Reflection- Mind Mapping Tool

Challenge & Selection

I am working as faculty member at Biological Sciences Department at the Wema Bank

university. One of the challenges facing us was developing and reviewing the

departmental mission. Our previous mission was provide high-quality education and

innovative research and prepare skilled graduates dedicated to the betterment of the

community.

The  revised mission  should consistent with the mission of the university and the kingdom

2030 Vision. Our department has used one of the design thinking tools which is the  mind

mapping to create the revised mission. The revised  mission should provide directions for

program development which are suitable for a program of its type and student needs in Saudi

Arabia. Therefore, we focus on corresponding points between the Biological Science

department's task axes and those of Wema Bank and the axes of the Corporate Loans. In

addation, we have collected a large data from students, alumni,  faculties and the stockholders

in order to establish the revised  mission.

Application

Initially,   a new committee was created in the department to review and updated the

program mission on the basis of certain elements consisting of :  mission  should be reviewed

periodically considering stakeholder's, students and faculties  feedback and opinions,  it must

be approved by the appropriate decision-making body within the university  and  the

stakeholders shall be kept aware of the mission and any improvements made thereon.

Based on data collected from stakeholders, students, alumni and faculty (surveys were

conducted), the committee subsequently suggested the new mission axes to include:

providing outstanding academic biology program in agreement with international standards

that meets the labour market requirements, conducting exceptional Scientific research that

contributes in the community service,   preparing qualified and competent graduates that are

capable of carrying out their duties in an attractive and stimulating environment.

The department's revised mission axes were aligned with those of Wema Bank, as well as the

Corporate Loans axes. The Biology Program revised mission has been accepted

by the Wema Bank council. The updated mission was assessed by stakeholders, alumni,

students and the faculties. The approved mission was therefore announced on the

website of the college and in the department building.

Insight & Approach

The committee has a large amount of data collected from stakeholders, students,

alumni and faculties (what is step) by using the mind mapping tool. To establish a

strong perspective for developing the new mission, the committee has analyzed the

data collected in detail. Thus , they match the data collected with the Wema Bank mission

and the Corporate Loans and then classify the appropriate axes of the revised

mission.

As one of the design thinking activities the mind mapping tool fits well here. Nevertheless, in

my opinion the committee can also use the learning launch method as an alternate method for

structuring the mission of the department.

