In an unprecedented move for the GCC region, Oman’s National University of Science and Technology (NU) has embarked on a journey of digital transformation, adopting the comprehensive SAP Student Lifecycle Management system. This robust solution not only streamlines student information management but also integrates and optimizes institutional operations, promising to reshape the academic experience at NU.
NU has taken a significant step in its digital transformation journey, adopting a comprehensive suite of higher education solutions from German enterprise software giant SAP. In a pioneering move for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, NU has teamed up with YASH Technologies Middle East and Omantel to implement the integrated platform. The robust solution facilitates streamlined management of student information, enabling students and faculty to administer a wide array of activities including curricula, schedules, attendance, grades, and grants via a user-friendly portal. At the same time, the solution streamlines the university’s business processes – finance, HR, procurement – for its leadership, optimizing overall operational efficacy.
NU, established in 2018 by the merger of three well-respected institutions, sought a versatile solution capable of managing both enterprise resource planning (ERP) and the specific needs of students and faculty across its five campuses. Housing five colleges and a School of Foundation Studies, NU serves approximately 5,000 students, including international students from over 30 nations, while also maintaining affiliations and research collaborations in 28 countries.
Implementing SAP Student Lifecycle Management
The chosen solution features SAP’s Student Lifecycle Management component, implemented at over 125 educational institutions globally. This allows students to oversee their degree requirements, from enrollment to graduation, via an online portal or mobile application. This highly flexible system fosters transparency, accommodates changes in academic structures and processes, and aligns with varying curriculum-execution systems at affiliated global universities.
Expressing his confidence in the new system, NU’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ali Saud Al Bimani, emphasized the university’s aim to be an internationally recognized institution renowned for excellence in education and research. He underscored the flexibility, user-friendliness, and robustness of the SAP Student Lifecycle Management system and its ability to accommodate growth and new requirements.
NU decided to deploy SAP S/4HANA on-premises, a decision driven by the need for control and customization. This ERP system not only streamlines business processes but also supports standardization and automation across departments, enhancing the academic experience and reducing the administrative workload for staff.
Omantel’s CEO, Talal Said Al Mamari, affirmed their commitment to leveraging their technological expertise and local knowledge to ensure seamless integration of SAP’s solutions, believing that this initiative will set a benchmark for digital transformation in the GCC educational sector. He further added:
” As the implementation partner, alongside YASH Technologies, Omantel is committed to leveraging our technological expertise and local know-how to ensure the seamless integration of SAP’s comprehensive higher education solutions. This project aligns with our mission to empower institutions with innovative digital solutions, enhancing their operational efficiency and enriching the educational experience for students and faculty alike.”
Partnering with SAP Qatar, YASH, and Omantel
SAP Qatar, Oman, and Fast-Growing Markets Managing Director Alaa Jaber highlighted the comprehensive nature of the solution. He pointed out the benefits of improved student accessibility, enhanced student-faculty interaction, harnessing of talent management capabilities of SAP SuccessFactors, and seamless financial tracking.
“Moreover, the university can harness the talent management capabilities of SuccessFactors to develop and retain strong faculty members. Finally, there will be automated processes and seamless tracking of the university’s financial aspects such as course fees and payments, and real-time analytics on student trends across campuses. In addition, S/4HANA will streamline business processes, create efficiencies and reduce total cost of ownership,” Jaber further said.
James Griffin, Managing Director of YASH Technologies, stressed their close collaboration with NU and SAP to create a solution tailored to the needs of the university, its students, staff, and stakeholders. He expressed confidence that these solutions will significantly contribute to NU’s goal of elevating Omani educational standards and developing future science and technology leaders in Oman.
“Yash Technologies has been delivering SAP services to organizations globally for more than two decades, and we leveraged this expertise to help create an effective roadmap for NU. The resulting solutions will support NUST’s commitment to advancing the standards of Omani education and producing students who will make a positive contribution to the world,” Griffin noted.
As the National University of Science and Technology forges ahead with its digital transformation, this ambitious project underscores the increasing intersection of technology and education in the 21st century. The implementation of SAP’s solutions stands to significantly enhance university operations, streamlining processes across departments, and enriching the academic journey for both students and faculty. Given the breadth and depth of these systems, the university, its students, and staff also look forward to harnessing the potential of this integrated technology solution to promote educational excellence and operational efficiency.
