Thursday 10 October 2024
The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), represented by its Department of Innovation and Development, in cooperation with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), organized a workshop titled “LEAN Awareness.” The workshop, held in the lecture hall of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, saw the participation of more than 70 employees from various CPA divisions. It aimed to introduce participants to the LEAN methodology and its practical applications.
The two trainers, Mr. Shabib Al-Aufi and Mrs. Eman Al-Zaabi, both from PDO’s Change Management and Continuous Improvement team, introduced the LEAN methodology, explaining its importance and core principles for continuous improvement. They also explained the concept of process flow charts and discussed the diverse types of waste as identified in the LEAN framework. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of simplifying procedures and introduced the concept of visual management, highlighting its uses and significance in improving performance in the workplace.
Throughout the workshop, the trainers engaged participants with a variety of practical activities, interactive competitions, and educational videos, designed to ensure maximum benefit and engagement. The workshop also provided a platform for participants to exchange experiences and discuss ways to apply the LEAN methodology in their respective work environments. Participants explored the steps necessary to activate services in faster, more flexible, and cost-efficient ways in line with the methodology.
Aida bint Essa Al Zadjali, Director of the Innovation and Development Department at PDO, highlighted that the organization of this workshop, in cooperation with PDO, falls within the department’s commitment to implementing the Innovation Management and Institutional Development System. She also stressed the importance of fostering partnerships with both government and private institutions to exchange experiences and benefit from their expertise in innovation and development. Al Zadjali noted that the workshop aligns with the department's efforts to enhance the capacity for innovation and to develop sustainable solutions to various challenges. This, she explained, is achieved by adopting practices that promote innovation and participation, including the LEAN Continuous Improvement methodology, for which PDO is a leading expert in the Sultanate.
Al Zadjali also pointed out that, as the CPA functions as a service regulatory body dealing with numerous beneficiaries, including consumers and suppliers, familiarizing employees with the LEAN methodology will undoubtedly broaden their perspectives on how to improve the quality of the services provided by the CPA while reducing costs.
"Organizing this workshop is in line with institutional proficiency standards and the innovation standard," she added.
Participants expressed their enthusiasm for the workshop and the LEAN methodology. Mahfouz Mousa Al Harrasi, Director of the Economic Data and Information Department shared that his participation in the workshop provided him with valuable insights into the LEAN methodology, which aims to enhance and improve the work environment. He added that the knowledge gained from the workshop would undoubtedly translate into better performance in the workplace, leading to simplified procedures and reduced times. This, he noted, would have a positive impact on both the beneficiaries and service providers across various sectors.
Dr. Buthaina Abdullah Al-Ghailani, a Senior Media Specialist, expressed her optimism about the potential outcomes of the workshop, particularly in terms of streamlining service procedures and reducing time waste to improve overall service delivery. She also praised the way the workshop was conducted, and the variety of methods employed to effectively convey the information.
Similarly, Ishaq bin Mohammed Al-Busaidi, Senior Administrative Researcher in the Department of Studies and Market Research, noted that the LEAN methodology is aimed at improving the procedures currently in place within both government and private entities. He emphasized that its core goal—reducing wasted time and effort—would lead to improved outcomes in both quantity and quality.
This workshop forms part of a broader cooperation program between the CPA’s Innovation and Development Department and PDO, aimed at leveraging PDO’s extensive expertise in applying the LEAN methodology. The program focuses on simplifying work procedures and eliminating waste in processes, with the ultimate goal of improving work efficiency and service delivery in general.