The Annual Meeting of the Institutional Network for Design and Manufacturing Education & Training (INDMET) project for the year 2023 brought together online representatives from Wollega University, Jimma University, and the University of Stavanger, Norway on June 10/2024. This collaborative project, funded by the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED II), aims to enhance education and training in design and manufacturing over a six-year period starting from 2021. Project leaders at partner institutions briefly presented the progress and challenges through project implementation.
As part of the project meeting, Endalkachew Mosisa (PhD), postdoctoral researcher at University of Stavanger and INDMET project coordinator at Wollega University presented again on June 21/2024 the comprehensive summaries of planned activities and their progress in 2023 A.Y to UiS staff. The graduation of first MSc batch students, establishment of MSc thesis publication trends in the mechanical engineering department, E-learning portal platform, different training and workshops conducted are considered as the key achievements. The status of 15 MSc and 3 PhD candidates admitted to INDMET project briefed with respect to the project schedule. In addition, efforts towards inclusivity through Leave No One Behind (LNOB) initiatives highlighted in the presentation. Students dropout both at the home institution and while on mobility also briefed in the presentation as some of the project challenges. As a first step of action, mobility of one female MSc student for one semester planned to stay at UiS in 2023 was denied as a mitigation action for the dropout experienced in 2022. In addition, different suggestions forwarded and discussions were held on the mitigation mechanisms of students dropout especially while on mobility.
Lastly, overall discussion was held with UiS staff on the collaborative efforts of Wollega University, Jimma University and University of Stavanger in strengthening the current ongoing partnership and internationalization. Despite common challenges across partner institutions, the project continues to make significant strides towards its objectives. The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Mona Wetrhus Minde, department head of Mechanical & Structural Engineering and Materials Technology. She thanked all and advised the importance of keeping the project on the right track to achieve the project’s goals.
