The Theory of Self Criticism
It's not the world that's boring. It's me that is! It's not just those around me who are lazy. I use it as an excuse to be lazy myself.
Why have I written this!? Don't ask me. Ask yourself!
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January 29, 2006
Where is our education system heading?
By Furrukh Sham, TMM2
4-year degree equivalent to mastersThe Higher Education Commission has recognized all bachelor degrees awarded after four years or eight semesters of studies as equivalent to MA or MSc degree........The decision will be applicable to the purpose of employment to BPS-17 and for higher education.
The degrees are: BE or BSc engineering, BSc (Hons) agriculture, B. Pharmacy, MBBS, BS(CS), BS(IT), BBA (hons) and LLB. http://www.dawn.com/2006/01/22/nat31.htm
Is this press release by the HEC tantamount to the claim that our university system has become so progressive and developed that by only doing 8 semesters in any of the respective fields, a student will become a master of that field? What's more, as this decision is also valid for the purpose of higher education as well so it is also going to increase the number of PhDs per annum! (May be that is one of the tactics used by the HEC to meet the educational 'reform' targets!)
By the way don't get so chuffed folks; this joke is only applicable in Pakistan. The master's degrees granted as such will not be internationally recognized in the similar way. We all know how most of the students at the undergraduate level earn their degrees completing all the required 'course work', 'assignments' and so on, not to mention the 'wonderful' research that is carried out to complete the dissertations at the end of the four years.
I am dumbfounded; feel aghast and I wonder what good is that going to bring to us...the students of TIP. The state of education, faculty, 'research' facilities like laboratories and library at TIP is no hidden secret. Is our curriculum regularly updated to remain abreast with current developments in the field of textile and business? We do seem to have the infrastructure and resources but are we putting them to proper usage? Most of the students would rather plagiarize than to put their own thoughts in to the work and both students and teachers are responsible for this behavior in their own ways. This attitude has become a kind of syndrome that infests the air. One feels indifference and even antipathy that broils within everyone but people seem least bothered to come forward and change things and hence drag along.
So how do we deserve to be awarded a master's degree? Do we have the aptitude? What are the measures that have been taken by the HEC to ensure that only those institutes and universities are able to grant degrees that maintain certain standards and provide students with appropriate facilities? Further more where does are beloved TIP stand in all this?
In my opinion, this is a feeble and pathetic attempt by the HEC to veil the deficiencies of the education system that is prevailing in the country and its inability to curb the worsening situation.
Convocation and T-shirts
Convocation for the graduating Class of 2005 is at 2:00 pm, Sunday, January 29th 2006, at the Textile Institute of Pakistan Bin Qasim Campus.
T-shirts will be on sale at the Quack! table near the entrance.
January 27, 2006
First reading list for Spring 2006
Contributed by Farrukh Sham, TMM2
1. Tariq Ali, The clash of fundamentalisms
Genre: History
No of pages: Over 500
Available at the TIP library
2. Jeffery Archer, Matter of honor
Genre: Fiction/ thriller
No. of pages: 368
Available at the TIP library
3. Dr Spencer Johnson, Who moved my cheese?
Genre: Management
No. of pages: 96
Available at the TIP library
Selected Reviews
The clash of fundamentalisms
If by any chance you seem to notice what is happening around the world like the state of the defenseless Muslim world, The US aggression and imperialism, the world after the 9/11 attacks and so on then this is a book you should not miss! (Don't let the length of the book scare you away, it's worth reading). Tariq Ali, with his vigorous narrative, goes on to explain these events in the light of history. In this wide-ranging book he provides an explanation for both the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and new forms of Western colonialism. A highly informative book, especially for those interested in history and politics.
Who moved my cheese?
A small intriguing tale of two mice and two humans who live in a maze and one day are faced with change: when someone moves their cheese. Reactions vary from quick adjustment to waiting for the situation to change by itself to suit their needs. This story is about adjusting attitudes toward change in life, especially at work. It will definitely help you in understanding and dealing with change in your own lives. A must read!
January 26, 2006
Job switching advice
Raghib Ali Khan (Textile Science Class of 2005) gives valuable advice on starting a new job, and on switching jobs.
One thing which is very common in fresh graduates is job switching. There are as many reasons as there the grains of sand in this universe or the stars in the sky. Some times after a few days and some times after a couple of months one switches to another job.
Although switching is not a good thing to do but if it is necessary one should not delay that and do as soon as they have reason enough.
There are few things that a fresh graduate must consider before starting a new job:
- Your field of interest
- There are many options open to one like spinning, weaving, dyeing, printing, finishing, planning, quality control, garments production, merchandizing, marketing, buying houses, textile sourcing, consultancy etc. Select one that suits you best.
- When you select a job, stick to it.
- Is the job related to your studies?
- Will the job give you opportunities to learn and grow?
- Whether you are fit for that particular environment
- Is the job fulfilling your monetary requirements?
- How are senior members doing at that company?
- Where will you be in a couple of years in that job?
If you are switching jobs early in your career, think about:
- Reasons for switching?
- Wrong field or wrong company? Then change as soon as possible.
- Try and find a place most suited for your aptitude.
- Don't resign until you actually find a new job!
- Submit a proper resignation - you must give your employers good reason on your resignation.
- You may have to sit at home for some time in-between jobs. Don't loose heart!
- You might find lower salary but good growth opportunities. You may find a better job with a higher salary, or you may not. Think about it!
January 23, 2006
Who is Dean Dr. Khizar Rehman?
The Herald Annual 2005, a DAWN publication, in an article "Reading the Pulse" on "alternative education, quotes a Dean Dr. Khizar Rehman as TIP's Dean. Who is this new Dean of TIP?
The article states "private and public sector universities are catering to shifting market demands by establishing alternative, career-oriented departments," along with TIP as one of the examples. Our new and knowledgeable dean elaborates in the article; "the idea is to produce trained professionals for middle-level management in the textile industry."
While students are eager to learn more about the nitty-gritty of textile wet processing, knitting and weaving, Dr. Rehman says the current market trends are inclined towards design technology and apparel manufacturing. The reason, according to Dr Rehman, quite simple: "Professionals are now needed in the garment industry because spinning has made rapid advancements."
That simple, eh? So had spinning not made rapid advancements, the garment industry would have been a flop? Your thoughts on the new Dean and on his thoughts?
January 21, 2006
Pictures from Fall 2005
Pictures from the Fall 2005 semester will be coming to Quack! Online over the coming days. For a taste, have a look at some Product Development pictures by Atif Hussain.
January 05, 2006
See no evil! Hear no evil! Speak no evil!
Interpreting the article "A pack of hounds," the most likely remark you'd get from students would be. "What guts! The author's stolen the words off our mouths!" Little does the reader know that the author has simply used an analogy, which makes the audacious statement a mere comparison and simply says that the teachers hound their students as a pack of hound dogs would hound prey.
I personally don't agree with the analogy for a variety of reasons but I do, however, completely agree with those who feel that the author is responsible for clouding the minds of students with revolting statements.
The Quack! team has been rightly indicted of creating upheaval amongst the student body by using an analogy which was understood as a statement students generally use to describe teachers. Knowing the audience the analogy should have been scrapped before it got to the notice boards.
The point regarding plagiarism, mentioned in Abid's article is definitely worth noting. Similar points regarding academic dishonesty that I have mentioned earlier in my article titled "What Sanctity!," regarding the seriousness of the issue of cheating during class tests have been blatantly denied by some faculty. It is highly unfortunate that with the exception of a few no one paid heed to the points highlighted in the article.
It is evident that the teachers know what is happening where. They are aware of the loopholes in the system and they can clearly differentiate between original and copied work. Contrary to currently popular belief I increasingly feel that it's the students who hound some teachers. The phenomenon is worse with teachers that are new to the system. But then again is it not the teachers who let the students treat them in this fashion.
So why is it that the faulty system still thrives? If the teachers know all too well what's wrong and realize these deficiencies in their courses then they ought to set things right.
I shall say no more!