Identify and engage with local stakeholders 

The university has established policies and procedures to identify and engage with local stakeholders external to the university. The main external stakeholders identified are the ministries, program advisory boards, and the Higher Education Council (HEC) of Bahrain. These policies and bylaws ensure that the university actively involves these stakeholders in its decision-making processes and seeks their input for the betterment of the institution and its programs.

One significant stakeholder group is the program advisory boards, as outlined in the Advisory Boards Bylaw. Each academic program within the university has an advisory board consisting of external members, including representatives from relevant ministries, corporations, and organizations in the public and private sectors. The advisory boards provide valuable advice and guidance to the university's colleges, deans, and department heads on various academic affairs, such as curriculum development, graduate outcomes, and aligning study plans with the requirements of the labor market. The bylaw specifies the composition, appointment, voting procedures, and meeting frequency of these advisory boards, ensuring their effective functioning and contribution to the university's educational progress.

In addition to the program advisory boards, the university also recognizes the Higher Education Council (HEC) as a crucial external stakeholder. The university has policies in place to ensure compliance with all legislation and laws related to its activities within the Kingdom of Bahrain, particularly the bylaws issued by the HEC. These policies guarantee that the university follows the guidelines set by the HEC, which govern the higher education sector in Bahrain. By adhering to these guidelines, the university maintains its commitment to quality education and operates in accordance with the regulatory framework established by the HEC.

By having these policies and bylaws, the university demonstrates its commitment to identifying and engaging with local stakeholders. This engagement ensures that the university's decisions and actions align with the needs and expectations of the relevant ministries, program advisory boards, and the Higher Education Council. By actively involving external stakeholders, the university fosters collaboration, benefits from diverse perspectives, and enhances the quality of its educational programs and overall institutional performance.


Figure 5 Extract from ASU's Bylaws