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C E N T R ENewsletter
O F E X C E L L Issue
E N C2,E2ndFQuarter,
O R RApril
E S -EJune
A R 2010
CH, VALUE INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
CERVIE
CERVIE
Newsletter
Issue 2, APRIL—JUNE 2010
2ND Quarter
Words from the Head of the Centre of Excellence for Research,
Value Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CERVIE)
Welcome to the second issue of the CERVIE Newsletter. The positive responses that we received on the first
issue have given us the impetus to continue and deliver the latest updates on research to our readers. ­The
CERVIE would like to introduce the UCSI University Research Cluster Groups to researchers for ­potential
­project collaborations and sharing of experiences. More information can be found on the CERVIE ­website ­­­­
­www.cervie.edu.my. In this issue, we include the CERVIE Conference Funding Policy for University staff to
provide information on the required application procedures and requirements.
Dr. Chin Jin Han from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences also appears in the Feature Researcher
section to share his experiences on research and to offer tips to young researchers. We also have articles
from Prof. Tin Tun and Sheiladevi a/p Sukumaran from the School of Medicine, and from Shahrinaz Ismail
and Dazmin bin Daud from the Faculty of Management & IT. Some of the articles will be continued in the
third issue. So do not miss valuable information that we have in store for you. See you in the third issue.
For further information on the CERVIE, please send an e-mail to cervie@ucsi.edu.my.
Dr. Keoy Kay Hooi, Alan
Letters to the Editors
If you have any comments on the published content, or if
you want to contribute in the forthcoming issues, please
send them to the CERVIE, Block C, 3rd Floor, South Wing
Campus, Kuala Lumpur or via e-mail to cervie@ ucsi.
edu.my. The editors reserve the right to edit any ­articles
for clarity and space before publication.
Opinions and views expressed in this publication are not
necessarily those of the CERVIE, nor does acceptance
editorial board
Advisor:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lachman Tarachand
Editorial Advisor:
Norlia Sha’ari
Content Editor:
Dr. Keoy Kay Hooi, Alan
Editors:
Ang Yen Hui, Nari Am Jami
Creative Content :
Shahfida Abd Manap
Contributors:
Prof. Dr. Tin Tun, Dr. Chin Jin Han,
Dr. Irene Tan Ai Lian, Dr. Jimmy Mok
Vee Hoong, Shahrinaz Ismail, Dazmin
bin Daud, Sheiladevi a/p Sukumaran,
Brice Assimizele.
and publication of articles imply its endorsements.
The CERVIE neither endorses nor is responsible for
the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, advice or
­statement published in this Newsletter. Under no
circumstances is the publisher liable for any loss or
damage caused by anyone’s reliance on the advice,
opinion or information obtained either explicitly or
implicitly from the contents of this publication.
publication
• Lim Y. S. (2010, July). Screening of probiotic lactic acid bacteria isolated
from infant faeces. Presented at the International Symposium on Lactic Acid,
­Universiti Putra Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Rodney T. H. G. & Jimmy M. V. H. (2010). A preliminary prospective view of
­renewable energy mix generation in Brunei. Presented at the 2nd ­International
Conference of Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) Brunei Darussalam
Network, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
• Renee Lim L. H. Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Lactobacilli in Commercial
­Probiotic Supplements. Presented at the International Symposium on Lactic
Acid Bacteria, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Chan H. K. (2010). Survival of probiotic strains to pH and bile. Presented at the
International Symposium on Lactic Acid Bacteria, Universiti Putra ­Malaysia,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Khoo Z. Y., Teh C. C., Nalamolu K. R. & Chin J. H. (2010). Evaluation of the toxic
effect of star fruit on serum biochemical parameters in rats. Pharmacognosy
Magazine, 6(22), 120-124.
• Prasanna, Y., Ashunta, G., & Prasad, K. V. S. R. G. (2010). Effect of Ethanol
of Indigofera tinctoria Linn (Fabaceae) on Lithium/Pilocarpine-Induced
Status Epilepticus and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats. Tropical Journal of
­Pharmaceutical Research, 9(2), 149-156.
Inside this issue:
What’s New ?
02
Feature Researcher 05
Research Knowledge 06
Research Update 07
Article
09
For Your Information 11
activities by cervie
• Coordinating the application
­submission of students for the
Hong Kong Polytech University
Innovation & ­ Entrepreneurship
Competition.
• Poster presentation at the 2nd
International Doctoral ­ Education
­Research Network (IDERN) 2010
Conference, ­ Universiti Putra
­Malaysia (UPM), 21st - 23rd April
2010.
• Organizing committee for the 2nd
­Organizing Committee Meeting
of MSC ­ Malaysia-IHL Business
Plan Competition 2010/2011,
­Thursday, 6th May 2010.
• Invited speaker for the Workshop
on Independent Projects for B.A.
(Hons.) Business Administration­
students at UCSI University on
­Tuesday, 11th May 2010.
• Training workshop for the
­Fundamental Research Grant
Scheme (FRGS) Phase 2/2010 on
Thursday, 13th May 2010.
• Internal Audit at the CERVIE,
­Tuesday, 11th May 2010.
• FRGS Online Submission Briefing
at CERVIE on Thursday, 20th ­May
2010.
UCSI Publishing House Sdn. Bhd.,
No 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights,
56000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-9101 6000 Fax: 603-9101 6642
CERVIE - CERVIE Newsletter
Issue 2, 2nd Quarter, April - June 2010
what’s new??
ucsi university may 2010
intake orientation day
The international doctoral
education research network
(idern) 2010
T
he new student Orientation Day for the May 2010 intake was
held on 29th and 30th April 2010. On the first day, the ­CERVIE
was given the opportunity of sharing the Centre’s visions with
new students on the concept of research, value innovations and
­entrepreneurship. The CERVIE’s vision is to be recognized as a ­­ broadbased University that is actively engaged in ­ innovative ­ research
­contributions and entrepreneurial activities through ­ establishing
smart partnerships, building university research ­ capabilities,
­developing enterprise value solutions and the ­ dissemination of
knowledge.
The students were also informed of the CERVIE’s role to provide
­opportunities for funding and a platform for young researchers to
be active in research. Thus, the CERVIE is ‘bridging’ or filling-in the
gap between the theoretical knowledge of academics, ­assignments
and coursework that students learn in the classroom, with the
­practical knowledge that the final year project, Co-Op placement
and ­competitions offer.
To achieve these objectives, the CERVIE provides the following
­initiatives:
• An Incubation Centre to explore students’ business ideas,
­commercial potentials and a mentorship system (advisory panel)
made available
• Consultancy forum that includes opportunities for students to
share their business ideas with potential investors and with the
Blue Ocean Strategy Regional Centre
• Faculty Research cluster with mentorship and guidance in terms
of field experts as a platform for students
• Workshops and seminars that include a research symposium
(for knowledge exchange between staff and students for the
­advancement of research) and also practical training.
• Value creation initiatives that include competitions for ­submission
of prototype or products at university level, with an appointment
for Adjunct Fellow and funding for patent
• A Foundation that encompasses intake of Co-Op students or final
year placements, and a role as research assistant for research
and capability building.
The CERVIE also provides facilities and supports for students to
­enhance their knowledge on research and to gain more information.
While the meeting room and group discussion corner are available for
meetings with their research group or for discussions with ­lecturers,
the information, resource and knowledge corner offers students the
training and available funds announcements, journals and books
to gather additional information on their research. In addition, the
CERVIE could also be used as a contact point for related queries.
T
he 2nd IDERN Conference was held on 21st to 23rd April 2010 by
the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). UCSI University was one of the
­conference participants where Dr. Keoy Kay Hooi together with Dr. Irene
Tan Ai Lian and Dr. Jimmy Mok Vee Hoong presented their research
­entitled “Achieving World Class Research Excellence for ­ Malaysian
­Private Higher Education Institutions: A Balancing Act between
­Knowledge ­Dissemination and Contribution”.
invitation to submit
fundamental research grant
scheme (frgs) phase 2/2010 by
ministry of higher education
(mohe)
F
undamental research is an exploration of ideas, concepts or
new ­ theories. It represents the cornerstone of new discovery and
the ­ creation of sophisticated and current knowledge development.
­Consequently, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (RMK-9), MOHE has
­allocated RM200 million to finance public fundamental research
­projects.
The Phase 2/2010 FRGS one-day training questionnaire survey ­workshop
on customer satisfaction which was conducted online on Thursday, 13th
May 2010 is accessible on line as of June. Consequently, MOHE has
­invited the Research Management Centre (RMC) of every Malaysian
higher education institution to attend this training. UCSI University was
represented by Dr. Keoy Kay Hooi and Ang Yen Hui.
In turn, the CERVIE conducted two briefing sessions to inform staff and to
answer any enquiries on this matter.
The IJASA published by UCSI University and the CERVIE ­Newsletter
which offers the latest information on research conducted by
­university staff could also be used as reference. Furthermore, the
CERVIE Newsletter also provides students with information on
­research competitions.
CERVIE - CERVIE Newsletter
Issue 2, 2nd Quarter, April - June 2010
what’s new?
UCSI University Research Cluster Group
Energy & Power Research Cluster
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Built
Environment
Members:
1. Chockalingam Aravind Vaithilingam
2. Gilbert Thio
3. Kanendra Naidu
Areas of expertise:
• Efficient energy conversion systems
• Power electronics drives & control
• Motor drive and controllers
• Electrical machine
• Design modelling, analysis and fabrication.
Current Projects:
• Linear Oscillatory Actuator (LOA) for the
­cutting of palm leaf.
• Variable reluctance machine drive modelling,
analysis & fabrication.
• Energy efficient kinetic charger for ­commercial
applications.
• Integrated energy efficient hybrid systems.
• Energy efficient solar thermal heating system.
SocRaTeS (Social Realm of Teaching
- and Learning System)
Faculty of Management & Information
Technology
Chair: Teh Phoey Lee
Members:
1. Shahrinaz Ismail
2. Yamen Batch
Areas of expertise:
• The social media/tools and Web 2.0 used in
the teaching and learning environment
• The emerging technology which includes ­social
media, such as the blog, ­­ micro-­blogging,
­social networking, social ­ bookmarking,
wiki, ­ multimedia files-sharing, ­ podcasting,
­webcasting and many others.
Current Project:
• Collaborating Wiki with University Database
for Focussed Learning Support.
• Students using the Wiki as a Learning Tool at
an International Private University.
• Mapping the Adult Learner’s Personal
­Knowledge Management on Collaborative
­Online Tools.
The CERVIE Operation Management
and ­Sustainability Research Group
Chair: Dr. Keoy Kay Hooi
Members:
1. Dr. Kwek Choon Ling
2. Irwin Hidayat
Areas of expertise:
• Performance improvement supply chain
­management and logistics
• Total quality management
• Quantitative research methods
• Green Supply Chain Management
• Ethnic entrepreneurship
• Succession planning
Current Project:
• Developing a low Carbon Footprint ­ Supply
Chain Framework for the ­ Malaysian
­Construction ­Industry.
• Green Campus initiative in Malaysia.
• CPFR, implementation for Achieving Low
­Carbon Supply Chain Sustainability.
• Entrepreneurship Management: The Role of
Succession Planning in ­a ­Family Business.
• E-Business Readiness amongst SMEs: The
Concept of Dual-Impact ­Model.
External Collaborators:
1. Prof. S. C. Lenny Koh, Director of Logistics and
Supply Chain Management (LSCM) Research
Centre, Sheffield university, UK
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Padzil Hassa, Faculty of
­Architecture, Planning and Surveying, UiTM.
3. Assoc. Prof. Muhd. Fadhil Nuruddin, Civil
­Engineering Department, UTP.
Clinical Pharmacy (Clinical Pharmacy
Education, Pharmacy Practice)
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Chair: Ms. Lyna Irawati
Members:
1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeong Siew Wei
2. Ms. Saraswathi a/p Simansalam
3. Mr. Omotayo Oladuntoye Fatokun
4. Ms. Wong Pei Nee
5. Mr. Alan Lee Hung Weng
Areas of expertise:
• Clinical pharmacy education.
• Drug utilisation studies.
Current Project: Two of the researchers are
­currently doing their Ph.D. related to their areas
of expertise
Pharmaceutical Biology (Medical
­Microbiology, ­Pharmacology of Natural
Products, Physiology)
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Chair: Prof. Dr. Noran binti Abdul Majid
Members:
1. Ms. Priya Madhavan
2. Mr. Mohamed Saleem Abdul Shukkoor
3. Mr. Enoch Kumar Perumal
Areas of expertise:
• Medical significance of microbes
• Pharmacological uses of natural products and
their physiological effects through monitoring
of physiological parameters and ­ analyses of
historical damages.
Current Project: Three of the researchers are
c­ urrently doing their Ph.D. related to their areas
of expertise
Pharmaceutical Technology (Physical
Pharmacy, Technology of Formulations, Biopharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics, Advance drug delivery
systems)
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Chair: Dr. Prasannaraju
Members:
1. Dr. Loganathan V
2. Mr. Rajesh S Nair
Areas of expertise:
• Improving the rheological behaviour of ­semisolid formulations
• The interfacial/­surface energy of drug/­
excipient molecules
• The ­stability/pre-formulation studies of new
moieties
• Solubility,
dissolution,
bioavailability
­enhancement studies
• Design/development of novel drug delivery
systems
Current Project:
• Formulation and evaluation of ofloxacin dry
power
• Floating drug delivery of Azithromycin
Natural Products
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Chair: Dr. Gabriel A. Akowuah
Members:
1. Dr. Lim Vuanghao
2. Dr. Chin Jin Han
3. B.V.S. Lokesh
Current Project: Phytochemical analysis and
safety assessment of Herbal Medicinal Products
(HMPs)
External Collaborators: Planning with USM
ELC Research Cluster
Faculty of Music, Social Sciences and Design
Chair: Ivie Carbon Esteban, Ph.D.
Members:
1. Krishnaveni Subramaniam
2. Arlini binti Alias
Areas of Expertise:
• Teaching English to Speakers of ­ Other
­Languages (TESL)
• Discourse Analysis
• Genre Analysis
• Critical Discourse Analysis
• Language and Literature
• English Language Studies, etc.
Current Project: Error analysis of ­ English
­Foundation students’ compositions: ­ its
­correlation with academic performance.
CERVIE - CERVIE Newsletter
Issue 2, 2nd Quarter, April - June 2010
what’s new??
CONFERENCE FUNDING POLICY (PAPER PRESENTATION)
Purpose: This policy serves as a guide to determine the requirements of
­academic staff application for funding of research-related conferences and
the standard operating procedures that facilitates it. Specifically, it aims to
provide a working framework that addresses the general needs of faculty
members of the academic community, as well as a transparent process to
accommodate other individual needs.
• National conferences: Two (2) months (case-by-case basis)
• International conferences: Three (3) months
Staff who is approved by the committee and funded for a conference must
agree to the following CERVIE terms:
• To present the outcome of the paper presentation at Faculty level (staff
and students) upon returning from the conference.
Eligibility: All academic staff with ongoing and/or completed research • To submit the paper in the CERVIE Quarterly Working Research Paper
­projects and papers, whose work has been accepted for conference
­presentation, may apply for the funding.
Application for journal funding: Academic staff applying for journal ­funding
must obtain recommendations from his/her respective Dean and the
Funding allocation: The funding allocation for international and national ­Faculty RSA Committee. All applications should be supported by the impact
conference presentation was revised because the cost for travel, ­registration ­factor and are with proper documentations to include the full journal paper
fees, and accommodation have increased tremendously over the past five and confirmation of the paper acceptance by the respective institution for
years. The recommended funding is based on the estimated expenses for an ­publication. The minimum criteria for the CERVIE to accept a journal funding
individual academic. The geographical location is taken into ­consideration application is that the journal’s impact factor be at least 1.0.
because of the high cost of travelling by air and the cost of living in the
­respective regions.
Figure 1. Conference Funding Application Process Flowchart
Geographical Location Allocated Amount (RM)
Europe/North America/UK 10,000
New Zealand/Australia 8,000
Asian countries 4,000
Malaysia 2,000
*Note: The amount suggested is derived from the average cost indicated by
conference organizers in the respective countries.
Please note that each conference paper presentation is only allowable for
one applicant to present the paper.
Conference allocation: All academic staff may apply for one international
and/or one national conference per year. This allocation is based on the
­assumption that each academic staff may want to present one paper per
year. This is not a cumulative allocation.
Funding procedure: The items covered include:
• conference registration
• purchase and payment of air ticket
• accommodation
• transportation and food
Start
Documents Requested
•
•
•
•
Submission of
Paper to Faculty
• Completed CFF
(Conference Funding
Assessment)
• Conference Funding
Paper Review Form
Recommendation by
Dean and Faculty RRSA
Committee
Recommendation by the Faculty RRSA
Committee based on:
1. Paper
2. Staff Content
3. Contribution to discipline
4. Publication Plans
Completed CFF
Full completed paper
Acceptance letter
Supporting documents
Inform Staff
Documents Requested
Submission to
CERVIE
International Conference
Conference
Type
National Conference
• Completed CFF
• Conference Funding
Paper Review Form
• Recommendation from
Dean and Faculty RSA
Committee
• Full Completed Paper
• Acceptance letter
• Supporting documents
Review
(Internal/External)
Approval by
CERVIE
Reject
Inform Staff
Accept
Knowledge sharing: Staff who have presented nationally and internationally
are required to share the knowledge with their respective faculty members
and submit a copy of the conference proceedings to the CERVIE.
Submission: All applications have to be submitted in advance to the Centre
of Excellence for Research, Value Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CERVIE),
together with recommendations from the respective Dean and Chair of the
Faculty RSA Committee. All applications should be supported with proper
documentations to include the full paper and acceptance confirmation for
the conference/seminar. The completed applications are to be vetted and
approved by the CERVIE. The CERVIE may seek suitable advice from the
­Senate RSA committee and an external member regarding the application
on a case-by-case basis.
Assigned Conference Code & Issue
Notification of Approval to
- Staff (by email)
c.c Dean, Faculty
c.c. GHRO
c.c. GFO
GHRO & GFO for record and action
Approved CFF
• Full Completed Paper
• Acceptance letter
• Supporting documents
End
Further information on this policy can be accessed through the CERVIE Public Folder.
CERVIE - CERVIE Newsletter
Issue 2, 2nd Quarter, April - June 2010
FEATURE RESEARCHER
Dr. Chin Jin Han
I graduated with a First Class B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biochemistry from the University of Malaya
(UM) in 2001 and completed my Ph.D. in Pharmacology (majoring in Drug Metabolism)
from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in July 2007.
Currently, I am a senior lecturer with the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University. I lecture subjects related to Biochemistry,
Biotechnology, General Chemistry, Pharmacognocy, etc.
Area of interest
Highest achievement
My research interests are oral toxicity studies and herb-drug ­ interaction • My highest achievement is the “Excellence in Research with Best ­Thesis”
awarded by Janssen Pharmaceutical during my Ph.D. convocation at
­studies. There are a lot of studies which can be conducted on local ­medicinal
USM, in July 2007 based on my involvement in student activities and
plants and I am deeply interested in studying them for the treatments of
­publications during my postgraduate studies.
­diabetes mellitus, liver disorders and cancer since herbal medicine is
­currently gaining more popularity as an alternative treatment to modern • I am the External Examiner for the Ph.D. thesis of Andhra University,
medicine.
­India.
• I was a judge for the Poster Session of the 4th Asian Association of Schools
Besides, I am also interested in developing a test kit to examine the possible
of Pharmacy, during the 9th Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society Pharmacy
herb-drug interactions to negate the adverse effects caused by the combined
Scientific Conferences, 2009 in Penang.
use of herbal products with modern medicine.
• I am also the Assistant Editor for the Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
and Health Care.
Research value
• Another achievement in 2010 for me was when the undergraduate ­research
My interest in research started with my first degree where I learnt a lot
project under my supervision was accepted for publication in May 2010.
­accomplishing my undergraduate research project. I always believe that
lecturers play an important role in encouraging students to get involved in
research as it is the platform for the application of critical thinking, scientific
writing, communication skills, data analysing, etc.
I am glad to read my readers’ response to my publication and to share my
research experiences, as well as to exchange ideas with fellow ­researchers
from other countries.
I enjoy the moment of standing on stage to present my research work during
conferences or seminars. These experiences give me more confidence on my
presentation skills which are very useful for my teaching purpose.
Some of my international publications
• Chin J.H. & Mahfoudh M, Abas H.H. (2009). Interactions of orthosiphon
stamineus and morinda citrifolia with hepatic aminopyrine metabolism
by CYP3A in rats. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 17 (4), 55-60.
• Akowuah, G.A., Mariam, A. & Chin J.H. (2009). The effect of ­extraction
temperature on total phenols and antioxidant activity of Gynura
­procumbens leaf. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 17 (4), 81-85.
• Chin J.H., Hussin A.H. & Ismail S. (2009). Anti-hepatotoxicity effect
of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth against Acetaminophen-induced
liver injury in rats by enhancing hepatic GST activity. Pharmacognosy
­Research, 1 (2), 53-58.
• Chin J.H., Hussin A.H. & Ismail S. (2009). Hepatoprotective effect of
Orthosiphon stamineus Benth against Acetaminophen intoxication in
rats. Journal of Natural Remedies, 9(2), 177-184.
• Khoo Z.Y., Teh C.C., Rao N.K. & Chin J.H. (2010). Evaluation of the
toxic effect of star fruit on serum biochemical parameters in rats.
­Pharmacognosy Magazine, April-July (In press).
Research tips
• Doing research is not an individual work. A researcher must be able to work
with people from different disciplines and be open to criticisms. Teamwork
and good partnership are essential in conducting research activities.
• Good preparation determines the quality of the research outcomes.
• Honesty is important in research. Data will not cheat people, only people
cheat the data.
• Set the objectives of the study clearly and work consistently to realise the
objectives. Negative results could be a good result for certain research
­areas such as toxicity study.
• Willingness to share the research information and findings with other
­scientists. Publication is essential on a research activity as comments
from reviewers and readers can help improve the quality of the research.
• Research is an evident-based study to confirm hypotheses. Thus, do
not speculate and assume anything. Use the data obtained from the
­experiment to guide your written discussions and conclusions.
CERVIE - CERVIE Newsletter
Issue 2, 2nd Quarter, April - June 2010
RESEARCH KNOWLEDGE
peer-reviewed journal (part 1)
Peer-reviewed Journals (also known as Refereed Journals) are scholarly journals which only publish articles that have passed
through a review process. Peer review is the way academic journal editors maintain the quality of articles in their ­publications,
and assure that poor or fallacious research will not be published.
Although ‘peer’ is often defined as a person of equal standing, in the ­context
of peer review, it is used in a broader sense to refer to people in the same
profession who are of the same or higher ranking. Peer review utilizes the
independence, and in some cases, the anonymity of reviewers to ­discourage
cronyism (i.e. favouritism shown to relatives and friends) to obtain an
­unbiased evaluation. Typically, reviewers who are not selected from among
close colleagues, relatives or friends of the creator or performer of the work
are required to disclose any conflicts of interest. Thus, peer review directly
maintains and enhances quality by detecting weaknesses and errors in
­specific works and performances, and indirectly, by providing a standard for
excellence based on a reward and punishment criteria.
modifications (which is typical), or is it to be rejected (which is also fairly rare)
depending on the journal. The editor strips out the identity of the reviewers
and sends the comments and his/her preliminary decision on the manuscript
to the writer.
If the manuscript were accepted with modifications, it is the writer’s ­decision
to make the necessary changes, till the editor is satisfied that the ­reviewers’
reservations have been met. Eventually, after several back and forth rounds,
the manuscript is finally published. The period from the submission of the
manuscript to its publication in an academic journal generally takes ­anywhere
from six months to over a year.
Some of the database which offers peer-reviewed journal searching are
In the social sciences, an article written by a scholar is submitted for a ­journal ­ProQuest Newsstand, JSTOR, ECONbase, Science Direct, ABI/Inform, Art
review before an editor who reads it and subsequently passes it to three to Abstracts, etc.
seven other scholars for further reviews.
The Review Process
The selected reviewers are chosen by the editor based on either their
­reputations in the specific field of the article, or because they are mentioned
in the bibliography, or they are personally known to the editor. Sometimes the
author of a manuscript may suggest some reviewers. Once a list of reviewers
is drawn up, the editor removes the name of the author from the manuscript
and forwards a copy to the chosen stout hearts. The time taken for a review is
generally between two weeks to several months.
Source:
http://archaeology.about.com/od/pethroughpg/a/peer_review.htm
http://lib.calpoly.edu/research/guides/peer.html
http://www.linfo.org/peer_review.html
When the reviewers have all returned their comments (made directly on the
manuscript or on a separate document), the editor makes a preliminary
­decision if the manuscript is to be accepted as is (which is very rare), or with
ANNOUCEMENTS
The CERVIE calls for Research Clusters
You are welcome to submit your Research Cluster to the CERVIE!!!
The purpose of the Research Cluster is to identify the areas of
expertise within each Faculty to enable the CERVIE to match the available
grants or potential collaborations with external organizations.
A Cluster Expertise will be available at the CERVIE Website,
Brochure and Newsletter.
Please complete the form and email to us!
The CERVIE Newsletter Search for
A Feature Researcher
We welcome you to nominate your colleague as a Feature
Researcher in our next Newsletter.
The article will showcase his/her achievements
on research and innovation.
IJASA Call for Paper Submission
Submission Deadline:
1st July 2010 (Thursday) for July – December 2010 issue
Submission Procedure: A softcopy of the completed Form
and the paper/commentary to be contributed must be emailed
to the CERVIE at (cervie@ucsi.edu.my) with the subject header
“Research Paper for UCSI University Academic
Journal - 1st Author’s Name”
Further information on all announcements:
The CERVIE, Block C 3rd floor, South Wing, Kuala Lumpur Campus or
contact: Ms. Yen Hui (angyh@ucsi.edu.my)
CERVIE - CERVIE Newsletter
Issue 2, 2nd Quarter, April - June 2010
RESEARCH UPDATES
Class Management and Social
Network as a Platform for
Collaborative Online Tools
(By: Shahrinaz Ismail, M.Sc. (IT in Business), Lecturer from
the School of IT, FoMIT)
At the beginning of the semester, a small survey was done on the students
of a private university to determine the trends on their Internet usage, ­online
­activities and preferred social networking sites. 91.86% of the ­students, which
include approximately 50% international students, indicated ­participation
in social networking sites, with Facebook being the most popular (82.56%)
among the respondents compared to Friendster, which had been the most
popular (83.10%) in the previous year (Ismail, 2009).
Best Paper Award at the International Conference on Research
and Innovation in Information Systems (icriis’09): K-Communities The implementation of using online tools in the ‘big class’, with ­approximately
150 students, was divided into two phases: Facebook (the social ­networking
through Digital Ecosystem, 8 - 9 December 2009, Johor
S
ocial networking is not just a preferred hobby among students. It has
become part of a student’s life. In Korea, Cyworld’s participants listed
the maintenance and reinforcement of pre-existing social networks as the
main motive for the use of the social networking site (Choi, 2006), ­whereas
MySpace and Facebook enable youths in the United States of America
to ­ socialise with friends as social networking supports sociability just as
­unmediated public spaces do (Boyd, 2008). Thus, this is an opportunity for
higher learning institutions since students social network whilst they are at
their computer studying rather than at separate times (Golder et al., 2007).
site) as a platform which linked the class website, the class blog, the ­online
quiz and the social bookmarking site; and the utilizing Facebook Group by
students to ‘advertise vacancies’ for their group projects, and to update
­lecturers on the website addresses registered for their projects. The ­purpose
was to bring together students into one ‘stage’ (i.e. Facebook) with all
­information on the subject linked from that ‘stage’.
Significant findings could be seen from three perspectives: the tool (social networking site), the
students and the lecturer, as shown in the table below.
Social Networking
Facilitates in building
trust
Assists students to
know each other better
and to form groups
for assignments and
projects
A good aggregation
tool to ‘point’ students
to other sites and online
tools for further
learning activities
Students
Lecturer
Feel comfortable to make full use of the
­features in the social networking site to
­initiate discussions among them
Can identify weak students and
closely monitor their progress
online and offline
Can judge others in the same ‘Group’ to
know who can be trusted to be in their group
project or discussion group
Could understand students’
­problems in fulfilling the
­requirements of the course from
their online conversations
Include lecturers in their personal profiles
not just to know the person better, but also
to monitor when a class is ‘cancelled’ or
otherwise
Could relay announcements to
­students and obtain feedbacks
from them for class management
Tend to add new friends whom they trust
and like from the ‘Group’, as ‘Friend’ in their
personal profiles
References:
• Boyd, D. (2008). Why Youth (Hearth)
­Social Network Sites: The Role of
­Networked ­Public in Teenage Social Life.
In D. Buckingham (Ed.), Young, ­ Identity,
and Digital Media (pp. 119-142).
­Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
• Choi, J.H. (2006) Living in Cyworld:
­Contextualising Cy-Ties In A. Bruns & J.
­Jacobs (Eds.), In Use of Blogs ­ (pp. ­ 173186). South Korea.
• Golder, S.A. , Wilkinson, D.
&
­Huberman, B.A. (2007). Rhythms of
social ­ interaction: Messaging within a
­massive online ­network, 3rd ­International
­Conference on Communities and
­Technologies (CT2007).
• Ismail, S. (2009). Social networking
trend in private university. International
­Conference on Research and Innovation
in Information Systems (icriis’09), 124128.
• Thewall, M. (2008). MySpace, ­Facebook,
Bebo: Social networking students.
­Association of Learning Technology,
11(1).
CERVIE - CERVIE Newsletter
Issue 2, 2nd Quarter, April - June 2010
Research Updates
Achieving World Class Research Excellence for Malaysian
Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEI): A Balancing Act
between Knowledge Dissemination and Contribution
(By: Dr. Keoy Kay Hooi, Dr. Irene Tan Ai Lian and Dr. Jimmy Mok Vee Hoong)
The purpose of the paper is to describe the existing situations facing Malaysian PHEIs in their attempts to develop
a research culture.
T
he role of the government and its policy-making strategies are to ­ensure
proper introduction of the research culture and further explorations of
its development. The proposed framework also investigates the role
and criteria for research supervisors (SPOKE), and the competence level of
­potential candidates before embarking on a doctoral research. Lastly, the
doctoral graduate attributes of relevance, employability, standardization and
transfer of knowledge (REST) are also described.
Methodology (Mixed Method Approach)
Phase 1
Exploratory
Study
Rationale
The landscape for Malaysian higher education changed dramatically with
the enactment of the Private Higher Education Act in 1996 and a marked
increase in enrolment in PHEI. This demonstrates the significant contribution
of the private higher education sector towards meeting Malaysia’s need for
knowledge workers who are the engines of innovation and creativity.
Theoretical Framework
University Policy
& Guidelines
System
Background
Critical
Thinking
Holistic
Competency
Knowledge
Growth
Motivation
Phase 3
(Quantitative)
Awareness
Social
Development
Evaluation
Phase 2
(Qualitative)
Dependency
Process
•
•
•
•
Model of Research Excellence
CSFs Research Excellence
Localization vs. International Context
Public vs. Private Focus
• Proposed Framework on evaluation using Case Study,
Interviews
• Public vs. Private Case Selection
• Validation and Identify Emerging Themes
• Designing of Questionnaire and distribution to Public vs.
Private Education Sector
• Hypothesis Testing using Structural Equation Modelling
(SEM)
+
Acceptance
=
Assimilation
While the public higher education sector was always traditionally linked
with quality education, with research being one of its pillars of development
for new knowledge, it was the private higher education that was perceived
to be responsible to produce the graduates to meet the human resource
demand in Malaysia. However, the changed education landscape resulted
in a need for PHEIs to now produce quality employable graduates; thereby
initiating ­several professional bodies to set up programmes in engineering,
­architecture, ­nursing, pharmacy and medicine that are in line with ­workforce
requirements to produce the employable graduates that would meet
­workforce demands.
Setting the Scene
Government HE
Policies
Relevance
Cultural (Supervisor
and Researcher
Ownership
Employability
Standardisation
Transfer of
Knowledge
Definition
Supervisory Success Factor
Description
System
System selection for supervisory teams and clearer definition of
roles and responsibilities.
Process
Defining the process of appointing supervisors (student-led or
expert-led).
Ownership
Appropriate skills and subject knowledge to support, encourage
and monitor research students effectively.
Knowledge Growth
Adequate continuous knowledge improvement and training in
addition to meeting the criteria for appoinment as a supervisor.
Evaluation
Good practice in the monitoring and review of supervision.
Although there was greater emphasis on the attainment of specific graduate
attributes or abilities by many PHEIs in Malaysia, research was still not the
main goal of many PHEIs. However, the SETARA ranking and rating exercise
introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education had raised the bar for PHEIs
to start focusing on the development of research.
Currently, many PHEIs are not at par with public higher education institutions
where research initiative is concerned. Privileged with sufficient support and
funding from the Government, public universities, unlike the PHEIs, had the
means to promote and take research to the next level. However, with the
­recent development on academic performance and ranking, the ­outstanding
question for several PHEIs in Malaysia now is to determine the critical
­success factors in their benchmark to ensure that they are not perceived as
only focusing on knowledge dissemination, but as also contributing to new
thinking, ideas and knowledge for continuous improvement.
CERVIE - CERVIE Newsletter
Issue 2, 2nd Quarter, April - June 2010
ARTICLES
Logistics Programmes in Malaysian
Higher Education Institutions: The Need
from A Logistics Practitioner’s View
(By: Dazmin bin Daud, Lecturer at the School of Management, FOMIT)
T
his article briefly describes the need for Malaysian Higher ­ Education
­Institutions to obtain perspectives from logistics practitioners ­concerning
Malaysian logistics educational needs. The scope focuses on the ­participants’
perceptions concerning courses required in the logistics programmes offered
by the Malaysian Higher Education Institutions. These courses are expected
to contribute knowledge and skills to become a ­competent l­ogistician in the
21st century. An appropriate research design that matches the Malaysian
environment must be conducted to deal with the logistics needs of higher
education and its relevance in the present logistics curriculum.
Thoughts on Logistics Educational Needs (LEN) have evolved from
­transportation to logistics and the supply chain management. To explore the
LEN for Malaysian logisticians, this article emphasizes the need to ­conduct
a research to gain the thoughts of local logistician practitioners on logistics
and the supply chain management issues to provide inputs for the Malaysian
LEN. The components of the LEN to be explored in this paper are courses
or subjects, knowledge, skills, and the competency ­required by ­students in
a logistics programme. Educators and higher education ­institutions need
to collaborate with the logistics practitioners to design ­ effective logistics
­programmes. An effective and competent curriculum in ­ logistics can be
achieved if these two parties collaborate in designing ­courses or subjects that
would produce competent logisticians for the 21st century. As ­mentioned in
Oliva’s curriculum design, evaluation and feedback from various parties are
essential for curriculum development and design (Oliva, 2009).
The importance of developing an effective curriculum in pace with 21st
­century workforce issues can be re-traced from the views by Berkovski
and Gottschalk (1997) who emphasized the importance for current higher
­education institutions to revise their curriculum to produce graduates with
the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges and demands of the 21st
century.
Literatures on logistics emphasize the lack of relevancy between actual
work practices, applications, and the curriculum on academic logistics
programmes (Pteffer & Fong, 2002; Bennis & O’Toole, 2005). The ­logistics
programmes offered by higher education institutions must match the
­development of logistics itself. From the logistics practitioners’ perspective,
they prefer applied logistics programmes over the traditional ­comprehensive
university logistics programmes (van Hoek, 2000; Lancioni, Forman &
Smith, 2000). Thus, the findings of this study will show that precise and
reliable LEN components are required in designing a logistics programme
curriculum for the Malaysian Higher Education Institutions.
The purpose of the proposed study is to provide valuable and ­reliable ­inputs
from logistics practitioners on the LEN in Malaysia with the ­ purpose of
­determining the gaps in the LEN today in terms of courses ­(or subjects) that
would contribute to knowledge, skills and competency for the 21st century
logisticians.
References:
• Bennis, W.G. & O’Toole, J. (2005). How business schools lost their way. Harvard Business Review, 83
(5), 96-104.
• Berkovski, B. & Gottschalk, C.M. (1997). Strengthening human resources for new and renewable energy
technologies of the 21st century. Renewable Energy, 10(2/3), 441-450.
• Lancioni, R., Forman, H., & Smith, M. (2000). Logistics programs in universities: Stovepipe vs cross
­disciplinary. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, . 31 (1), 53-64.
• Oliva, P.F. (2009). Developing the curriculum (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson.
• Pteffer, J. & Fong, C.T. (2002). The end of business schools? Less success than meets the eye. Academy
of Management Learning & Education, 1(1), 78-95.
• Van Hoek, R.I. (2000). Logistics education: Achieving market and research driven skill development.
­International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, . 31(7/8), 505-519.
Heat stroke (part 1 - introduction
and recognition)
(By: Prof. Tin Tun, Lecturer at the School of Medicine,
Faculty of Medical Sciences)
Our body temperature is set and maintained at 98.6 0F (37 0C). The ­­­thermoregulatory centre which controls our body temperature is localized in the
­hypothalamus. It lowers the body temperature when we gain heat and raises
the body temperature when we lose it. In our body, heat is derived from the
metabolism of the food we consume and our muscle contraction. The extra
heat produced or gained is dissipated by radiation through the skin or by
evaporation through sweat.
Heat exhaustion is a condition where the body heat production is increased
above the normal 98.6 0F but not reaching beyond 1030 F. It is a milder form
of heat-related illness which occurs during exercise, play or work in a hot
and humid environment with excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes through
sweat.
Another condition known as Heat Stroke is a life-threatening situation where
the thermo-regulatory centre in the brain can no longer adjust the rising body
temperature. It is a very severe form of heat-related illness. Heat stroke is a
medical emergency, which if unrecognised and treated promptly, could be
fatal.
There are two types of Heat Stroke: Classical Heat Stroke, also known
as ­ ­ Non-Exertional Heat Stroke (NEHS) and Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS).
­Classical Heat Stroke occurs during environmental heat waves. Risk groups
include the very young and old and the physically-ill patients. Exertional Heat
Stroke ­occurs in young healthy individuals due to excessive ­production of
heat ­during heavy physical activity. There is also an extensive loss of fluid
and electrolytes in these individuals. Risk groups include soldiers, ­athletes,
­rescue workers and fire fighters. In these individuals, excessive heat
­production overrides the body thermo-regulatory centre which fails to reset
the body temperature back to normal.
Multiple organs are involved in Heat Stroke because almost all cells ­suffer
from excess heat injury. It is a Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
(MODS) where the nervous system, heart, circulation, kidneys and gut, etc.
are all involved. Early symptoms of Heat Stroke are vague and difficult to
­diagnose. High body temperature and central nervous system dysfunction
are ­hallmarks of Heat Stroke. Typically, Heat Stroke patients present a hot
dry skin, low blood pressure, increased heart rate and respiration. The ­single
feature that distinguishes Heat Stroke from other heat illnesses is the ­altered
mental status. Anyone who presents a confused or irrational behaviour,
­irrespective of core body temperature, should be regarded as impending or
having Heat Stroke until proven otherwise. These individuals must be treated
­immediately and promptly because of its high death rate.
Recognizing Heat Stroke
Warning signs of Heat Stroke vary but may include the following:
• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness
The first aid measures and prevention for Heat Stroke will be discussed in the
next issue of the Newsletter (July - December 2010).
CERVIE - CERVIE Newsletter
Issue 2, 2nd Quarter, April - June 2010
ARTICLES
GO GREEN WHILE YOU STILL CAN
(By: Sheiladevi a/p Sukumaran, Lecturer of School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences)
M
ovies such as 2012 and The Day After Tomorrow have raised worries among mankind on Earth’s future. People have
begun to contemplate if it were possible that the place we are inhabiting now would soon be gone. The answer: If
we, as the inhabitants of Earth continue to contribute to pollution as we are currently doing, then the answer is a
resounding YES! To make matters worse, global warming has already started to take its toll on Earth. The rise in the sea water
level caused by the melting of ice in the North Pole is one of the greatest proofs of the selfishness of human beings which is
leading to Earth’s destruction. We seem to have forgotten that Earth does not belong to us; that we are actually borrowing it
from our children. So the onus of taking care of Earth lies squarely on our shoulders. Thus, the question now should be: How
can we do so?
For a start we need to scrap the assumption that insects are vermins, pests
and a nuisance. Although it is common knowledge for many years now that
exposure to pesticides and insecticides lead to health problems such as
­cancer and is contributory to the thinning of the ozone, thus, hazardous
to Earth, we choose to ignore this fact because of our greed for profit and
wealth. Consequently, little attention is given on informing the public about
fascinating insects who are our friends and a more nature-friendly alternative
biological control than insecticides and pesticides. Insects could be used to
control insects and predators to control preys. However, the insects ­imported
and used would be very host specific to feed only on the weeds and pests,
for example, by injecting the eggs of small parasitic wasps as pupae on the
cabbage farm to kill only the caterpillars without affecting the crops; or using
farm owls to control the mice population among oil palms. Since insects can
develop resistance to insecticides, biological control is a cheaper, safer and
more efficient pest control method to use. Besides, it is also less risky and
nature friendly as there is no fear of the insects changing their diet to feed on
the crops. However, the importation of large amounts of the biological ­control
agents should only be attempted by trained scientists with ­ consultations
from agriculturists and environmentalists as their ­careless importation could
cause friendly insects to become our enemy and lead to disastrous results
instead.
Secondly, the mass media has a role to play in educating the general ­public
on the importance of the rainforests, wetlands and oceans. Campaigns and
warnings by the mass media, like the Global Earth Hour Campaign, could
­trigger awareness among people on the green house effect and global
­warming. In addition, mass media campaigns on the wetlands could highlight
the importance of the wetlands in controlling floods; and also as a haven for
biodiversity, with a major role in the water cycle to reduce water pollution and
purify rainwater before returning it to the sea in a cleansed state (see Figure
1). There should also be mass media campaigns to encourage the masses
to plant more trees around housing estates, schools, and even universities
since trees could help cool the Earth, consequently, minimising the effects
of global warming.
Thirdly, we must learn to reduce, recycle and reuse. Most of the things we
­discard can actually be recycled and reused as a new item. Recycling ­reduces
the consumption of raw products, minimises energy used and reduces
­pollution caused by the piling of rubbish. It also reduces the emission of green
house gases. Thus, almost everything from glass, paper, metal, plastic and
even textiles, can be recycled. As for items to be reused, all ­biodegradable
items such as food and garden waste, could also be reused. Rice grains could
be processed as nutrients for cows and horses. Garden wastes could also be
decomposed to produce fertilizers which are more environmental friendly. In
reducing, recycling and reusing, we are actually doing nature a favour and
showing our care for Earth.
Lastly, the government and private organizations should detect loopholes
in the palliative measures to ensure better management of the dynamic
­ecosystem. More emphasis should be given to R&D so that alternative
­methods could be found to save the Earth. Policy makers need to focus more
attention on the ­ importance of interactions in the ecosystem rather than
­emphasize managing a single component. There is an urgent need to change
the current approach in designing and managing the ecosystem. Early
­primary school education should inculcate students on the importance of the
environment by involving them in environmental activities which ­emphasise
smart mangagement and maintenance of nature.
Figure 1. Sea as the source of clean water
In conclusion, as the wisest species on Earth, we must fulfil our ­responsibilities
effectively. If you are someone who always take thinks for granted, STOP and
think before you hit the self-destructive button! It is possible that we evolve
new ideas and technologies, however we must always think about their
­impact on Earth. Consequently, it would be much better for us to create new
ideas and technologies that would be beneficial to mankind and which could
protect the Earth too. For without Earth, we have no other place to live. As
we are born and raised here on Earth, we should at least learn to show our
appreciation and care of it. Let us together then fix the mess and mistakes
mankind has made before it is too late. So my fellow inhabitants of Earth,
let’s go green while we still can!
CERVIE - 10
CERVIE Newsletter
Issue 2, 2nd Quarter, April - June 2010
for your information
Student’s Learning Experience during Co-Op Placement the CERVIE
The CERVIE, a source for researched knowledge, value innovation and entrepreneurship which flows throughout UCSI
­University to water the whole Malaysian society, is a research centre that will always bring me good memories of UCSI
­University. In French, (which is my first language) the word CERVIE sounds like the word ‘served’. I would like to thank
the ­CERVIE for ‘serving’ me well; for helping me in only four months to become an important asset as far as research and
­innovations are concerned.
The in-depth literature review on the Green Supply Chain Management
(GSCM) not only broadened my knowledge, but also made me skilful at
­analysing relevant research information. Under Dr. Keoy’s supervision, the
Head of the CERVIE, I developed a conceptual framework on GSCM which
will be used to conduct an empirical study on GSCM Readiness among
­Companies in Malaysia.
Thus, my initial question of how to write good international articles and
­conference papers was answered, for apart from the administrative and
management skills I gained, my interactions, meetings and discussions with
the UCSIU staff improved my communication skills. Faced with challenging
research problems, the UCSIU staff and students assisted me to improve my
research data analysis skills using the research software such as AMOS and
SPSS. Furthermore, the CERVIE also helped me to develop my IT skills. Thus,
my internship at the CERVIE prepared and equipped me to pursue my Ph.D.
more confidantly.
Brice Assimizele - Master in Logistics Management Student
announcements
The 22nd Pacific Science Congress
Date:
14th - 18th June 2011
Venue:
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia
Theme:
Asia Pacific Science in the 21st Century - Meeting the ­Challenges
of Global Change
Sub-Themes:
A Changing Climate; Global Change & Ecosystems;
Oceans; Earth Systems & Risk Management; Globalization;
Resource Constraint & Sustainability; Health Challenges; and
Science for Policy and the Future.
Website: http://www.22ndpsc.net/index.html.
The CERVIE Call for Student Research Assistants
The CERVIE invites students as Research Assistants on our
short-term research projects.
Those interested in gaining research experience and knowledge
from the experts, please submit your CV today.
Fundamental Research Grant Scheme
(FRGS)
The deadline for submission of Lead Researcher Details:
21st May 2010 (Friday)
There will be two FRGS briefings on how to complete the FRGS online
submission on 18th & 20th May 2010, at 12.00 – 1.00 pm at the
­CERVIE.
Interested researchers intending to submit their research proposals
should first register by providing the CERVIE with details of their lead
researcher (Name, IC. No. & Designation).
The CERVIE Newsletter Call for Articles
The CERVIE invites staff to contribute to our
biannual Newsletter.
The 3rd Biannual Issue is July - December 2010
The deadline for the last submission:
10th December 2010
The contents of the Newsletter include:
Research News/Updates, UCSIU Feature Researchers,
Article contributions, Publications, etc.
Further information for all annoucements: CERVIE, Block C 3rd floor, South Wing, Kuala Lumpur Campus or contact: Ms. Yen Hui (angyh@ucsi.edu.my)
CERVIE - 11
Centre of Excellence for Research, Value Innovation and Entrepreneurship
UCSI University, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, Cheras 56000,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +603 9101 8880 ext 3457 Fax: +603 9102 3606
www.ucsi.edu.my/cervie
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