Community Service in Saudi Arabian Universities: A Comparative Study

Authors

  • Hesham K Alfares King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
  • Muhammad H. Al-Haboubi King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
  • Mesfer M. Al-Zahrani King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

Abstract

This paper presents acomparative analysis of community service activities offered by highereducation institutions in Saudi Arabia. The objectives included evaluating thecurrent status of community service activities in Saudi Arabian universities,identifying the main challenges, and suggesting strategies for improvement. Themethodology consisted of several tools, including literature survey, benchmarking,questionnaires, and focus group meetings. Community service definitions andactivities were surveyed in several countries. A benchmarking comparison wasmade between community service programs in 10 major Saudi universities and 20top American universities. The comparisons showed that Saudi universities lagbehind top U.S. and international universities in terms of community service. Aset of strategies and initiatives were proposed to guide and activate the communityservice function in Saudi higher education institutions.

Author Biographies

Hesham K Alfares, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

Professor in the Systems Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. BS in Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, 1982. MS in Industrial Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 1984. PhD in Industrial Engineering, Arizona State University, 1991.

Muhammad H. Al-Haboubi, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

Mesfer M. Al-Zahrani, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

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Published

12/05/2013

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Insights, Case Studies, and Applications

License

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