Founder's Message
Welcome to our newsletter #4! As before, there are 2 main themes:
- Further progress on the InSPiR2eS Global Pitching Research Competition (IGPRC), and
- Further reflections from those who have engaged with the pitching research framework
As you will recall, we launched IGPRC in our September Newsletter (#2) and now the deadline for entries has been reached. We are working hard to complete the assessment of all pitches, to determine the semi-finalists and then in turn the finalists. Once we reach these critical stages, we will issue a further communique to share information and celebrate achievements …
Global Pitching Research Competition
click to enlarge
IGPRC: Semi-finalists (so far)
We are very pleased to announce the winners of various IGPRC categories and congratulate them for reaching to the semi-final stage of IGPRC. The winners are as follows:
Riyad Ismail (PIM, University of Jayewardenepura): “Investigating Final Year Undergraduates’ Career Self-Management Process During Education-to-Work Transition”.
“I am Riyad Ismail from Sri Lanka and reading for a PhD at the Post Graduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. My research is focussed on undergraduate career decision making and titled “Investigating Undergraduates’ Career Self-Management Process During Education-to-Work Transition”. Taking part in the InSPiR2eS Global Pitching Research Competition and following the unique criteria has helped me clearly understand and communicate the key deliverables of my research and its theoretical and practical significance. I am grateful to reach the semi-final stage of the competition and look forward to further enhancing my pitch and presentation skills”
Peter Truc Do (University of Queensland): “Do firms overpromise on their CSR commitments in IPO?”
“Using the pitch template has allowed me to have a better understanding of my initial research idea and how I can refine it to become an improved research question that is more relevant and has greater impact on the profession. At the same time, the pitch template trains me to look at all the different angles when approaching the research, from the preliminary literature review to research design, and even sample formation. This is very useful as all possible issues are pre-empted and my research execution can hopefully be smoother and more linear. I would highly recommend the pitch template to anyone doing research, regardless of experience or discipline”
Sorin Daniliuc (Australian National University): “A new approach to study the determinants of overpayment in M&A deals”
Lai Hoang & Md Zakir Hossain (University of Western Australia): “Insider Investment Horizon: Evidence from Australia” [replication pitch].
Duong Hanh Tien, Su Ngoc Diep, Dinh Tran Than My (University of Danang – University of Economics): “Promoting Sustainable Packaging Practices of Food and Grocery Retailers”
“We are a research team from The University of Danang – University of Economics. Thanks to the IGPRC and VNPRC for providing us with the great opportunity to learn about the Pitching Research by Robert W. Faff. The pitch template can help a young researcher like Diep to effectively communicate her research ideas with other academics. For Tien and My, who have been applying for a PhD study, the template can be learned as a research proposal to have the initial discussion with their potential supervisors. While conducting research on sustainable packaging practices from the customer perspective that our team published on a high-ranked journal in the field of environmental economics, we developed a research idea from the retailer perspective to take part in the IGPRC. We are passionate about research concerning the environment that helps us understand and change ourselves in a more sustainable lifestyle. We enjoy doing research like enjoy our daily life”
Melinda Malau (Universitas Kristen Indonesia): “Does Information Asymmetry Influence Cost of Capital in the Pandemic Situation?”
Dr. Melinda Malau is a lecturer. She got a degree for Bachelor of Economics majoring in Accounting (SE) with Cum Laude predicate, Master in Financial Management (MM) with Very Satisfactory result, and Doctor of Economics Concentration in Accounting (Dr.) with Cum Laude. She is also a holder of Tax Consultant Expertise of Brevet A-B, Accounting Technician Competency Assessor from the National Agency for Professional Certification (BNSP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Business Valuer (CBV), Certified in Financial Risk Management (CFRM), and Certified in Financial Accounting (CFA). She had experience such as Head of Division the Lecturer of the Academic Administration Bureau at UKI Rectorate (2019-2020), Head of Accounting Study Program at FEB UKI (2013-2018). Her research is in the Financial Accounting field area.
Yvonne Ang (Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia): “Moving Towards Sustainability: The Influence of Consumer-Initiated Movements in Reducing Resistance”
“As an Early Career Researcher in Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, I teach and research within the Marketing discipline. Starting the research journey after Ph.D completion can be daunting where time spent evaluating and building a project can sometimes slip by without resolution. For me, the experience competing in Malaysia’s pitching competition helped me to focus on identifying research ideas efficiently. The Mickey Mouse diagram is strikingly clear, which I now adopt to visualize and evaluate research ideas. This, coupled with reflecting on ‘So What?’ and the research’s level of contribution, acts as an orderly fashion to kick start a research idea”
Pitching Research Spotlight
National Pitching Research Competition (NPRC), Malaysia
Leveraging on the InSPiR2eS network, the Pitching Research Competition has now made its way for the first time to Malaysia. As the Chairperson of this initiative, Dr. Norliza Che Yahya is grateful for the collegiality shown by Associate Professor Dr. Amirul Afif Muhamat and continuous support by Professor Dr. Noryati Ahmad from the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus in their capacity as the advisors of this competition. Networking activities between the InSPiR2eS network and FBM begun in early 2021, leading to an inaugural briefing delivered by Professor Robert Faff (online webinar) conducted on 18th August 2021. Thereafter, the First National Pitching Research Competition (NPRC) was launched in Malaysia on 1st November 2021.
Dr. Norliza Che Yahya
Associate Professor Dr. Amirul Afif Muhamat
Professor Dr. Noryati Ahmad
A total of 40 research topics were submitted in the form of research pitches during the period from 1st November 2021 to 31st January 2022. All the submissions were forwarded to the appointed academic judges (with similar research interests) to evaluate the entry scripts by adhering to the pitching research framework rubric. Based on the scores provided by the subject experts, fifteen scripts or five best research pitches from each category were selected to the final stage of the competition. In the final stage, the finalists were then examined by a panel of three esteemed academicians based on their oral presentation and response in a brief two-minute question and answer session. The Grand Final, held virtually on 23rd February 2022, is a significant milestone in the Faculty of Business and Management history as the organizer of the first national pitching research competition in Malaysia. The winners of each category were awarded cash prizes and all participants were given an e-certificate for their participation. The National Pitching Research Competition came to an end with a great success and the winner of this competition, Dr. Yvonne Ang, Universiti Teknologi MARA (Puncak Alam Campus), will progress to the semi-final round of the IGPRC. The organising team is delighted to have hosted this inaugural event in Malaysia with the co-operation from InSPiR2eS network, and is excited for the future National Pitching Research Competitions in Malaysia.
Access the Grand Final Recording
Date: 23rd February 2022 (Wednesday)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Webex link: https://uitm.webex.com/uitm/j.php?MTID=mcf925150b1e9ab15fcd5472395ecad9e
Program
9:00 a.m. – 9:05 a.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:05 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Doa Recital
9:15 a.m. 9:25 a.m. Welcoming Speech by Chairman of NPRC: Dr. Norliza Che Yahya
9:25 a.m. – 9:35 a.m. Officiating Speech by Dean (Faculty of Business and Management): Professor Dr. Noryati Ahmad
9:35 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Montage Presentation (Teaser)
9.45 a.m. – 10.15 a.m. Category 1 – Early Career Researchers (5 Finalists)
10.15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Category 2 – PhD Students (5 Finalists)
10.45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Category 3 – Master’s Students (5 Finalists)
National Pitching Research Competition, Indonesia
We are delighted to share that the team from Trisakti University in Jakarta and Udayana University in Bali, successfully organized a first-ever National Pitching Research Competition in Indonesia from 17th October 2021 to 19th February 2022. The competition had a soft opening in welcoming and socialization event for the Doctoral students at Trisakti University on 16th October 2021. The Indonesian team then circulated the flyer and contacted the Head of Accounting Department at eight Indonesian universities. A special coaching session was also organised on 11th January 2022 to help novice researchers familiarise themselves with the pitching research framework. A total of 25 pitching submissions were received from Doctoral students and Early Career Researchers across four universities. Of those submissions, the top 6 participants were selected to appear in the grand final which was conducted on 19th February 2022. The National Pitching Research Competition came to an end with great success and the winner of this competition, Dr. Melinda Malau, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, will progress to the semi-final round of the IGPRC. The organizing team is thankful to Professor Robert Faff for being supportive, and is committed to holding future pitching research competition involving participants from more universities across Indonesia.
Riyan Harbi Valdiansyah – Doctoral Student
“I am lucky to take part in this pitching research competition because I know how to put research ideas into the form of a research proposal and make my research proposal better. For me, this event is not just a research competition, but a research collaboration, as many of the insights from the reviewers improve my research proposal. By following the provided pitching template, I gained new insight and now clearly understand how to make a good research proposal (simple, clear, and structured)”
Dian Widiyati – Doctoral Student
“By participating in this pitching research activity, it is very useful for me so that I can add insight into the latest research topics. What’s more, I can get input from reliable reviewers from Indonesia and abroad which I can’t get that one in anywhere else”
Suyanto (Alvin) – Doctoral Student
“My lecturer on the research methodology subject introduced me to the pitching template last year. However, I didn’t get into it until the pitching competition made me realise its advantages. The template is a convenient tool to initiate new research in a meaningful way; hence, it is a tool that researchers should utilise. The competition gave me extraordinary experience and valuable input from the reviewers. Thanks to Prof. Robert Faff, Prof. Dr. Etty Murwaningsari, Ak., MM., CA, Nurhastuti K. Wardhani, Ph.D, Juniati Gunawan, Ph.D, Adjunct Prof. John C. G. LEE, and Asst. Prof. Ni Putu Sri Harta Mimba for their efforts to make my research idea steps forward”
Adam Firman Rizki – Doctoral Candidate
“A spectacular experience following the first season of the pitching research competition. It’s an opportunity not to be missed to appear before international reviewers and judges. This experience increased my knowledge and also my professional spirit as an accountant. I highly recommend those who meet the requirements as participants to take part in the pitching research competition in the next season. Through the pitching research competition, let’s show the progress and maturity of the world of economic research in Indonesia”
Setiani Putri Hendratno – Doctoral Student
“I am grateful as one of the pitching research competition participants because I can get more insight about my research. I also find the pitching research template really helps me to define my research clearly and straight to the point. I am going to introduce the research template to my students so they can deliver their research as structured, simple, and to the point research. Thank you Prof. Etty Murwaningsari, Prof. Robert Faff, Ms. Juniati Gunawan, Ph.D , and Ms. Nurhastuti K. Wardhani, Ph.D for the opportunity so I can know more about the research template and can share it to my students. Thank you for all insights from Adjunct Prof. John C. G. LEE, and Asst. Prof. Ni Putu Sri Harta Mimba for my research
Sunanta Wiguna – Doctoral Candidate
“I am very proud to be a part of this first pitching research. I get a lot of experience in writing research concepts. I take this opportunity to convey research ideas that are in line with current issues in Indonesia. In addition, I am very happy to receive criticism and suggestions from professional reviewers. Lastly, pitching competition is a memorable experience. I can learn to submit ideas and present a contributing research”
Meidijati
“Previously, I already knew the pitching template created by Prof. Robert Faff. I took the opportunity to get involved in international pitching research because of the support from Trisakti University and to get new challenges and experiences. I got a lot of experience, such as discussions, interactions, and suggestions from experienced reviewers. Thank you for this opportunity. I hope Indonesia can get an additional quota of researchers next year to compete at the international event”
VP - Africa: David Mathuva
Pre-Doctoral Workshop
At Strathmore University, we had our week-long 5th edition of the pre-doctoral workshop from 28th February 2022 to 4th March 2022. The pre-doctoral workshop is more of a “refresher program” whose aim is to expose participants to basic principles and methods of conducting research in social sciences. In the pre-doctoral workshop, the pitching research tool and accompanying materials (specifically, Faff, 2014, 2018 and 2021) are largely utilised as key reference materials. The 20+ participants drawn from across Africa were exposed to aspects such as “Pitching your research: the idea, working title, the problem statement” among other items in the pitching research framework. This is to help them develop their research concept papers as they prepare to join a formal PhD program of their choice.
Research Clinics for Masters’ Students
We have also been running a series of research clinics for our masters’ students at Strathmore University Business School from 21st February 2022 to date. During these clinics, students are grouped according to the stage they are in their research. They are then taken through various concepts. The clinics utilise Pitching research resources from https://pitchingresearch.com/resources/ with reference to Faff’s (2015) – A simple template for pitching research to guide them as they conceptualise their research.
MSc. in Development Finance Research Methods Class
We have had the research methods class running from January 2022 to March 2022. The pitch template forms the primary basis for teaching and assessing students’ research ideas. It has been a useful tool in getting students critically appraise their research idea as they develop it. Students in this class were encouraged to participate in 2022 InSPiR2eS Global Pitching Research Competition (the IGPRC). We wish them success in the competition!
Video on Pitching Research
Dr. David Mathuva, VP-Africa, has prepared a video on the usefulness of the pitching research template which will be released very soon. Watch the space!
PhD Opportunity for Network Members
Creating an Application to Deconstruct Finance Research
The Bond Business School is calling for expressions of interest from Business/Data Analytics graduates wishing to complete a PhD applying modern Data Analytics and Machine Learning (ML) Techniques to Systematic Structured Summarisation of Research Evidence. The work involved in this PhD project is part of a larger undertaking which aims to innovate and enhance research training and capacity building tools for novice researcher development founded on: (a) the principles of responsible science (see Faff, 2021a); and (b) the “Pitching Research” Framework, PRF (Faff, 2015 and Faff, 2021b). The successful applicant’s doctoral thesis will be supervised by Professor Robert Faff and Associate Professor Adrian Gepp. In addition to high quality, personalised supervision and access to the full range of facilities available to Bond University students, the successful applicant will be entitled to the benefits including tuition fee waiver, option to apply for a scholarship, and employment opportunities. For further details about the potential research questions, the benefits, and the selection criteria, click below.