Application and Managment of FRGS TRGS Arts Applied

Application and Managment of FRGS, TRGS (Arts & Applied Arts & Social Sciences) and LRGS Prof. Dato’ Seri Dr. Md. Salleh Yaapar Professor of Comparatiive Literature & Ombudsman, Universiti Sains Malaysia Head, Assessment Panel for Arts & Applied Arts Cluster, FRGS, Mo. HE ©MSY 2017 1

1. INTRODUCTION Since 2006 MOHE has been awarding the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) to university researchers. Ø Philosophy - Contribution towards knowledge enhancement on intellectual, new technology invention and cultural enrichment in line with the nation's aspiration. Ø Definition - Basic research that generates new theory, concept and idea for knowledge enhancement Ø Objectives - Encourage generation of new theory, concept and idea that catalyzes new discovery and innovative invention for knowledge enhancement. 2

INTRODUCTION FRGS Phase 2018 Ø i. Each application involves only one area of research, e. g. Language, Literature, Economics, Sociology, Heritage. Ø ii. Ceiling of RM 250, 000. 00, for a maximum of three years. Ø iii. Application is made by using Borang FRGS - A 1(R) from http: //mygrants. gov. my. Ø iv. Applications must be duly evaluated & fully recommended by RMCs of respective universities. Ø Next: possibly 15 January 2018 for FRGS, TRGS, PRGS and LRGS MSY_2017 3

2. RULES & REGULATION Ø Open to all academics from universities and research institutes: l Malaysian citizens; l Permanent academic staff (Professor, Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer); or l Contract staff (requires co-researcher who is a permanent academic staff). l For non-Malaysians, co-researcher must be Malaysian citizen who is a permanent academic staff. Ø Application from foreign branch campuses: l For non-Malaysians, co-researcher must be Malaysian citizen who is a permanent/tenured academic staff. l Funding can only be utilized within Malaysia. MSY_2015 4

RULES & REGULATION Applications will be evaluated based on the following: Ø Proposal which meets the fundamental research Proposal which meets the criteria, complete, and in tune with the FRGS Guidelines; Ø Cost of project/program not exceeding the permited. cealing and within the maximum period of three years; Ø Each Principal Investigator (PI) can only submit one application. Ø PI is allowed to lead only one project, but can be coresearcher in other projects per cycle. Ø ©MSY_2015 5

3. DEFINITION OF FUNDAMENTAL IN FRGS FR is a research which generates new theory, idea or model regarding a certain subject/issue which is significant; It also involves a new approach towards the subject/issue; It can lead to improvement in quality of life, and become a catalyst to other researches & future development of knowledge. © MSY_2017 6

DEFINITION OF FUNDAMENTAL IN FRGS Ø … leading to improvement in quality of life… Ø This definition is in line with the objective of FRGS, i. e. , to encourage the generation of new ideas, theories or models which could lead to new discoveries, thus pushing the frontier of knowledge. MSY_2015 7

4. RESEARCH CLUSTERS IN FRGS Ø Ø Ø Ø 1. Pure Sciences 2. Applied Sciences 3. Technology and Engineering 4. Health and Clinical Sciences 5. Arts and Applied Arts 6. Social Sciences 7. Natural Sciences and National Heritage (Geology, Archeology, Ecology, Biodiversity, Culture, etc). ©MSY_2015 8

RESEARCH CLUSTERS IN FRGS Social Sciences Ø Antropologi Ø Sosiologi Ø Psikologi Ø Sains Politik Ø Ekonomi Ø Komunikasi Ø Pengurusan & Perniagaan Ø Ekologi Manusia Ø Geografi Ø Arts and Applied Arts Bahasa & Linguistik Kesusasteraan Agama Falsafah Sejarah Tamadun Budaya Seni Pendidikan Alam Bina (Aspek. Kem) Alam Sekitar (Aspek. Kem) Dasar & Undang-undang ©MSY_2015 9

5. EVALUATION CRITERIA (Pertaining to nature and potentiality of project) i. Project that could generate new theory/knowledge/model / idea regarding a significant subject or issue. (Not a survey, inventory, documentation or Eureka! an application!). I found It! ©MSY_2017 10

EVALUATION CRITERIA Could improve an existing policy, understanding, practice or methodology; iii. Includes human and social issues, for purposes of the improvement of life values within the country and world-wide; example… ii. Social problems in Malaysia, eg. pesta seks, Mat Rempit, buang bayi etc ©MSY_2015 11

EVALUATION CRITERIA iv. Has the potentiality to contribute to national strategic agenda. Example “Malaysia as Global Halal Hub”. Or. Malaysia as major destination for Halal Tourism ©MSY_2015 12

6. EVALUATION CRITERIA (Notes to Reviewers/Assessors) 1. Title and completeness of project background Is the title an accurate one for the proposal? Is the statement of the issues and problems to be addressed sufficiently clear to the committee? Is the literature review that gives the background adequate, current and relevant to the proposal? 2. Research Approach and Technical Objectives The research approach should be consistent with the objectives and the scientific and practical aspects of the research methodology. Consider the approach to data collection, data analysis and applicability of the proposed equipment. ©MSY_2015 13

EVALUATION CRITERIA 3. Viability of Research Ø Are the issues to be addressed, significant, realistic and narrow for 24 -36 months study? Ø Is the methodology (the procedure and the methods to be applied in the study) current, reasonable, adequate and appropriate? Ø The Evaluation Committee should assess this by taking into consideration the risks of support equipment failure, inadequate technical support, etc. ©MSY_2015 14

EVALUATION CRITERIA 4. The Experience, Qualifications and Availability of Research Team The reviewer should consider the relevant experience and background of the key projects individuals & co-researchers. Have they successfully completed related projects? The reviewers’ evaluation should be based on the evidence contained in the proposal pertaining to their experience, availability and the indicated amount of effort by the principal investigator and team. ©MSY_2015 15

EVALUATION CRITERIA 5. Capability of project leader Ø Has the applicant conducted relevant research in the area/field of specializations? Ø Has the applicant published within the proposed area? Ø Are his/her previous works relevant to the project? ©MSY_2015 16

EVALUATION CRITERIA 6. Capability, appropriateness and availability of research team Are the co-researchers in the relevant areas? Are there sufficient grounds given to justify recruitment of more than one project assistants? 7. Appropriateness of cost estimates Is the budget reasonable and acceptable? 8. Utilization of existing/available infrastructure The Evaluation Committee should ensure that the applicant reduces to a minimum any call upon outside facilities and as far as possible and within the context of the research that the applicant intends this must mean confining the research to the closest available sites to their campus. ©MSY_2015 17

Digital Media in Puppetry Theatre 7. REVIEWERS NEED TO ENSURE i. Project focuses on Malaysian subjects /matters /issues; or those related to Malaysia. Eg. , Waqf Shares sustainable management for Malaysia. ©MSY_2017 18

REVIEWERS NEED TO ENSURE ii. It is for a period of 3 years or less, with a ceiling of RM 250, 000. Thus: Appropriate scope … Practical milestones … Reasonable budget … Convincing and significant out-comes (in terms of novel theory, publications & human capital)! MSY_2015 19

iii. It shows convincing results or out-comes: 1. Novel theory/idea/model 2. Seminar presentations (state where & when) 3. Publications: - 1 or 2 journal articles; name the journals (ISI); - 2 in Scopus journals, ERA etc; name journals 4. Human capitals: Two year project, 1 masters; Three year project, 1 Ph. D or 2 masters. ©MSY_2015 20

REVIEWERS NEED TO ENSURE iv. Assets: minimum purchase of assets, or capacity building of labs; v. Travels: minimum external/overseas travels. Instead, many linkages, eg In Arabic Studies, with leading Middle Eastern Universities as well as European & American universities/institutions. ©MSY_2015 21

8. BUDGET Ø Vote 11000 – GRA (Ph. D : RM 2, 500, M. Sc: RM 1, 800) Ø Vote 21000 – List details of travelling (where, how, no. ) [40% only] o Sample collection o Conferences (International/ Local) o Meeting/ Discussion o Field Work o Analysis sample Perjalanan Luar Negara (Hanya Ketua Penyelidik & Ahli sahaja). Pembantu Penyelidik Siswazah hanya dibenarkan perjalanan dalam negara sahaja). Ø Vote 27000 – List of all consumable (amount/quantity/quality/cost) o Chemicals o Reagents o Parts o Specialize glasswares/items etc MSY_2015 22

BUDGET Vote 28000 – Details of what to repair (no. ) Vote 29000 – Professional Services (specify no. , rate) [10% only] o Conference fees o Journal editing o Assembling experimental rig o Analysis sample (what, no, rate, where) Ø Vote 35000 – Equipment (with quotation/justifications) [40% only] o Specialize equipment o Small/basic equipment not allowed o Softwares o PC/Notebook not encourage Ø MSY_2015 23

9. EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS & REVIEWER’S COMMENTS Ø 1. Remodeling Technology Acceptance Model (TAM): A Study on User Acceptance of New Media (UKM, 2013, RM 55, 000) Ø Highly recommended project: Research gap is well established; objective is clear; right theoretical framework; methodology current; significant findings. TAM explains factors responsible for technology acceptance, but does not tell the whole story. This research will explore and establish other factors & variables responsible for technology acceptance, with special attention to Malaysian setting. MSY_2010 24

EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS & REVIEWER’S COMMENTS 2. New Method of Fire Risk Assessment of Heritage Building: A Study on the Influence of Stakeholders’ (Regulatory Body, Restorer etc) Background on Assessment Criteria (IIUM, 2013, RM 60, 000) This is a highly recommended project. Research gap established; objective very clear; appropriate theoretical framework & methodology; significant findings. Assessment of fire risk of heritage building is subjective, depending on stakeholders. The project will establish a new method so that assessment will be more objective. MSY_2010 25

MORE EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS Ø Formulating Readability Check for Arabic Text and Development of its Online Version IIUM, 2011 Ø Developing Peer Learning using Cartoons to Enhance Thinking like Economists among Students MSY_2010 26

10. Final Words: Recently assessors have been given the following notes Ø Ø Ø Ø 1. Title Specific in nature reflecting fundamental issues to be resolved / novelty. Brief and reflects the content of the proposal 2. Executive Summary (max 300 words) Problem statement Objectives Methodology Expected output / outcome / implication Significance of output 3. Research Background Elaboration of title Clarity of problem statement and research question /hypothesis/ theoretical framework (if applicable) Cite most recent (last 5 years) related references In line with government policy, national agenda and global aspiration (can help alleviate problems at local, national or world level) MSY_2015 27

Final Words Ø Ø Ø 4. Objectives Should be: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and within Time-frame (SMART) Relate to problem statement / research question 5. Methodology Clear and detailed description of methodology (may consist of field work, sampling techniques, interview session, analysis ; lab work of different phases, experimental protocol, statistical analysis) Able to achieve research objectives 6. Expected Result New theory/knowledge/idea/model Publication in indexed journals (top tier) / intellectual property Human capital – masters or Ph. D Impact on society, economy and nation. MSY_2015 28

Final Words 7. Track Record and Composition of Team Ø Evidence of previous successful research projects Ø Qualification and rank of researchers Ø Well balanced team 8. Quality of Proposal Ø Meticulous Ø Proper use of language (grammar, spelling, sentence construction) Ø Good formatting and presentation Ø 9. Elements of FRGS Criteria Ø Novel theory/idea, cutting edge, high impact Ø Indicate/explain elements Ø MSY_2015 29

11. Long Term Research Grant Scheme (LRGS) Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Like FRGS, LRGS is also fundamental in nature, but more extensive in scope, involving a longer period of time (3 to 5 years), and requiring more commitment. LRGS concentrates on cutting edge areas in science and technology; in niches that have been identified (for Top-Down programs) : Global Warming Infectious Diseases Tropical Medicine Energy and Water Security Adequacy of Food Advanced Manufacturing and Value-Added Information and Communication Technology (ICT) MSY_2010 30

Long Term Research Grant Scheme (LRGS) Ø Ø Ø Ø LRGS involves two (2) modes of programs -- Top-Down and Bottom-Up. Only a Research University (RU) may lead the Top-Down mode; while the Bottom-Up mode are open to all universities. Each LRGS program must involve a variety of universities, with a minimum of three (3) universities Each program must be multi-disciplinary, involving mainly areas of science & technology, but also involving social sciences & humanities. Every Research University is only allowed to lead not more than two (2) programs of Top-Down niche Only Malaysian citizens may lead LRGS program. Each individual is allowed to lead only one (1) LRGS program. - They should be permanent academic staff (Professor and Associate Professor) - For a contract staff, co-researcher (s) with permanent Malaysian citizenship is compulsary. MSY_2010 31

HAPPY REVIEWING Terima Kasih ©MSY_2017 32