University Co-Hosts 'Nxplorer' Program With Shell Oil Company
The training unit of the university's College of Engineering conducted the 'Nxplorer' program in cooperation with Shell Oil Company. For 3 days, the 57 trainees learned new problem-solving strategies to address broad issues concerning the environment, energy and food production
Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Mohammed Al-Mesfer, said, "The aim of the training program is to give the trainees the ability to use creativity in applied strategizing solutions to society's biggest problems concerning energy and the environment. These skills are important in developing the next generation of leaders and technicians."
This program is founded on three methodologies. First systematic thinking entails considering the problem from a very broad perspective rather than in isolation. Second, the strategy involves a 'what if…?' analysis. This allows the researcher to consider alternate perspectives. Finally, 'change theory' has the researcher imagine how particular changes might affect outcomes under different scenarios. Merging these methodologies into a unified thought process can help find solutions to large and complex problems.
