Economic development and reform of skill formation in relation to vet: The case of Sultanate of Oman.

Al Kindi, Tahir 2007. Economic development and reform of skill formation in relation to vet: The case of Sultanate of Oman. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.

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Abstract

This study is the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman to examine skill formation and Omanisation processes using qualitative methods. This study focuses on the relationship between education, skill formation and economic development in Oman. In particular, it examines the government 'Vision 2020' strategy on the development of human capital to deliver economic growth, especially through the expanding private sector. The upgrading of human capital is believed to be central to the process of Omanisation, that is, a plan to replace expatriate workers with Omani nationals. The main interest of this study is the perceptions and reactions of three stakeholders policy makers, college managers and private sector employers. An aim of this study was to contribute to a greater understanding of Oman's economic development, skill formation and Omanisation process and identify barriers to the implementation of Omanisation in the private sector. Empirical data was gathered from interviews of policy makers, college managers and employers in the private sector in the Sultanate of Oman. Secondary sources of information included books, articles, newspapers, magazines, journals, working papers, conference papers, reports, internet, minutes of meetings and Royal speeches. The study contributes to contemporary theoretical arguments concerning the relationship between supply and demand in national skill formation. Therefore, a conceptual framework was developed capable of examining the linkage between supply and demand for skilled labour in Oman. This theoretical approach was used to contextualise an examination of vocational education and training (VET) which was central to 'Vision 2020'. Three case studies were used to provide insights of the key informants (stakeholders), enabling an assessment of current VET and changes needed to deliver the future requirements of the Oman labour market. This study concludes with a discussion of the major findings and suggests some useful steps towards Omanisation. Among the main findings in this study is the limited articulation between government organisations, framing providers and employers in the private sector, and too many government bodies responsible for different aspects of education and framing.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DS Asia H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
ISBN:	9781303182228
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	31 Jan 2020 06:14
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/55693

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