preparing engineers for global challenges dr. amir w. al-khafaji and dr. souhail elhouar bradley...

Preparing Engineers for Global Challenges

Dr. Amir W. Al-KhafajiAndDr. Souhail ElhouarBradley University, Peoria, IL

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

Why Internationalization

Global ChallengesGlobal Market – Global SolutionGlobal Benefits

“Globalization is linking national economies in new ways. Nations are transitioning from distinct economic entities to essential segments of one global economy.”

Terrance Malkinson,IEEE-USA Todays’s Engineer

OnlineJune 2003

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

Global Challenges

OverpopulationClimate Change and Global WarmingUrbanizationEnergy DemandWorld Resources

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

The Global Market

Source: HIS Global Insights – Global Construction Outlook: Executive Overview - 2010

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

The Global Market

Source: HIS Global Insights – Global Construction Outlook: Executive Overview - 2010

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

The Global Engineer

Cultural awareness and appreciationAbility to communicateEthical standardsLegal aspectTechnical variations

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

Globalization Approaches

Class presentations and lecturesTraining videos and case studiesGuest speakersStudy abroad programsInternational internshipsInternational conferences and other events

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

The International Construction Innovations Conference (ICIC)

Brought together academicians, business and industry representatives, and government officials from 33 countries to discuss and propose solutions to real global problems – Including 97 CEO’s and company presidents, 12 ministers, and 49 scholars Was held in 2004 and in 2006 in Peoria, Illinois

Created relationships and contacts that the department benefits from to this day

http://icic.bradley.edu

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

ICIC Objectives

to provide a forum to examine and seek answers to profound questions and challenges confronting executives in government, education, and business worldwide,to exchange information and research ideas relevant to the infrastructural industry and pursue business partnerships with executives from around the globe,

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

ICIC Objectives – Continued

to gain access to a cross-cultural institutional network of influential business executives, decision-makers and scholars with wide-ranging cultural traditions and expertise,

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

ICIC Objectives – Continued

to create mechanisms for alternative funding sources and means to influence policymakers on emerging legislations, fast changing markets, and technologies. This includes public policy recommendations to implement and sustain local and global business activities, and

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

ICIC Objectives – Continued

to explore innovations in infrastructure and gain strategic insights into current global business challenges, best business practices, emerging business trends, and development of new awareness to make informed decisions

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

ICIC organization

Local committees in six countries: USA, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, India, and PakistanRepresentatives from local committees held a pre-conference planning meeting in Chicago, Illinois

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

ICIC Focus Groups

Rebuilding IraqRebuilding LebanonOn-line construction managementHousing projects in Egypt and TurkeyThe potentials for creating wealth in developing countriesInnovations book in construction

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

Caterpillar Ideation Sessions

Heavy construction business(road construction, civil works, site development, and underground utilities)General construction business (commercial and residential building construction, specialty trades, and landscaping)

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

Impact on Students

International networking opportunitiesExposure to a wealthy variety of international topics in civil engineering and constructionOpportunities for the department to enhance its study abroad programIndustry support

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

Benefits to Industry

Global contactsOrganized international business tripsExpanding global presenceQualified and global-ready graduates joining the workforce

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

Conclusions

Today, the world is much smaller than we thinkWe cannot afford to live in a balloonMust strive to create new opportunities and venues for students to interact with professionals at the international levelThe visionary ICIC model created long lasting benefits

ASEE International Forum, June 14th, 2014, Indianapolis, IN

Thank you

Questions

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