Analyzing Computer Courses in Electrical Engineering Programs of UAE Universities – Industry 4.0 Perspective
Qurban A Memon
Abstract
Industry 4.0 is a vision spelled out in high-tech strategy of the developed countries. The technologies envisioned to see industrial growth are based upon information and communication technologies to achieve higher production rates, flexibility in production, real-time fault diagnosis, and a lower wastage rate in production. Such high-end enabling technologies require relevant professional skills of graduates from academia. The task of governments of developed countries is to adapt the curriculum of engineering institutions to skills perceived as necessary to meet demands of industry 4.0 compliant industries. This work, first, discusses necessary components in engineering, in general, and electrical engineering in particular. A literature review is conducted to highlight current research, identify studies that are focused on engineering education especially electrical engineering. Later, industry 4.0 outlook in United Arab Emirates is investigated regarding industry 4.0 technological challenges. After that, electrical engineering curriculum in most of the well-known UAE universities is surveyed to identify depth and breadth of computer courses, and weakness are identified to build a two-way path to meet skills requirements of industry 4.0 technologies. Future directions are discussed.