In this regard, Aisha Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Human Resources Policies Sector, said that the Authority has received 38 research papers and that the first phase of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Award for Best Scientific Research in Human Resources has been closed. The second phase of the Award involves sorting out and evaluating entries a by a neutral committee that includes an elite group of specialists and experts in the field of human resources and academicians from within and outside the country.

She added: "Following the completion of the first round of evaluation, results will be presented to another team of independent human resource and human resource development experts at the state level in the second phase by the end of February, for selection of winners among teachers and students, and at all levels.

“The Award, sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, is one of the strategic initiatives of the Authority, which enriches the human resources strategy in the Federal Government. It also helps in studying human resources situation, shaping its future, as well as how to address workplace  challenges, and propose solutions to overcome these challenges. Therefore,   the Award will contribute to enhancing the role of the human element, creating a happy and stimulating work environment and crealizing the aspirations of our wise leadership.”

Aisha Al Suwaidi pointed out that the Award aims at strengthening the role of young people in the development of government system, instilling a culture of innovation in human resources function using scientific research methods and techniques, encouraging specialized scientific research in order to empower national cadres and develop human capital.

She revealed that the research works will be subject to four evaluation criteria: following the basic principles of scientific research/project, clarity of approach and methods in developing the research/project using benchmarking and tools to shape the future, modernity, originality and innovative methods in research/project,   the extent to which the research/project outputs can be measured and implemented. In addition, two important elements in the evaluation of the research work will be under focus: value-added from the research presented, and identifying areas of strength and improvement.

“The first three winners from both students and faculty categories will, and a summary of winning researches will be published in the semi-annual HR Echo Magazine issued by the Authority in Arabic and English,” she said.

She added that HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Award for the Best Acadenic Research in the field of Human Resources aims to motivate young people to continue their research initiatives, study the reality of work and its challenges, as well as the future of human resources. It also aims to reflect the vital role of human resources in achieving excellence, strengthen community work and contribute to increasing productivity at the Federal Government,  involve university  teachers and students in promoting the role    of human resources functions in developing human capital.

In this Award edition, the Authority has identified a number of research areas           for participants, including: Future institutions and the role of their human resources departments; skills, competencies and functions required in the future; transition of future governments’ role from service provider to legislative and supervisory, digital human resources,  career guidance; talent management, employee well-being and happy work environments and productivity and efficiency