Exploring Operational Excellence: Insights from Riyadh’s Pioneering Conference
RIYADH — The second edition of the Operational Excellence Conference is set to unfold on December 12 and 13, 2023, at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. Themed “Towards Creating Value to all Stakeholders,” this event stands as a beacon for exploring innovative operational strategies across various industrial and service sectors. It aims to maximize the benefits from these sectors and transfer knowledge by integrating the principles of operational excellence along with its latest standards. These standards are particularly focused on addressing challenges and fulfilling both current and future needs in areas such as efficiency enhancement, sustainability, and technological innovation.
A highlight of the conference will be the presentation of various success stories that embody the essence of operational excellence, adhering to the highest international standards. Among these is the success story of the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, with Ms. Noha Al-Hajji, Director of the Rehabilitation and Enrichment Programs Department, detailing their journey in building operational capabilities and executing development projects.
Engineer Khaled Al-Ammar, Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, will share insights on the digital transformation in asset and facilities management. His narrative will delve into how spearheading change, fostering innovation, and enhancing service quality are pivotal in achieving operational excellence.
Ms. Malak Al Majed, Senior Business Process Development Specialist at the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, will review the Commission’s journey in digital transformation. The Commission’s accomplishment in securing the leadership level in digital regulatory maturity among G20 countries underscores its pivotal role as a digital regulator. This feat is exemplified by its expansion of Wi-Fi technology ranges by over 200% in the Kingdom.
Engineer Badr Al-Harbi of Aramco will share insights into how the company enhanced performance standards through continuous improvement in business operations, systems, and policies. This approach has positioned Aramco as a leader in the energy sector, achieving high levels of efficiency, reliability, and safety at an economical cost.
The conference will also feature Engineer Ziad Al-Shiha, CEO of the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SRIC), who will discuss SRIC’s achievement in recycling 16 million tons within a year. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of operational excellence methodologies in mega projects and the circular economy.
Engineer Talib Al-Qablan from the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing will reveal the impact of applying the Project Management Guide in the municipal sector on project quality and efficiency. Additionally, Professor Daniel Saleh will present global best practices implemented at KPMG Saudi Arabia as part of their operational excellence program, while Professor Anna Diaz will share insights on successful planning for operational excellence at Management Solutions.
Finally, Engineer Amer Al-Rajaiba, Vice President for Resource Planning and Analysis at the Water Partnership Company, will discuss the company’s journey in operational excellence, highlighting its collaboration with the private sector in water infrastructure projects. This strategy blends technological innovation with environmental sustainability. Engineer Yasser Al-Asafi, Director General of the Industry and Water Empowerment Sector at the Spending and Projects Efficiency Authority, will narrate the transformation of the Project Management and Employment Support Program into a multifaceted body focused on quality improvement and efficiency.
In essence, the Operational Excellence Conference in Riyadh serves as a critical platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices in operational excellence, paving the way for sustainable and efficient future operations across various sectors.
