Increasing Emiratisat​ion in engineerin​g faculty position at the HCT

Using the Gap Analysis problem-solving framework (Clark & Estes, 2008), this project examined engineering students at Abu Dhabi Colleges at Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in the United Arab Emirates. The primary purpose of this project was to identify the knowledge, motivation and organizational causes that prevent graduates from the HCT bachelor of applied science in engineering program from pursuing a masters degree in engineering in order to become faculty. Mixed methods were used to collect survey data from 493 participants and interview data for twenty participants to identify and validate the knowledge and skills, motivation, and organizational solutions that may contribute to the HCTs Emiratisation goal. Findings showed that although students lack factual knowledge, students do not lack motivation in pursuing a master degree. However, the study confirmed their lack of interest in working in an educational environment or pursuing a career as faculty, and it confirmed organizational gap in HCT management. Based on the findings, solutions are offered to address these challenges.