Preparing Engineers for Global Challenges Dr. Amir W. Al-Khafaji And Dr. Souhail Elhouar Bradley University, Peoria, IL

Why Internationalization Global Challenges Global Market – Global Solution Global 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 Online June 2003

Global Challenges Overpopulation Climate Change and Global Warming Urbanization Energy Demand World Resources

The Global Market Source: HIS Global Insights – Global Construction Outlook: Executive Overview

The Global Market Source: HIS Global Insights – Global Construction Outlook: Executive Overview

The Global Engineer Cultural awareness and appreciation Ability to communicate Ethical standards Legal aspect Technical variations

Globalization Approaches Class presentations and lectures Training videos and case studies Guest speakers Study abroad programs International internships International conferences and other events

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

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,

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,

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

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

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

ICIC Focus Groups Rebuilding Iraq Rebuilding Lebanon On-line construction management Housing projects in Egypt and Turkey The potentials for creating wealth in developing countries Innovations book in construction

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)

Impact on Students International networking opportunities Exposure to a wealthy variety of international topics in civil engineering and construction Opportunities for the department to enhance its study abroad program Industry support

Benefits to Industry Global contacts Organized international business trips Expanding global presence Qualified and global-ready graduates joining the workforce

Conclusions Today, the world is much smaller than we think We cannot afford to live in a balloon Must strive to create new opportunities and venues for students to interact with professionals at the international level The visionary ICIC model created long lasting benefits

Thank you Questions ?