Magazine Issue (3) 2013

Ceremony of Honoring The Employees

ty ili ib ns po es l R cia So

Achievements

Awareness

Training & development

www.omangrid.com ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. Magazine Objectives Inside Page • Introduce community and company employees to the company’s activities and events. • Communicate scientific, cultural and sports news to employees for them to keep abreast of the latest developments CEO’s Message 4 • Publish useful knowledge for benefit of company employees Editor-in-Chief’s Message 6 • Provide advice and guidance to employees on various important topics OETC Honors Employees 7 • Keep employees aware of important requirements of health and occupational safety Inauguration Ceremony of Qurum and Mutrah G.S. 14 • Update employees on the latest company-introduced technologies • Highlight completed, ongoing and future projects undertaken by company Campaign on Information Security 16 Revision Satellite Vehicle Management System Launched 17 OETC Joins Hands to Support “Earth Hour” 18 Eng. Thani Mohamed Salim Al-Khusaibi Eng. Alastair Johnson Dr. Adil Ghalib Khalifa Al Busaidi Mr. Rafat Khaleel Abdullah Al Bahadleh OETC Participates in Investment Assessment Workshop 19 Eng. Ahmed Ali Salim Al Nadabi Training Course on the Principles of Electrical Power 19

Editorial Family OETC Participates in the 7th International 20 Power Engineering Conference Sulaiman Khalifa Al Riyami Atheem Hamood Al Hinaai OETC Honors Employee of the Month 21 Ali Salim Ali Al Ma’amari Qais Rashid Al Shidi HSE Workshop 22 Ahmed Khalfan Al Riyami Said Saleem Al Musalti Training Course in Operational Planning 24

Lecture on “Employees Insurance Benefits” 24

Chess Tournament 25

Libyan Delegates Visit the Company 25

Third Bowling Tournament 26

Motivation Workshop 27

Print Management Solutions Project 30

Importance of Monitoring Performance Indices 31

How to Evaluate Employee’s Performance? 32

Open Day at Qurum School 35

Dialogue with an Employee 38

Tel: +968 24573201 Fax: +968 24573242 Workshop on Team Building 39 P.O.Box: 1224, Postal Code: 131 Al- - Sultanate of Oman Competition 42 www.omangrid.com

OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 3 3 CEO’s Message

Dear Employees, The basic building block of any functional entity is the employee himself. I have great pleasure in welcoming you to this Creating the right working environment, based on the values of loyalty, new issue. We have come a long way together, endeavor, hard work and diligence, gives the employee the space for creativity implementing a strategy of productive team work. and dedication. This is the role played by the Oman Electricity Transmission We have achieved this by realizing different forms of Company (OETC) we will remain with the same commitment, since what positive dealings within the work environment in its comes out of the employee in various stages of his/her career, is itself a various forms, and strengthening an atmosphere of success for the Company, and a proof of cohesive performance, dedicated optimal productivity in our various efforts in the areas effort and infinite creativity. The great works that you are doing in favor of of work of the Company, whether in the office or in the the Company’s strategy, realizing its methodology, and pushing it towards field, which is a place of pride and appreciation for us. optimum productivity, will motivate the Company to achieve competitiveness with similar companies engaged in the business sector in the Sultanate. We have demonstrated the Company’s accomplishments, which have been achieved over the past years. Many OETC’s achievements are directly mainly linked to the eternal efforts of of the projects and activities, and efforts are focused our staff and help the Company achieve higher rates of success through on improving the safety, performance and reliability the implementation of our strategy to upgrade our multiple services and of the transmission grid along with the completion of benefiting the community and environment. important projects on time, to enhance and secure the Dear Employees, electrical grid, and to meet the growing demand for The role that you are playing during safe duty hours results in stability of electricity in the Sultanate. the electrical grid and its high operational performance which supports the The positive communication between the Company and development of the Sultanate. All this requires the Company to give attention its employees has resulted in publishing this magazine. to development and ongoing training. We are working to raise the level of communication even We pray to Almighty Allah to help and guide you to success in your educational more in the next issues as a gateway of communication and career lives, and guide you to what is good for your country and for between Company employees and employees of the yourselves asking Him, the Omnipotent, bless you with health and prosperity. electricity sector, as well as other business sectors in the Sultanate which will have a significant impact on the success reflected in the nature of the Company’s Ali Said Al-Haddabi performance in various fields. Chief Executive Officer

4 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 5 Editor-in-Chief’s Message

My brothers and sisters, I take this opportunity to extend my gratitude towards We’ve kept in mind that the presence of a magazine them for their participation in and interaction with the that monitors, documents and records the events in the magazine, and wish them further participation. The last Company is to serve as a kind of communication that section of this issue is the cultural competition which, tracks the different phases of the Company with all its we hope, will present some useful information. diverse achievements, stimulants and activities. The way My dear employees, it attains a balance between the efforts and its vision The efforts of male and female employees in the shall be legible and palpable for the male and female Company have always been built on appreciation and employees in the various disciplines and departments, support of the Company. This is what the Company whether they are technical or administrative. It should seeks to confirm and act upon, because it definitely give a clearer and brighter picture of their effort its recognizes that human capital is the basis of productivity, effects and fruits, to achieve one goal - the success of and the achievement of the joint endeavors, and that the company. It means, all of our success come from can be achieved only by effectively dealing with what effective and productive team work. is happening in the transmission system, which the From time to time the Magazine is offering you insight company is running, as it looks for excellence. This is related to the Company. It merges everyone’s efforts what encourages the Company to keep the employee into an integrated composition. It cannot be effective always in mind, and to realize the path of progress and unless we are all aware of it. Also when the activities advancement of performance in all possible ways, and and successes are in a framework that can be seen by scientific and practical methods, ensuring sustainability the eye, they have a different effect and they motivate of career development on the one hand, and greater OETC Honors us to do more and give more, under the banner of openness of competitiveness on the other hand. competitiveness on one hand, and of devotion to work In this sense, the contribution of male and female on the other hand, enhancing the meaning of career employees to the magazine, with ideas, articles and attachments that we realize as the real key to what posts, opens a positive channel of communication that The Employees we are willing to access through the successes and we aspire to and we aim to take advantage of. People bounties. with talent in writing are available. The magazine In this issue of the magazine, we tried to present the is only from you and to you. It is for you and it bears most important and prominent events and activities your fingerprints and your visions. It reacts to you and OETC celebrated along with the Company employees Engineer Rashid Al Badwawi, Senior Manager, Projects experienced by the Company during the first half of along with you. Its greatest credibility is through what and executive management in Barr Al Jissah resort Department spoke on behalf of the Company›s this year. The focus is on honoring the best employees you are trying to write and publish through its pages, to honor its best employees over the past year. This management, where he explained that the OETC’s of the Company, because it reflects the attention of the so as to achieve the social mission of the magazine, as confirmed the dignity and pride the achievements of interest in its employees and honoring excellent and Company towards its employees and because of its well as technical and administrative mission relevant to the employees and their remarkable endeavors that best of them is approach that the Company adopted impact on motivating employees to exert more efforts, documentation, follow-up and continuous recording of and gain more rewards. events on different occasions. emerged through accomplishing their regular and since its inception. He stressed on the continuation of additional works through participation in technical and this approach with more endeavors and progress. Al Also we have shed light on some important We wish you the best always, and we invite you, with achievements of the Company, most notably, the confidence, to be an interacting active part of the administrative committees and other various teams Badwawi praised the tremendous efforts made by all opening of Qurum and Mutrah substations. Regarding magazine. I extend my sincere thanks to the Company’s that worked to enhance performance, and caused employees of the Company on main grid expansion, the training events and courses, some of them have management for the continued and endless support for continuous increase in achieving the desired results which required it to increase the number of employees been highlighted that received the praise from the growth of this magazine. among the different departments of the Company. in all the different departments, and reflected on everyone. Moreover, the participation of male and The ceremony was with varied sessions, starting with changing the structure of the Company, as the public female employees is brought to light, to add to the Fahad Rabia Al Tobi magazine a lot. Publicity and Media Officer an uplifting recitation from the Holy Quran. interest requires the implementation of the work

66 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 7 7 required in all disciplines. He also noted that the Company The Official Trainer Talal Al Rawahi gave his lecture on the topic has focused during the last period on the development “How to be Distinguished in your Career”, interspersed with visual and training of a large number of employees, and it will presentations and activities characterized by amusement and work in the coming period to increase the development advantage at the same time. The trainer explained the means and opportunities, whether local or abroad. He concluded ways that make the employees distinct in their work. by congratulating the employees on this occasion and wishing them continued success. After that the results of the competition - the most beautiful picture of company’s assets, were declared. First place was for the picture The next session was sailing through Arabic literature by Mr. Sulaiman Al Riyami. The last session of the ceremony was the and savoring the words formed by an artist making them moment of honoring employees. Certificates were distributed to with resonant rhythms in the ear, exciting the listeners. the best employees. Poet Musabbah Al-Siyabi delivered a poem entitled ‹letters›. The whole poem poured praises on the creative employees.

88 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 9 9 Ceremony of Honoring the Employees

1010 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 1111 Ceremony of Honoring the Employees

1212 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 1313 He noted that OETC reaffirms its commitment to exert guest, the audience, Electricity Distribution Co., maximum efforts to upgrade the main grid in Muscat contractor of the project and officials of the Governorate Governorate, to achieve the ability to increase power for facilitating the Company’s mission of completing the transmission due to the growth and expansion in all project. economic and social activities. During the recent days, the company has completed energizing of a new Grid Manal bint Mohammed bin Hassan Al Abdwani, Station at Yiti, as well as a new Grid Station at Qurayat. Also Chairperson of the Board of Managers of Muscat construction of many is in progress and we strive to finish Electricity Distribution Company, explained that MEDC them soon. They are a 220/132 kV Grid Station in Hamriyah is one of the major users of the project. We take into Heights, 220/132 kV Grid Station in Jahalut, 220 kV Grid account the number of consumers. Furthermore these Station in Misfah - 220 kV main Grid upgrading line from two regions are considered as densely populated areas Barka power station to Misfah, from Misfah to Jahlut Grid with growing demand of power from the consumers. We Station as well as the connecting line between Jahlut and are now badly in need of constant power supply and this Sur. These projects are expected to be completed during comes through the government’s plan to provide services the coming months. to citizens, the most important of which is electricity and other utilities. Presently OETC has several projects under floating for tender and some under study, to upgrade its grid in the She pointed out that the importance of the opening Governorate of Muscat including a new Grid Station in of these Grid Stations at this time is to strengthen the Amerat, Grid Station No. 2 in Mabella and project of 132 kV Company to ensure regular power supply during the cabling linking Grid Station and Mutrah Al Falaj summer, to meet the growing use of electricity in this Grid Stations. Concluding his speech he thanked the chief season and to assure uniterrupted power supply.

Inauguration Ceremony of Qurum and Mutrah Grid Stations

Under the auspices of Ms. Manal bint Mohammed Company’s plan for the Governorate of Muscat to meet bin Hassan Al Abdwani, Chairperson of the Board of the growing demand for electricity in the Governorate, Managers of Muscat Electricity Distribution Company, particularly in Qurum and Mutrah regions. This has and in the presence of Mr. Ali bin Said Al Hadabi, CEO come up through continuous coordination with MEDC.” of Oman Electricity Transmission Co. and Engineer Abdullah bin Saeed Al-Badri, CEO of Muscat Electricity He added that the two projects we are going to open Distribution Company, two Grid Stations were opened are: (1) Grid Station in Qurum with link of 10 km at Qurum and Mutrah. The Grid stations have voltage dual circuit 132 kV overhead line from Substation at of 132/33 kV, with two transformers, and will meet the Madinat Sultan Qaboos, 132 kV SF6 circuit breakers, growing demand for electricity during the next summer 33kV AIS circuit breakers and two 132/33 kV 125MVA and ensure uninterrupted power supply over the area. transformers, and (2) Grid Station in Mutrah with a link of 10 km dual circuit 132 kV OHL from Qurum Grid Station, At the beginning of the ceremony, Ali bin Said Al Hadabi, 3.8 km underground cabling, two 132/33kV -125MVA CEO, OETC, said: “Today we celebrate the opening transformers, 132 kV SF6 circuit breakers and 32 kV of a project to strengthen Primary Transmission Grid AIS circuit breakers. Both the Grid Stations include all in , a Grid station in Qurum and the main ancillaries of control system, communication, another in Mutrah. These two vital national projects protection, security and safety. The cost of construction are considered among the important projects of the of these two Grid Stations is over 20 million Omani Rials.

1414 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 1515 Campaign on Information Security

OETC, represented by the Department of Information and devices and saving them from the risk, stressed the Technology, organized awareness campaign for need to protect and secure all the resources used in employees about information security, which lasted for information processing. She also noted the importance two days, at the Intercontinental Hotel. of password and she described it as a window of the employee to enter to system of the Company. So the The idea of the campaign came after increasing password must be a strong combination of letters, the number of systems used and the adoption and numbers and symbols so that it will be difficult to be dependence of the employees on different systems, cracked. both in the financial and engineering areas as well as other areas, besides the widespread use of the Internet Manager of the Department of Information Technology, in the Company. The Company insists employees Engineer Hilal Al-Shukri, confirmed the heavy reliance exchange the data in various forms (text files, drawings, of the Company on the technology to replace the pictures, etc.) by e-mail or portable storage media (Flash paper-based transactions and hence the importance Disk) without taking into account the possibility of loss of information security during the rapid growth of media or leakage of information. This campaign aims of the use of electronic applications that require a to raise employees’ awareness on the importance of safe environment to maintain the confidentiality of securing data and maintaining them, and to introduce information. He pointed to the Company’s efforts to them the risks to data of the Company because of in the field of information security, as it works on the negligence and carelessness. classification policy of Company’s documents and information and its procedures, as well as the installation Ms. Bishara Al-Sharjiya, a network specialist who offered of a firewall separating the internal network and the a visual presentation on the method of protecting data Internet. Also special workshops on information security have been organized for some employees and officials and the same will be intensified in the coming days. At the conclusion of the meeting he put a message to all employees that information security is everyone’s responsibility and everyone must recognize it. Satellite Vehicle Management System Launched

OETC launched a satellite based vehicle road accidents, with the possibility of analyzing the management system. It is an integrated program factors that cause accidents, the ability to prepare for the management of vehicles, where the latest geographical reports, and determination of the best technologies are used for tracking the vehicles. The possible paths to reach the desired locations. The system works with GPS/GPRS installed inside each system also helps to reduce the operational cost vehicle and the device sends data to the Internet of the vehicle as it does self-supervision among through a communication system. The system individuals. Wahaibi added: The program does not offers practical services and immediate benefits. need to install any software on the users’ computers, The results expected by applying the system are to only Internet connection is required. enhance productivity, to increase the operational The project is equipped with an alarm management efficiency and to avoid the misuse of vehicles, as well system that alerts in case of excess speed, parking as minimizing the costs (fuel - maintenance - tires.). for long hours, and going out of the main track, Mr. Yahya Al Wahaibi, the project supervisor, and with alarm for periodic maintenance and while stressed that this project is aimed at protecting moving out the geographical boundary in addition the Company’s assets and drivers from the risk of to other features.

1616 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 1717 To promote practices that contribute to the sustainability of resources of the environment OETC Participates in and to preserving the same, and specially to reduce energy consumption, OETC participated in Investment Assessment Workshop celebrating “Earth Hour” by putting off the lights in all the sites of the Company, led by load dispatch center. OETC also requested its employees to put OETC, represented by financial and strategic OETC off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 pm for everyone’s planning departments, attended a workshop on evaluating investments, organized by the Academy of participation in this global event. Pricewaterhouse Coopers. Ali bin Said Al Hadabi, CEO explained: “The Earth Joins Hands The workshop lasted for three days in the Muscat Hour aims to increase awareness among individuals InterContinental Hotel. Topics focused directly on the on the importance of energy and its preservation area of capital investment, particularly in long-term to Support with reduction of consumption, and to avoid development projects. It has introduced many of the wastage in use. Also it aims at the maintenance financial concepts, including time value of money, and and care of the environment to reduce the impact applications of the discounted cash flows, which shows caused by industrialization. the value of the project and its financial return during the ‘Earth Hour’ years of operation or use thereof. Moreover the workshop Al Hadabi pointed out that the Company’s addressed the forefront in the capital budget, which participation in the event is a call to all to maintain included strategies for asset purchases and maintenance. electrical power all the time and it is not limited to The lecturer has presented several examples that reflect In the third and final day, the workshop addressed many the application of these strategies in major companies, only those time, but it is a blessing from Allah and specific and general topics with regard to electricity with interaction among the participants regarding topics. must be preserved. transmission companies globally, and in the Sultanate On the second day of the workshop, it addressed the of Oman in particular. They included several discussions cost of working capital, and the study of several factors and comparisons of ways to invest in the transmission affecting the calculation of these costs, including the grid projects, and the preparation of the capital budget calculation of average capital costs, calculation of rate used in the Gulf countries and European countries, and of the internal return of capital projects and the basic the method of benefiting from them. These methods and steps through which capital projects are built. They are: strategies will contribute effectively to the development the collection of ideas for this project, the analysis of and optimization of plans for the implementation of individual proposals, proper planning for the proposed long-term projects under study, and to draft a future project budget, monitoring the progress of the project, outline and a vision for electricity transmission in the and accuracy during execution. Sultanate.

Training Course on the Principles of Electrical Power & Transmission System

In order to enhance the efficiency of its professional staff, OETC organized a two-week training course in the Golden Tulip Hotel, titled the “Electric power and transmission grids”. The course targeted assistant engineers and technicians of the Company. The course dealt with the basics of electricity and methods of its generation, transmission and distribution. Also it Grid stations focused on introducing of Oman Electricity Transmission Co. The course also addressed health and safety measures to be taken in case of emergencies. The trainees were divided into four groups and to be acquainted with the components, instruments different periods, as this course contained a practical and tools. The participants will undergo assessment, session which was a visit to one of the Gridstations which qualifies them to join other advanced courses.

1818 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 1919 OETC Participates in the 7th International Power Engineering Conference

management of reacting energy in the electricity transmission grid in the Sultanate of Oman. The paper presented several ways to improve the voltage without investment or additional costs. Among the methods is to exploit the capacity of generator plants to feed the reactive energy to the main electricity transmission grid without exceeding the limits of design. Also it described the methods to benefit from the step- down transformers to control and adjust the voltage at the terminals for distribution companies as well as to take advantage of modular capacitors connected to 33 kV distribution grids. Using the aforementioned A delegation from OETC participated in the Seventh methods, exceeding of permitted limit for operating International Conference on Power Engineering, which power plants and step down transformers can be was held in Malaysia on 3-4 June 2013. The Company taken care of, taking into account the load limits for was represented by Professor Omar Hanafi Abdullah electrical equipment. Professor Omar Hanafi Abdullah and Engineer Hisham Al Riyami of Asset Management was selected to chair one of the scientific sessions of and Planning Department. the Conference. The program of the conference consisted of themes OETC encourages all employees to actively participate including the operational planning for energy systems, in such conferences for the development and systems of operation and management of transmission modernization of technical information, which has a grids and distribution of electricity, management direct impact on raising the efficiency of the company. of demand for electrical loads, guidance for use of electricity and reduction of losses in electrical power systems, renewable energy and its connection to the electricity grid, and quality of service management in the field of electric power. Mr. Hisham Al Riyami, on behalf of OETC, presented a research paper on Upgrading the voltage and Employee of the Month Honoring

With the intention of motivation for employees on Sulaiman Al Aoufi, Salima bint Abdulla Al Dari, Sajith competition and better production and achieving Mepramkuttiyil, Said bin Salim Al Musalathi, Karima quality work, OETC honored a number of employees, bint Hamed Al Hasani, and Ishaq bin Said Al Harasi. selected as “Employee of the Month” in line with The ceremony was attended by a number of its policy and its goals to motivate and develop employees and managers of departments and the its employees to better grades and make them Finance Controller Mr. Ali Mohammed Jawad issued ideal employees. Ten employees from different certificates after a speech in which he stressed that departments have been honored and they are: the human element and success in work are the Hamud bin Mohammed Al Muharibi, Sulaiman real wealth of the Company and that the rest of the bin Khalifa Al Riyami, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al employees have to work hard to accomplish the best Maskari, Muza bint Humaid Al Hinai, Abdul Aziz bin results to obtain this title, ‹Employee of the Month›.

2020 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 2121 HSE Awareness Seminar

Proceeding from the principle of “Safety First” the Department of Health, Safety and Environment organized a Workshop at the Crowne Plaza in the presence of the Chairman, members of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and managers of departments and some employees, contractors and consultants. The aim of the workshop was to educate the employees on the importance of health and safety awareness. The three objectives of the workshop were: commitment to safety rules; awareness of risk; and effective supervision. It considers the cognitive participation with health, safety and environment as the most vital tool, which can be done through the dissemination of topics related to health and safety, and the use of posters, leaflets, etc., as well as on the job training, in addition to site visits for raising awareness and counseling. The Workshop included presentations about health and safety and the environment made by specialists in the field, and was accompanied by an exhibition of some guidelines placards, leaflets and some of the tools that are used in health and safety and environment management. At the end of the workshop the participants coined some phrases that are important in health, safety and the environment with their signatures. OETC is committed to reducing the environmental impacts resulting from operations, as well as the continuous improvement of the environmental performance and compliance with the environmental legislation, regulations and standards in force in the Sultanate.

2222 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 2323 Training Chess Course in Tournament

The first chess tournament organized by the Sports and Culture Committee has ended. Operational The initiative to arrange these tournaments is the committee’s keenness to diversify the sports activities. Chess is considered as an intellectual sport interesting to many people, Planning and this tournament has continued for several rounds in different periods contested by a number of company employees from various departments. Engineer Hilal Al Hadi, and Engineer Ahmed Subhi, were qualified for the final round. In the final round Subhi settled with victory over the Al Hadi and he was crowned the champion of the tournament. OETC, in collaboration with one of the international operation. The course also compared the rules and companies specialized in the field of planning regulations used in the Gulf countries and European At the end of the tournament the qualified participants organized a training course to impart foreign expertise countries and their methodologies. These rules and were honored. and skills to the engineers of the Company, which has laws will be used in the long-term study to develop a a direct impact on raising the efficiency of engineers in plan and vision for future electricity transmission grid in the Sultanate. the Company. The course was attended by a number of specialists This course was part of a long-term strategy plan project from various companies in the electricity sector to study the requirements of the main electrical grid for like Mazoon Electricity Company, Majan Electricity the period 2014-2030. This course aimed to explain the Company, Oman Power and Water Procurement Co. laws and rules used in the planning of future electricity and specialists from the Department of Planning and transmission grids, and the rules of safe and flexible Strategic Studies of Oman Electricity Transmission Co. Libyan Lecture on Delegates “Employee Visit the Insurance Company Benefits” A Libyan delegation visited the Company’s load cleared by engineers of the Company. The visit was dispatch centre at Mawaleh in order to understand ended by a walk through the control department of The Human Resources Department of OETC organized main themes: the benefits of social security; pensions; the system followed in electricity sector and the the centre. awareness lecture on insurance benefits in collaboration and work injuries. phases the Sultanate has passed to restructure the with the Public Authority for Social Insurance, in the Engineer Abdul Adhim Abu Taif of General Electricity The lectures by Mr. Sami bin Saeed Al Abri, insurance electricity sector. The delegation was welcomed by Crowne Plaza Hotel, Muscat. The main objective of Company of Libya started his words praising the claim surveyor and Ms. Alis Albusaidi, Surveyor for work a number of employees led by head of the centre. conducting these lectures was to raise the awareness Sultanate’s experience in restructuring the electricity injury and occupational diseases, discussed the benefits Then Engineer Sultan Al-Rawahi offered a visual of the employees on the importance of understanding sector and in its activities segregation, which of insurance i.e., pensions, bonuses and additional presentation explaining the structure and system the benefits of insurance. The lecture was attended by according to him, are pioneering. Abu Taif added that grants. Also it addressed the benefits of insurance in prevailing in the Sultanate after issuance of Royal more 30 employees. Light was shed on the benefits and Decree for restructuring the sector in 2005 and they are about to conduct visits to different countries work-related injuries and occupational diseases. advantages of pensions provided by the social Insurance subsequent phases. Also, he explained the role of and to make use of experiences of those countries in Law for those who have registered from Omani nationals Through the interaction of the audience with the topics OETC in that system. The delegation expressed their restructuring Libya’s electricity sector. At the end of the working in the private sector enterprises registered with of the lecture, many questions were raised to lecturers, admiration of the system used in the Sultanate, which meeting, he extended his thanks for all kind hospitality the system of insurance. The lecture discussed three which had a role in the success of this lecture. forced them to raise many questions which were and good treatment.

2424 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 25 Third Bowling Tournament

A most wonderful atmosphere of vibrant activity where the four winners of the tournament were ended the third Bowling tournament for employees crowned. of Oman Electricity Transmission Company, held last The score was as follows: first place Musnad Al Amiri week at the Qurum Bowling Center. The tournament with 139 points, second place Ahmad al Badri with was attended by a number of company employees 135 points, third place Mohammad Nomani with from various departments, where the players were 117 points and fourth place Mubarak Hosni with divided into groups, consisting of four players, and 109 points. The winners have been honored at the then winners of the first round and the second round end of the tournament in the presence of Engineer were qualified by points and then the final round, Masoud Al Riyami, the Senior Manager Transmission.

Motivation Workshop

OETC organized a two-day workshop on Motivation On the first day of the workshop, the participants got in cooperation with the Investment Company for acquainted with the types of human personalities and Training and Development, attended by about 23 ways to deal with them. Each participant understood employees. The motto chosen for this workshop was his personality keys on which the possibility of “Yallah Ishtalaina” which means the vigor and speed of appropriate change of his personality depends. Also response for forming a distinct task team. the participants have practiced some entertainment activities related to the topic of team building. The workshop aimed at managers and department heads. The ultimate goal of conducting this workshop In the second and final day, the workshop continued its was to raise the mettle of employees and motivate spirit, full of fair competition between the teams, with them for more endeavors and overcome the obstacles various activities bringing out the hidden talents. At they face while carrying out their work. the end of the workshop the winner team was honored and certificates were distributed to the participants. The Workshop presented by Trainer Majdi Obaid included many different events which met with Mr. Zuhair Zadjali, Manager of the Department of Human applause of participants. Participants were divided Resources, one of the organizers of the workshop, into three key teams in order to integrate skills and emphasized that any company or organization is individual capabilities in activities and collaborative made up of individuals, and work in the company lead works to mobilize this talent and potential and to to achieve cooperation among the members as one use them in the right way; to develop the skills of the team. This is the primary benefit when employees wish participants by improving relations between superiors to work together and support each other because they and subordinates; and to build the spirit of trust and are united in a team and want the team to succeed, cooperation among the participants. which reduces the individual competition.

2626 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 2727 Shots from Motivation Workshop

2828 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 2929 Importance of Monitoring Performance Indices

The process of performance monitoring is an important process, because it helps to produce the correct information and helps make decisions by the management of institutions, where they can use this information to judge the achievement of success and factors to improve performance in the future. It Print Management is not possible to realize the success and improve the performance when the present performance is not brought to the notice of the management, in a right way, in order to help push the process of improving the Solutions Project performance and the desired development. Performance monitoring involves measuring the OETC, represented by the Department of Information Thus, the employee can secure the confidentiality of progress achieved on a regular basis towards short Technology, continues implementation of many service his data, whatever it may be, so that it can’t be seen by and long term clear objectives, making remarks on the projects, which aim to improve and secure the electronic anybody even if he forgets his documents on the printer results to decision-makers who can use this information performance of their duties, which helped and still helps shelf. On the other hand the system aim to reduce the in different ways to improve the overall performance of the Company. For example: employees to exploit their time and secure their data and expenses of the Company through the consumption their documents. of paper and inks, as it helps the employee to correct • Strategic planning performance indices help to any mistake he sees after the implementation of print clarify the objectives and scope of work of the project Among the most important projects that have been command and cancel any print command he has done to clarify the objectives and stipulated program plan. implemented is print management system project in all if it is necessary to do so. Also the system provides • Accounting performance indices help to make departments and sections of the company. The project • Performance Comparison: Performance indices help detailed reports to follow up and monitor the printing decisions on resource allocation and its use, and to to produce data, on the basis of which other projects is as a result of the large number of problems which the direct it towards the most critical activities. Therefore and productivity levels. or programs can be measured. It also provides a way technical support team receive from the departments this will help to promote the use of the most efficient to improve programs by learning from the successful and sections of the Company, relating to the idleness of The Department of Information Technology also ways for using required resources. experiences and identifying good performance, printers and their inefficiency. supervise on the implementation of many electronic • Forecasting and early warning systems during the and learning from the experience of others such as service systems in many departments of the company The project of print management solutions in OETC execution of the project. Measuring the progress leading individuals and institutions in the automated - and its result will be visible shortly - like system of systems, to improve the performance in Oman aims to provide a variety of services that facilitate made against the indices indicates the results of applications, training system and the system of overtime future performance, the necessary requirements Electricity Transmission Co. the management, follow-up and organization of in the department of human resources, as well as the that can be used for proper planning, identification environment for using printers through a unified center • Quality Management: Performance indices can be system of vehicle control in Transportation division of of areas that need improvement, and suggestions for used to measure the satisfaction of the beneficiary, to provide latest technical support. The project also aims the Department of Administrative Services, and the future steps. and therefore to assess whether it was successful, to maintain the security and confidentiality of any orders billing system and e-tendering in the Departments of • Measure the results of the project: Good performance and how this contributes to improve their lives, for print by employees, whereas any document will Finance, tenders and contracts. indices are measured by including what the project knowing that the responsibility rests with each not be printed directly, but only after the owner of the accomplishes with respect to the desired goals, individual participant or institution. document is identified by system installed in each printer Prepared by Abdulaziz bin Sulaiman Al-Awfi and not only to the way it ended. Thus it enhances Engineer Amira Abul Wahhab Al-Zadjali via job cards, and then he has the option to print or not. Engineer, IT Projects accountability by senior management. Management of Performance and Asset Data

3030 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 3131 Assessment before end of probation period: System for Periodical Assessment of Employee’s Objective: Performance: Performance assessment system for employees before Procedure: the end of the probation period (its duration is three By the beginning the year the employee will provide months 90 days, as per the labour rules in force, their perception of the annual targets in the light starting from the date of the first day of actual work) How to Evaluate of his job description, and submit the same to the is to determine the extent of the success of the new employee to understand the tasks entrusted to him, immediate manager for his consent. and to determine the extent of the realization of the The immediate manager will review those targets and Employees’ objectives sought from him, so as to make the final discuss with the employee to make sure that all the appointment decision. targets are in concurrence to smart goals (S. M. A. R. Performance? Procedures: T.) i.e.: After completing the procedure for appointing a new employee, his jobs and responsibilities are defined The targets shall be precise and specific Specific S by job description card through human resource The targets shall be measurable and Measurable M management and direct superior. The immediate assessable superior will conduct meetings with new employee They shall be achievable Achievable A Concept of Performance Assessment: during the first working week to know the extent of They shall be realistic Realistic R Performance assessment is a systematic evaluation the knowledge the employee has, and make more They shall be within a time frame Time T of the performance of employees and understanding clarifications and enquiries, if required. the capabilities of the person for further growth and The concerned manager monitors the employee’s The immediate manager opens room for continued development. performance evaluation on a monthly basis, and then dialogue with the employee, and re-defines The performance assessment is made for two main determine whether the employee is suitable to be continuously the targets, and audit the performance purposes: permanent in his job or not, and inform the same the as needed. Human Resources Department before the end of the Evaluation: The evaluation process is related to probation period. The evaluation is to be at least for one The employee takes initiative from the beginning by measuring the contribution of the employee in week. drafting a plan for performance and development of achieving the Company’s objectives and career goals, employee before the end of the evaluation period, and and it provides the necessary information to make In the case of decision to confirm the services of the set a date for a meeting with the immediate manager decisions on promotion, or termination in some cases, employee, the Human Resources will send a letter for review. as well as for the incentives and determination of “confirming the employee” to the concerned employee monetary benefits against the performance, in terms of after the approval from the Manager of Human During the meeting, the immediate manager discusses the so-called annual bonus. Resources Management. In the case of a report of with the employee their performance, providing firm unsuitability of the employee to be confirmed, the Development: This relies upon the performance evidence regarding each grade, as per the guidelines Department of Human Resources will send “letter of evaluation in determining trends in assigning the for grading the performance standards and annual termination of an employee during the probationary employees of the Company, to entrust them more tasks targets. period” after approval from the Manager of Human and responsibilities. Also the data used by the evaluation Resource Management, with signature of the The manager puts the plan for learning and process contributes to the resource planning process concerned employee in the original, settling all dues in development of the employee in the form of the plan to identity administrative and organizational gaps that accordance with the system in force in this regard. to overcome the shortcomings in performance. need to be filled. At the same time, they also lead to raising awareness of employees about the objectives to be achieved, through effective communication between the evaluator and the employee undergoing the evaluation. • Determine the extent of the success of the new employee to understand the tasks entrusted to him, Objectives so as to make the final appointment decision before In general the performance assessment system for the the end of the probation period. Company’s employees aims to achieve the following: • Defining the training requirements Types of assessments of Employee’s performance: • Human Resource Planning (Transfer, Promotion and Basically the Employee’s performance assessment is Termination) divided into two: • Determine financial benefit like annual dividends • Assessment of employee’s performance during and distributed among the employees, annual bonus and before the end of probation period annual salary increments. • Periodical Assessment of Employee’s performance, • Determine the extent of the possibility to renew the normally for the employees passed the probation labour contract period

3232 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 3333 After the end of the evaluation session, the employee General guidelines for the employee: records final grades duly signed by the employee, the First: Before everything, the employee must prepare Open Day at Qurum School immediate superior and the manager, which will be themself for the interview, and must not take the matter then sent to human resource management to take of evaluation as trial for which the judgment is already appropriate action. over. But they must be full of confidence that what has been achieved will be rewarded and developed for the General guidelines for the evaluator: better, and weaknesses will be clarified, and a plan will While conducting the interview for the employee’s be put forth to overcome. performance evaluation, it should be friendly and comfortable so as not to be reflected on the employee Second: Make sure that the immediate supervisor or negatively. The steps are: administrator informed you of the date of the interview, that you have enough time to prepare, and that the • Inform the employee of the date of interview place for interview is a good for privacy. • Sit with him on the same table enabling to be comfortable and listen to him very well Third: Take with you copy of: • Job description • Start discussing the good performance, appraise him and encourage him for further endeavors. • Objectives set forth for evaluation • During discussion on the weak aspects, ask the • Your own remarks and report of your achievements, employee how you can help him. self-assessment • Leave the employee to take the initiative to provide Fourth: Before you prepare for self-assessment, please a plan for improving their performance, with prepare the list of: assistances, as required. • Areas you performed well • Before you wind up the interview repeat what has • Areas to be improved been agreed upon and ensure the employee also • What you require from your immediate supervisor agrees the same. It can be documented and shared or official to develop and improve your level of with the employee. performance. • Avoid giving higher or lower grades for each element Finally, maintaining a positive image and cooperation of of the assessment, impressed by any one of the the employee, have a positive impact on everyone, and aspects of the evaluation. For example: (Granting therefore they must be committed to the noble values all of the items a grade less than that they deserve, and principles. If there is any difference of opinion or based on the continuous absence of the employee a desire to put forward ideas, the employee has to even though the rest of the elements are worthy for express their opinion in a way that can be accepted by higher grades) OETC organized an open day for the students of Qurum In the field of design, Mr. Fahad Al-Tobi presented a a second party. Summer Center at Qurum Girls School. This initiative workshop in “Basics of Photoshop”. It was a practical • Avoid resorting to indulgence in the evaluation was part of the Company’s keenness to serve the session describing how to use Photoshop tools. process in order to maintain good relations with Prepared by: Human Resource Team society, by contributing to conduct educational and Regarding the Internet and networks, Mr. Saif Al Badi employees or not to show the negative aspects cultural programs and workshops. and Ms. Mahfuda Al-Farisi present a workshop of of subordinates regardless of objectivity in the “Information Security” which addressed the dangers The sessions were vivid and effective scientific evaluation. For Example: (Granting all employees of the Internet, and the importance of updating the workshops, cultural contest, IQ tests, session for poetry equal grades regardless of whether they are higher anti-virus, and the means used to maintain information and charitable programmes etc. During the scientific or lower than they deserve.) security. The Open Day also included cultural events workshops several topics in various disciplines were • Avoid being impressed by recent events related to the and IQ Competition which received approval from addressed. Mr. Hamdan Al Sakiti presented a workshop employee’s job performance. For example: (Granting everyone and interacted by elders and youngsters. entitled “How to put your goals?”. It explained the the employee a very weak grade because of an error In the field of food and nutrition a charity dish was importance of setting goals, the best ways to achieve organized in the same event, so that its income could or a misunderstanding happened from the employee those goals and strategies for the development of be used as charity to serve the community. very close to the evaluation date, regardless of the goals. Also Mr. Sulaiman Al-Tobi presented a workshop employee’s performance throughout the evaluation entitled “My identity in a changing time”, in which he Mr. Ishaaq Al-Harrasi, one of the organizers of the event, period). spoke on identity and how to keep in a time when hailed on the efforts to make the event a success. He • Avoid granting a grade similar to the common level patterns of life, thoughts and technology are changing. pointed out to the importance of conducting such events of the working team, which the employee belongs for intensive ties of cooperation and interdependence Mr. Yahya Al Wahaibi presented a workshop entitled to, regardless of the performance of the employee between the Company and the community. “How do you plan your business project?”, which as an individual. For example: (Grant the employee a touched on the basics of commencing commercial At the conclusion of the open day, the outstanding very good grade because the working team that he projects, how to choose the right business venture participants were honored and prizes were distributed belongs to, has achieved higher grades, regardless of suitable for the person and how to raise the to the every one who participated in any one of the the employee’s performance as an individual). professionalism of the entrepreneur. competitions held.

34 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 35 Shots from Qurum School Event

36 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 37 Dialogue with An employee Story of Struggle and Success Dialogue with Engineer/Mahmud Al-Ismaili

“Limits of our skills and the extent of our success are based on what we In 2004, the Loads Dispatch Centre in Mawaleh started its operation, expect from ourselves, what the mind thinks and the body implements.” which was a quantum leap for the electricity sector. That center is This phrase was a lantern and way of strives to achieve through equipped with the latest industrial control systems that connect all conscientiousness and diligence to reach the highest level of success. transmission Grid Stations and power plants through an integrated They did not believe in the circumstances because they are sure that control system that feeds engineering applications in the area of power those are successful searched for the circumstances they want. If they management and applications of electric simulations, as well as the do not find them, they themselves set the same. application of automatic control of power stations. This was the methodology and the success story of Engineer Mahmood I had been assigned as the head of system maintenance department. Ismaili, Deputy Sr. Manager, Load Dispatch Center. In 2010 the department of system maintenance (SCADA) and its application; was merged with the department of communications Let us know this personality through the following dialogue. as uniform department of Load Dispatch Centre in order to support First we welcome you to this meeting, please tell us about your self: the management of integrated communications solutions, and I was My name is Mahmoud bin Saeed Al-Ismaili. I was born in wilayat Ibri, assigned as the head of the department. This year 2013, I was appointed A’Dahirah Governorate. I studied in the schools there. I finished high as Deputy Senior Manager, Load Dispatch Center to contribute school, joined the Sultan Qaboos University to study in the college to supervise departments of the control and communication and of Engineering (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) in 1994. operational planning. Immediately after graduation I joined the Ministry of Electricity and Water Everyone has goals and ambitions for the future. What are your goals to work in communications and control systems in the Managerate of and aspirations? Transmission and Control. In 2005, I moved to work in OETC after it Regarding my career, I am trying my level best to achieve the vision and Workshop on Team was founded by the law of the restructuring of the electricity sector. the Company’s commitments in the field of operation of transmission Presently I am working as Dy. Sr. Manager of Load Dispatch Center. At grids, as well as the development of the work environment in order to the family level, I am married and I have a son and a daughter. reach optimum operation of the grid. Can you tell us about your academic life? Concerning my knowledge and study, I am trying to participate in Building I finished my study in Saif bin Sultan secondary School, in the academic specialized scientific conferences in the areas of industrial control year 1993-94. Then I joined Sultan Qaboos University College of and communication system and areas of operation and stability of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and transmission grids. I also currently engage in completion my PG thesis, graduated in 1999, specializing in computer engineering. In 2012 I got and I aspire to pursue a doctorate in electrical power engineering. a Post Graduate Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering from Sultan What is the message that you would like to send to the Company›s OETC organized workshop entitled “Excellent team The workshop was aimed at employees in various Qaboos University, and I’m still in the stage of preparation for a master›s employees through this platform? building” in cooperation with the Investment Company departments. The ultimate goal of conducting this OETC enjoys a distinct elite of engineers, technicians and administrators degree in the field of “Study the stability of electric power transmission workshop was to raise the mettle of employees and grids”. I have attended several special training courses in the areas who proved over the past years high efficiency in the management of for Training and Development, after the success of the of industrial control systems (SCADA), and information systems, resources and conquering all the obstacles in order to achieve the vision first version of the workshop “Motivation”. to motivate them to do more and to overcome the communication technologies, as well as many of the courses in and mission of the Company. Achieving goals is not possible without obstacles they face while carrying out their work. high willpower and faith in the spirit of the team. This is the secret the fields of business management, strategic management and Twenty-four employees participated in the two-day behind the achievements of Company to a good position among its The workshop presented by the Trainer Majdi Obaid team management. workshop. The motto of the workshop was (Yallah counterparts in the region, in many respects, such as the efficiency of included many events which met with applause. The What are your career promotions in your professional life? the operation, maintenance of grids and the management of resources Ishtalaina) which is the same motto of the previous participants were divided into three key teams in I began my career in 1999, where I joined the Ministry of and Omanisation . Here, the responsibility that must be adhered to by workshop and demonstrated the vigor and speed of Electricity and Water as a control engineer in the Managerate everyone, the management and employees, is to maintain and even order to integrate skills and individual capabilities in General for Transmission and Control. During those periods develop this harmony and integration among all members of the family response for the construction of an excellent work activities and collaborative works to mobilize talent I worked on the system of industrial control (SCADA) in of Oman Electricity Transmission Co. team. and potential and to use them in the right way. force those days. It was connecting 10 substations What is your last word before we end this dialogue? out of 37 primary substations, because of a lack of In conclusion, I extend to you my sincere thanks and appreciation for communications networks and use of low stability giving this opportunity for dialogue, and I hope that the Company techniques communication technologies in most continues development at the same fast pace, and no one spares his/ substations. They were replaced by new control systems her efforts to raise the level of action and to achieve the ultimate goal in with operators round the clock. the service of our beloved country.

38 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 39 Shots from Excellent Team Building Workshop

40 OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. OMAN ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY S.A.O.C. 41 • االحرتام Respect• • التـمــيــز Excellence• • االن�سـجـام Harmony• • امل�ســ�ؤولـيــة Responsibility• القـيـــــم: VALUES: • االهتمام بالعن�صر الب�شري People•

الـر�ؤيـة املهمة • تعـــزيــز الـحـيـــاة تلتزم ال�شركة العمـانية لنـقل الكهرباء بتقدمي خدمة متميـزة من خالل االعتمـادية وال�سـالمة والنقل • دعــم الإنتاجيـــة االآمن واالقت�صادي للكهرباء. و�ستبذل كل ما يف و�سعها للعمل وفقا للمعايري الدولية مع التـركيز على • موا�صلة التقـدم البيئة واال�ستدامة لتحقيق �أداء مب�ستوى عاملي.

VISION MISSION • To Enhance Life OETC is committed to delivering outstanding service through the reliable, safe and secure transmission • To Underpin Productivity and economic dispatch of electricity. We will strive to be recognized as operating to international • To Sustain Progress standards with a focus on the environment and sustainability resulting in world class performance.