e-TQM College appoints Orient Planet to drive its public relations and marketing communications strategies in the Middle East

e-TQM College will be using the services of Orient Planet to highlight its offering, including world-class online courses in Total Quality Management (TQM) and boost the application of TQM thinking in the Arab World through innovative, affordable and easily accessible means.

"We are witnessing two important trends in the region: the increasing awareness of quality management as the driving factor in maintaining the competitive edge and society's paradigm shift to the Knowledge Age. It is therefore imperative that we adopt the tools of the new economy, and modern concept of TQM forms the core of the growth engine of today's business," said Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Director of e-TQM College.

"e-TQM College realises the critical importance of conveying to our target audience the evolving programmes and achievements on a consistent basis. Choosing the right public relations strategy is therefore critical to the success of organisations like e-TQM College. After assessing the credentials of leading PR players, we selected Orient Planet because of its proven success in devising communication and public relations strategies that are result oriented and quality driven. We are positive that Orient Planet's key core strengths of a deep understanding of IT and technology related issues and extensive regional media reach will help us achieve our objectives," Dr. Al Awar added.

"Orient Planet has raised the bar on strategic communication and public relations activity in the region through communications strategies that have made a marked difference to the bottom-line of our clients. Backed up by an extensive network through out the region and incisive marketing strategies, we have strongly positioned ourselves as an agency focused on creating region-specific communications strategies tailored to the needs of our clients from different sectors," said Nidal Abou Zaki, Managing Director, Orient Planet. "As e-TQM College gears to change the face of e-learning in the Arab world, Orient Planet is fully equipped to help it achieve the goal of consolidating its position at the local and regional level."

e-TQM College currently offers a host of specialized courses in quality management and related subjects. In January 2004, the college launched a Masters Degree course in Total Quality and Performance Management designed to teach learners how TQM thinking can be embedded into business planning and operations management. In December 2003, the College also launched its own publishing house and an online, Virtual Executive Club, designed specifically for executives and managers in the Arab world.