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Post Graduate

Programme

MIRAD

(AM701):

Student Handbook

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TABLE OF CONTENT

ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK..................................................................................................3

COPYRIGHT.........................................................................................................................3

SENIOR STAFF BACKGROUND……………………………………...............................................4

THE FACULTY OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCE & POLICY STUDIES...........................7

THE MIRADPROGRAMME................................................................................................. 7

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS....................................................................................................8

DURATION OF STUDY........................................................................................................8

THE PROGRAMME STRUCTURE.......................................................................................8

CORE COURSES...................................................................................................................9

ELECTIVE COURSES..........................................................................................................13

POST GRADUATE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES.......................................................18

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MASTERS?.....................................................21

INQUIRIES...........................................................................................................................25

MY STUDY PLAN.................................................................................................................26

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About this Handbook This handbook is a guide to students enrolled in the Master of International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRAD) (AM701) programme at Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies (FSPPP). The objective of the handbook is to help students understand the course requirements, structure, content, expectations, rules and responsibilities pertaining to the MIRAD programme. This handbook is divided into three sections i.e. the programme and course related information; responsibilities of the post-graduate students and the some advice on how to approach the MIRAD programme to ensure students gain maximum benefits from the course. Students will be updated on any changes to the programme and the handbook when necessary. A digital copy of the handbook is also available through FSPPP’s website (http://www3.uitm.edu.my/faculties/fsppp/) Copyright This handbook is the property of FSPPP and shall not be copied or duplicated in any form without the prior permission of the Dean of the faculty.

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Administrative Staff Dean Professor Dr. Zaliha Hj. Hussin Tel: 06-6342025/2026 drzaliha@salam.uitm.edu.my Head of Center of Studies (Post-Graduate) Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Jalil Bin Mohamed Ali Tel: 03-55444167 Fax: 03-55444131 ajalil838@salam.uitm.edu.my Coordinator for Post-Graduate Program (Research) Associate Professor Rozalli Hashim Tel: 03-55444153 Fax: 03-55444131 rozalli@salam.uitm.edu.my Executive Officer Masliza Mahmood Tel: 03-55444174 Fax: 03-55444131 Masli247@salam.uitm.edu.my Senior Staff and their Research Background Prof. Dr Hj. Hazman Shah Abdullah (Public and Business Management) Strategic HRM, Quality Management, Service Management, Technology Management

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Prof. Dr Zaliha Husin (Sociology) Malaysian-Europe Relations, ASEAN Relations Prof. Dr Nasrudin Mohammed (Political Science) Dato’ Dr. Mohd Yusof Ahmad (International Relations/Diplomacy/ASEAN Relations/Global Affairs) Prof. Madya Dr. Abdul Jalil Mohd Ali (Public Management) Ethics and Integrity Prof. Madya Dr Posiah Mohd Isa (Educational Psychology) Organisational Behaviour, Ethics Prof. Madya Dr Hilmi Abdul Rahman (International Business) Organisational Development Associate Professor Dr Jasmine Ahmad (Business & Public Management) Strategic Management) Prof. Madya Dr. Hj. Shaharuddin Badaruddin (Political Science) Political parties, Inter-governmental relationship, NGOs Associate Professor Dr. Hjh. Rugayah Hashim (Social Informatics and Infonomics) Associate Professor Dr. Shireen Haron (Government and Politics) Associate Professor Abdul Raufu Ambali (Public Policy) Dr. Ahmad Naqiyuddin Bakar (Information and Communication Technology/Human Capital Management) Dr. Hardev Kaur

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(Public Management) Local Government Dato’Dr. Muhammad Bin Hamzah (Public Management) Strategic Management Dr. Norziana Lokman (Corporate Governence) Prof. Madya Nabilah Abdullah (Management) Change Management, Quality Management Prof. Madya Rozalli Hashim (Public Management) Development Management, Civil Society, Project Management

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The Faculty of Administrative Science & Policy Studies The division of public administration was established in 1965 within the School of Administration and Law. In January 2004 the division was upgraded to a faculty and called the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies (FSPPP). The faculty now offers programmes for the Diploma in Public Administration, Bachelor of Corporate Administration (Honours) and Bachelor of Administrative Science (Honours). These courses are also now available via the Electronic Distance Learning and Off-Campus Programme modes. The faculty has about 100 lecturers based mainly in the Shah Alam, Negeri Sembilan (Seremban 3) , Sarawak, Sabah and Kedah campuses. A number of strategically niched special interest groups undertake efforts in research and consultancy as an extension of the teaching and learning activities in support of FSPPP’s post-graduate programmes. The Faculty also publishes the Journal of Administrative Science (JAS) as a forum for discussion and publication of scholarly work in the fields of administrative science and public policy. The Master in International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRAD) Programme (AM 701) Public and private sector managers, policy-makers and captains of industries today must be skilled, competent, sophisticated and market sensitive to thrive in the new globalised world. The survival of both sectors in an increasingly competitive national and international environment is dependent on the availability of skilled human resources with the necessary competencies to steer, lead and manage organizations through these complex and highly competitive environment. The Master of International Relations and Diplomacy programme is designed to produce public managers and administrators that could address these challenges in the context of a rapidly changing national and international environment. The course content combines key concepts and ideas with applied knowledge and practices in the fields of international relations and diplomacy. The curriculum is thus designed and developed through extensive consultation with the MFA, other public and private sector agencies and observations of former diplomats to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the key forces driving national and international developments today and in the future. The core courses provide for generic competencies while the electives allow candidates to acquire specialized

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knowledge and skills in their area of interest and preferences. The dissertation will allow candidates to demonstrate their ability to undertake research on issues and problems related to their field of interest or their respective organisations. To ensure good value, the programme will be taught by a combination of academics, senior public managers, accomplished executives, former and serving diplomats and a corp of internationally renowned visiting Professors. A comfortable and conducive learning environment will be provided with computing facilities and discussion areas to make the experience enriching and professionally rewarding to the students. Entry Requirements

Applicants (Bumiputras only) must have a recognised honours degree in Social Science or other related disciplines such as Political Science, Administrative Science

or Arts with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.00; or at least 2.75 with two years of working experience; or at least 2.5 with four years working experience and attend an interview with the Faculty Post-Graduate Committee OR other equivalent academic qualifications as recognised by the Malaysian Government

International students can only enroll in the full time mode must have a good honour degree recognised by the Malaysian government in related areas. They must have a TOEFL score of at least 550 or IELTS band 5.

Duration of Study

Full-time: 1 ½ – 2 years (3 -4 semesters) Part-time: 2 -4 years (4 - 8 semesters) The candidates must complete 40 credits hours of courses, including 6 credits of electives and a 9 credit hour dissertation.

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The Programme Structure (Full Time)

Master in International Relations and Diplomacy (AM701)

Semester Course Code Course Title Credit Unit

1

EMA705 RESEARCH METHOD & DATA ANALYSIS

4

MIR700 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS:THEORY AND PRACTICE

4

MIR701 DIPLOMACY: THEORY AND PRACTICE

3

MIR702 INTERNATIONAL LAW AND ORGANISATIONS: THEORY AND PRACTICE

3

TOTAL 14

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MIR703 DIPLOMACY, SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN ASEAN

3

MIR704 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY IN A GLOBALISED WORLD

4

MIR705 SEMINAR IN CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & DIPLOMACY

4

ELECTIVE 1

3

TOTAL 14

3 EMA737

DISSERTATION

9

ELECTIVE 2

3

TOTAL 12

ELECTIVE COURSES

3

EMA718 SEMINAR IN GLOBAL AFFAIRS

MIR706 REGIONALISM & REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS: THEORY AND PRACTICE

MIR707 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN THE POST COLD WAR ERA

MIR708 ASEAN’S INTERACTION WITH MAJOR & REGIONAL POWERS

MIR709 MALAYSIAN IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

MIR710 INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT MANAGEMENT & CONFLICT RESOLUTION

TOTAL CREDIT HOUR 40

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The Programme Structure (Part Time)

Master in International Relations and Diplomacy (AM701)

Semester Course Code Course Title Credit Unit

1

EMA705 RESEARCH METHOD & DATA ANALYSIS 4

MIR700 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS:THEORY AND PRACTICE

4

MIR701 DIPLOMACY: THEORY AND PRACTICE 3

TOTAL 11

2

MIR702 INTERNATIONAL LAW AND ORGANISATIONS: THEORY AND PRACTICE

3

MIR704 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY IN A GLOBALISED WORLD

4

ELECTIVE 1

3

TOTAL

10

3

MIR703 DIPLOMACY, SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN ASEAN

3

MIR705 SEMINAR IN CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & DIPLOMACY

4

ELECTIVE 2

3

TOTAL

10

4 EMA737 DISSERTATION

9

TOTAL

9

ELECTIVE COURSES

3

EMA718 SEMINAR IN GLOBAL AFFAIRS

MIR706 REGIONALISM & REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS: THEORY AND PRACTICE

MIR707 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN THE POST COLD WAR ERA

MIR708 ASEAN’S INTERACTION WITH MAJOR & REGIONAL POWERS

MIR709 MALAYSIAN IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

MIR710 INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT MANAGEMENT & CONFLICT RESOLUTION

TOTAL CREDIT HOUR 40

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CORE COURSES The courses all MIRAD students have to complete. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THEORY AND PRACTICE (MIR700) Course Description The course is designed to introduce graduate students to the theory and practice of international relations (IR) in the era of globalization. It covers the core concepts, processes and issues of IR. This course explores the historical evolution and development of the key theories of IR starting from the debates on realism, pluralism and globalism and moving onto contemporary theories mainly social constructivism, neo-Marxism, post-modernism and gender theories. This course addresses both theoretical and methodological questions of IR by thoroughly analyzing the epistemological questions of ‘how to see the world?’ and ‘how do we contextualize the events and issues related to IR?’ The course highlights the key actors in IR and critically analyzes their roles and functions that directly and indirectly impact on IR. The students will be encouraged to synthesize and apply complex IR theories to the realities of international and global politics. The course also enables the students to analyze recent challenges confronting contemporary international relations such as globalisation, rise of non-state actors and climate change. Here, it highlights the existence and roles played by international organizations mainly the United Nations, regional organizations, transnational companies, global civil society movements and terrorist groups by studying the concepts of international regime and global governance. DIPLOMACY : THEORY AND PRACTICE (MIR 701) Course Description The course covers the historical development of diplomatic theories and practices from the classical period to modern times. The various contributions from each period from the ancient Greeks to today’s digital age are examined and analyzed to highlight the complexity of the process, role, function, instruments and methods of inter-state diplomacy, particularly the theory, method, objectives, techniques and strategies of negotiation, mediation, good office, arbitration and peace-keeping. The impact of digital revolution on

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contemporary diplomacy is also examined to highlight its significance and impact on the theory and practices of diplomacy among states in contemporary international relations. The course also examines the role and impact of non-state actors in contemporary diplomatic theory and practices. INTERNATIONAL LAW AND ORGANISATIONS:THEORY AND PRACTICE (MIR 702) Course Description The course covers the history, evolution and development of international law and international organizations in contemporary IR and diplomacy. The course analyses several major theories and concepts, inter-connectivity, strengths, weaknesses and the challenges in the field of international law and international organizations. Some of the principles of international law and international organizations are critically examined to ascertain their continued relevance in contemporary international relations. The course also aims at providing better understanding of salient issues in international law and international organizations through case studies, simulation exercises, visits and seminars. RESEARCH METHOD AND DATA ANALYSIS (EMA 705) Course Description The course will equip students with the basics of formulating quantitative and qualitative empirical research. The course will assist the students from formulation of a research proposal up to the writing up of the final research report. The course covers research designs, sampling strategies, sample size selection, instrumentation issues, developing conceptual framework and data analysis. Basic descriptive and inferential statistics are introduced to enable students to carry out multivariate data analysis using the SPSS package. Students are expected to have some basic research method and statistical knowledge. The students must develop a research proposal meeting all the requirements outlined in the course documents.

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DIPLOMACY, SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN ASEAN (MIR 703) Course Description This course will examine the dynamics that underlie the political initiatives and diplomatic efforts responsible for the formation of ASEAN. The spirit and principles which formed the basis of political and diplomatic cooperation among Member Countries will be especially analyzed to better understand their rationale and context over space and time. The course will also examine the various changes that have occurred in the organization since its inception. The continued relevance of some of these principles and norms will be analyzed given the changes taking place in the regional and international environment. The course is expected to expose students to the historical dynamics surrounding the establishment of ASEAN as well as the challenges facing the organization in contemporary regional and international environment. INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY (IPE) IN A GLOBALISED WORLD (MIR 704) Course Description

The course concentrates on the study of relationship between states and the market at the interstate, regional and global levels. It covers the key theories and approaches in IPE, the history and development of IPE, its important key players and institutions, the political-economic ramifications of state-market relationship, inter-state behavior, national and international security, international financial and economic institutions, the market economy and the national development strategies of the developing world. The course also highlights several key issues and challenges in IPE in the age of globalization SEMINAR IN CONTEMPORARY REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES (MIR 705) Course Description This seminar focuses on key regional and international issues such as traditional security, globalization, nuclear proliferation, the role of the media and non-governmental organizations in contemporary international relations.

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Non-traditional security issues such as international migration, terrorism, the environment, poverty and development, civil society and good governance are also examined to better understand these issues and deter their potentially serious implications for the peace and stability of the international community. DISSERTATION (EMA 737) Course Description A study based on the proposal developed and approved as part of the requirements of the course in Research Method and Data Analysis in the first semester shall be carried out with the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Faculty’s Post-Graduate Research Committee (FPRC). The study must involve research problems appropriate to Masters level and can be either quantitative or qualitative in nature. The study must observe and demonstrate sufficient rigour that conforms to conventional scientific study or other methodologies. The student must carry out the study, analyze and write a dissertation of not more than 30,000 words on the subject in compliance with the academic requirements of UiTM. The dissertation must be successfully defended before a committee of three senior staffs of the Faculty. The detailed guidance on the dissertation is available in the Faculty’s Dissertation Handbook provided to all post-graduate students.

Supervisors: All dissertations will be supervised by a qualified and experienced staff of FSPPP.

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ELECTIVE COURSES (Students are required to complete any two of the following courses) Every effort will be made to offer electives that meet the students’ needs. However, the electives offered will depend on the number of students and the availability of instructors. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN THE POST COLD WAR ERA (MIR707) Course Description This course covers the theoretical frameworks of the Cold War based on the realist and liberalist approaches. It examines the origins of Cold War which led to the emergence of the bipolar international system, the eventual demise of USSR and subsequent rise of American unilateralism. It also discusses the significance of multilateralism and the roles of international and regional organizations in the post-Cold War era. It evaluates several impacts of contemporary issues and challenges such as human rights, security and conflict, terrorism, international migration and environmental politics on the international system. It also focuses on the role and influence of new emerging economic powers on the Post-Cold War international relations.

ASEAN INTERACTION WITH MAJOR AND REGIONAL POWERS (MIR708) Course Description

In the first decade of the 21st Century, it is becoming clear that the process of power shift in East Asia. The rise of China, the continued primacy of the US, the revitalisation of Japan’s security role, and the arrival of India as a potential major actor would bring about strategic implications for major powers relations in East Asia. As these major powers exercise great influence in regional and global politics, the position and interests of other regional states – especially ASEAN countries will also be affected. Therefore, the role and position of ASEAN in the years to come cannot be separated from the complexity of East Asian strategic environment. This course examines the role and position of ASEAN, with special reference to its relations with the major powers. It discusses challenges and opportunities facing ASEAN in

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managing a regional order acceptable to all states, including the major powers. The course is divided into three sections. The first part examines the characteristics and trends in major power relations in the region. The second part discusses both intra- and extra-mural challenges facing ASEAN within the emerging new regional order and examines recent developments in ASEAN’s responses to those challenges. The third part critically analyses the viability of ASEAN community-building project as a mechanism to manage the new emerging regional order in the post-cold war era. REGIONALISM AND REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS: THEORY AND PRACTICE (MIR 706) Course Description

This course offers a study of theories of regionalism and the process of regional organization in Southeast Asia. The end of the cold war has resulted in drastic changes in geopolitical equations in the region. It cannot be denied that the geopolitical changes have galvanized ASEAN’s political and economic development. This course will provide in-depth understanding of ASEAN’s practice of regionalism and consider the contested nature of theoretical concepts – how the same basic categories are understood in different ways in competing theoretical approaches to regionalism. This course will also assess other institutional arrangements, changing policy agenda and governance issues in the contemporary regional and international system.

MALAYSIA IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (MIR 709) Course Description

The course will analyze the historical evolution, development and orientation of Malaysia’s foreign policy and examine the impact of the demise of the Cold War on its content and direction. Special attention will be given to the interplay of political, economic, security, idiosyncratic and other important variables shaping the country’s foreign policy decision. Malaysia’s active role in ASEAN, South-South cooperation, NAM, OIC and other multilateral fora in

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the post-Cold War era will also be emphasized. Special focus and attention will be given to the role and contribution of Malaysia’s prime ministers to the formulation process of these policies during their respective terms of office. The course is expected to expose students to the dynamics of foreign policy decision-making in Malaysia, the key variables influencing those decisions and the problems and challenges confronting Malaysia in the region and beyond in the post Cold War era.

SEMINAR IN GLOBAL AFFAIRS (EMA 718) Course Description The seminar covers global issues of serious concerns to government, policy makers and businesses. The course provides the students with the opportunity to explore critically issues of emerging importance and to develop an eclectic understanding of the interrelated nature of global forces. Environment, trading systems, international relations, poverty, terrorism, foreign direct investment, public and corporate governance and technology are some of the key areas that will form the general focus of this course. Given the dynamic nature of global affairs, the students can explore new and emerging areas of interest with the approval of the instructor. INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND MANAGEMENT (MIR 710) Course Description Conflict resolution, prevention and management have remained a major concern among scholars, analysts and practitioners of states and non-state actors, regional bodies and international organizations. Recent trend have shown a shift in the traditional perspective of the primary role of state actors in efforts to resolve these conflicts to non-state actors, regional and international organizations as well. The course will survey the key theories of conflict management/ resolution/ prevention in international relations, the historical development of the concept, the various approaches, methods and techniques, major issues and case studies of recent conflicts highlighting the problems and complexities confronting efforts at resolving these conflicts in

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contemporary international relations. Lectures will cover such key strategies as mediation, conflict prevention, implementation of peace agreements, peace-keeping, peace enforcement, humanitarian intervention, refugee crisis management, arbitration and good offices. Case studies will cover prolonged conflicts such as Israel-Palestine, North-South Korea, Kashmir and including recent crises such as Timor Leste, Kosovo, Bosnia, Somalia, Rwanda, South China Sea conflict, among others. Note: More electives will be added based on students’ interest and current developments. Post Graduate Student’s Responsibilities The following sections outline the responsibilities of a post-graduate student undertaking the programme at the Faculty. Registration The student must follow all the rules pertaining to registration as established and required by UiTM via the Institute of Post Graduate Studies (IPSIS). Failure to follow these rules will place your position at risk and create unwanted inconveniences. If you face any difficulties, please communicate with the Head of Center of Studies (Post-Graduate). Please maintain copies of your registration documents for reference in the event of disputes (Offer letter, bank payment slips, credit card statements, registration form etc.). You will be required to carry out online registration of the courses every semester. Please communicate with the Head of Center of Studies (Post-Graduate) on the courses to be registered especially those pertaining to the electives. Special consultation will be provided prior to registration. Keep records of your online registration. Always register well in advance to avoid being rushed by fast approaching deadlines. Programme Plan The programme plan is the package of courses that the student must register and complete to graduate. Please read the handbook carefully and ensure that you have registered for the required and elective courses for graduation. You should seek the advice of the Head of Center of Studies (Post-Graduate) to develop your personal study plan to ensure smooth completion. There is a template for such a personal study plan provided in Appendix 1 of this handbook.

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Postgraduate Regulations The postgraduate programmes are subject to the regulations approved by UiTM Senate. Please obtain a copy of the document from IPSIS. These documents contain requirements which form part of the contract between you and UiTM. You should spend some time to familiarise yourself with the rules and requirements. Of particular importance are the rules on programme duration, computing grade point average, actions for unsatisfactory performance, repeating and deferment of courses, plagiarism and study leave. Attendance and Participation in class Students are required by UiTM Postgraduate academic regulation to maintain at least 80% attendance of classes. Students who fail to meet his requirement can be barred from taking the examination. As working individuals, there may be many interruptions to your study plan. Please plan and avoid any disruptions to your study. If you are unable to attend classes because of unforeseen events, please communicate without your instructor and/or Head of Center of Studies (Post-Graduate) promptly to avoid any difficulties later. While the regulation requires attendance, participation and attention to the subject matter and issues discussed is where the value of the programme will be realised. Therefore, we expect you to actively participate in the discussions and presentations. Active participation develops confidence, articulation skills and also leadership. The real value of the programmes can only be realised through your active co-creation and participatory activities. Reading and Reflection A masters level programme does not seek to just transfer advanced information and knowledge on a subject but more importantly seeks to engage the students to reflect critically, contingently and creatively on the contents, theories, perspectives, assumptions and paradigms in the context of the real world in which they see, live in and operate. This reflection is critical to the value creation objective of the programme. Reflection cannot come without adequate reading and understanding of the subject matter. Students are expected to read and be prepared for the scheduled sessions. Every effort shall be made to ensure readings are available. Searching and locating the reading materials is also part of the learning exercise. Be self-reliant and independent.

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Computer Literacy All post-graduate students must be competent in the use of personal computers and basic applications. Possession of a notebook computer is a must for all post-graduate students. The university has acquired the license to use a wide range of software. Students enrolled on the post-graduate programmes can have access to these programmes (SPSS, AMOS, SAS, etc.). However, students must abide by the license conditions. The Lab Technician at FSPPP can be contacted to get more information on the use of these softwares. Conferences, Seminars and Graduation Dinners Postgraduate students are encouraged to actively attend seminars and conferences relevant to the programme. Papers written as course requirements should be of quality for suitable submission to seminars and conferences in consultation with instructors. Acceptance and presentation of the papers will enable the faculty and students to judge the quality of the work in the various courses in the programme. Attendance will be compulsory when conferences are organised by the faculty. Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty Copying the works of others from any source is a serious violation of UiTM’s academic rules. All work that is not the student’s must be accordingly referenced and acknowledged following the UiTM and FSPPP rules. All assignments and papers submitted in the course of the programme are deemed to be the work of student (s) and must have a declaration page to that effect (after the cover page). A sample is provided to all instructors. FSPPP’s Website Your instructors and the Coordinator will circulate information about schedules, classes, talks, and cancellations from time to time. While e-mails are a very cheap, quick and convenient way of communicating, only daily check of e-mails will truly ensure you remain connected. So, check your emails daily and provide prompt response to any related inquiries. Make it a habit of checking with the faculty website daily to stay informed of any changes. (http://www3.uitm.edu.my/faculties/fsppp/)

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Attire UiTM has its own rules on proper attire for students. Students must be appropriately dressed for the classes and consultation. Coffee Lounge To ensure comfort, the faculty has provided a small but cosy lounge for you to take a break and to get a much needed drink before, during or after the classes. Please use the lounge responsibly by ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the place at all times. If you have any suggestions to improve the lounge, please feel free to communicate it to the Head of Center of Studies (Post-Graduate). All reasonable requests will be met. Library and Information Services Postgraduate students must familiarise themselves with the PTAR library services. The library offers a wide range of services that are necessary for the postgraduate students. Online databases (Proquest, Emerald and Abscohost) and digital dissertation collection (ABI Dissertation) will be of particular interest to postgraduate students. Students should use high speed Internet to access these services. Alternatively, they can use FSPPP’s computing facilities to get high speed access to online materials. Always keep the librarians informed on any difficulties faced in accessing materials online or through any other means. They are there to serve you but you must help them to help you better. They are always glad to be of assistance. (http://ilmu2.ptar.uitm.edu.my/ptar/eQUIP/home.jsp) How to get the most out of your Masters Programme The learning outcomes of any programme are co-created by the lecturers and the students working closely, interactively and collaboratively. The value creation depends on the quality of student interaction in the learning process. The following outlines some ways for you to derive more value from this programme. Data and Information vs. Knowledge The new millennium is marked by an explosive growth of data and information in all fields of life, work and study. Information by its very nature has a very short shelf-life. Hence, the value of information declines very rapidly. Knowledge, which is the understanding and use of information, has more permanency and hence, of better value.

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In this programme, you will come across new information and data on many matters. Merely acquiring information does not create lasting value. You must be able to abstract from the data and information to develop understanding about the subject matter of the information. Using the information in ways that facilitates problem resolution is what knowledge is all about. Superior knowledge comes from using information in ways that is innovative or creative to solve individual, group and organisational problems. But true knowledge requires one to think about things ordinary, deeply, reflectively, adaptively, contextually and unconventionally to develop better insights. This programme provides the platform and environment to do just that. Take advantage of this opportunity and you will get more from this programme than just new information. In the age of information overload, frameworks, concepts and theories (P. Drucker, 2000) are critical to survival. This programme will provide you with many perspectives, frameworks, concepts and theories. Discuss, discourse and develop them to become a thinking practitioner. Interaction vs. Imbibitions Postgraduate programme requires active participation of the student in the discussion of the subject matter. Interaction, besides clarifying issues relating to the subject matter also serves to develop important personal and professional skills. Interaction develops articulation skills, confidence in oneself, ability to see and maintain relationships and leadership. People skills are a premium as one goes up the organisational ladder. So take advantage of the opportunities to interact with classmates, instructors and guest lecturers. Interaction in the class room is an indication of the readiness of the student to engage in issues presented to the class. Passive students leave the programme without developing themselves as much as they should have. Theory vs. Practice There is a general belief that theories and models complicate life and learning and hence to be avoided. Albert Einstein said that “there is nothing more practical than a good theory”. Theories are deduced from observations and the empirical world. By their very nature, theories are abstractions – only those elements that are deemed as important variables are extracted. A good deal of theories and models make up every discipline of study and practice. Examine these theories critically and contribute your own thoughts to the theoretical discussion. Theory and practice must inform each other. As practitioners you must seek to expand your capabilities through the

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understanding of theories and models which represents your collective and cumulative knowledge of the subject matter. As students, seek to enrich the theories by adding your own dimensions to it. Meeting Requirements vs. Exceeding Requirements Many students may set very limited or low goals as they embark on the programme. We know from Goal Setting Theory that one will expend more effort if he/she sets higher goals. Therefore, aim high and do all the work that is required of you in the various courses in the best way possible. Do not seek short cuts. Always read or do more than what is required. This attitude of mind will make you exemplary and provide satisfaction and better results. Not only will you inspire yourself but also all others around you. Be inspirational, not just ordinary. Students who go beyond the minimum will motivate and challenge the instructors to give more. Collectively, all will gain from higher expectations. Take on challenging assignments and seek to excel, not to just complete the programme. Time Commitment If you are part time students, you have limited time for the work associated with the programme. You must set aside specific time in the week for work related to the programme. Most courses in the programme require about 120 hours of your study time. The learning sessions (classes) only take care of between 40-48 hours of the required time. The self-learning time, which forms the bulk of the learning, must be set aside and productively used for the required reading and reflection. You may have to sacrifice the weekends with your family and friends. These sacrifices are necessary to finish the work needed to complete the programme. Do not underestimate the demands of the programme and overestimate you ability to cope with the demands. At the time of registration, think carefully about the commitment you can make in terms of the time. Consistent and persistent commitment is needed to complete the programme on time. The devotion of time to learning especially self-learning, will determine the completion and the reward to be enjoyed from this programme. Follow your own Pace Everyone faces different constraints and consequently, has different resources and priorities. Develop a plan of study that optimizes your resources. You will

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get more from the programme by following it at you own pace and not by trying to live up to the pace of others, who may face fewer challenges than you do. Caveat This handbook is to be read together with the ‘Peraturan Akademik Pengajian Pasca Siswazah’ and other documents issued by IPSIS and FSPPP applicable to postgraduate students. In the event of inconsistencies between this handbook and documents issued by UITM or IPSIS, the latter documents shall prevail. The matter should be brought to the attention of the faculty for rectification. Inquiries If you have any questions about this programme please telephone, fax or email using information provided below. Dean Tel: 06-6342025/2026 Head of Center of Studies (Post-Graduate) Tel: 03-55444167 ajalil838@salam.uitm.edu.my Executive Officer Tel:03-55444174 Fax: 03-55444131 To get more information about the programme, please visit our website at http://www3.uitm.edu.my /faculties/fsppp/. Accuracy of Information Information contained in this handbook is accurate at the time of printing.

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APPENDIX 1 MY STUDY PLAN

No Course Code Course Status Semester Grade CGPA 1 C/E* 2 C/E 3 C/E 4 C/E 5 C/E 6 C/E 7 C/E 8 C/E 9 C/E 10 C/E 11 C/E

* C – Core, E-Elective