BHAP - Othman Almashhadani - iraq

Environmental Management (EM) EP - MsM

BACK HOME ACTION PLAN Personal Development Paper

Othman Almashhadani Environmental Management (EM) Executive Program Maastricht school of Management

2011

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Environmental Management (EM) EP - MsM

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Frist; I would like to thank the MENA organization for giving me the opportunity to participate in the 2011 annual short courses scholarship and for making it possible to join the (EM) course program at Maastricht School of Management (MsM) with its financial support, without its support it will be impossible for me to carry out a short course at MsM. And, my special thanks to Mr. Guido Heijdra, and for his continuous supervision, knowledge, support and encouragement which build confidence and improved my knowledge and understanding about the environment and urban management.

I would like to thank all the professors whom lectured us during our stay at MsM for their time and knowledge and all staff members of MSM for their support and cooperation.

Also my gratitude goes to all my colleagues of EM – 2011, PM – 2011, MSD -2011 for their support and cooperation.

I would like to thank Mr. Peter khmu Head of Architecture division (ArchiLink for Art & Design Company) for giving me the opportunity to attend the Environmental Management course at MsM for that it made my dream come true.

Finally I would like to thank my family in Baghdad – Iraq for their continuous encouragement and support throughout my Career during these years.

For all of you thanks and take care.

Best regards, Othman Almashhadani Architect & Designer ArchiLink for Art & Design, Baghdad, Iraq Othmanelali@gmail.com

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Contents

Page No.

Acknowledgement

2

Contents list

3

Chapter One: Learning Contract 1.1

Personal introduction

4

1.2

Who I am in my profession

5

1.2.1

The type of work I do

5

1.2.2

Constraints and opportunities

5

1.2.3

Architecture and sustainable development

5

1.2.4

How my colleagues look at me

6

1.2.5

What I would like to improve

6

1.3

Scenarios for the future

6

1.4

What I like to learn from MsM EP-ME program

7

Chapter Two: Action Plan 2.1

Action Plan Objectives

8

2.2

Personal SWOT analysis

8

2.2.1

How to overcome weaknesses

9

2.2.2

Changing threats to opportunities

10

2.3

What will be done with the relevant topics from the program

11

2.3.1

Change Management

(Drs. Carin Beijer)

11

2.3.2

Sustainable Development

(Mr. Guido Heijdra)

12

2.3.3

Back Home Action Plan (BHAP)

(Mr. Guido Heijdra)

13

2.4

How to implement personally and benefit my organization

13

2.5

Next step in my career development

14

2.6

How to realize opening my own Architecture Firm

15

Chapter Three: Reflection on Action 3.1

The most relevant part of the course

17

3.2

Indicate potential changes in the attitude and skills

17

3.3

How can my institution learn from my experiences

18

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Environmental Management (EM) EP - MsM

CHAPTER ONE LEARNING CONTRACT

1.1: Personal introduction In the beginning I would like to describe myself, my name is Othman Ali Ibraheem Almashhadani, I’m an Architect, I was born on 25 March, 1982 in the city of Baghdad, Iraq, I was the third child for my parents, I lived a normal childhood everything was Interesting to me; I loved to paint, draw and play with clay.

Throughout high school I maintained a high level of academic achievements while volunteering for the community and working twenty hours a week for financial support. as a teenager I always loved art, design, computer software, network, internet and communication technologies, which grown in me the internal love for discovering new cultures, art, and designs, during these years I participated in several exhibitions for painting which I earned and received several appreciation and encouragement awards, I completed my junior high in Baghdad during the summer of 2001, I attended to study Architecture, at the University of Baghdad, during my study there I imposed several difficulties, but that didn’t stop me; so I studied hard to realize what is my difficulties which helped me participate in several Architectural competitions as an Architecture student at the University campus, and helped me win several awards and certificates of appreciation. After those five years at 2006 I graduated and became an Architect armed with knowledge, science, and art.

After my graduation I shifted from one company to another earning throughout these steps besides working as an architect good Business experiences which helped me while earring my M.Sc. degree in Architecture during the spring of 2010.

After that; me and my brother started a small family business by opening a design and construction Office which deals with designing houses, apartments, and shops, providing advice as well as teaching junior engineers the craft to build their skills through teaching them how to use engineering software to rise up their design abilities and skills, such as 3D Max, AutoCAD, and other software programs, because of our self-abilities and knowledge in the computers’ software design tools.

In addition to my daily job I also continue to volunteer for community. I assist in a kindergarten class every Wednesday. I have tied shoes; put on name tags, sang songs and helped the children make muffins. I helped the teacher with lessons, art projects, supervising during play time and many other aspects of the career I hope to

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have one day but in an older group. It is the most rewarding experience at this point of my life. I love watching them grow and teaching is one of my greatest joys.

I hope after my graduation from this program I will return to Iraq to become an Architect with more abilities and skills to help rebuild Iraq, therefore I am committed to this goal as it’s evident by my record of academic accomplishments and community service. I am convinced that all these factors can make my dreams one day came true.

1.2 Who I am in my profession: 1.2.1 The type of work I do: As I mentioned earlier I’m a full time Architect, I worked with several construction companies, my duties there are various from designing, supervising or evaluating the performance of the designed buildings and provide a patrol report on what it needs to work according to what it’s required for. Therefore, I need to find and invest new solutions to new project sites problems which will help me advice clients towards the best architecture and engineering solutions.

1.2.2 Constraints and opportunities: My constraints are the difficulty in gaining access to information and the databases of the government which concerns the infrastructure and its services, many projects to implement and sometimes it is hard to work with target groups in project.

My opportunities are the chances to develop skill and knowledge progress in my field of work in Iraq.

1.2.3 Architecture and Sustainable development: As an Architect & Urban planner; we emphasis sustainable development on the conservation of Natural resources and the living environment, however, its concept is often broadened to include the protection and development of human resources for the benefit of the community which are founded on principles of sustainable development may strive to provide rich educational resources, development opportunities,

and

social

services.

The

goal

is

to

meet

today's

needs

using renewable resources so that the needs of the future generations will be provided too.

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1.2.4 How my colleagues look at me: As an Architect I always have new thoughts and ideas with visionary concepts so team work in essential to act and react to gain the support in Decision-making for designs & engineering projects, although I do not enjoy being a leader. I am more comfortable with working behind the scenes, offering support to my colleagues and providing them with inputs in new site study research, project drafting, documenting & information location and help them coordinate the work network, sometimes I work and think and act quickly besides I have a habit of forgetting that my colleagues need time to catch up with me.

1.2.5 What I would like to improve: Well,

learning

doesn’t

end

for

an

engineer

even

when

achieving

high

accomplishments academically or professionally, so I need to improve my knowledge in technology, management and in problem analyzing to build up my own capacity in being able to link local issues with external factors specifically in project process, therefore I need to improve my investigation skills; improve my writing skills and English language, I have been learning English approximately for 10 years but my English is really not good enough, and need to control my shape of reactions and temper because sometimes it affects my work.

1.3 Scenarios for the future: My main scenario for my career within 3-5 years is to open my own Architecture firm which will start by earn a MBA in business Administration and a PhD in Architecture and Urban planning from an UK university, which will help me improve my Business approach and research & investigation skills concerning architecture and urban planning, and you might ask me why in one of the UK universities? That’s; because of the scientific reputation which it’s well known worldwide, and will be I chance too for me to update my architecture know-how and to upgrade my English language and writing skills, after my graduation from the PhD program I will return to Iraq to become an Architect with more abilities and skills to help rebuild Iraq professionally, academically and environmentally, therefore I am committed to this goal as its evident to me through my record of academic accomplishments. I am convinced that all these elements can make my dreams one day came true.

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1.4 What I like to learn from MsM EP- ME program: This is my first time studying in a foreign country, especially with a scholarship fully funded for a short course in MsM, This has given me a chance to study this course in the city of Maastricht, my company realizes that this could be a good opportunity for me to build up my capacity and increase my managerial skills for better working performance. I am very lucky that I have been given this opportunity from the office to take this environmental management course at MsM. I

am

interested

in

studying

sustainable

development

and

environmental

management. I think these subjects will give me the opportunity to understand and broaden my perspective about the environment & management; it will give me the opportunity to meet, share, discuss and learn from a wide range of individuals, professionals and activists worldwide, After finishing this course, I imagine myself able to understand the global environment & natural resources and their managerial and consultancy concepts, with the tools and skills focus on how to perform (to Do), to control, to review, to improve.

The knowledge gained from this course will help me achieve improvement and understanding about managing the environment and controlling it, for Modeling and decision-making, which will help me and my company develop environmental and social impact assessment, to earn a better negotiation skills, to participate, and to build awareness and communication networks between stakeholder which will help me in my daily life and my work.

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CHAPTER TWO ACTION PLAN 2.1 Action Plan Objectives To bring the knowledge earned from the Environmental Management (EM) program back home to Iraq, will start first from me and then from my company employs to develop and to enhance their capacities, skills and knowledge in using building material or resource and their environmental impact as our ancestor did years before to create a better living environment . By learning, studying, exploring, evaluating and training them, which will help us, design a suitable environmental solution for our future housing projects. For this Reasons we supposed to apply the action plan in the next 3-5 years and by applying my knowledge which was gained here at MsM in some position of my work and making this example if it is succeeded to be applied in other parts of the country to help them develop and increase their thinking how to make our environment clean and more beautiful to live in.

2.2 Personal SWOT analysis: SWOT analysis generally is a technique applied across varied functions and activities, but it is particularly appropriate to the early stages of planning, and performing a SWOT analysis involves recording the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in relation to a particular task or objective, Commonly; its start by addressing the internal capabilities (strengths and weakness) and the external factors (opportunities and threats). In the development of BHAP, personal SWOT is very useful to get a clearer view on the main challenges in order to plan for personal capability improvement. The SWOT analysis (see table 2.1) that has been carried out is as follows.

Strength: - My ability to develop the required objectives of the project to its final phase.

- My scientific accomplishments qualified me to work as an architect.

- My Self-learning and the will to know gave me the chance to understand.

- My friendships and relationships with other Architects, engineers and contractors.

- Easy to adapt with new situation.

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Weakness - I’m often in tense and quickly get angry.

- I’m always closed on others.

- I’m always shy in telling the truth.

- Sometimes I am singularly and hasty in decision-making.

Opportunity - Existence number of Architecture students.

- Existence number of qualified and Technical Architects who are willing to learn.

- Existence of architect, engineers and constructers who like to learn and gain environmental knowledge concerning their projects.

- The will to change, to develop and to reach the objectives.

Threats -

The society refuses to understand the environment issues to developing and enhance the design system for projects and programs.

-

Changing political and strategic priorities in the company or in the office I work in.

-

Rearrangement of current Architecture and construction organizations.

-

Falling in achieving the goal.

2.2.1 How to overcome weaknesses: The Writing skills course will be helpful in changing the insufficient writing and language skills, into opportunity. I will apply these techniques in my organization. The skills obtained in the EM courses will be used in building strongly my opportunity and strength. I’ll try more to improve my knowledge, by the needed background and information about the safety of the environment which will help us increase our efficiency and productivity, and to share it with other architects in further companies, organization, universities and other establishment.

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2.2.2 Changing Threats to Opportunities: I need to build on an existing strength which it’s an existing academic program, to promote more collaboration and develop new educational delivery methods.

Develop new markets, domestically and internationally, for educational programs to build research expertise through strategic and initiative Pathways by using available fundraising, investment, and research partnerships for improvements in instructional, research programs. I need to attack the weaknesses in my position and focus all my efforts at that point, or making a surprise move into an open area.

Table 2.1 Othman’s personal SWOT Analysis:

INTERNAL

POSITIVES

NEGATIVES

Strengths

Weaknesses

 My ability to develop the required objectives of the project to its final phase.

Human resources  My scientific accomplishments qualified me Physical resources to work as an architect.

Financial resources  My Self-learning and the will to know gave Activities and me the chance to understand. processes Past experiences  My friendships and relationships with other Architects, engineers and contractors.

 I’m often tense and quickly get angry.  I’m always closed on others.  I’m always shy in telling the truth.  Sometimes I am singularly and hasty in decision-making.

 Easy to adapt with new situation.

EXTERNAL

Opportunities  Existence number of Architecture students.

Future developments Funding sources Demographics The physical environment Legislation Local, national or international events

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 Existence number of qualified and Technical Architects who are willing to learn.  Existence of architect, engineers and constructers who like to learn and gain environmental knowledge concerning their projects.  The will to change, to develop and to reach the objectives.

Threats  The society refuses to understand the environment issues to developing and enhance the design system for projects and programs.  Changing political and strategic priorities in the company or in the office I work in.  Rearrangement of current Architecture and construction organizations.  Falling in achieving the goal.

Environmental Management (EM) EP - MsM

2.3 What will be done with the relevant topics of the program?

I’ve considered that the following topics are most relevant to my work, and me.

2.3.1 CHANGE MANAGEMENT

(Drs. Carin Beijer)

Before the course: Before the course I don’t have any formal education on Change Management but I’m always eager to learn and improve my know-how and I hoped it will play an important role in my future programs.

Lessons learned from the Course: This lecture gave me an impression on managing in one exercises, l have recognized that I’m an orange person, I indicate that because my eyes is always on the achievement and focuses on the results, this type of drive can be balanced well with other types of management drives. I’ve learned in this course that change management is a journey rather than a destination as a success and the most significant new knowledge I gained here from the conventional tools are used by management specialist; such as: 1. Force Field Analysis is a useful method to observe human forces in decisionmaking; it is a good strategy for identifying issues by carrying out a planned analysis.

2. Circle of Influence is actually the best tool to describe relationships.

3. Barriers in Implementation; there are several barriers in change and each of the following was introduced to the class in practical exercises that left remarkable impressions on me. a) Lack of vision – I cannot change unless I know my clear vision to change. b) Lack of support – implementing change in my company requires support from all departments or stakeholders. c) Lack of clear path – everything must be conducted clearly. d) Lack of trust – good leader is needed to change similarly implement in projects. e) Lack of confidence – less confident causes, problems in implementation stages.

Newly gained knowledge: The lecturer had a quite amazing way of teaching; she gave us practical exercises which helped us focus on the objectives, by making small steps to achieve the global goals; we also learned the importance of group dynamics with the strengths of

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different players in our team or organization and the weaknesses from each type of personality. In the end, a weakness to one is considered strength by the other thus working together will be better than working on your own.

When I go back home to Iraq and to my daily work, I will share every lesson learned from this lecture. It’ll be very useful for me because of future projects with new clients, involving new concept is a big challenge I think I’m better equipped in tackling this kind of projects by this gained knowledge.

2.3.2 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

(Mr. Guido Heijdra)

Before the course: I have no formal education on the subject but I have an actual project experience in managing the environment with several local government units in Iraq and I realized that in Baghdad the concept of good governance is not a popular thing. we’ve reiterated with partner transparency, accountability and participatory decision-making are the basic ingredients in good governance but even at the end of the project, there were more questions in my mind than answers.

Lessons learned from the Course: The course taught me that raising good governance is not only a problem in developing countries like Iraq, but it’s a problem in the advanced countries as well.

Though the degree of corruption, it is present in all countries; I also learned good governance is unfastened on the following principles: 1. Rule of the law – proper legislation is needed to have proper direction.

2. Equity and inclusiveness – it must have no distinction, and should not favor one over another. Good governance also stress on equal respect for all.

3. Participation – involving more stakeholders in dialogues to improve decisionmaking.

4. Consensus – a general agreement for the group’s common belief.

5. Responsiveness - a proactive system that describes how quickly responds it to stakeholders need.

6. Effectiveness & efficiency – obtaining a solid result at the least possible use of resources.

7. Transparency – the social value of access to information held by centers of authority.

8. Accountability – it’s the culpability of someone to his responsibility and task.

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Newly gained knowledge: Due to deeply rooted corruption in Iraq and lack of political will to correct the wrong, “good governance” will take time to be internalized in the government though efforts from several sectors of the society like the business sector as an organizations which stepped up to corporate social responsibility (CSR). In this case, my contribution will be indirect and minimal I am relatively new to my organization but I can apply new learning in organizing a management team that will be responsible for managing an housing Project complex. I’ll involve all possible relevant stakeholders and let them become part of the whole process that is the formulation of designing plans and its implementation.

Future projects involving government agencies and officials will still be a big challenge but I can do my job better due to the learning I had in this subject. As a architect dealing with several stakeholders I believe I’ll become more effective in doing my job.

Going on as a personal note, this lecture made me aware that the concept of “good governance” must be within ourselves, if we just complain about the problems on corruptions back home and do nothing, we’ll just be a noisy gong. Even on a small scale, each individual can help eradicate this problem, to be part of the solution not the problem and help solve it.

Need for Additional Information: I need to learn a lot more in good governance; I believe that a lecture from a specialist in good governance will provide substantial inputs for future program participants. I want additional lectures in ‘good governance’ focusing on the issues of the government rather than the business sector corporate social responsibility.

2.3.3 Back Home Action Plan (BHAP)

(Mr. Guido Heijdra):

BHAP is a personal paper, it’s used to reflect the individual’s personality; like its simplicity and complexity. I actually aim to realize everything; I’ll use it as a memo and keep it to track if I really accomplish my goals, and It will continuously remind me of my 12 weeks visit with the mentoring lecturers here in MsM; where I experienced my first autumn and winter outside Iraq, with the opportunity to make new friends.

2.4 How to implement personally and benefit my organization.

Personally I have benefitted from “Presentation skills” subject, I learned to plan, the structure and deliver a presentation. The chance to present in the class was very

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useful for me. When I go back to my office, I always prepare project presentations to a type of audience with the conscious of time limitation and knowing what is my topic.

I also learned presentation skills such as speaking slowly & using simple words, and making eye contact to know that the audience is still focused. I could analyze my mistake and correct them in the next presentation. I learned how to reserve emotion, and to take deep breaths before giving my presentation. I will use all these tips to work when I present future presentation. I can use SWOT analysis to check myself when I know my weakness, I can deal with them to improve it in the future, I can also use it in my work to find the weakness and strength of my organization to improve it with my team before working with local communities.

The course has also raised my awareness on the environment and its resources, through the concept of ecological footprint has not only provided further understanding but also practical measures of addressing the problem in the future as “ think globally and act locally “. My work involves dealing with diverse group of people participation subject is very useful for me; because I learned how to deal with groups in distribution innovation, The ways of awareness creation and different communication methods will be applied when discussing environmental issues; because it’s very important, in improving the convincing skills.

In the subject on Environmental policy issue, I can use policy planning process to identify problems, improve visions and its implementation process and then how to Inspect, monitor, or review, which can be applied to my work when writing proposals, practice is the key of success by using it in a learning cycle which will help us when working with different target groups, and I will share this knowledge with other Groups when undertaking local case studies, I’m also planning to use all above; when I deliver information in meetings of new projects design. However, some subjects I have less focus and interest, because of my personal limitations.

2.5 Next step in my career development: My next step in the career development is my main scenario; therefore with the will of Allah within 3-5 years I’ll open my own Architecture firm which will start by earn a MBA in business Administration and a PhD in Architecture or Urban planning from an UK university, this Architecture firm will be a school for modern Architecture design with its respect for the tradition design elements of our urban environment, eco-social and eco-climate architecture of the society local identity and its Individuals who live beyond its surroundings, in the past it was sustained, inhabited and developed by our Ancestors, we will be part of the process for rebuilding our Urban environment in a

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manner which respect tradition and legacy of our regional & shared values to assist our local community sustain the living environment of today with more green solutions.

For me this step is very important because knowing who we were and what have we done in the past will gave me the confidence that the ability to change is in our hands and here in our minds & hearts this will be my logo and my brand it will be the drive that’s lead me to improve my Business approach and research & investigation skills concerning the architecture design and urban planning.

Furthermore; you might ask me why in one of the UK universities? That’s; because of its scientific reputation well known worldwide, and it will be I chance too to update my architecture know-how and to upgrade my English language and writing skills, after my graduation from the PhD program I will return to Iraq to become an Architect with more abilities and skills to be part of the rebuild Iraq process professionally, academically and environmentally, therefore I am committed to this goal as it is evident to me through my record of academic accomplishments and profession. And I am convinced that all these elements can make my dreams one day came true.

2.6 How to realize opening my own Architecture Firm: After completing my Ph.D in Architecture, I’m looking to branch out on my own, and start an architectural design business. So I will need to keep in mind that this is a highly skilled field and it is necessary for me to be qualified as manager, so I need certifications, with several years of experience in architecture and drafting. In order to start a successful architectural design business and I will need to have a firm foundation to build upon it my future projects, which I can finalize it with these steps: Step 1: I need to earn a licensing for opening an architecture firm. As it is required in Iraq before we are allowed to do business in Architecture and constructing, In addition to my own professional license, I will also need a business license to legally operate my firm; I can apply for this license through the local authority boards of Baghdad.

Step 2: I need to insure my business. Therefore; Architects who work with me need liability and general business insurance to protect their designs. And if I have employees, they will also need to be insured for my protection, particularly if they will be traveling to job sites.

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Step 3: I need to find a location for my business. Ideally, an architectural firm should be located in the city center area; if I want to attract mainly business based clients. If my clients are residential, I need to find an easy to reach location that is convenient to my client base. I have the option of leasing or buying office space. Until my architectural firm is established I might need to consider leasing, particularly if I don't have a lot of start-up funding available.

Step 4 :The next step is to finance my business. So As an architect, I will typically be paid a small percentage to start the job and the rest when the job is complete. This means that I will need to have enough operating expenses to make it through; until I start collecting final payments from my clients.

Step 5: Then I need to purchase any necessary equipment and architecture software.

I should already have basic design tools from my academic schooling days, but I will need Autodesk platform and CAD software, drafting tables, and office equipment and furniture.

Step 6: As a firm we need to build a firm design portfolio and website. With our past work experience is critical to land new clients towards the firm. Putting together detailed photographs, case studies and descriptions and putting them in the firm portfolio and website. Showcase extremely difficult projects that I brought to fruition to show my range of talent. If I don't have any past experience, I will need to build a portfolio with my concepts and ideas.

Step 7: After these steps I shall need to market my architectural firm with a specialized vision or theme which will be my concerns about the elements of our past traditions but with the language of today. It will help me make communication networks with local business owners, and advertise it in local media and I’ll need to write some columns for architectural digests. This will help me create a name for myself and will help me promote my future business.

So I need to be prepared to price my services competitively until I established the architectural design firm in the end I hope it will take me 3-5 years to open my own firm.

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CHAPTER THREE REFLECTION ON ACTION 3.1 The most relevant part of the course.

In a hot summer day of June I was informed that I have been selected to follow the short executive program Environmental Management (EM) at MsM in the Netherlands for three, I was very glad to accept their offer, because of activities that are highly relevant to my work and interests which concern’s the urban environment.

Therefore, I thought that it’s an opportunity to follow this course; to increase me productivity in environmental issues and to enhance my problem solving. Though I was handling housing projects related to the urban management, I didn’t have that deep knowledge about the environmental management and issues, as an Architect my educational background is how to protect the building from the environment and not vice versa.

However, I was assuming that the activities I will undertake there in the Netherlands is good for my scientific and professional career will directly and indirectly effect the quality of my future projects to improve the Iraqi urban environment, and I wanted to improve my managerial skills that I deal with in such frequent environmental problems that I have to determine proper solutions in my profession.

And definitely this EP diploma will help me enter more advanced Architecture programs, this will help me in my personal life and in my professional carrier, Furthermore, which will take part in this program I believed that I would meet Professors, Scientists, Environmentalists and Technical Experts who are dealing with issues and subjects related to the urban environment and management to build my own contact network, and I expected to gain practical knowledge from participants who are attending from different countries to discover new cultures and to learning more about their experiences.

3.2 Indicate potential changes in the attitude and skills.

Turning back to my expectations before attending the program, and if we compare it with what I had obtained during this program I have been satisfied than I expected, many subjects that have been integrated in this program covered most the aspects relevant to my work and profession with the urban environment and management concepts. These highly interdisciplinary subjects improved the way of thinking on my decision-making and work capacity. Some of subjects were very important to my

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carrier such as Environmental Policy Issues, Environmental Assessments, Environmental Economics, Modeling and Auditing and other subject concerning management Techniques and Issues. Participation is another important subject which I was educated during the program for decision making process. Such subjects are directly relevant to my works and it enhances my decision-making capacity.

Apart from the lectures, the Case Studies skillful us to work as Group which were much interest as well as the practice of their theoretical settings. Group Work experiences taught me more about the practical situation when the problems can be raise in implementation stage than the planning setup. Also, it was highly influence us to think about the problem in different ways and come up with solid and conflict solutions with alternatives, for different stakeholders behaviors in decision-making process. We learned that by using one case study for every subject in group Works has multidimensional ways to see it from, is to think and study the environmental problem and issue in one particular place as a team and formulate a decision. This approach for solving environmental problems never was accepted from me before attending this program.

The field visits conducted by MsM gave me attention how to review environmental problems and management techniques in the proper way. How did problems of the past shape the future of today, so the Netherlands are involved to protect the environment and minimize its damages by their rational thinking for the quality of life and the quantity of production and keeping it for the needed balance between the economic development and environment management, This practical exercise entirely changed my vision and way of thinking on managing the urban environment in my own country, Iraq.

3.3 How can my institution learn from my experiences?: During the course I have developed my understandings and concerning upon the environment, which I can use in urban management when I prepare an urban or a housing area, plans, projects proposals, or activities. Also, the gained knowledge and experiences during the program will be highly helpful for me to understand the multidimensional problems and its alternative solutions to overcome the issues that affecting the environment in Iraq.

Further, conducting awareness workshops for architects and engineers who are involve in relation with implementation, objectives of projects and programs that have

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been scheduled to be implemented in the recent future are also one of responsibilities in my carrier. In these workshops I suppose to manipulate the teaching methods that played on important role in providing a better understanding of a numerous complex issues related to the environment by lectures of this program.

Specially, Case Study working groups, Participatory process are also very interesting method to find out problems, solutions, alternatives, mitigating measures and were very constructive and the analytical way of thinking and self-confident improvement will be applied to into these workshops.

Also, I am expecting to keep continuous contacts with Professors, Experts who were known to me during this program and my colleagues who participants with me in this program. Finally as a whole, knowledge on all subjects and experiences which I acquired during the program, practical exercises of Case Study working groups, Field Visits and experiences shared among fourteen countries’ participants are expected to be utilized to my official curriculum when necessary and appropriate manner.

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