The 27th Quality Assurance Symposium which was held last 24 May 2012 at the auditorium of the RCsDP An Namuthajiyah Campus featured the topic "How to Write a Paper for Publication in a Journal". Professor Mohammad Al Omari, the Chairman of the Restorative Department of the College of Dentistry, was the resource speaker. Prof. Omari gave his audience which consisted mainly of members of the RCsDP faculty, tips on how to write and prepare a good manuscript that could pass the scrutiny of the screening panel or the editor to qualify it for publication in a reputable journal.
Prof. Omari outlined the reasons why people would like to write a paper and have the same published in a journal. He said these are because they would like to gain recognition in their field; or because it is expected of faculty members as part of their academic role; or because they want to contribute their ideas; or for promotion in their career, monetary and other incentives, or simply because they enjoy writing and having their work published.
Prof. Omari also outlined the steps in the publishing cycle as well as the processes that take place from the time the journal editor receives the manuscript until the same is actually published.
Prof. Omari emphasized the importance of choosing the correct journal at the outset. He thus gave some guidelines on how to be able to assess which is the "Best" journal. He also gave the top ten reasons why manuscripts are rejected then gave some interesting and very positive advice on what to do if one's paper is rejected.
Finally, Prof, Omari underlined the importance of cultivating a culture of writing within RCsDP through simply encouraging, enabling and recognising writing for publication; supporting colleagues with time and genuine recognition for writing; setting up writing courses or workshops on breaking writing blocks and turning conference papers into journal articles-to masters modules supporting the ongoing development of writing for a journal or a book- with face to face development; providing critical friend support and online exchange and development; as well as enabling sabbatical schemes for longer writing projects.
The greater part of the 27th Quality Assurance symposium consisted of an open discussion where the Rector, Prof. Abdullah Al Shammery, encouraged the faculty members to ask questions or discuss their most pressing issues, make comments or offer suggestions relative to the academics at RCsDP. Most of the questions, comments and issues which were brought up during this part of the program were related to research - supervision of research and cooperation or collaboration for research, in particular. The Rector himself moderated the open discussion.
The Symposium then smoothly segued into the recognition and awarding programme for the various committees that functioned for the first International Quintessence Arab Dental Congress (IQDAC) which was jointly sponsored by RCsDP and the Quintessence Publishing Group.
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