post graduate - 15 september 2015

THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2015

special

Going beyondmedicine

Mobilised new medical team of physicians with expertise in infection prevention and

control, intensive care

Key players: WHO, specialist physicians

Public information reported at Geneva press conference, alerting challenges that include

geographical dispersion, public fear and misperception.

Key players: Public health officials

“Ground Zero" in Guinea is visited.

Key players: Global Outbreak Alert and Response

Network headed by senior field epidemiologist; staff includes clinical

case management and logistics experts

Deployment of multi-disciplinary teams to detect and manage cases, trace contacts,

conduct diagnosis of more cases and set up isolation facilities.

Key players: Laboratories in France and West Africa

Measures taken to control the outbreak and prevent its spread.

Key players: Health ministry, WHO and its

partners

More than 200 cases in Guinea, 25 cases in Liberia and three unconfirmed cases in Sierra

Leone. More experts deployed withbroadened scope.

Key players:Medical anthropologists, risk communicators,

social mobilisation teams

Mobilisation of new medical team of physicians with expertise in

infection prevention and control, and intensive care.

Key players: WHO, specialist physicians

Strengthening of alert systems and implementation of international

health regulations.

Key players: All health ministers

168 cases in Guinea and 108 deaths reported. Alert is issued on epidemiological

surveillance and biosafety measures.

Key players:Regional public health officials

Declaration that Ebola outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern,

a rare declaration by WHO but intended to alert all countries to the likelihood of international spread after an airline passenger from Liberia

introduces the virus to Nigeria – the first time it enters a new country via international air travel.

Key players: Emergency Committee formed under

International Health Regulations, WHO

Conference for financial and in-kind support – US$100mil (RM4.3mil) needed to

support plans to build capacity for surveillance, contact tracing, case

management and laboratory services.

Key players:Potential donors

Level 3 emergency is declared, urgent ministerial meeting called to address political and trade

dimensions.

Key players: WHO is the only agency with experience,

constitutional mandate and country presence to lead responses to engage health officials from

African countries, and representatives of trade, airline and mining companies

Cross-border surveillance in designated hot zones to ensure contact tracing and

monitoring during incubation period.

Key players: Medical professionals, border security,

police and military forces

Diagnostic tools – one of the issues faced during the outbreak is that the tests require

specialised equipment and highly trained personnel. A solar-powered 15-minute Ebola diagnostic tool about the size of a laptop is

developed.

Key players:Biomedical engineers

Two vaccine candidates enter clinical trial. Field trial begins in February.

Key players:Field health workers

Clinical trial review of protocols and data for blood products and medicines.

Key players: Scientific and technical advisory group on Ebola experimental intervention formed by personnel

from various fields, including pathogens and pathology, virology, biomedical research, statistical epidemiology, military medical research, microbiology and immunology

New wave of even more intense transmission Assessment of work to test Ebola vaccines.

Key players:Virologists, regulatory requirement experts,

medical ethicists, clinical management experts, pharmaceutical industry

professionals

First Ebola case reported in Guinea.

Key players: Local health officers alerted; eventually, the

local health ministry alerts the regional World Health Organization (WHO) office for Africa

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2 postgraduateTHE STAR, TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2015

Healthcare’s silent heroesBy TINA CARMILLIA

THERE is more to healthcare than just doctors, nurses and pharmacists. There is an entire team of professionals that runs a hospital that a patient may never

see while he or she seeks treatment for an ailment.

Administrative staff, biomedical engineers, IT professionals, medical microbiologists and toxicologists are some of the few who make up the vibrant and diverse healthcare industry.

On a larger scale, policy makers, law enforcers, researchers, public health officers and social workers are also key players in the efforts to promote health and prevent diseases through an organised and informed manner at the national and global levels.

The interdisciplinary approach is multifaceted but all-encompassing to incorporate epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health economics, public policy, insurance medicine and

other health services. The importance of the different

professions and roles in the public healthcare industry can be illustrated using the recent global Ebola epidemic.

There are many professionals and agencies involved in containing, treating, researching, consulting and ensuring the logistics, policy making and cure of an epidemic.

“Dealing with an epidemic or pandemic requires a coordinated effort by a team of health professionals, including clinicians, laboratory personnel and public health officials.

“In addition, the assistance of other non-health ministries, including the security services, immigration, animal husbandry services and the mass media,

may have to be sought,” says Prof Victor Lim, professor of pathology at the International Medical University.

But what are the general timeline and important steps to be taken in this type of medical development process? What are the funds and expertise required? What are the first responses towards ensuring public health and awareness from the medical profession? Who are involved and what do they do first?

The infographic below provides a simplified version of the global healthcare responses and responsibilities based on the recent Ebola outbreak.

> SEE PAGE 4

3THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2015


Contributors toglobal health security

> FROM PAGE 2

No one knows when the next infectious disease will strike but if there is one thing that we have learnt from the Ebola scare, it is that we want to make sure there will never be another deadly catastrophe that is only barely contained.

In Bill Gates’ March essay The Next Epidemic – Lessons from Ebola published in The New England Journal of Medicine, he pointed out the complexity of dealing with a global epidemic and called for improvements in preparation for the next epidemic.

One of the biggest frustrations from the public when it comes to a global health scare is the perceived slow response from the medical research community in coming up with a cure, treatment or vaccine.

Medical professionals are in the limelight when an epidemic occurs; yet coming up with a cure or a vaccine will take time.

“Unfortunately the response would be ‘slow’ because time is required to identify the cause of the epidemic. This is especially so when we are dealing with a new infection.

“To produce a vaccine or a drug to counter a hitherto undescribed infectious agent will also be time consuming as even after the production of such a drug or vaccine, the drug or vaccine will have to undergo a series of tests to ensure both efficacy and safety before they can be used on the general population.

“However, with better collaboration between nations and technological advances, the lag time will be reduced in the future,” explains Prof Lim.

Containment and policyAt the height of the epidemic,

physicians, laboratory officers and social workers from all around the world risked their own lives to study the virus, carry out contact tracing, and monitor the cases and contacts in almost every community where the disease was spreading.

Infectious diseases spread fast in conditions of poor sanitation but also because of the high mobility of humans today.

The United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that one billion people cross international borders each year.

That means that besides healthcare professionals and social workers, border officers at every air, land or sea checkpoint need to be on high alert and equipped with the training and knowledge to deal with possible infectious diseases, including the H1N1 flu pandemic that affected the country.

“Immigration and border officials would require some fundamental knowledge and basic training in detection of infections. This is often based on the visitor’s travel history and supplemented by some screening strategies such as thermal screening for febrile persons.

“However, these are by no means fool-proof. What is important is that such personnel are constantly updated on the occurrence of infectious epidemics

in other countries and to maintain a high state of vigilance,” shares Prof Lim.

Health officers are placed at these ports and can conduct random inspections and screenings as part of the country’s policy on disease surveillance.

In the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, for example, the KLIA Health Department’s main role is to prevent the entry of diseases into the country through air travel.

Among the units under this department are:l Communicable disease control unitl Non-communicable disease control unitl Health quarantine unitl Vector borne disease control unitl Food safety and quality unitl Environmental sanitation and water quality unitl Health promotion unit

Public awareness is important for public health. In Malaysia, the Health Ministry plays this critical role in health management and disease control through its various agencies and programmes.

While the ministry plays a lead role in controlling an epidemic, it works closely with other agencies at national and international levels to establish a robust and efficient surveillance system to detect clusters of cases with similar presentation.

Besides using this surveillance system, healthcare workers also rely on each other to better understand a medical condition so that they are able to provide the best service to the patient.

While physicians rely on epidemiologists to learn the patterns, causes and effects of health and diseases in defined populations, epidemiologists rely on other scientific fields, including biostatisticians, to make use of data and analytics.

Biomedical engineers, too, rely on the knowledge of biologists on the behaviour of a disease to produce therapy, diagnostic and monitoring tools.

Such is the complexity of the healthcare field on the global level.

The future is crowd-sourcing resources

After the epidemic is over, there

will still be much to do in terms of recovering from economic and social impacts, as well as ensuring vaccination, cure and/or treatment are administered effectively to prevent a recurrence.

As Bill Gates noted in his March essay, “Perhaps the only good news from the tragic Ebola epidemic in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia is that it may serve as a wake-up call; we must prepare for future epidemics of diseases that may spread more effectively.”

He warned that because there was so little preparation in the case of last year’s health crisis, “the world lost time in the current epidemic trying to answer basic questions about combating Ebola. In the next epidemic, such delays could result in a global disaster.”

Gates laid down several suggestions for how we must be more prepared for the chance of an epidemic, including reinforcing basic public health systems such as healthcare facilities, laboratories, surveillance systems and critical care facilities; training and preparing personnel, including incident managers, experts in epidemiology and disease surveillance, and community leaders to lead local engagement efforts and logistics; and exploring the possibility of making diagnostic tests, drugs and vaccine platforms that can be adapted for use against various pathogens.

His global call to action is not unfounded – indeed, the effects of an epidemic can be felt far beyond its health impact.

The World Bank has projected a possible loss of US$32.6bil (RM140.4bil) to West Africa over the course of this year and next year as a result of the Ebola outbreak. Sierra Leone, for example, did not meet its US$220mil (RM947.5mil) worth of diamond export last year as miners were afraid to work in the diamond fields, located in one of the Ebola hotspots.

Similarly, at least one model, presented by Australia National University in 2004, estimated that the global cost of lost economic activity due to the 2002-2004 SARS outbreak was approximately US$80bil (RM344.5bil).

The outbreak caused disruption to social and economic activities ranging from the closure of schools, hospitals and some

Readiness in handling crises PUBLIC health surveillance is the basis of many health issues affecting the world today, including HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

Healthcare professionals use these surveillance programmes as an early warning system for any impending public health concerns, document and publish the results of preventive measures and interventions, set priorities and strategies dealing with public health problems, and track progress towards public health goals.

“Nowadays, such systems should involve online real-time reporting rather than paper-based systems dependent on the mail, and incorporate geographical positioning systems to allow for rapid and graphic visual presentations in real-time of what is happening,” explains Prof Victor Lim, professor of pathology at the International Medical University.

He adds that the training of the health personnel to use such systems is equally important.

Under the Health Ministry’s guidelines, healthcare professionals play one or several roles in the many facets of public health, including: l Monitoring and evaluationl Diagnosis and investigation

l Screening and quarantinel Public information, education and empowermentl Policy development, law enforcement and regulationl Research for drugs, diagnostic tools, medical procedures and othersl Healthcare services for intervention, administering treatment, vaccination and/or cure

“The ministry has established a rapid response plan to deal with these situations. The detailed plan identifies the key participants and their roles and responsibilities,” says Prof Lim.

He explains that there are also standard operating procedures to ensure an efficient and coordinated response by multiple agencies to meet the threats.

Because of the experience gained from previous epidemics such as Nipah and enterovirus 71, Malaysian healthcare professionals are probably much better prepared today.

The Health Ministry has also established lines of communication with international and regional agencies and receives health intelligence on a regular and timely basis to allow the nation to prepare for eventualities.

borders to thousands of people being placed under quarantine.

As a result, international travel and hotel occupancy to affected areas in East Asia declined sharply by 50% to 70%. Many businesses, particularly in the tourism industry, were suspended or failed.

What we have learned from these recent medical crises is that besides the healthcare personnel, everyone plays a role too.

“The public plays a crucial role in cooperating with the authorities

in taking preventive measures. They need to be given accurate and timely information in a manner that would not cause a panic.

“Risk communication is an important component in dealing with an epidemic.

“The public needs to gain the trust of the authorities; otherwise they will get misconceptions and inaccurate information and engage in activities that would hinder rather than facilitate control activities,” concludes Prof Lim.

5THE STAR, TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2015


The MSc in Environmental Health highlights the impact of air and water quality on human health.

Diversity in knowledge growth

Move forward in your career

IF you want an advanced qualification that enhances your career and increases your knowledge in a specific field of healthcare, you can pursue your postgraduate degree at the International Medical University (IMU), Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and healthcare university founded 23 years ago.

Under its School of Postgraduate Studies, the Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Health is designed to have a flexible modular approach, where a student is able to accumulate credits from completed modules.

The modules in the programme are designed for applicants who have basic degree qualifications in areas such as medicine, biomedical science, nursing, pharmaceutical science, and environmental and occupational health sciences.

“This programme aims to produce specialists with a strong foundation in the broad field of environmental health,” says Prof Stephen Periathamby Ambu, associate dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies.

“They will be adequately trained to improve the health of the general population through appropriate planning, implementation, evaluation and prevention of environmental issues to mitigate diseases that threaten public health.”

The programme ensures that students develop the capacity to audit environmental issues, address emergencies, carry out investigations, monitor and analyse environmental samples, formulate new policies and law, and conduct appropriate health education workshops.

It also ensures that students

develop proactive leadership qualities so as to foster smart collaborative partnerships, effective management and good governance strategies.

Under this programme, the curriculum highlights the impact of various pollutants (outdoor and indoor air/water quality) on human health.

It introduces current methods for assessing health impacts and appropriate intervention strategies to regulate and improve environmental health.

This will enable innovations in the management of environmental pollution.

There is an option for students to

enrol into the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Programme on Occupation Health.

Students are taught and supervised by staff members who are experts in their respective field with well-established reputations nationally and internationally.

The academic community of IMU pursues and achieves excellence in a wide range of research activities.

Many of them present their findings in international conferences to stay up to date with the latest development in specialised areas. They also publish their findings in international peer-reviewed journals.

On top of that, students will

benefit from the university’s research collaborations with various local and foreign institutions in areas such as cancer, bioactive molecules, nutrition and environmental health.

Close links have also been established with local hospitals, especially Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar, in clinical research.

A wide spectrum of career opportunities exists for graduates in this expanding field, including positions as safety, health and environmental advisers as well as auditors in private companies.

They can work for consultancies, local government and public authorities, environmental or

public advisory organisations and agencies as well as in academia.

IMU also offers other master’s programmes such as the MSc in Public Health, MSc in Molecular Medicine, Master of Pharmacy Practice as well as MSc and PhD in Medical Health and Sciences (by Research).

Commencement for the research programmes is anytime during the year while the next commencement for the other postgraduate programmes is in September.

Those who are interested to pursue postgraduate studies can seek sponsorship from the Malaysian Government to finance their postgraduate studies via the MyBrain15 programme.

If you have an interest in furthering your studies at the postgraduate level in any of these areas, apply online today and gain an advantage in a highly competitive employment job market.

n For more information, call 03-2731 7272 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.imu.edu.my

As Malaysia’s first private medical and healthcare university, IMU offers various master’s programmes to students.

THOSE of us in higher education have always recognised the value of knowledge as one of the key driving forces behind economic growth and development.

Universities are concerned about the “knowledge business” – we preserve and protect existing knowledge and drive the creation and sharing of new knowledge.

Higher education institutions play a key role in ensuring that new ideas can be used productively by businesses, governments and other agencies.

Educating generations of students ensures that our societies have a skilled and productive workforce.

The term “knowledge economy” – arguably first coined by the economist Fritz Machlup – reflects the fundamental importance of knowledge in driving economic growth and development.

When we discuss the idea of the knowledge economy, it is common to think particularly of areas such as engineering and technology – subjects where the practical value of new ideas and new knowledge is most visible.

Additive manufacturing is perhaps one of the best current examples – engineers have

developed methods of printing in 3D that enable objects of all types to be created from digital models using an approach called layering (building the object layer by layer).

It constitutes a major innovation and is a technique that could revolutionise many manufacturing industries.

There are many similar examples – new composite materials, novel forms of energy storage, highly efficient engines, advanced optimisation methods and innovative forms of biomass processing, to name a few.

So, it is hardly surprising that higher education invests so much in teaching and research in engineering and technology-related applications.

But it is essential that we do not underestimate the importance of developments in related areas. Only recently, the press has reported a decline in interest in pure sciences at schools, which was driven partly by a concern about its relevance for future careers.

There is a real danger in underestimating the significance of science studies.

Pure sciences play a key role in the development of skills such

as creativity, problem-solving, teamwork and innovation skills as well as in the creation of new knowledge that underpins the highly visible engineering-related innovations.

Without the knowledge that emerges from such research into the fundamentals of physical and life sciences, technologists would be unable to innovate in the way that they do.

Innovations such as the MRI, materials for hydrogen storage, photovoltaic cells and environmentally friendly solvents are all developed as a consequence of fundamental scientific research by physicists and chemists.

Similarly, major advances in medicine and pharmacy are underpinned by the research undertaken by life scientists (in areas such as biology, neuroscience and biochemistry) as well as that of the physical scientists.

And if we are to address the

challenges of food security and environmental sustainability, we need access to pure sciences-related research.

Of course, science, engineering and technology tend to dominate much of our thinking in relation to innovation.

But teaching and research in the arts and the social sciences also has its role to play – and not just in relation to the skills and competencies that students develop throughout their university education.

Research in these areas continues to be important, not just in terms of understanding our society but also in understanding (and influencing) the behaviours, aspirations and beliefs that ensure social recognition and acceptance of material innovation.

Increasingly, some of the most exciting innovations emerge when different disciplines work together.

Take the area of food security for example, which may involve multiple contributors to its advancement – molecular biologists work to understand and influence how plants (and animals) grow and develop while agricultural scientists work to improve yields through a better

understanding of the interactions between plants, soil, fertilisers, pests and weather conditions.

Meanwhile, research by engineers improves harvesting, storage, preservation and processing; and social scientists address the behaviour of individuals and organisations to ensure the most efficient and effective use of the food we are finally able to produce.

What I hope this simple example demonstrates is the importance of a range of disciplines in driving innovation and addressing the great challenges that face researchers.

Engineers cannot do this on their own – they need input from scientists; both need perspectives from arts and humanities.

Knowledge creation and innovation are parts of a complex ecosystem with lots of disciplinary components.

Successful management of such an ecosystem requires that we recognise and value all of its components.

n Prof Christine Ennew is the chief executive officer and provost of The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus.

By PROF CHRISTINE ENNEW

VC COLUMN

A global village

The diverse international community of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman prepares its students for a global career.

AS one of the premier private universities in the country, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) strives to bring an international approach to its services, particularly in the areas of learning, teaching and research.

To build a global village within its campuses in Kampar and Sungai Long, the university has been active in recruiting international students.

UTAR vice-president for student development and alumni relations Assoc Prof Dr Teh Chee Seng says, “Education weighs a lot in the development of the world’s human resources and so UTAR is always considering partnerships with other reputable institutions through private or government-to-government initiatives.”

“The collaboration and partnership among universities has become the go-to strategy worldwide used to help parents and students become aware of the outside world composed of other peoples and cultures.

“The presence of a diverse international community in the university will help to improve the character and mindset of local students.”

UTAR has long demonstrated its internationalisation efforts through its formal relationships with more than 190 partners, of which at least 130 are foreign.

“I heard from my seniors that UTAR is a good university and they recommended the internship programme, so here I am now,” says Alperen Guler, a student from Telecom Lille, France, who is pursuing his three-month internship.

“UTAR is the most cost-effective option with uncompromising quality in education. I’m glad to be here in UTAR and want to thank UTAR for giving me the opportunity to learn in Malaysia,” he adds.

His coursemate Alaa Eddine Gouja says, “It is an experience of a lifetime and truly rewarding to learn a new language and experience new cultures. UTAR has provided me with fresh

insights and progressive perspectives, and I am discovering new things every day.”

Alex Muthui Musila, a business and administration major from Kenya who graduated in the 20th UTAR Convocation this year, says, “The Kampar campus is big and provides a safe and comfortable environment to live and study in.

“UTAR’s learning methods provide a platform from which people can grow, obtain exposure to varied cultures and live up to their greatest potential. This has equipped me with the ability to embrace diversity and prepared me for my future professional undertakings in a globalised world.”

Echoing his sentiments is Master of Business Administration postgraduate student Katrin Unger from the University of Applied Sciences, Regensburg.

“It was an enriching experience to be on a three-month exchange programme to UTAR. The lecturers in UTAR are helpful, friendly and knowledgeable,” she says.

UTAR provides international students with a unique multicultural environment to enhance their intercultural social skills and prepare them for careers in the globalised world.

Interested students are invited to the UTAR Campus Tour & Info Day on Sept 19, Oct 3 and Oct 17 from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 4.30pm. The event will take place in both the Sungai Long and Kampar campuses.

In conjunction with the October student intake, UTAR is offering extended weekend counselling hours at both campuses from 9am to 5pm up to Nov 8 (excluding public holidays).

n For more information, call 03-9086 0288 (Sungai Long) or 05-468 8888 (Kampar) or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.utar.edu.my


postgraduate 7


Information communication technology is at the core of OUM’s infrastructure.

Independence in learning IN the spirit of patriotism, embrace the freedom to do things your way by moving away from the conventional and achieving your life goals. Open University Malaysia (OUM) strives to be different, allowing potential learners to reach their educational goals in an unconventional learning setting.

Designed for distance learning From the beginning, OUM was designed to

be a university that uses modern technology to provide the most effective distance learning. Various aspects of the university,

including its organisational structures, human resources, widely distributed learning centres as well as information and communications technology infrastructure, are customised to achieve this purpose.

This is different from conventional universities that also offer distance learning but only as an additional programme or delivery mode on top of their full-time programmes.

These conventional universities may not have all the necessary structures and expertise to effectively support distance learners because their main focus is still

on their full-time students.

Breaking convention Most tertiary educational settings in

Malaysia have similar arrangements. Students attend lectures, laboratory sessions as well as tutorials and have breaks in prearranged slots. Their timetables, classes, examinations and assignments are planned for them.

They do not need to actively manage their studies, which is acceptable considering most conventional learners are full-time students who have no work commitments and can organise their daily events around scheduled learning activities. This is the accepted norm, for now.

For working adults who want to further their studies, they often do not have the luxury to follow a fixed full-time study schedule. At OUM, they can manage their own learning to suit their individual lifestyle and commitments.

They can choose when and where they want to study. In short, they are independent learners who are certainly not conventional. This independent mode of study is made possible through the availability of: l Customised modules l E-tutorials and videosl Online discussion forums l Virtual learning environment l The Digital Library

Award-winning institution Although OUM is different, the university

does not compromise on its quality. All its programmes are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

According to MQA ranking, OUM has maintained a Setara Tier 5 (Excellence) rating over the years. It has also received numerous awards for excellence.

Recently, the university won the acclaimed Putra Brand Awards 2015 in the education sector organised by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia. This

Open University Malaysia has won its third award this year – the Putra Brand Awards 2015 in the education sector organised by the Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia. Earlier, it won the Industry Excellence Award from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in April 2015 and in July, it was awarded the Global Performance Award 2015 by Asia Pacific Quality Organisation.

award is its third award for this year. OUM’s programmes are recognised

internationally and it has partner universities in 10 countries, including Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Ghana and the Maldives.

At the moment, more than 7,000 learners are pursuing OUM postgraduate studies at these partner universities.

Opportunities for all If you are unconventional and looking for

a university with a difference, you may appreciate the learning experience at OUM as it provides: l Recognised degrees that are respected worldwide l The best learning resources l A user-friendly learning system l Modern and up-to-date learning centre in every state l An extensive collection of resources in its Digital Library

Enrolment for the September intake is still open. For those aged 60 to 74, a 75% discount is available. Individuals 75 years old and above can study at OUM for free.

n For more information, call 03-2773 2121 or visit www.oum.edu.my

OUM was designed to be a university that uses modern technology to provide the most effective distance learning.

SpearheadingInternet engineering

THE International University of Malaya-Wales (IUMW) is a private university formed through a strategic alliance between the University of Malaya (UM) and the University of Wales/Trinity Saint David (UWTSD).

IUMW is the first university in South-East Asia to be accepted as a member of the UK’s Higher Education Academy, a prestigious body that recognises institutions’ adherence to exemplary teaching standards.

Drawing on more than 200 years of combined academic experience from two founding partners, IUMW offers career-focused undergraduate and postgraduate programmes delivered by outstanding academic talents from across the globe.

“We aim to produce graduates who can meet the stringent expectations of today’s highly-competitive IT, science and technology sectors.

This is why we are now offering the Master of Science in Internet Engineering to students who wish to obtain professional recognition, enhance their competency and acquire in-depth knowledge of the Internet and networking systems,” says Prof Dr Hamzah Abdul Rahman, president and chief executive officer of IUMW.

“We foster innovative teaching and learning and aspire to be a leading research-oriented institution that embraces global


postgraduate 9

best practices, a strong international profile and commitment to Asia’s economic and social development.”

The Master of Science in Internet Engineering programme aims to produce engineers who will spearhead the design and direction of future Internet architecture, infrastructure and applications.

This programme equips graduates with advanced and profound concepts that underlie the design and implementation of an Internet-based system.

It provides a solid multidisciplinary basis and offers a wide range of specialisation opportunities, which can stimulate students’ creativity.

In addition, students will acquire practical skills that are crucial to entering the job market.

IUMW’s garden-in-the-city campus offers an extensive range of facilities to support the learning experience, including a library, an auditorium, lecture halls and laboratories.

IUMW fees are affordable and students will have access to University of Malaya’s library and facilities.

Experience the preview of the Master of Science in Internet Engineering programme on Sept 19 at IUMW to find out more.

n For more information, visit iumw.edu.my or call 012-979 1621.

The IUMW campus

offers extensive

facilities that

support learning.

The International University of Malaya-Wales produces industry-ready graduates.


Going global with an MBA WITH the proliferation of master’s of business administration (MBA) programmes, choosing the right MBA to pursue can be difficult.

The dual-award MBA offered at Sunway University provides a high return over investment for young aspiring managers who want to become strategic leaders.

In collaboration with top-ranked Lancaster University Management School, Sunway’s MBA is considered one of the best, immersing its students in global recognition, global delivery and faculty and global networking.

Dr David Mackay, visiting

teaching fellow of Lancaster University, shared his insights into Sunway University’s dual-award MBA.

With 10 years of teaching experience and diverse practical work experience in production engineering, management and consultancy, Dr Mackay visited Sunway University to conduct the strategic management module of its MBA programme.

Global recognitionUpon completion of the MBA

programme, graduates are awarded

two scrolls – one from Sunway University, a renowned private education institution in Malaysia, and one from Lancaster University, which is ranked in the top 1% of universities globally.

The Lancaster MBA programmes are triple accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, European Quality Improvement System and the Association of MBAs.

“Triple accreditation is a prized asset in the business school community, which is held by only about 1% of business schools around the world.

“To gain triple accreditation requires schools to meet the most exacting standards for process, programme design and execution and student experience.

“That creates a valuable MBA experience and practical career gains for participants. The benefit should be felt by students during their study as the programme is delivered to the highest standards.

“Students also gain the potential for good career progression, having graduated from a triple-accredited school,” says Dr Mackay.

Global delivery and faculty

The broader Sunway organisation, which the university is connected to, has an inspiring mission and vision that permeates the university’s operations and physical setup of the campus.

The state-of-the-art Graduate Centre is also highly conducive to an effective MBA learning experience. Students learn from a faculty that consists of some of the best management consultants, educators and research scholars in the world.

Dr David Mackay is one of many UK-based distinguished lecturers flown in to deliver a world-class learning experience to Sunway’s MBA students.

Students also have the flexibility of gaining credits by taking modules at other locations where Lancaster delivers an equivalent to its MBA programme, including Singapore, Jordan, Ghana and the UK.

Global networkingThe establishing of a network

of peers who share similar level of intellectual capability is a desirable benefit.

Sunway University’s careful selection of students for its dual-award MBA ensures student diversity in terms of industry, age and experience.

This allows an intellectually gifted and highly capable cohort of students to work and learn in a multidisciplinary environment, further strengthening their networks.

Graduates can also become alumni of not only one but two prestigious universities – Sunway University and Lancaster University – which help graduates stay connected to the institutions and their fellow graduates.

Engagement in alumni associations allows networking, which expands professional connections and advances one’s career through continuously learning from peers.

“As you progress through life after the MBA programme, you will have access to the social network formed during your studies, which can prove to be an excellent resource,” says Dr Mackay.

The dual-award MBA programme is financially accessible with bursaries available to students.

In addition, local students can apply for a MyMaster Government grant that provides a maximum value of RM10,000.

n For more information,call 03-7491 8701 or visitwww.sunway.edu.my/university/MBA

Dr Mackay is a distinguished visiting teaching fellow from the UK who delivered the strategic management module of the dual-award MBA programme offered at Sunway University.

Royal visitors former Agong Tuanku Jaafar Tuanku Abdul Rahman (right) and Tuanku Najihah Tunku Besar Burhanuddin (left) being escorted by Prof Christine Ennew at The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus in October 2000.

UNMC celebrates crystal jubileeIN line with The University of Nottingham’s vision of becoming a truly global university for the 21st century and beyond, the university took a bold move by becoming the first British university to open a full-fledged international campus outside the United Kingdom.

Realising that there was a need to reach out to students in the Asian market, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) was opened in September 2000.

Complete education experienceAlthough the university started off in a

confined business environment in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, there was always the intention of setting up a wide and open campus that would replicate the atmosphere and environment of its UK campus.

With 1,000 students enrolled in its courses, the university relocated to its current location in Semenyih in 2005.

Since then, the university has grown progressively not only in terms of its student population but also in its facilities, research activities and subject base.

“If you look at private higher education, there is typically a strong focus on vocational subjects such as engineering, pharmacy, business, architecture or law.

“But The University of Nottingham has always been considered a comprehensive university offering a considerable breadth of subjects, and that is what we wanted to do in Malaysia,” says Prof Christine Ennew, provost and chief executive officer of UNMC.

She continues to describe how UNMC has adapted and contextualised its programmes and how it has developed degree programmes that are offered exclusively at the Malaysian campus.

“We have to adapt our courses and not merely replicate the courses offered in the UK. In fact, we have developed a number of degree programmes such as mechatronics and Islamic finance that are exclusive to UNMC,” she says.

Prof Ennew also believes that it is important for students to embrace the academic experience by getting involved in co-curricular activities and that there is a special value in being a student in a diverse disciplinary environment.

“Students who get involved in various societies, participate in events and represent student bodies tend to develop a broader skill set and this also contributes to an enjoyable academic experience,” she adds.


postgraduate 11

“The theme ‘enriching lives through global education’ is truly at the centre of what we preach and practise, offering world-class education and providing opportunities for students to build skills and widen their exposure in society.”

UNMC also runs the Kuala Lumpur Teaching Centre in Menara Chulan, a centre that comprises lecture halls and seminar rooms that cater to part-time postgraduate students who require a more convenient location to further their studies.

Special celebrationTo mark the 15-year anniversary of UNMC,

a series of activities have taken place throughout the year such as the Tweet Me Anything #UNMC15 campaign, which was a fun and interesting way to encourage interaction between students and faculty members.

The major celebration this year will take place at the end of September with an on-campus celebration showcasing the achievements of the university, followed by a major dinner and award ceremony.

“In the presence of staff, distinguished alumni and a major UK delegation, we will host a celebratory dinner where we will present a series of alumni and staff awards.

“This will also be an occasion for the soft launch of Yayasan UNMC, which will enable us to further enrich lives through global education,” says Prof Ennew.

n For more information on the courses offered, call 03-8924 8686 or visit www.nottingham.edu.my

Prof Ennew reveals that The University Nottingham Malaysia Campus has developed its own exclusive degree programmes to cater to regional needs.


Excel in healthcareTHE Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Lincoln University College (LUC) has a long tradition of excellence in educating healthcare professionals.

It is committed to ensuring that graduates leave as competent, responsible and caring health professionals.

The vision of LUC is to maintain its standard of quality education, research and community service. Its curricula are updated on a regular basis in accordance with changes in health education methodology locally and globally.

Community-based education is an important and integral part of all the programmes. It equips students with the necessary knowledge, professional attitudes and skills to help improve the quality of life of communities.

The medical profession demands high ethical standards and makes heavy physical and mental demands of its practitioners.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of LUC offers the Doctor of Medicine, Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine, PhD in Health Sciences, Diploma in Physiotherapy and the Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Physiotherapy.

The Faculty of Nursing at LUC focuses on the promotion of the intellectual, cultural and personal development of all its students.

LUC’s Faculty of Nursing offers the Diploma in Nursing, which is a three-year programme registered with the Nursing Board of Malaysia.

LUC, in collaboration with the University of Huddersfied, the United Kingdom, offers the Bachelor of Sciences (Hons.) Nursing (top-up programme).

Other courses offered by LUC include Post Basic Renal Care Nursing, Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Nursing (Post Registration), Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master in Nursing (Education), Master in Nursing (Public Health) and Master in Nursing (Midwifery).

LUC’s Faculty of Pharmacy offers the Diploma in Pharmacy, Bachelor of Pharmacy, MSc Pharmacy (Research) and PhD in Pharmacy. LUC follows a curriculum that is problem-based, student-orientated and directed to the community.

Graduates from the health science programmes can explore a wide variety of career opportunities and work as nurses, laboratory technicians, physiotherapists, research assistants in hospitals and universities, public health workers and supervisors in the healthcare industry.

n For more information, visitwww.lincoln.edu.my

Be a professional counsellorHAVE you always wanted to understand human behaviour and give back to the community? Have you encountered various mental health and relationship problems around you and wondered how you could help?

Beginning in February next year, Monash University Malaysia will be offering the Master of Professional Counselling.

Focus areasThe areas of study include

human growth and lifespan development; mental health issues surrounding grief, trauma and substance abuse; counselling children, adolescents, individuals and couples; cognitive behaviour therapy; group psychotherapy; career development counselling; and counselling research design.

The course is a very broad-based one, with students being taught to counsel across various areas, be it organisational, mental health or relationship counselling.

“One unique feature of this course is that it also equips students to understand and conduct research in the field of counselling,” says Dr Tam Cai Lian, course coordinator for the

master’s programme.These skills may be used to

pursue further academic research study and enable evidence-based counselling practice.

Dr Tam adds that Monash aims for the course to be accredited by three different bodies – the Malaysian Board of Counsellors (Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia), Australian Counselling Association, and Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.

This will open up opportunities for graduates to be able to practise in Malaysia as well as Australia.

Helping the communityThe course incorporates 504

hours of clinical placements in government agencies and private organisations, of which 192 hours will involve direct, face-to-face client contact.

Dr Tam says the course is open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree in any field, including recent graduates or working professionals seeking to know more about counselling.

“Students need to have a passion and desire to know more about human beings and the problems

they face, and be interested in helping themselves and the people around them,” she says.

Having graduated with a degree in mathematics, Dr Tam chose to pursue counselling as a way to help the community as well as address the various mental illnesses and family problems she saw around her.

Assoc Prof Shamsul Haque, head of psychology in the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, says counsellors can promote mental health both at the organisational and the community level.

“In an organisation, they can help improve relationships between co-workers, contribute to

crisis management, manage work stress and also play a major role in reducing job dissatisfaction and improving performance,” he says.

“At the community level, counsellors can deal with relationship problems through marriage or couple counselling, as well as manage personal grief, trauma and various types of mental health issues.

“At schools, they can help modify students’ academic behaviour and address peer-relation problems.”

World-class lecturers and facilities

Students will benefit greatly from a diverse team of highly experienced and accredited academics and psychologists.

They will also have access to world-class laboratories and facilities. These include group and individual counselling rooms equipped with two-way mirrors, observation side-rooms and recording devices.

n For more information on the Master of Professional Counselling, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.monash.edu.my

Dr Tam says the Master of Professional Counselling programme equips students to understand and conduct research in the field of counselling.

Cross-cultural experience

THE Management & Science University (MSU) is one of Malaysia’s top universities.

It focuses strongly on in-demand areas of study, which encompass medicine, health sciences, pharmacy, information sciences and engineering, business management and professional studies, education, social sciences, hospitality, culinary arts, music, and fashion.

MSU has received much recognition from Malaysian and international independent bodies. It has been rated as an Excellent Status University twice by the former Higher Education Ministry through a rating system for all universities in Malaysia.

MSU is also accredited by the Accreditation Services for International Colleges (ASIC), United Kingdom, and the Alliance on Business Education and Scholarship for Tomorrow (ABEST21), Japan.

MSU’s Graduate School of Management (GSM) recognises that today’s global companies require managers with a broader outlook.

The university attracts top students through its internationalisation effort of employing faculty members with overseas experience and forming effective links with businesses.

The Master in Business Administration by MSU (MSU-MBA) offers students an experiential learning opportunity in cross-cultural communications, building a global network and possibly creating a future international career.

In addition, students are able to develop management skills and techniques, obtain strategic orientation and implement the strategies formulated.

The MSU-MBA helps students develop skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, strategic management and decision-making so that they become successful leaders in competitive markets.

The programme aims to build on the foundations of work experience and, by equipping students with new skills and knowledge, enable them to make a smooth transition to a higher level of responsibility.

The MSU-MBA provides sufficient knowledge for students to understand the various facets of an organisation to formulate successful strategies. It also instils confidence in them.

The MSU-MBA is popular with employers as it is a recognised currency in the human resources marketplace. Employers know the

value of the qualification and what they can expect from an MBA graduate.

They also recognise the commitment shown by MSU-MBA students in investing heavily in their careers. Such candidates are likely to be dynamic self-starters who will be an asset to any organisation.

There are many reasons students now consider an MSU-MBA to be an integral step in their career paths.

Having an MSU-MBA can be the determinant in getting a high-paying and high-powered job.

Active learning exercises within the programme act as a basis for verbal analysis and discussion, allowing for a rich learning environment by integrating the classroom with the real world.

These exercises broaden students’ understanding of issues by inviting them to think beyond the text material. New terms and concepts are defined in the margins to facilitate learning.

The GSM has established collaborative educational links with a number of top overseas universities, including in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Germany, Russia and China.

The Global Mobility Programme is a means to provide MSU postgraduate students with international exposure.

Through this programme, students have the opportunity to develop an awareness and appreciation of other cultures, political and economic environments and approaches of doing business.

Professors of the MSU-MBA are accomplished teachers who have made significant contributions to the business world, both as academics and working professionals.

They have conducted research and published articles across a broad range of business and professional areas. They have also taught university-level business courses abroad, thus bringing their rich multicultural heritage to Malaysia.

Professors at MSU are selected worldwide from among the best consultants and professionals in their fields and are capable of delivering high-quality education to students.

n For more information, call 03-2718 4300/4301/4302 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.msu.edu.my

Management and Science University MBA students develop entrepreneurship, strategic management and decision-making skills to become successful leaders.


postgraduate 13

All for an enriching experience


PURSUING a postgraduate degree offers a unique experience, both academically and personally.

Making the choice to further your studies not only signifies you are serious about your field of study or work, but also proves you are ready to make serious commitments for your future.

The primary benefits of obtaining a postgraduate qualification involve advancing your career, venturing into academic research or improving your knowledge and skills within an area of expertise.

By the end of your studies, though, you may have learnt many other life lessons; it is safe to say you will leave postgraduate school with more than an academic qualification.

Resilience, diligence, perseverance

It is common knowledge that conducting and reporting research can be difficult and daunting. Many people find that they are unable to cope, but those who persevere come out stronger and feeling accomplished.

Therefore, completing a postgraduate degree requires great dedication supported by a “never give up” attitude.

Being able to bounce back from disappointments, stressful moments or setbacks teaches that you can conquer any mountain, no matter how high.

Responsibility and ownershipWorking on something that you can truly

Hands-on learning and trainingSEGI offers a wide range of programmes to suit every learner’s need. The programmes include medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and optometry and vision sciences, which are offered exclusively at the SEGi University Kota Damansara campus.

MedicineThe five-year Bachelor of Medicine,

Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme is aimed at nurturing holistic doctors who are capable, skilful and compassionate.

The curriculum was designed to embed moral and ethical values, which are fostered through the implementation of a mentor-mentee system throughout the programme.

SEGi medical students conduct practical and clinical rotations at the Teluk Intan General Hospital and also Sibu General Hospital.

DentistrySEGi conducts the five-year Bachelor of

Dental Surgery to produce competent, caring and knowledgeable dental practitioners.

Students are involved in clinical procedures from the start of the programme, with an emphasis on the recognition and prevention of oral diseases.

The Faculty of Dentistry at SEGi University is actively involved in community service. It regularly provides free dental check-ups to the public at its Oral Health Centre.

PharmacyIn the four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy

(Hons) programme, problem-based learning and student-centred collaborative learning are implemented.

Students are introduced to real practice in hospitals, community pharmacies and relevant industries from the first year.

The curriculum ensures that graduates have been exposed to almost every possible

work setting and benefit from experiential learning.

Optometry and vision sciencesThe four-year Bachelor of Optometry

(Hons) programme provides students with sufficient clinical training alongside a strong academic grounding.

Much of the clinical teaching is undertaken at the SEGi EyeCare optometry clinics located on campus and at the neighbouring Tropicana Medical Centre.

The clinics have a wide range of ophthalmic equipment for both teaching and research and its primary care optometric centre is open to the public.

Students have the opportunity to examine patients at SEGi’s EyeCare clinics and pursue an area of interest in greater depth through a final year research/dissertation study.

n For more information, call 03-6145 1777 or 1800 887 344, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.segi.edu.my

SEGi aims to produce world-class professionals in the health science industry.

Pursuing a postgraduate degree gives you more than an academic qualification.

call your own is not only personally rewarding, it also proves responsibility to see your tasks to completion.

Not only will your work reflect your ability to take charge, you will also learn how to stick with decisions and control your life. On top of that, it will become clear that achievements are direct products of your effort and dedication.

Valuing what mattersIt is during these busy and often

challenging times that students realise what matters most to them. To many, this includes supportive friends and family.

Spending time away from the important people in your life teaches you to appreciate them more, especially as they continue to offer love and support through thick and thin.

This time could also be useful to identify other things you value – whether they are sports, hobbies or even social work, you learn the importance of creating a healthy balance in life.

Time management and discipline

Field or laboratory work, presentations, lectures, revision, examinations, research

and discussions – these are some of the many aspects of a postgraduate student’s life.

The postgraduate experience highlights the importance of prioritising while multitasking.

Many students juggle other responsibilities along with postgraduate school, including holding down a part-time job or caring for a family.

You learn to manage your time and therefore, develop a sense of discipline to get the job done without excuses.

Matching your actions with your goals will give you that extra push you need to drive your efforts forward productively.

Communication and people skills

Presentations and group work help you communicate and connect with people, while interaction with your lecturers, supervisors and coursemates trains you to work well with others for the best possible outcome.

If you are progressing to postgraduate studies immediately from an undergraduate degree, this will be a great platform for you to first meet individuals in the industry you are looking to break into.

Mutual inspiration and motivation is also something you pick up from those with similar interests as you learn that two heads are, more often than not, better than one.

Fostering understandingTHE School of Graduate Studies (SGS) of Asia e University (AeU) organised a special supervisory workshop for practicing doctoral supervisors and PhD students at AeU’s main campus in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 12.

More than a hundred participants from different universities and fields joined the event.

The primary objective of this professional workshop was to provide an opportunity for supervisors and students to discuss issues relating to their doctoral supervision relationships that they found difficult to broach.

The topic of the workshop was Fifty-Seven Questions That Doctoral Supervisors Worry About, facilitated by Prof Dr Miles Barker from the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, School of Education, the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

Prof Barker has worked at institutions in Malaysia – including in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Tanjong Malim and Kuching – over the last 25 years.

Now semi-retired from the University of Waikato, Prof Barker has, over the years, presented workshops in places such as China, India, Thailand, South Africa, Kenya, Sweden and Germany.

While his specialist areas are science and environmental education, he is interested in teaching and learning in general as well as the history and philosophy of education. He has around 150 publications to his credit.

During the workshop, Prof Barker introduced his list of 57 questions, garnered from the experiences of supervisors in New Zealand, and grouped the questions into 10 clusters:l Acquiring my own studentsl Assessing the best mode of PhDl Coordinating expertise and communicationsl Advising how to write the proposall Obtaining ethics approvall Supporting my studentl Deciding on the structure of

the thesisl Giving feedback on the writing

Prof Barker conducting a supervisory workshop at AeU’s main campus in Kuala Lumpur.

Prof Barker from the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education at the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

They found the workshop interesting and allowed them a more in-depth understanding of what should be expected of supervisors.

“This workshop has certainly helped to motivate me in realising I need to speed up my work, as I have been procrastinating for some time. The workshop is an eye-opener for PhD students who plan to supervise other postgraduate students in future,” said Chan.

About AeUAeU is a collaborative

multinational university established under the auspices of the 33 Asia Cooperation Dialogue countries.

All academic programmes are internationally benchmarked, approved by the Education Ministry and accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.

Established in 2007, AeU has grown to become one of the leading providers of open distance learning (ODL), with an enrolment of more than 21,000 students in 65 countries.

As an ODL institution, AeU’s focus is to provide accessible and affordable higher education for all.

There are three intakes every year – January, May and September. Though registration is open based on the month of intakes, registration for postgraduate (by research) programmes is open throughout the year.

A Postgraduate Research Conference will be held on Oct 4 at AeU’s main campus from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

The conference will cover research topics in business and administration, education, information, communication and technology, arts and humanities and social science.

The objectives of this conference are to promote the research culture and provide a platform for researchers to discuss their knowledge, experiences and findings.

Registration fee is RM100 per attendee. The closing date for registration is Sept 25.

n For more information, call 1300 300 238 or visit www.aeu.edu.my


postgraduate 15

l Handling the examination processl Examining a thesis

Participants found the workshop interesting and beneficial as it enriched their knowledge especially in their areas of supervision, where issues were highlighted and suggestions of solution or improvement given.

Among the participants who attended the workshop was AeU’s distinguished alumnus Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hamid Albar, who is the chairman of Malaysia’s Public Land Transport Commission.

Another participant, Dr Lok Lay Hong, an AeU alumnus of the PhD in Education and head of the Department of Music at the Malaysian Institute of Art, said, “Working on an understanding of mutual expectations with your supervisor is an essential part of developing a good working relationship.

“The relationship is often presented as one changing from that of master-apprentice to one of colleagues. A more satisfying relationship will help students develop a better-quality thesis,” added Dr Lok.

Among the other participants were three students pursuing their PhD at AeU – teacher Veronica J.S. Louis, part-time lecturer Hamiza Ahmad and head of mass communications at UCSI University Gloria Chan Choi Sim.

Steps to get your work publishedDEPENDING on the course you are studying, especially if you are a PhD student and intend to have a career in academia, you will be expected to have your research and results published in a journal.

While the entire process can be daunting, here are some key steps to help you get that done. These steps can be broken down to three interrelated areas:

Writing

1 Before commencing writing your article, you will need to identify an area of

research that has not yet been explored or if there are gaps in the theories that need to be filled.

It is then important to plan and have a clear understanding of the research methodologies you will use to complete the article.

2 Although you may have your own ideas about how to go about your research, it

is best to have a good relationship and constant interaction with your supervisor.

As an expert in the field and with the experience in writing journal articles, he or she is the best person to guide and assist you along the way. This includes advising you on specific areas of your article that would need further improvement in terms of clarification or reference.

Your professor may also know of specific journal publications that suit your topic of research or those that are open to publishing student papers.

3 In addition to the advice from your supervisor, you should also study

scholarly articles produced by top researchers and adopt elements that may be adaptable to your research.

Networking and discussing your ideas with other researchers and senior lecturers will also give you a new perspective on your research study, providing you with additional pointers to produce a more comprehensive research article.

4 When writing your article, it is crucial that you are always clear about the

objectives you wish to highlight. Present your findings clearly

and be sure you support your arguments with relevant theory and empirical material throughout the entire article.

Submission

5 One of the biggest reasons students struggle to get their work published is

because they do not submit their applications to suitable publications.

You need to be aware that the general acceptance for student articles is low for high-quality journal publications and this is mainly because your article is up against works produced by more experienced researchers


and professors. Therefore, you should instead

apply to less prominent, yet credible journals to publish your work, especially those that are more open to student research.

6 Journals tend to be very specific and have a defined aim or scope of work. It

is recommended that you read previous issues of the journals you wish to apply for to have a better grasp of the topics and writing styles required for each publication.

Understanding aspects such as the amount of literature reviews needed, referencing styles and article structure will help you to tailor your work accordingly, boosting your chances of having your research article published.

It is normal for journals to have some form of submission guideline and you may use this as your guide to formulating your journal article.

By not adhering to these instructions will only result in both you and the journal editor wasting time and stretching the publication process.

7 You will also need to be cautious so as not to submit your applications to non-

legitimate publications. As a higher number of

publications lead to future grants and tenure, many researchers are tempted to get their works published in lower-tier or low-quality journals that are willing to publish almost any article as long as the required application fees are paid.

These scam publications are not peer-evaluated, and this will raise the question of credibility around your work.

Consider this: if you have never heard of such a publication during your years of study, it is likely that others have not heard of it either.

8 Just as you would send a cover letter about yourself when applying for a

position with a new company, you will need to present a good cover letter to journal editors highlighting what you think is the most interesting or significant aspects of your research article.

Editors will then understand why you think the piece is a good fit for the journal and be more interested in reading your research findings.

Revision

9 It can take a few months before you actually get word on the outcome of

your article and, in most instances, these articles would be rejected or returned with specific areas that need to be revised.

As your article is reviewed by industry professionals, you should therefore take the time to correct

or rewrite your article based on the feedback and criticism. It is extremely rare that journal articles are accepted without any necessary revision and these include articles submitted by distinguished professors.

10 It is also acceptable to challenge the opinion of reviewers,

depending on the situation and if you have good justification for your decisions.

Before you reply the reviewer, consider all the feedback received, discuss it with your seniors and make sure you have a rational explanation should you feel there are certain parts of your article that do not require revision.

Every revision generally improves the overall value of your article and your perseverance in making a few revisions brings you closer to reaching your goal of getting published.

Plan your article by first considering areas of reasearch that could be explored.

Maintaining a good working relationship with your supervisor will help you create a paper worth publishing.Brainstorming with your peers can help to give you a fresh insight into

your research.

post graduate - 15 september 2015

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