| This study utilizes Clark and Estes' (2008) gap analysis framework to develop an improvement model for the scholarship division at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). The purpose of this research was to identify the root causes of the low number of Emirati students applying for scholarships in petroleum engineering and to understand the lack of participation of women in the field. The methodological framework was a mixed method approach querying the parents of 533 students studying petroleum engineering at the Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi. A survey entitled "Career Choice for Emirati Students" was sent to 533 parents, and six randomly selected parents were subsequently interviewed. Further analysis was conducted using frequencies and descriptive analysis. Findings from this study revealed that parents of ADNOC scholarship student required guidance in identifying resources available to them to help make career decisions. This study also found that to encourage females to enter the field of petroleum engineering, there was a need for more female role models. Solutions developed through this study seek to bridge gaps that exist between current practices at the scholarship division and the desired results. The study also contributes transferable approaches that may be applicable to other careers that face similar lack of participation from Emirati students. |
