Author: Muhammad Hassan

IMS Research Regulations / Policy IMS Research Regulations 1. INTRODUCTION…students first The decades-long IMS (Pak-AIMS) legacy to facilitate students has been a continuous source of motivation for those students who intend to enter in the field of higher education for their brighter future. In continuation of the same, the worthy Rector, IMS, has been kind enough to further support students engaged in academic research through overcoming their problems assessed as a consequence of evaluation of their research work. Hence, in pursuance of his instructions to realize the national higher education objectives through IMS pursuit for quality assurance laid down in line with the HEC Graduate Policy 2023, following research guidelines are being set in the best interest of our students. The document provides comprehensive guidelines and policies aimed at ensuring the highest standards of academic research at IMS (Pak-AIMS) facilitating MPhil and PhD researchers and faculty alike, outlining the essential steps in research work, from selecting a research area to the final submission of a dissertation. It would further help to maintain academic integrity, ensure methodological soundness, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge relevant to national and global perspectives for meaningful and impactful research. 2. POLICY PROVISIONS FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH Selection of Research AreaThe research area of the MPhil/PhD researcher shall: Correspond to the community needs at regional and local levels and comply with the priority national research agenda. Reflect the basic and pure research. Signify emerging areas of research that coincide preferably with sustainable development goals (SDGs) Development of SynopsisThe research synopsis is supposed to include the following basic components: Title Page: as laid down in IMS regulations, it must depict the topic statement in the form of a brief but comprehensive ‘clause’; not a ‘sentence’. Table of contents: as laid down in APA 7th edition Introduction: of the topic covering one or two pages Review of Related Literature: description/linkage of variables and sub-variables and related issues outlined; description of massive amount of complicated, peer-reviewed literature; brief description of relevant theories/models with outlined variable and sub-variables; developing and linking the local context; comprehensive coverage of topics; identification of gaps in literature and linking it with outcomes of the study; and theoretical/conceptual framework/model. Significance of the Study: why to conduct this study; for whom it is to be conducted; what possible benefits it is going to provide etc. Statement of the Problem: linking global, national and local scenarios. Research Objectives: specific (not double barrel) statements starting, with action verbs, arising out of the topic and problem statements. Research Questions OR Research Hypotheses (only one): following objectives, there must be at least one question for every objective whose answers should lead to the measurement of objectives. Research Methodology: including brief description of research philosophy; research approach; research methodological choice; research strategy; research time horizon; target population; sampling technique; sample calculations showing representativeness; data collection (method and time horizon); ethical considerations and descriptive/inferential data analysis technique(s) Research Tool/Instrument: development/adoption/adaptation of instrument(s); piloting of instrument(s) validity of instrument(s)—construct, face etc.; and reliability of instrument(s) Definitions of Key Terms: operational definitions Limitations/Delimitations: in line with the topic Plan of Work: tentative References: APA 7th edition Appendices: if any   Note: The research synopsis is a foundational document that outlines the research framework. It includes the title, literature review, research objectives, methodology, and instrument(s) to be used. Researchers must ensure the clarity, coherence, and relevance of each section, particularly the theoretical framework and research questions, to set the groundwork for the dissertation. The methodology should clearly describe the research approach, target population, sampling techniques, data collection and analysis methods.   3. MPhil/Doctoral Dissertation Each MPhil/PhD researcher shall write a doctoral dissertation reflecting relevance, credibility, effectiveness, and legitimacy of the research. The dissertation must be an original and innovative contribution to knowledge that contributes to solving socioeconomic problems. To improve the quality of a doctoral dissertation, some regulations have been suggested in the following areas: Quality in ReportingThe quality of presentation and reporting in dissertation shall reflect the following characteristics: The document is well written. The contents are balanced, well organized, appropriately styled; clearly structured, and well cohered; and The document is free from grammatical and spelling errors and flawed terminology. Minor shortcomings such as inaccurate use of acronyms and clumsy looking sentence structure have been addressed. Quantitative research proposals must include a valid statistical design for data analysis. Formatting shall be compatible with international standards. Methodological QualityTo produce MPhil/PhD researchers capable of conducting research independently, ensuring the technical soundness of their MPhil/PhD dissertations is integral. The following guidelines shall be useful in making the MPhil/PhD research methodologically sound: Guidelines ensuring the quality of Qualitative Research: An MPhil/PhD research dissertation, based on the Qualitative Research methods should satisfy, at least, the following questions: “Does the research, as reported, illuminate the subjective meaning, actions and contexts of those being researched?” “Is there evidence of the adaption and responsiveness of the research design to the circumstances and issues of real-life social settings met during the course of the study?” “Does the sample produce the type of knowledge necessary to understand the structures and processes within which the individuals or situations are located?” “Is the description provided detailed enough to allow the researcher or reader to interpret the meaning and context of what is being researched?’ “How are the different sources of knowledge about the same issue compared and contrasted?” Are subjective perceptions and experiences treated as knowledge in their own right?” Guidelines ensuring the quality of Quantitative Research: An MPhil/PhD dissertation with Quantitative Research methods should satisfy, at least, the following questions Reliability – are the results repeatable? Validity – does it measure what it says? Internal validity – do the research results indicate what they appear to be? External validity – can the results be generalized to other settings (ecological validity) and to other populations (population validity?   Appropriateness of the Methods to the Aims of the StudyTo achieve the research objectives, the alignment of the research approach and methods is necessary. Therefore, an MPhil/PhD… Continue reading IMS Research Regulations / Policy

Policy on Ethical Standards Introduction There should be a system within the university that can maintain ethical standards to facilitate academic and research work. Policy Statement Basic ethics and standards in the field of knowledge and research should be adhered to and admitted from all those who are affiliated with this institution and ethical principles should be clear enough that following them will create an environment within the organization that will empower those working there and give them the passion to adhere to these principles. Elementary Ethical Principles The following principles are strictly adhered to in the making of this system in the IMS on the basis of which a conductive environment is available in which the work of knowledge and research is being carried out. The work of knowledge and research should be done as worship. The required time and effort for knowledge and research work should be provided. The quality of research should not be compromised Trust and honesty should be fully observed and if there is a reference to someone, it should be very clear. Explain your successes and failures in research Moderation and ethical values should be fully observed in the criticism and expression of research of other researchers. Transparency should be ensured and the ability to listen and understand criticism with an open heart should be created. Collective research requires adaptation to the aims and objectives of the university as well as efforts to meet their expectations. Observation and compilation of fresh investigations, experiments and results should be of high quality. Researchers must ensure that their research is ethical, legal and professional and be useful to all humanity. Statutory Bodies Ensuring Ethical Standards Research Committee Board of Advanced Studies and Research View Scanned Document

National Linkages Policy IMS – National Linkages Policy Objectives and Procedure The National Linkages Policy of IMS ensures fruitful linkages with national universities/associations. The following are the objectives of the policy.   The joint research, conferences, seminars, workshops, and other capacity-building initiatives with other HEIs, research-based organizations, and the corporate sector. The production of materials for various language departments via foreign embassies, consulates, and missions. Creation of job and internship possibilities for graduates and students. Research and commercialization activities are carried out with both established and growing companies and industries in Pakistan. The establishment of a strategic relationship between academics and students and business and industry. Close collaboration with university incubators and researchers to advance business and research.   Policy guidelines must to be taken into consideration while processing cases for local or national linkages. The establishment of connections with reputable higher education institutions, the corporate sector, research-based institutions and organizations, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) all are important. Both parties should gain from the collaboration. It must be made clear that IMS is not held financially or legally liable for any actions taken by the corporation. The objectives, goals, and core values of IMS cannot be compromised by the agreements. View Scanned Document

Internship Policy Internship Policy Undergraduate Students Purpose The purpose of internship is to provide IMS students to get relevant corporate experience in  eminent organizations. It provides students the opportunity to work on meaningful  assignments and gain practical work experience, skill development, networking opportunities etc. Therefore, makes them instantly useful to the organizations they join upon graduation.     Moreover, after experiencing a particular job environment and witnessing what it requires,  students may decide right career for themselves prior to graduation. Eligibility Criteria It is a compulsory degree requirement, failing which you will not be issued the Degree despite of the “PASS” result to be mentioned on final Transcript. Student during the period must show professionalism, and commitment. Equal opportunities will be given regardless of race, gender, disability, or other factors. Minimum CGPA= 2.4 Student should have completed Six semesters of study or, Should have completed 90 credit hours or, Qualify prerequisites of selected organization Registration Process Student must complete registration process for internship within notified timeframe.  Get a copy of “Internship Approval Form” from Placements Office.   Submit your CV/Resume (Hard copy) to Internship & Placement Officer Internship & Placement Officer will issue a recommendation letter & email at (placement@pakaims.edu.pk) Internship Structure Duration:        6-8 weeks CHrs:               03 Fee:                 No fee General This policy framework should be tailored to fit the specific needs and objectives of the        Provide an orientation for interns to understand expectations, company policies, and code of conduct. Students will be free for Practical Internship of their own choice. But they will have to  inform internship desk (via Internship Joining Form/email). Student will have to submit a copy of internship offer letter (describing requirements of employer company and job responsibilities of internee) to Internship / Placement Officer  of the Institute. Details about the Internship (Organization Name, Internship Commencement date) are required to be shared by intern to Placement Office. Sponsoring organizations to be requested to evaluate the intern’s performance on a prescribed form which is discussed with the intern so as to focus on his/ her strengths and  Concerned internee is responsible to receive the Internship Evaluation Form duly filled by his/her supervisor in the organization of internship and submit it to the Placement Office. The Form will be emailed by Placement Office to the concerned organization prior to the       completion of internship. Maintain a LOG BOOK (hand-written) on daily basis for internship period. The log book will describe daily activities of the internee. A log book or a diary of related events will be  maintained individually by all students.   The final report of student should not be accepted without submission of the LOG BOOK. All students will maintain and submit the LOG BOOK, non-submission will result in non awarding of grade. Students will have to submit Internship Report & Internship Completion Certificate (issued by the respective employer on Company letterhead with proper letter issuance  date & internship dates, name & job title of issuing authority) to Placements Office Internship will be allowed only in organizations approved by Placement Office, and change of organization without Internship Advisor’s permission, is not allowed. Report should be submitted in Hard Copy within two weeks after the completion of Late submission will not be accepted and the said internship will be cancelled. If, the evaluation is not found according to the given guidelines by the Internship & Placement Officer in the internship report, then internee will have to rewrite Internship  Report as per instructions of the Placement. Guidelines on Internship Report is attached as Annexure Guidelines Academic Internship Report Manuscript Format  The Internship Report must be a professionally finished work in format, style, spelling and  appearance, as the finished document reflects on both the student and the University. The report  is a scholarly statement of the results of the student’s internship work. The format of the  manuscript should be consistent with the guidelines presented herein. Failure to  follow  these  instructions may result in either rejection of your Internship Report or an instruction to revise it.   The preferred size of the report is 5 to 6 pages. The language is English. If the results are confidential, the report will only be handed to the Placement Office. Confidential reports will not be shown to anyone else, but will always be accessible for visitation committees.   Title Page  One original title page, prepared in the same format as the attached sample (see the end of this document). Overview of the Organization Brief introduction Major activities, processes, products, hierarchy               Report Content One or two pager short brief that summarizes the report. What is this about? Why it undertaken / what was the purpose? What are the training methods used, major findings or results? Frequency of meetings with supervisors The conclusions & recommendations Based on Strategies developed in SWOT Should not be Vague, Abstract, Idealistic Should be Specific, Concrete, Practical Page of Supervisory Committee  One original title page, prepared in the same format as the attached sample (see the end of this  document) must be submitted with the original signatures of all members of the Internship  Report Committee. Acknowledgement This report has been prepared for the internship that has been done in the (Name of Organization)  to study the practical aspect of the course and implementation of the theory in the field with the  purpose of fulfilling the requirements of the course of (Name of Program)   I would like to express my sincere gratitude to (Supervisor at   Manager/Director/HOD of the Organization  worked in, other employees, staff members etc.) for their support and encouragement.   Internee should concentrate and focus on the quality of recommendations. They should not be unclear, ambitious and general. Your recommendations should be directly relevant to your place of internship and should be implementable for bringing improvement. Conclude briefly by summarizing your main points of the report.   Note: The student must provide information based on his/her personal learning and experience gained  during… Continue reading Internship Policy

International Student Exchange Policy Objectives and Procedure: The policy aims to offer students wide-ranging advantages, including the chance to follow global exposure and familiarize themselves with diverse cultures and international educational standards.   IMS encourages its students to participate in outbound exchange programs to extend their educational horizons. Students may spend one or more semesters at an overseas university or educational institution authorized by the HEC under this scheme. For students participating in an outbound exchange program, the following policy will be applicable: Before participating in any outbound exchange program, the student must obtain approval from the institute. Such requests ought to be sent via the department head or dean. The Registrar’s office will receive the matter from the Dean. The semester at IMS must be frozen by the student before they go for the outbound exchange program. For universities that IMS has an exchange agreement with for student exchange, there won’t be any tuition fees associated with the semester’s suspension.   The number of days the student will spend abroad on an exchange program should be taken into consideration when determining the length and number of semesters to freeze. The student is required to follow the designated dates of departure and return. The length of the semester or semesters spent studying overseas will not be taken into account when determining the time bar.   Credit transfers will only be permitted between Higher Education Commission (HEC)-recognized schools and universities. Only degree-level programs (equal to comparable-level programs at Home University) offered on campus will have their credits transferred. In order to be eligible for a credit transfer, a student must always meet the minimum requirements set forth by the relevant academic program.   Through inbound exchange programs, students from universities or other international educational institutions can spend one or more semesters studying at IMS. For the inbound exchange program, the following rules will be in effect: Only students from internationally accredited schools and colleges may participate in the inbound exchange program, as approved by HEC. IMS will determine whether to accept students under the incoming exchange program on a case-by-case basis. In the event of the semester system, the student must have obtained a minimum CGPA of 2.50/4.0, and in the case of the yearly system, 50%. The supporting documentation will be examined carefully on their face value. View Scanned Document

International Linkages Policy Objectives and Procedure: The International Linkages Policy ensures fruitful linkages with international bodies. IMS promotes linkages with globally recognized universities and educational organizations. The policy criteria should be taken into consideration when reviewing the case for linking and deciding on agreements or MoUs. The following areas of mutual understanding and cooperation will be covered by the agreements/MoUs while adhering to current HEC/government policies: – Exchange initiatives between faculty and students that benefit both parties. Collaborative research initiatives for learning and mutual interest. Collaboratively planning and attending seminars, conferences, and talks of shared benefit. The sharing of articles, papers, and other scholarly resources. Building capacity through staff, and faculty training and any other area in which the parties have a shared interest. View Scanned Document