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Newsletter of the Research Management Centre

ISSN: 0128-9497

AUG - DEC 2011

PROF. DATO DR. ZALEHA KAMARUDDIN

RECTOR OF IIUM
THE NEW RECTOR : TAKING IIUM TO THE NEXT LEVEL

IIUM Marches Toward Research University Status

Activities of Various Units of the RMC

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RU With A Soul

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IN THIS ISSUE
IIUM & RU Status 3-4 RMC Activities 5-6 Book Review 7 Publication Collaboration 8 Books & Journals 9-10 Staff Update 11 RU with a Soul 12

HELP US to serve you BETTER

The Research Management Centre rejoices with the IIUM Community and the entire Muslim Ummah on the Occasion of the New Hijrah Year, 1433AH
Kullu Amin wa Antum bi Khayrin

IIUM Rakes in Medals at BIOMALAYSIA 2011

The BioMalaysia 2011 with the theme: for sustainability and prosperity of the nation, region and the world might have come and gone, but the August exhibition that featured more than 150 local and international exhibitors with over 300 booths will for ever embedded in the memory of local and foreign participants who graced the event. This years Malaysias premier and largest biotechnology conference and exhibition since 2005, was jointly organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia (MOSTI), Malaysia Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp) and PROTEMP Exhibitions Sdn. Bhd. at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), between, 21st and 23rd November, 2011. The exhibition provides ample opportunities for eminent group of scientists, inventors, industrialists and entrepreneurs to rub shoulders and showcase their latest findings and ideas on current trends in biotechnology. The occasion was also an exceptional avenue for knowledge sharing, networking and commercialisation opportunities. The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) actively participated at the impressive event and won 3 gold, 5 silver and 3 bronze medals.

Editorial Board
Advisor Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ridza Wahiddin Editors Dr. Hanafi Hj Dollah Dr. Naseer Yousef Dr. Abdulazeez B. Shittu Bro. Mohd Azizul Rahman B. Zabidin Language Research Management Centre Article Providers, Photographers and Publisher: Research Management Centre Corporate Communication Division Deputy Rectors Office (Research & Innovation) Dr. Abdulazeez B. Shittu Layout & Typesetting Abdul Halim Taib Corporate Communication Division
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Research University status is a prestigious designation normally bestowed on deserving universities with outstanding reputation in research activities. It is also a method of distinguishing a full-fledged university with adequate facilities to conveniently accommodate and satisfy researchers needs in various capacities. As Malaysia becomes one of the leading destinations for researchers and postgraduate students alike from various parts of the world, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) determines to separate the wheat from the chaff by introducing Research University status or RU in order to maintain high quality research and reliability in the Malaysian ivory towers. Being a university with unique mission and vision, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) is not resting on its laurels, but determines to join the league of research universities in Malaysia so as to widen the scope of its services and responsibilities to the Ummah and humanity. In this regard, the editorial wishes the IIUM a smooth and successive bid for RU status.

TOWARD RESEARCH UNIVERSITY WITH A SOUL

Newsletter of the Research Management Centre

IIUM MARCHES TOWARD RESEARCH UNIVERSITY STATUS

Exclusive interview with Prof. Dr. Faris Ismail, Deputy Rector (Research and Innovation)
By Dr. Abdulazeez B. Shittu

Asalam Alaykum and good afternoon Prof. You are welcome to the Research Management Centre (RMC), the heart of research activities in the university. Wa Alaykumu Salam, thank you very much for this opportunity to talk about the IIUMs aspiration to become a research university. Being a member of the academia and at the same time, an administrator, how do you cope and manage these two camps? Though managing the two camps as you put it, is not an easy task. However, with dedication, hard work, prayers and, above all, guidance from the Almighty Allah, I have been able to cope and try my utmost best to serve the Ummah under the banner of the IIUM. In recent times, the acronym RU is being used often by some IIUM staff and students alike, while some have reservations about it because they do not understand its meaning and the philosophy behind it. What does RU stand for? RU is a short form of Research University. It is one of the criteria being used for university ranking. It is also a benchmark put in place by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to raise the status of Malaysian universities to world standard. It is observed that some Islamic oriented universities do not care much about university ranking, what is IIUMs stance on this issue? As an academic institution, apart from teaching, the university also has important role to play in terms of

Undoubtedly, research university status is one of the aspirations of every university in order to attract quality researchers and international students, and, above all, to be recognised as one of the world class institutions of higher learning. As a result of this, the International Islamic University Malaysia, IIUM is leaving no stone unturned to achieve this goal. As the IIUM prepares to submit its proposal to the appropriate authorities, The Researcher seeks to dig to the root of the preparation and the importance of the RU to IIUM. In order to feed our readers with adequate information, The Researcher had exclusive interview with the IIUM Deputy Rector (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Faris Ismail. 3

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research, as well as rendering variety of services to the society. Community service comes in different forms. It may be through consultancy jobs, serving as members of state, national and international committees, advising governments and policy makers, conducting research for industries, as well as providing leadership to the society. Since it is incumbent upon the university to generate and disseminate knowledge, our philosophy is that this must be done through rigorous research and proclamation of research findings in various fields of knowledge. We are convinced that our staffs engagement in quality research will enhance the quality of their teaching, which will in turn enhance the quality of our students. In other words, their teaching would be based on latest technology and upto-date information on contemporary issues. Consequently, our students would be able to compete favourably with their counterparts from any part of the world. In the long run, our lecturers would be able to balance their role as educators, researchers and service providers. That is why the university leaves no stone unturned to boost the morale of our staff through various incentives. The above scenario informs our quest to become one of the leading universities in Malaysia through the RU status. Which body or organisation is responsible for the award of the RU status? The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in Malaysia is the initiator of the RU status. It also acts as the umpire on all issues related to higher education in the country. It regulates and monitors the establishment and management of all tertiary institutions to ensure that they operate according to the laid rules and regulations. Has research university status been awarded to any university in Malaysia or it is a new development? Research University issue is not a new development in the country. So far, about five universities have been awarded the RU status, they are: Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Insha Allah, by 2012, IIUM is also optimistic to join the league of research universities in Malaysia. What are the criteria for the award of the RU status? The Ministry of Higher Education has come up with an instrument called MYRA to ascertain the suitability or otherwise of a university as far as the RU status is concerned. Through the MYRA, the ministry evaluates the research strength of a university by scrutinising the quality and quantity of principal investigators who lead other researchers in various projects, number of staff with PhDs, number of years and experience of the researchers in their career, and most importantly, the quality of the research being conducted in various departments. Similarly, among the major determinants are number of publications, research grants, quality and quantity of postgraduate students, research infrastructure such as the library, laboratory accreditation, research networking, as well as innovation. Do staff and students of the university have any role to play in order to boost our chances of achieving this laudable objective? As we all know that it is not possible to clap with one hand. In other words, a tree cannot make a forest. Every member of the IIUM Community must work together as a team in order to jointly wear the crown at the end of it all. All hands must be on deck, academic and non-academic staff, as well as our postgraduate students must be committed to their duties by doing their best for better results at the end of the day. How will you rate the universitys preparation vis--vis the MYRA? Alhamdulillah, we thank Allah s.w.t. because if we cast our mind back to where we were about five years ago and compare it with the level of exposure and research activities in the university today, one would be inclined to say that our preparation is on course. We are gradually shifting from a teaching based to a research based university. At this juncture, I would like to use this opportunity to commend our academic and non-academic staff, because they have shown enthusiasm in contributing their quota to uplift the status of the university to a world-class institution of higher learning. Having said this, a lot of work needs to be done in order to have a successful output whenever we present our proposal to the ministry in the near future insha Allah. What are the benefits of RU status to the university, researchers, our students and the Ummah? Research University status opens doors of opportunities for universities, researchers, as well as the students within the system. RU status will attract more international students and researchers to our university, due to the fact that the status of a university is considered by applicants when applying to universities abroad. The Muslim Ummah also stands to gain a lot from this, as the IIUM has become a point of reference when is come to postgraduate studies in the Muslim world. We understand that the IIUM has come up with a slogan known as Research University with a Soul or RU with a Soul as part of its campaign strategy, what does it connote? As a unique international institution with Islamic identity, we want to pursue our goal with our identity and dignity intact. In other words, we plan to become a research university and at the same time maintain the mission and vision of our university, which are Islamization, Integration and Internationalisation. Our main objective to become a research university is to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of the Ummah in particular and humanity as a whole. Research University status would afford us the opportunity of being part of solutions to the numerous problems bedevilling humanity today. For example, the economic meltdown being experienced in different parts of the world today needs holistic solution. With Research University status, our researchers in Islamic Banking and Finance could come up with alternative solution, since the crisis has virtually defied all solutions proffered from different quarters. Political logjam, social vices and moral bankruptcy that have become common phenomena in the Muslim world and other parts of the world are another area our researchers could assist and provide effective and lasting solutions that will stand the test of time. Finally, as I have earlier mentioned, cooperation of all stakeholders is needed in the task ahead. Academic and nonacademic staff should work together as a team with strong commitment in order to score the required points. Being the nucleus of research activities in the university, the Research Management Centre (RMC) has greater role to play in this direction. The RMC should brace up for its oversight functions of promoting, coordinating and monitoring research activities in the university. If these are done, we hope and pray that very soon, our university will join the league of research universities in Malaysia.

Newsletter of the Research Management Centre

Activities of Various Units of The Research Management Centre

RMC Booth Wins Best Appearance Award At IIUM 2011 Quality Day
The International Islamic University Malaysia, IIUM celebrated this years Quality Day on Thursday, 17th March 2011/12 Rabiulakhir 1432H at the Cultural Activity Centre (CAC), Main Campus, Gombak, with the theme: Achieving Excellence through Research and Innovation The day, in which the university . celebrated and appreciated agencies, academic and non-academic staff who have contributed to the development of the University had the presence of the Honourable President of IIUM, YBhg. Tan Sri Mohd. Sidek Hassan. The Research Management Centre (RMC) held an exhibition at two booths at the lobby of the Cultural Activity Centre.The exhibition was divided into 4 components:1) IIUM Press Book Sale, 2) Innovation and Commercialization Unit Products Sale, 3) Games and 4) Lucky Draw. Also on display, were advertisement and information posters about RMC and its various units, as well as RMC organisational chart. It was a good opportunity for RMC to meet its clients as the booth attracted approximately 500 visitors. The guests were invited to sign our guest book and participated in various challenging and interesting games. Among the various products on display, Gamat products attracted most of our visitors attention. These include, Nutrigama: 1) Nutrigama - Fruity Gamat Jelly, Nutri Gamat Jelly, Gamat Boostegen, Gamat Skin lotion and Gamat Skin Gel.They were given a chance to have samples of the products, and many proceeded to purchase the Gamat products. Some visitors also bought the CD entitled Kafa Teaching Aid (for children) and the IIUM Press Books. Among the prominent visitors to RMC booth were the IIUM President, YBhg. Tan Sri Mohd. Sidek Hassan and the Rector of IIUM, YBhg. Prof. Dato Sri Dr. Syed Arabi Idid. Tan Sri Sidek was very keen to know about IIUM products and we explained to him that IIUM is moving towards commercialising its research products, which will eventually bring good economic returns to the university in the near future. The RMC booth won The Best Appearance Award, which was presented by the IIUM President.

EPRINTS SYSTEM: A Giant Stride For Easier Data Management

The Research Computational Unit or RCU is one of the main components that function for the research and publication support in the Research Management Centre (RMC). The RCU introduces an open source system known as Eprints. Eprints system has been used by 70% of IPTAs in Malaysia as their publication data recording and source of publication reference and it is a completely web-based application. This new system is replacing the existing ePublication system. While ePublication system is utilised to have a comprehensive database on the IIUMs academic achievement and activities, Eprints system provides a fast recording of publications information for data to be more accurate and updated. As such, effective data management on publications will be easier and more convenient. The proposed system shows greater efficient in the integration of data recording by IIUM Library and the Research Management Centre. In other words, it is more convenient to use one system than separate systems. Besides, uploading documents such as abstract, full document, URL links, and digital works is provided by Eprints in which, those documents have multilevel accessed by user, editor or administrator. However, the new system requires editors review prior publication in order to ensure content accuracy. Furthermore, Eprints system makes it easier to import records from other repository such as PubMed. It also facilitates quick export to multiple formats such as ASCII, Bibtex, endnote, Dublin core and many more. Eprints system is owned by IIUM Library, and it can be accessed through http://irep.iium. edu.my

IIUM Press Outreach Programme

The IIUM Press Outreach Programme was held from 23rd 24th November 2011, at the walk-way to the Azman Hashim Complex (in front of the former Bank Muamalat). The objective of the programme is to get feedback from the IIUM community, i.e. lecturers, students, administrative staff and general public. About 500 respondents were recorded and surveys outcomes will be analysed for future improvement of IIUM Press.

Questionnaires were distributed during Outreach Programme

Respondents filling in Questionnaires during Outreach Programme

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Activities of Various Units of The Research Management Centre

TEH TARIK Talks
Teh Tarik Talks with researchers from KAED, INSTED and KENMS was conducted based on the discussion held during the RMC Strategic Planning Workshop. The objective of the said initiative is to gain an insight from the researchers on what they expect from the RMC. Based on their feedback, the RMC would be able to formulate a strategic plan and take necessary actions in order to provide excellent services to the customers and stakeholders.

ISO 9001:2008 AUDIT

Internal Audit conducted by CSQA was held between 10th and 17th October, 2011. The RMC was given 3 NCR (minor) and 3 OFI (Opportunity for Improvement). Consequently, the relevant units in the RMC have taken necessary actions accordingly. External Audit conducted by SIRIM-QAS was held on 17th November, 2011. The auditors were Mr. Zuraimi bin Sarpin, (the Lead Auditor) assisted by Ms. Aw Yee Wah. After the audit, there was no NCR issued. However, there are 8 OFI issued. Concluding remarks of the auditors has given RMC another two years of ISO extension.

RMC IEP 2011 @Colmar

RMC STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP

Series of Strategic Planning Workshops for the RMS were held as follows: 1. Series 1: 4/11/2011 (Friday), 9.30 a.m. 12.30 p.m. 2. Series 2: 25/11/2011 (Friday), 3.00 p.m. 6.00 p.m. The workshops were conducted at the RMC, with the assistance from Mr. Menon from MIMOS Berhad. During the workshop series 1, Mr. Menon was assisted by Mr. Saupi, also from MIMOS Berhad. The outcome of the workshop series would be a revised Vision and Mission of the RMC, and a Master plan.

RMC IEP 2011 @Colmar

RMC IEP 2011 @Colmar

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Book Review
Title: Editors: Publisher: Pages: Year: Spirituality in Management from Islamic perspectives Prof. Dr. AAhad M. Osman-Gani & Dr. Suhaimi Mhd Sarif IIUM Press 321 2011 Management, Organisational Behaviour, Quality Management, Entrepreneurship, Business Ethics, Leadership and Human Capital Development. Various conceptual models presented in the book could serve as readymade solutions for managers and entrepreneurs in piloting the affairs of their respective organisations. They also provide clear pictures for employees on how to balance between their duties as personnel and obedient servants of Allah s.w.t. While the authors exposition is clear and straight to the point, few typesetting and technical errors belittled their efforts. For example, Arabic texts of Quranic verses, tables and figures are blunt. In the same vein, transliteration of Arabic words did not receive deserved attention. Efforts should be made to address these observations in the next edition of the book. Apart from these minor issues, the book shows extensive reading and broad research capability of the authors, which are substantiated with rich references for further reading and future research. In a nutshell, the book could be described as a torch for future research interests in the subject area.

By Dr. Abdulazeez B. Shittu & Dr. Hanafi Dollah

VISION OF RESEARCH MANAGEMENT CENTRE

The entire world today has been thrown into confusion with no clear direction in virtually all facets of human endeavours as a result of sordid activities by all and sundry. This state of affairs has been attributed to lack of spirituality in our engagement with one another. Management, which is regarded as the bedrock of productivity, has been seriously affected by this lapse in our daily activities, and thus made many to roam in moral bankruptcy. Books on spirituality dwell on this subject matter from different religious perspectives, while materials on the issue from Islamic perspective are scarce. This book provides ample opportunities for whoever wants to look inward and make spirituality on the platform of Islam his or her trademark, in order to gain the pleasure of the Almighty in this world and in the hereafter. The nine chapters of the book tackle specific issues related to management and spirituality. They proffer solutions to vices from management perspective supporting their positions with relevant Quranic verses and Prophetic traditions. The book particularly covers several major areas of organisational management, i.e., Human Resource

Latest Books/ Journals Published In 2011

(Price Shown Before Discounts) In carrying out its mandate of promoting and publishing research findings, the IIUM Press is living up to expectations by publishing various books and journals. In 2011, several English, Arabic and Malay books covering wide range of fields of knowledge were published. Similarly, latest issues of IIUM journals were also published.

RM 20.00 VOL. 15, NO. 30, 2011

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Books Published in Collaboration Between The IIUM Press and International Publishers in Lebanon and Jordan

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Latest Books/ Journals Published In 2011

(Price Shown Before Discounts)

RM 45.00

RM 45.00

RM 50.00

RM 65.00

RM 42.00

RM 42.00

RM 50.00

RM 50.00

RM 45.00 Vol. 12, No. 1, 2011

RM 30.00 Vol. 13, No. 1, 2011

RM 40.00

RM 49.00

RM 20.00 Vol. 15, No. 29, 2011

RM 42.00

RM 48.00

RM 65.00

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Latest Books/ Journals Published In 2011

(Price Shown Before Discounts)

RM 48.00

RM 35.00

RM 68.00

RM 65.00

RM 48.00

RM 48.00

RM 60.00

RM 40.00 Vol. 19, No. 1, 2011

RM 60.00

RM 48.00

RM 45.00 Vol. 12, No. 2, 2011

RM 25.00 Vol. 8, No. 1, 2011

RM 46.00

RM 55.00

RM 46.00

RM 28.00 Vol. 19, No. 2, 2011

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Newsletter of the Research Management Centre

RMC Staff Update From August To December 2011

Prof. Dr. Irwandi Jaswir Deputy Dean (Research Initiative Unit)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maizirwan Mel Deputy Dean (Innov. & Commercialisation Unit)

Dr. Hanafi Dollah Deputy Dean (Publication/IIUM Press)

Dr. Zainurin Dahari Deputy Dean (External Collaboration Unit)

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ismail bin Abdul Karim (Director Centre of Excellence)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nor Director, RMC Kuantan Campus

Md. Hashim bin Hj. Selamat Senior Assistant Director

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ridza Wahiddin Dean, RMC

Mohd Azizul Rahman Assistant Director (Publication/IIUM Press)

Sr. Norhayati Yusop Administrative Assistant (Publication/IIUM Press)

Sr. Noriza binti Awang Hitam Secretary, Deans Office

Abdul-Ganiyy Salman Research Assistant (Publication/IIUM Press)

Dr. Abdulazeez B. Shittu Post-Doctoral Researcher (Publication/IIUM Press)

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Realising A Research University With A Soul

By Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ridza, Dean RMC

Not many of us are aware of our university core values. They exist and are deliberated in a booklet entitled IIUM Code of Ethics. Our shared core values are GOD Fearing (Taqwa), Amanah, Accountability and Justice; while Integrity is the essence of IIUM Code of Ethics. These ethics are the bedrock of excellence and innovation. Shared values are binding the workforce of any organisation as a team and will spur them to achieve goals. In our quest to be the next Research University it is a challenge to build in our shared values into the IIUM Annual Corporate KPIs. How do we measure success stories or non-compliance of living and breathing these core values; those of the Majlis members and right down to the individual contributors? They say anything gets measured gets done. Our Honourable President recently suggested in these times of much abundance and severe competing forces, doing things differently alone doesnt guarantee success. Its about

Sultan Ahmad Shah Inspecting IIUM Press Stand @ Kuantan

knowing why exactly we do what we do and how it serves our customers. Its all about inspiring a shared vision and modelling the way! An Action Plan needs to be drafted with input from all stakeholders. A Chief Integrity Officer (CIO) needs to be appointed who is responsible to steer his committee to add value so that the IIUM is not just another Research University but one with a SOUL. We at the Research Management Centre (RMC) are committed to reach out and to serve the larger IIUM community based on our mission statement To support and facilitate research, publication and innovation to produce outstanding researchers guided by the IIUM core values. More outreach programmes will be conducted in the year 2012 so that the RMC will be able to serve better by acknowledging what our customers value, and not just based on unfounded assumptions. I take this opportunity to wish all of us a very Prosperous and Happy New Year 1433 H and 2012. May Allah SWT always bless us.

IIUM Rector Inspecting IIUM Press Stand @ Kuantan

IIUM President at RMC Both during 2011 Quality Day

MISSION STATEMENT
To facilitate and support research, publications, and innovation to produce outstanding researchers guided by IIUM core values
http://www.iium.edu.my/research
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