Students of the Production and Operations Management course at the School of Business at the University of Jordan participated in a scientific visit to Al-Hikma Pharmaceuticals Factory on Thursday, May 18, 2023. The visit was organized by the course instructor, Dr. Rima Wahid Al-Hasan.
Al-Hikma Pharmaceuticals is one of the leading companies in the pharmaceutical manufacturing field. It was established over 45 years ago in Jordan and is involved in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of a wide range of products in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and throughout the United States. The company has more than 32 factories, 8 research and development centers, and 8,800 employees worldwide. The objective of the visit was to familiarize the students with operations management and quality control in the pharmaceutical industry. It included a tour of Al-Hikma Pharmaceuticals Factory, starting from the stage of manufacturing active pharmaceutical ingredients to the production of tablets, capsules, and concluding with the packaging and pharmaceutical storage stage. The visit also involved discussions on ensuring drug quality and the practices used to meet treatment requirements and patient needs. Furthermore, the students were introduced to determining the effective production capacity of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment to ensure product quality, production speed, and the safety of patients and workers, as well as making the products accessible to those who need them.
The school Dean, Prof Raed Masadeh Bani Yaseen emphasized the importance of organizing scientific visits to various institutions and companies to acquaint students with the practical aspects and to keep up with the demands of the job market.
In her turn, the course instructor and Assistant Dean for Quality Assurance, Dr. Rima Wahid Al Hasan, stated that the visit was very beneficial for the students in terms of both academic and practical aspects. In particular, the field of production and operations management is closely related to practical and applied aspects, as many theories and best practices in this field have emerged from the business world. Therefore, linking the theoretical content of the course to practical aspects enhances the students' learning experience and enriches their knowledge in different areas.
Additionally, the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Dr. Nura Musa Al-Louzi, emphasized the importance of continuing the school's approach of organizing purposeful extracurricular activities for its students and encouraging their active participation in various business-related activities to enhance their employment opportunities after graduation.
The visit concluded with an agreement to maintain communication between the School of Business at the University of Jordan and Al-Hikma Pharmaceuticals, and to provide opportunities for collaboration in research and training for the students.
Thanks to Al-Hikma Pharmaceuticals for their hospitality and ongoing cooperation.