diffusion through the rest of the economy and society. As such, defining "innovation" with precision is difficult. It can either be wide and embrace all aspects of business or it can be seen as something elitist, practiced by techies in smart offices up at Knowledge Oasis Muscat.

Its Many Interpretations
What folk need to understand is that innovation is interpreted and perceived differently, for example:

o To the business community – it means sustained or improved growth delivering higher profits for its owners and investors.

o To Bader Average – it means new and more interesting work, better skills, higher pay and importantly having a good working environment.

o To Joe Consumer – it means higher quality and better value goods, more efficient services (both public and private).

o For Oman – it’s the key to higher productivity, greater prosperity, higher standards of living and ultimately a more vibrant and flourishing domestic economy.

A survey carried out by Accenture and the Talent Foundation (Innovation - A Way of Being) showed that 61 percent of business executives believe that innovation has increased in importance since 2001. Moreover, it features in the top 10 issues list for 96 percent of all companies. Another telling statistic from the Accenture-Talent Foundation survey is that companies only commercialize 20 percent of their good ideas – now, this just isn’t good enough.

National Innovation Review (NIR)
Innovation is critical to the future success of business and wealth creation in Oman. This is a hard economic fact. Government, the private sector and education, need, therefore, to work together to create the best possible conditions for innovation in business and industry, to put innovation at the centre of corporate strategies and to covey to young people the excitement and challenges of the advances taking place today in science and technology.

We need to see government, industry, business, finance, tourism, higher education, schools and support providers come together. Such a gathering would play an important role in creating a network and co-ordinated structure that could improve the viability, growth and competitiveness of the Sultanate’s business community.

Partnerships must be encouraged, for example:

o Between businesses, using clusters and networks to pool their strengths and share best practice.

o Between businesses and universities to exploit research and provide the skilled people businesses need.

o Between government and the private sector to create the best possible conditions for innovation and provide the co-ordinated support businesses need to be able to innovate.

We need to promote strategies that focus on innovation in products, people and processes. If this could be accomplished, we’d raise productivity and higher level skills development within the economy. This in turn would lead to greater focus on:

o Business research and development – stimulating business R&D and increasing the pace of R&D commercialisation.

o Demand for higher level skills – in particular employees, who would see business innovation providing new and more interesting work, better skills and higher pay.

o Patents and Licensing – the number of patent registrations and licensing agreements is seen as a critical measure of commercialisation from the knowledge-base to industry.

Perhaps to achieve all of the above, we need to carry out a National Innovation Review – a review that would be clear and specific about where the government should invest public funds to build the infrastructure and provide the support that businesses really require. The review would help us gain an understanding of Oman’s current position and where its ambitions lie in terms of innovation. The review would examine Oman’s existing education, technology, industry, business, finance and tourism infrastructure and also consider how future investment could strengthen our ability to exploit new and emerging areas. The five cornerstones of an NIR would include:

1. Exploiting capabilities - Oman has a growing network of tertiary institutes and research centres at Sultan Qaboos University. We need to bring this innovative thinking into the workplace.

2. Collaborating to compete – we need to bring businesses together to exploit mutually advantageous innovative thinking.

3. Investing in innovation inputs - investing in the training, education and inspiration of Oman’s population.

4. Enhancing innovation culture and spreading best practice.

5. Providing business with an increasing array of 'innovation tools' e.g. finance, skills and market intelligence.

In brief, the principal aim of an NIR would be to improve living standards by promoting innovation and strengthening the economic base of the Sultanate.

Solid Background
Oman has a strong history of being down-to-earth and pragmatic. A country that sees an opportunity and grasps it. In this regard, it’s vital that we build on our many strengths, like the diversity of the people that live and work here. Over the past few years, much has been achieved on the innovation front, for example, the numerous e-Government projects rolled out by ITA – in areas such as health, education, trade (Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s One-Stop-Shop) and social affairs. PEIE’s work in establishing Knowledge Oasis Muscat, the country’s first Technology Park and base for over 65 hi-tech firms. It’s also home to a business incubator program that’s supported by Trowers & Hamlins, KPMG, Ernst & Young and Intilaaqah. In brief, there are some excellent innovative ideas being taken forward.

On a more practical-level, you’re probably wondering what you can do in your own business environment that’ll contibute to a more innovative Oman? Here’s some actionable advice:

1. Focus on making your customers' lives better. If they can't see that your innovation is going to make their education experiences better, their car hire experiences better, or their supermarket shop better, you may as well throw in the towel.

2. Encourage the dreamers, and have planners who can take the dream and put together a plan and then have executors who can make that plan a reality. Moreover, get these folk to interact and work closely together.

3. Some of the best idea people are most satisfied by seeing their ideas get out there. The really valuable ones are those who have been around the block a few times. Whatever you do, don't lose those people.

4. When you get up tomorrow morning, the first thing you should ask youself is: "Why do I believe what I believe?" Constantly examine your own assumptions.

5. We need to create a tangible new venture process inside organizations. Ideas need a home. They need a place to go. They need people to review them.

6. Do what you love to do and surround yourself with people who also love to do that thing and who are full of talent. If you do that, you’ll build a great business, you can build a big business, or you can build a small business. But be passionate about it and you’ll be innovative as a result.

The Way Forward
We need business to succeed. It’s innovative businesses that will create our national wealth - wealth for our citizens, our families and our communities. Indeed, in this global economy, Oman-based businesses must wake up to the fact that they will find it increasingly difficult to sell poorly designed, packaged and marketed products and services that just don’t cut it with increasingly-sophisticated and informed customers. Success will depend on their ability to compete by producing products and services that customers want on the basis of higher levels of knowledge and skills, new processes and ways of working. This is the route to better jobs and a more prosperous Oman.

Why is it then that many Omani firms aren’t innovative? If innovation is to succeed, lack of creativity is generally not the issue. It’s all about providing the environment, people support processes and organizational climate that stimulates and supports idea conversion. Only once we have this in place will Omani firms achieve higher innovation quotients.

Side Bars
“At KOM, innovation’s our lifeblood. To keep moving forward we need new ideas. One of the challenges that a lot of companies face is creating a culture that sustains innovation. We put aside time for free-thinking, where colleagues sit down together and talk about what we do and how we do it. That process includes everybody from customer care, maintenance, finance, marketing and communications to administration. Let people think; let people dream.” Mohammed Al Maskari, Director General KOM

“You hear managers saying: ‘give me ideas.’ Then they’ll say: ‘But I only want ideas that work.’ If we’re serious about innovation, then we need to be prepared to get things wrong. Since the only way you ever learn is by making mistakes, you have to let that happen in your organization and not punish it.” Raza Ashraf, CEO, Total Alignment.

“I know it sounds off the wall, but tension plays a role in the innovative process. I think for most people, productive days come when our backs are to the wall - that's when creativity really kicks in. If we combine tension with an environment that truly encourages us to take risks, we'll see some great ideas emerge.” Karim Rahmhtulla, CEO, Infocomm Group.

“An ecosystem of innovation has to be created in the organization, and that requires two key players: the idea person, and the internal backer. The internal backers are people who may never have an idea, but they provide the functional excellence that takes an idea, moves it on and up, and creates innovation out of it.” Mark Hobbs, GM, Shaleem Petroleum.

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Origin Oman Cooks 150 Kilometre Meal

The demand for local food is on the increase. According to Origin Oman market research 68% of consumers want to buy local and 49% want to buy more local produce than they do at the moment.

“Given this demand, more local produce is going to show up on local supermarket shelves and that’s great news for farmers and consumers,” says Origin Oman’s Bader Al Zadjali.

According to Al Zadjali: “Local produce like, pomegranate, sea salt and goat sausage start out as exotic or niche offerings and then move into the mainstream based on consumer demand for variety, premium products and healthy foods.”

Organizer of Origin Oman’s 150 Kilometre Meal scheduled to be held at Knowledge Oasis Muscat on May 26, Al Zadjali and his colleagues have been studying the evolution of food popularity. "Stage one is something we see in fine dining or ethnic food," he says, adding that stage two is specialty-food-oriented retail and media channels, like the gourmet magazines we pick up in local supermarkets. Stage three finds the item in mainstream local restaurants and retail stores targeting recreational cooks and food lovers. Stage four finds such products getting general market coverage in family and women's magazines. Finally, by stage five the product would be showing up in supermarkets or on fast-food menus either as a stand-alone product, flavouring or functional food.

The key reasons driving the demand for local produce seem to be that consumers want to know more about how their food has been produced. They also care about food safety, traceability, provenance and animal welfare. “Oman-based shoppers also want freshness and to have a sense of food tasting like it should or used to do. In fact, if people made the effort even 20 per cent to eat local, it would have a huge impact on the environment, the local economy and their communities,” says Al Zadjali.

“With a season-less global marketplace at our command, it’s become easy to buy South American asparagus to go with this evening’s chicken roast” says Sami Al Asmi of the Oman Brand Management Unit. “But eating local isn't just about health,” adds Al Asmi: “The more time you spend eating really good food, your taste buds acclimatize. I recently had the greatest fillet of hamour at a local fish restaurant. It was unbelievably delicious. And it hadn’t sat on the back of a truck for three weeks, frozen.”

Al Zadjali agrees: “I always like to use the honey analogy when I talk about the taste of local food,” he says. “The bees visit the local flora. We smell the air and our senses and our taste buds are attuned, so when we buy local honey, it tastes better because we’re smelling and tasting something familiar. It's also good for allergies for the same reason.”

Al Zadjali and his Origin Oman colleagues are upbeat about the 150 Kilometre Meal initiative and the importance of sourcing produce locally. “We ran the same event last year and were overwhelmed by the response, it really captured the public’s imagination and helped us getting people to think local. It really focused their attention. I’m sure this year’s event will have the same result.”

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

KOM's Brave New Media Talking Points

We thought you might be interested in a peek preview of some the issues that will raised at tonight's (4 May) Digital Nation Seminar:

1. Old Media is all about “push” while New Media is all about “pull”.

When you talk about the future of media we should be using words like ‘push’ and ‘pull’. The established broadcast and print media is a 'push' medium. In simple terms, that means a select group of producers decide what content is to be created, create it and then print it or push it down a pipe to an audience. The Internet on the other hand is a 'pull' medium. Nothing comes to you unless you choose it. You're in charge.”

2. The assumption of the old broadcast and print media model was that audiences were passive and uncreative but with the spread of Broadband Internet that is changing.

Take blogging for example, - the practice of keeping an online diary. What the blogging phenomenon suggests is that the traffic in ideas and cultural products isn't a one-way street. People have always been articulate and well-informed, but until now few have broken into print or broadcast. Blogging and the Internet has changed all that and given people the platform they needed.

3. Keeping secrets is another interesting media change.

If one of your products doesn’t work properly then it’s going to pop up on a blog somewhere. Today’s, consumers are better informed and have the tools at their finger tips to search for information on companies and their products. That kind of coverage doesn’t generally appear in your daily paper or on the local news, does it?

4. The other explosion has been in the use of digital photography.

For example, sites like Flickr.com allow people to upload their pictures and display them on the web. The most fascinating aspect of it is that users can attach tags to their pictures and these tags can be used to search the entire database. I looked for photographs tagged with ‘Oman’ and came up with 95,402 images. Ten years ago, those images would’ve ended up in a photo album – today, they’re on the Internet and viewed by millions. This is a perfect example of new media and it has tremendous reach.

We’re witnessing a remarkable change – the creation of news is being driven bottom-up rather than top-down and it’s the power and reach of the Internet that’s doing that.

5. What’s the difference between New and Traditional Media?

I see a couple of differences between New Media (that collection of network-based, computer chip-enabled electronic communication tools) and traditional media (radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, etc.).

The first is that communication is no longer one way. Sure, we had letters to the editor and in North America you could have your own public access television show, but for the average media consumer, there was no real chance of being heard before New Media. That’s definitely new for most of us.

Secondly, the time compression is phenomenal. For example, magazine editors would spend a month doing the work it takes to put out the publication and then wait two weeks for printing and shipping before anyone could even read their work. Today, you post it online and you get an immediate reaction. Being able to be heard quickly by people who are communicating with you is what sets New Media apart from traditional print and broadcast media.

6. What’s New Media got over traditional print and broadcst media? I think truly crucial is the combination of:

(a) universal access to simple publishing tools (meaming anyone can ‘publish’ content – blogs, flickr, facebook, YouTube, etc); and

(b) powerful social bookmarking and aggregation services - meaning anyone can be be heard if they publish something of interest and value.

7. Where are the New Media trends?

The answer lies within the Internet and people’s desire for fresh entertainment! Networking and video-sharing websites are the biggest thing happening within the web. These internet phenomenons have bet set-up to target consumer groups such as students and other young adults. Networking website like Myspace and Facebook have caught people’s attention day after day. From custom options to user programmed applications, these profile sites are where the audiance gather and share interesting entertainment, the latest trends and other media.

8. Let’s put things in perspective, shall we?

The Digital Dividend Organisation notes that there are more telephones in New York City than in all of rural Asia, and as much as 80% of the world's population has never made a phone call. The net connects over 100 million computers, but that represents less than 2% of the world's population.' (Caslon Analytics) From these statistics, it is clear that most of the world is being left behind, while 2% of the population slowly gains complete technological power.

9. What is the role of New Media in advancing social goals and economic development in developing countries?

Examples in developing countries include the use of cell phones by Kenyan farmers to market crops, the Internet as a job-finding tool for slum dwellers in India, educational radio soap operas for tribal communities in Afghanistan and social networking support for goods distribution in rural China.

10. What could we be doing in Oman to leverage the power and reach of New Media?

Come along to the Grand Hyatt Hotel at 7:30pm on Monday 4 May and let's us know what you think!

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

KOM's Brave New Media

The territory once dominated by broadcast TV and print media is being swallowed up by subscription-based narrowcast digital television and the Internet says Knowledge Oasis Muscat’s (KOM) Mulkie Al Hashmi (pictured)and organizer of KOM’s quarterly Digital Nation seminar program.

The changing global media landscape will be the topic of discussion at KOM’s 4 May Digital Nation seminar scheduled to be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

According to research from the European Interactive Advertising Association (EIAA), almost half of 15-24 year olds (46%) are watching less TV, preferring instead to browse the web while 22% are listening to less radio. The EIAA research also reveals the extent to which the youth is using the Internet to communicate with friends, with 58% preferring to chat to friends over the Internet. “The EIAA statistics clearly reveal a new media trend – and that’s away from established print and broadcast channels,” suggests Al Hashmi.

“When you talk about the changing media landscape we should be using words like push and pull,” says Al Hashmi. “The established media is a push medium. In simple terms, that means a select group of producers decide what content is to be created, create it and then print or push it down a pipe to an audience. The Internet on the other hand is a pull medium. Nothing comes to you unless you choose it. You're in charge.”

The assumption of the old broadcast and print media model was that audiences were passive and uncreative but with the spread of Broadband Internet that is changing. “Take blogging for example”, says Al Hashmi - the practice of keeping an online diary - “what the blogging phenomenon tells us is that the traffic in ideas and cultural products isn't a one-way street. People have always been articulate and well-informed, but until now few have broken into print or broadcast. Blogging and the Internet has changed all that and given people the platform they needed. In fact, people on YouTube are reaching larger audiences than established broadcasters like the BBC and CNN.”

Keeping secrets is another interesting change, suggests Al Hashmi. “If one of your products doesn’t work properly then it’s going to pop up on a blog somewhere. Today’s consumers, particularly the youth, are tech savvy and better informed and have the tools at their finger tips to search for information on companies and products. That kind of information doesn’t generally appear in your daily paper or on the local news, does it?”

The other interesting media development has been in the use of digital photography. For example, sites like Flickr.com allow people to upload their pictures and display them on the web. The most interesting aspect being that users can attach tags to their pictures and these tags can be used to search the entire database. “This morning, I searched for photographs tagged with ‘Oman’ and came up with 95,402 images. Ten years ago, those images would’ve ended up in a photo album – today, they’re on the Internet and viewed by millions,” observes the Digital Nation Co-ordinator.

”We’re witnessing a remarkable change – the creation of news is being driven bottom-up rather than top-down and it’s the power and reach of the Internet that’s doing that. I’m confident that the 4 May Digital Nation seminar will touch on all these issues – it should be a great evening,” concludes Al Hashmi.

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Meet-the-Buyer Seminar Grand Success

Many of Oman’s top companies turned out on Monday to attend Origin Oman’s Meet-the-Buyer seminar held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel under the patronage of HE Eng. Ahmed Al Dheeb, Under Secretary for Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (pictured).

With panellists from Muscat Municipality; The Wave; PDO; Shell Oman Marketing; Reem Batteries; R&D; and The Nejd the event attracted over 20 ministries as well as a host of manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and distributors.

“It was more than apparent from the panel discussion and the questions from attendees that buyers are keen to discover new local suppliers. Indeed, this type of event offers both businesses and government departments an excellent opportunity to network with domestic producers and suppliers. In my book, it was a resounding success,” says HE Eng. Al Dheeb.

Luxury candle and soap manufacturer The Nejd attended the event and took part in the panel discussion. Partner, Shatha Abbas says: “Origin Oman’s Meet-the-Buyer seminar was an invaluable tool in helping us generate new business leads. It was a great opportunity to network and meet other producers, as well as a gateway to some of the country’s leading buyers. Today’s event has been very beneficial to our business.”

“This is the first time we’ve run a Meet-the-Buyer style event and given the feedback we think it will a go a long a long way in helping local producers and buyers boost the sultanate’s economy,” says Origin Oman Marketing Director, Ibtisam Al Faruji.

The day proved to be a major success for Mohammed Al Rasbi, CEO of local IT firm R&D: “In just one day I met potential customers that would take me weeks to go and see. I’ve been to a number of Origin Oman events recently and they’re a great place to meet potential clients. And it was all free, so I couldn’t think of a better way to invest my time.”

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Art for Manufacturing's Sake

Origin Oman’s “Portraits of Manufacturing” photographic exhibition was opened Saturday 25 April at Qurum’s City Centre by HE Eng. Ahmed Al Dheeb, Under Secretary for Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

The exhibition which runs until 1 May includes 60 stunning images showcasing the faces of manufacturing. Taken by local photographers – Abdullah Al Shuhi and Rami Al Lawati – these images present manufacturing as it has never been seen before and give it a human face. “The clarity and power of the photographs on display is outstanding,” observes Bader Al Zadjali of the government-run Origin Oman campaign.

Origin Oman’s Marketing Director, Ibtisam Al Faruji, says: “This exhibition follows months of work by Abdullah and Rami and has ben a true labour of love on their part. It’s a unique collaboration by the two. Indeed, the result is absolutely fascinating. I’m sure the exhibition will provoke a lot of debate and I hope as many people as possible will get along to Qurum City Centre to see the pictures. Also, we hope it will educate people about the vibrancy of what’s happening in Omani manufacturing. Personally, I’d like to think that in the long-term it might encourage some people to consider careers in manufacturing,” smiles Al Faruji.

The photographic approach taken by Al Shuhi and Al Lawati is known as “Record Pictures.” This was the original 19th century, matter-of-fact photography employed by industry for functional applications – showing what something looks like as accurately as possible - rather than for aesthetic purposes.

“Why should a photograph be dressed up to look more interesting? Surely a faithful photograph, made to look as realistic as possible, allows you to see more? suggests Al Lawati, Founder and MD of ProShots.

Zuhair Al Balushi, Origin Oman Co-ordinator said: “This will be an emotional exhibition for many people who are involved in industry. It also offers those not familiar with manufacturing a real insight into this economically crucial and growing sector. Indeed, those featured in the exhibition have been captured in an amazing and respectful way.”

“Having Qurum City Centre come in to support the exhibition has been extremely important”, says Al Faruji, adding: “And it was the Mall’s management team offering us their gallery space that has enabled the Origin Oman Team to take this important photographic exhibition to the public.”

After showing in Qurum City Centre, the exhibition moves to the Department of Commerce & Economics at Sultan Qaboos University and then on to a nationwide tour of PEIE’s six industrial estates.

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Meet-the-Buyer Says Origin Oman

The government’s Origin Oman campaign, an initiative created to promote locally-made products will organize a Meet-the-Buyer seminar at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Monday 27 April.

“This is a unique one-day program which will give Omani businesses the chance to meet, and find out how to sell to buyers from the public sector and large firms. It will also offer local buyers the opportunity to network with manufacturers and discuss the challenges they face in sourcing locally-made goods,” says HE Eng. Ahmed Al Dheeb, Under Secretary for Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

The seminar panel is made up of a diverse group of buyers and sellers from a variety of sectors – including PDO; Shell Oman Marketing; Lulu Hypermarkets; Muscat Municipality; The Wave; local luxury candle and soap manufacturer, the Nejd; and Reem Batteries.

Omani businesses know only too well how time consuming, frustrating and expensive selling can be even when you know you have the best of products. According to Origin Oman’s Co-ordinator, Hamida Al Balushi: “90 per cent of the battle is just getting though the door – and with some large companies and public sector organizations, it can be a daunting experience, but we hope Monday’s seminar will help attendees connect with one another and lift barriers.”

The objective says Al Balushi is simple: “Get buyers and sellers talking and identifying ways in which we can strengthen the sultanate’s supply chain. Indeed, it’s an event we on the Origin Oman team are really excited about.”

"Taking part in Meet-the-Buyer will open up new ways of working with both the public sector and large firms and give participants the confidence to build relationships and win business,” stresses Al Faruji.

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Wrap Up Properly Says Origin Oman

In today’s more sophisticated market, packaging has become a critical factor and can often make or break a product and the company that produces it. It’s generally accepted that 70 - 80% of a consumer's purchasing decision is made at the point of sale. “In supermarkets, for example, research shows that Oman-based shoppers spend less than 10 seconds in any single product category, so decisions are made very quickly and often based on what a product looks like,” says Hamida Al Balushi, Origin Oman Co-ordinator and organizer of the campaign’s Product Design and Packaging Workshop held on Saturday 18 April at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Muscat.

The look and feel of the product, design, colour, labelling, price and the name of the product itself are all things that trigger us to stop and look at items on shelves. “Most of these triggers either are, or can be influenced by packaging,” suggests Rawan Darwish of Landor Associates and one of the workshop’s presenters. “It’s an accepted fact that most consumers rate a product simply based on its packaging. With so much at stake, having a product packaged creatively will undoubtedly increase the odds of it being bought and then re-bought. Today’s workshop explored these issues and I’m sure attendees will have left with ideas on how they can maximize their business by improving their packaging.”

According to His Highness Sayyid Faisal Al Said, CEO of the newly-launched Oman Brand Management Unit (OBMU) and supporter of the Origin Oman campaign: “attention and power of packaging is often overlooked by Omani manufacturers in the rush to get the product to market– it’s an oversight that’s costing many firms dear. The OBMU CEO goes on to say: “Ask yourself, would you buy a plain looking item or something excitingly and attractively packaged. Which do you reach for first?”

Al Balushi agrees: “Everyone knows that packaging attracts attention, provokes and communicates volumes about the product it contains and the brand. If you were buying a gift, would you choose the one with ‘Super Saver Chocs' printed on the box - even if the contents were just as good as those at twice the price? I know which one I’d pick up.”

Packaging is an important marketing strategy and one that Oman-based manufacturers shouldn’t neglect, suggests Peter Ford of De Montfort University who traveled in specifically from Britain to present at the workshop.

“Most consumers” observes Ford, “judge a product by its packaging before buying. So it’s logical to say attractive packaging is crucial in order to get the first time buyer to choose your product. Without good packaging, who would buy it in order to try it? Your first step to enter the market is crushed if the packaging is ugly.”

One of the key messages that emerged from the workshop was that if locally made products are going to appeal to domestic and international consumers then firms need to seriously re-think their approach to packaging and product design. Indeed, economic development has seen the emergence of a growing Omani middle class, which places a growing importance on matters of taste and appearance. This increasing consumer sophistication is satisfied in part by creatively packaged goods, which offer the promise of higher quality as well as status.

Given the current economic crisis and the fact that companies are slashing marketing budgets, “if you're going to get the biggest bang for your marketing Rial then everything from the company’s ads, branding and packaging must carry the same and consistent message,” argues Ford. “let’s face it, attractive and creative packaging doesn’t have to cost any more than unattractive packaging.”

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Avaya Opens Office on KOM

Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) has attracted another hi-tech tenant to its state-of-the-art facility in Rusayl. In its regional expansion bid, Avaya has opened an office on KOM that will primarily manage its business development in Oman, as well as provide support for its existing customers and partners in the Sultanate.

“Oman is a significant area for Avaya, and we are capitalizing on the changing business environment and endless opportunities present in this country. We wanted to develop our presence in Oman as well as expand the services we offer our existing and new clients. Taking up residency in KOM was an obvious choice; the management team was particularly flexible with our requests, so we got exactly what we needed,” said Roger El-Tawil, Channel and Marketing Director, Middle East, North Africa and Turkey.

The move signifies Avaya’s commitment to the Sultanate. The company has recruited local talent to run its office, and is among the few multinational technology vendors to have an operation in Oman. The office will be fully functional in the next two months. Petroleum Development Oman, Oman Mobile, Bank Muscat, Bank Dofhar, and the Muscat Municipality are among some of Avaya’s customers in Oman.

“We see tremendous adoption of Avaya’s call center technology in Oman, and have identified new opportunities. We are investing and growing our channel resources to help crack these new business opportunities and expand our regional customer base,” added El Tawil.

Mohammed Al Maskari, KOM’s Director General said; “It’s always good to welcome another new tenant onto the Park, especially an important firm like Avaya. We are about technology, innovation and incubation and they are exactly the type of enterprise that KOM is designed to attract. We hope that they will be with us for many years to come and utilise our added value services as part of KOM’s commitment to provide support, to assist in the ongoing development and success of its tenants.”

Ibtisam Al Faruji, KOM’s Marketing Director added: “I’m sure Avaya will make an important contribution to the local economy and I wish them every success in the future.”

Avaya are market leaders in Unified Communications, Contact Centres and related services. The company provides solutions directly and through its channel partners to leading businesses and organizations around the world. Enterprises of all sizes depend on Avaya for state-of-the-art communications that improve efficiency, collaboration, customer service and competitiveness.

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE

Portrait of Manufacturing

A collection of 60 photographs that represent the spirit of manufacturing has been brought together for a special Origin Oman exhibition to run 25 – 30 April at Qurum’s City Centre.

Entitled Portrait of Manufacturing, the five-day exhibition will showcase the work of local photographers Rami Al Lawati and Abdullah Al Shuhi who took photographs of people working in Oman’s manufacturing sector over a period of six months.

According to Origin Oman’s Bader Al Zadjali: “More than 1,000 photographs were researched to find the chosen sixty pieces and we’re thrilled that City Centre Qurum has agreed to showcase this unique collection of images.”

Speaking ahead of the event, Ibtisam Al Faruji, Marketing Director, Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) said: “The photographs in this exhibition give you a glimpse of the people, firms, environment, machinery and products that make up Oman’s manufacturing community, from Raysut in Salalah to Rusayl in Muscat. It’s a marvelous collection of very moving images.”

All sixty images in this exhibition were taken on PEIE industrial estates. ”Ultimately, this is a treasure trove for any one who loves photography, and clearly presents the extraordinary variety, breadth and idiosyncratic nature of Oman’s manufacturing sector,” says Al Faruji.

“Some of the prints look like fashion photography but are fine art and others look like scientific images but are documentary photographs. All these styles are used by contemporary photographers to make artistic or poetic points,” say Al Shuhi. Adding: “The work that will be presented represents an exciting variety of different attitudes and creative approaches to individual manufacturing themes and ideas. I hope visitors to the exhibition will find our work challenging and inspiring.”

Al Lawati added: “There are distinct groups of photos in this exhibition: some are experimental while others are documentary style images, made on the spot, with great detail and a sense of quietness. And some are elaborately staged like theatre specifically for the camera. They capture the true spirit of manufacturing. In fact, I fully expect the event to generate a lot of interest and discussion.”

According to Al Zadjali, the Origin Oman campaign wanted to mount a photographic exhibition that would reach the public and draw attention to manufacturing and the production of local goods. “The images provide the visitor with a cross section of subject matter in colour and monochrome, reflecting the photographers unique take on Oman’s manufacturing environment. Holding this five-day exhibition at a venue like City Centre Qurum is ideal – we get to reach people when they’re relaxed and out enjoying themselves.”

Blog contents copyright © 2006 PEIE