ICEED 2009

In tandem with the need for us to publish in indexed journals, ARI wishes to invite all members to participate in the forthcoming conference which is jointly organized by IEEE (Malaysia) and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, UiTM. The conference proceeding is indexed by Scopus. Perhaps a paper on financial re-engineering, corporate re-engineering.... The conference: International Congress On Engineering Education (ICEED 2009); Date: 7-8 December 2009; Venue: Kuala Lumpur

For more information please visit http://www.ieeemalaysia.org/iceed2009

Applied Research Presentation

Today, the applied research class participants presented their proposed methodology for their projects. They were also asked to propose names for the 4-5 Tables and Charts that they would use to present their research findings in the final report. As a whole, there were a lot of progress since our last meeting three weeks ago. Those who attended the class today can now proceed to collect their research data. Our next meeting on 29th August will discuss research findings and data analysis. Great job everyone...

Writing Book Chapters

A lot of ARI researchers are also now focussing on writing book chapters. I saw a website on "How to Write a Book Chapter that Guides Your Readers Like a Yellow Brick Road" (see http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/how-to-write-a-book-chapter-that-guides-your-readers-like-a-yellow-brick-road-513206.html} for details. Listed below are excerpts from the website which include the following 10 elements that we need to focus on:

1. Sizzle your chapter title: Create grab you by the collar chapter titles. You can immediately follow up with a subtitle that emphasizes and explains the title's meaning. Or you may consider a brief quotes.

2. Insert brief quotes: You may follow each title one or two quotes from your speeches or other authorities in your field which support the title.

3. Write an Introduction: Begin each chapter with 6-8 paragraphs of introduction. The introduction may include a short story presenting the chapter's main principle or underlying thesis. For short books 3 to 4 paragraphs work best. You don't want your introduction to over power your chapter.

4. Create an opening statement: For example, you could open each chapter with a thought provoking question or a startling statistic that show where your audience is now (before reading your book.) Many authors begin with a short analogy or story. Whatever you decide to open with, create an attention getter to hook your reader.

5. Prepare a thesis statement: After your short introduction including your hook (opening statement), write your thesis. Keep it simple; let your readers know what benefits await them if they keep reading. For example, one author friend uses sizzling bullet points to entice the reader into the chapter. You may place them right below quote or directly below introduction.

6. Write 7 to 10 points: Next, you may be write lessons or present tools used to achieve the goal presented in the introduction. Condense your material as you develop each point. Some lessons may require one paragraph and others may need several.

7. Include case studies: Incorporate one or more story form case studies that support the chapter's central idea.

8. Add self-evaluation tools: Add brief questions that permit readers to measure their progress with each of the principles described inside the chapters.

9. Summarize your chapter. Each chapter may end with four to eight paragraphs that summarize the central idea and supporting points. Don't forget to hold the carrot out at the end: insert 1-2 sentences at the end of your summary to entice your readers with benefits waiting in the next chapter.

10. Use engagement tools. Create active participants of your book readers using engagement tools like worksheets and note sheets. Make lists, questions to ponder or boxed tips to actively engage your readers instead of allowing them to be observers.

Congratulations Prof Hatta.....

Congratulations Prof Dr Mohamad Hatta Azad Khan, for being awarded the Anugerah Seni dan Kreativiti. The prestigeous award was given during the Ministry of Higher Education's Anugerah Akademik Negara event which was held at the Royale Chulan's Grand Ballroom last night. Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, the Minister of Higher Education himself gave away the awards. Our vice chancellor, Tan Sri Dato' Seri Professor Dr Ibrahim Abu Shah Shah was also there to share Prof Hatta's historic moment. Congratulations, we are proud of you...

Forum on Consumerism

One of the most important sessions of the MACFEA seminar was the forum on consumerism. Three distingushed speakers, namely Assoc Professor Dr Laily Paim from UPM, Mr Mohamed Akwal Sultan from the Agensi Kaunseling & Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) a subsidiary of Bank Negara Malaysia and Mr Nurwandi, a project director from the Association of Muslim Consumers took part in the discussion focussing on "Strenthening Consumer Power". The forum dealt with issues on the role of tertiary institutions in educating the consumers; the "credit card phenomena" and the "Halal issues".

MACFEA Annual Seminar

ARI is proud to co-host the MACFEA's 13th annual conference. The two-day conference (4-5 August 2009)which was held at the Concorde Hotel, Shah Alam was graced opened by the Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. A dialog session with the minister was held immediately after the opening ceremony. In conjunction with the event, more than fifty papers were presented. ARI's research fellow, Associate Professor Dr Zuraidah Mohd Sanusi was the conference chair. Congratulations to all committee members...

An Honour for Rosmah

A special commemorative convocation was organized today to honour the First Lady, Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor. The honorary doctorate was conferred by the His Majesty Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, (the Agong and King of Malaysia) to her in recognition of her contributions towards children education. Also in attandance to witness the event was the Prime Minister Dato' Ser Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak. Congratulation Datin Paduka Seri Dr Rosmah Mansor.

INFORMM to Inform.....

As part of UiTM's preparation for the research university initiative, a group of officers visited USM's top centre of excellence, the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM) in USM Kubang Kerian campus in Kota Baru. As a director of ARI, I was also included as one of the delegates. The delegation was headed by Prof Dr Azni Zain Ahmed. INFORMM is not only the top COE in USM, it is also recognized as the leading COE by the Ministry of Higher Education. INFORMM's director Prof Dr Rusli Ismail and the deputy director Prof Phua gave a half day briefing on the institute. It was indeed worthwhile trip. Thank you INFORMM.

Visit to USM Kubang Kerian

ARI and UiTM wish to thank the USM Kubang Kerian campus director Prof Dato' Dr Mahfawzy for hosting UiTM delegates today. From the various sharing sessions that we attended, we learned a lot about USM's research initiatives & strategies and how the university dealt with issues involving people and resources. One common "denominator" that was clearly shown to us was their sense of committment and their love for the university.

The RU Journey Continues....

As part of their scheduled visits, members of the RU Sub-committee headed by Prof Dr Abu Bakar Majeed, the Assistant Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) visited ARI and the Faculty of Accountancy this afternoon. Basically the main aim of the visit was to brief ARI and faculty members on the technical aspects of the RU form. The team had also discussed on possible short-term and long-term strategies of enhancing publications in indexed journals (i.e journals registered with Scopus & WOS).