Vol. 1: Bolton Bulletin

BOLTON BULLETIN

UoB ACERAK Student Elections

Conclude with Exciting Results

RasAlKhaimah,UAE,10112023:Inamomentousdisplayofdemocracyin action,themuch-anticipateduniversitystudentelectionshaveconcluded,heraldinga newchapterincampusleadership

Afterweeksofspiritedcampaigning,impassioneddebates,andenthusiasticvoter turnout,theresultshavethecampuscommunitybuzzingwithexcitementand anticipationforthefuture

Asthenewlyelectedleaderstakeoffice,theyinheritnotonlytheprivilegeof representationbutalsotheweightyresponsibilityoffulfillingthepromisestheymade totheirconstituents

RAK Innovation and Sustainability Challenge (RISC) 2024

RAK INNOVATION SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE (RISC)2024aninitiativedesignedbytheUniversityofBolton, RakAcademicCentreinpartnershipwithRAKEducationZone (MoE)washeldon15thFebruary2024

TheeventaimedtoraiseawarenessandeducateRAKschooland universitystudentsonsustainabilityissuesanddesigningpotential solutionsThechallengeintendedtowelcomeinnovativeideasand conceptsinSustainabilitythroughinnovation Studentsacrossall the schools & universities in RAK participated in RAK INNOVATION SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE (RISC) 2024andproducedinnovativesolutionstotheproblemsidentified

Ground Breaking Ceremony

RasAlKhaimah,UAE,04032024:We'rethrilledtoembarkon a groundbreaking journey at the University of Bolton Ras Al Khaimah(UoBRAK),markingasignificantmilestoneinexpanding ourpresenceintheUAE

With a commitment to delivering world-class UK education and opportunities,we'rededicatedtoshapingfutureleadersandmaking apositiveimpactacrosstheMEAregion Gratefulfortheesteemed presence of our HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Dr Steven R, Oliver Christian and GeorgeEHolmesatthegroundbreakingceremonyandinspiringusallwiththeirinvaluablesupportandvision foreducationexcellence

The winners of this challenge got an extraordinary opportunity to present their innovative ideas at the International WorkshoponAdvancedMaterials(IWAM)onFebruary21st TheprestigiousconferencewasattendedbyNobelPrize laureatesandotherdistinguishedguestsfromaroundtheworld

UAE Records Historic Rainfall

16042024/UAE: The United Arab Emiratesexperiencedarareweathereventof getting hit with its heaviest rainfall in 75 years

Theunprecedentedrainfall,whichoccurred in various emirates including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, caused widespread disruptiontodailylife

Roads turned into rivers, neighborhoodsweresubmerged,and infrastructurestrainedunderthe weightofthedeluge

Recognizingtheneedforflexibility, University of Bolton Academic CampusRasalKhaimahswiftly shifted gears, embracing hybrid learningasasolution

Source:UoBACERAKLinkedInfeed

TheUniversityofBolton,AcademicCentreRAKhascarvedoutaplacefor itselfwithitsteamofmarketingandeducationalprofessionals,creatingahub ofactivitythroughinteractivedisplaysandinformativepresentationsatThe GlobalEducation&TrainingExhibition(GETEX)2024fromApril23rdto 26th

Thesehighlighttheinstitution'scommitmenttoacademicexcellenceand innovationFromdemonstrationsofcutting-edgeresearchtoinsightsinto thelatestpedagogicalapproaches,visitorsaretreatedtoafirsthandglimpseof theuniversity'sdynamiclearningenvironment

Classeswerecalledonlinefrom16thto20thApril,2024toaccommodatestudents and tutors ensuring safety and continued learning through remote use of technology

Upcoming Summer Semester

Getready&markyourcalendars! ThecommencementoftheSummer SemesterattheUniversityofBolton AcademicCentre,RAKissettokick offthisJune Withadiversearrayof coursesandanunwaveringcommitmenttoacademicexcellence, students can anticipate a season brimming with learning opportunitiesandpersonalgrowth Fromdynamicfacultytovibrantcampuslife,thesummersession promises to be an immersive experience for all Stay tuned for moreupdatesastheexcitementbuildsfortheupcomingsemester inthenextVolumeofBoltonBulletin!

GETEX 2024

Managed & designed by Habsa Binte

EDITORIAL

ItgivesmegreatpleasureinwritingthisbriefnotefortheWINC -BoltonBulletin‘Newsletter’ Thisdefinitelyisbothan auspicious&opportunetimeforWesternInternationalCollege whichmarksits16thyearsinceitopeneditsdoorsinApril2008 Isayopportune,aswehavejustbrokengroundona‘New campus’buildingwiththeGroundBreakingceremonyheldon March4,2024,atthehandsofHHSheikhMohammedbin SaudbinSaqrAlQasimi,CrownPrinceofRasAlKhaimah, alongwiththeViceChancellor&PresidentoftheUniversityof Bolton-ProfGeorgeEHolmesDLwithcorporateguests, students&stafftakingturnsatputtingthegoldenshovelsinto theground ThenewbuildingisexpectedtoopentothepublicinJanuary 2025andthisrepresentsafulfillingofalong-standingaspiration forallofushereattheUniversityofBolton,AcademicCentreRAK

Apartfromthegroundbreaking,wehavehadnumerousother achievements&accoladesbothforstudents,staff&thelarger campuscommunityandthisisatrendthatlooksextremely promisingandwehopeforittocontinuethroughtimestocome Thelast3yearshavealsoseenadditionstotheportfolioof programmeswithbleeding-edgeprogrammessuchasGames Programming,DigitalMarketing,Cyber&NetworkSecurity, ArtificialIntelligence,etc,beingaddedtotheexistingportfolio FamiliesfromacrosstheUAEcontinuetotrustusandthishas seen student enrollments grow with over 45 nationalities representingacosmopolitanmicrocosmnowbeingpartofthe campus

Anotherremarkableachievementworthreportingisthegrowth intermsofthenumberofcorporateorganisationsthatwework withanditisthisoverwhelmingsupportfromtheindustryinthe form of internships, placements, site visits, guest lectures, consultancysupportetalthatmotivatesustokeepgoingona dailybasisWewouldliketoextendourgratitudetothe‘Industry AdvisoryBoard’fortheirtime,support&mentorshipwhichhas reflectedpositivelyinthe‘Employability’ofourgraduates ‘Employability’&‘IndustryEngagement’sitattheheartof everythingwehavedone&continuetodoaswelookatthenext ‘16’years&beyond

ThecherishedhopeisthatourStudents,Alumni,staff&the largercampuscommunitywillcontinuetorallyaroundaspartof beingthe‘WINC’Familythroughtimestocome Iremain‘YoursPositively’

Nourishing Intellectual Curiosity with Literary Appreciation - Dr.

Saman Waseem Akhtar and Ms. DevikaRamachandran(Co-EditorsinChief)

Throughthecourseofhistoryandthetimesweseetoday,itissafetosaythatthe onlyconstantis–changeBeitinthebeginningoflife,civilisationtothe evolutionoftechnology,thewindsoftimehavesweptusthroughcontinuous transformation In such times, nurturing growth, both personally and professionallyaswellascreatingsocialupliftmentthroughexpressionbecomes paramount Academics provide us with the knowledge while industry experiencesprovideuswiththeneededpracticetonavigateintherealworldAt thisstage,thecommencementofaUniversityNewsletterisonesuchstepthat bridgesthegapbetweenthetwo

Overthepastseveralweeks,ourteamofyoungstudenteditorsaswellasthe experiencedfacultyfromdifferentdepartmentsandareaspecialisationsinthe academiccommunityhavecometogether,workedtirelesslyandsetsailtothis projectattheUniversityofBoltonAcademicCampusRasAlKhaimah(UoB ACERAK)

Wearecommittedtonurturingessentiallifelonglearningskillslikedevelopinga loveofconstructiveactivitiesinstudentsandfacultymembersalike,bothwithin andbeyondtheconfinesoftheclassroomReading,writingandproducinga collaborationoftheseoutputsinabeautifulpresentationarenotmerely academicexercises;theyareessentialtoolsforcriticalthinking,effective communication,andpersonalenrichmentamongstothersThenewsletterisa productoftheseskillsthatfosterculturaldiversityandliteraryappreciationfor thewrittenword

Whiletopicscoveringthechanginglandscapeoftechnology,psychology, accountancy,lawandbusinesshavebeenrelayedinarticles,anoutreachtothe expertsandalumni,innovators,andentrepreneursinthefast-pacedenvironment hasbeenshowcasedthroughinsightsinsomeandinterviewsinothersTheaim todevelopthesefoundationalskillsincreatingauniquenewsletter,onethatwe atUoBACERAKcherishasourown,willdefinitelyforwardustogrow individuallyaswellasprofessionals,gearing-upfortherealworld

Letusembracethetransformativepowerthatthepenyieldsinshapingour intellectualgrowthandcontributingtotheadvancementofknowledgeLetus usethemediumofprintwordtogivewingstosocialmovementandbring solidaritywiththemostvulnerableamongusliketheonesafflictedwithwarand injusticeLetusharnessthepowerofeducation,research,andadvocacytoeffect positivechangeinourcommunitiesandbeyond

Together,letusstrivetocreateafuturewhereeveryperson,regardlessoftheir backgroundorcircumstance,canexpressthemselves,livewithdignity,peace,and hopeThisisthevisionthatguidesouruniversity'smissionandanimatesour collectiveeffortstomakeadifferenceintheworld

Academic Coordinator and Sr Lecturer – School of Business,Computing&SocialSciences/Partnership& QualityAssuranceManager

WelcometotheUniversityofBoltonAcademicCentreNewsletter! IamdelightedtowriteanintroductiontothefirstnewsletterfromtheSchoolof Business,Computing&SocialSciencesattheUniversityofBoltonAcademic CentreinRasAl-Khaimah(UoBACERAK)Thisquarterlynewsletterwillbring youthelatestupdatesandhighlightsfromourvibrantacademiccommunity

TheUoBACERAKwasfirstestablishedin1998with12cohortsgraduatingsince InfactwearethefirstBritishUniversitysetupinNorthernEmiratesoftheUAE ACERAKAsabeaconofknowledgeandinnovation,iscommittedtofostering excellenceineducation,research,andcommunityengagement Incurrent academicyear,wehavelaunchednewprogrammessuchasMScPsychology,MSc CloudandNetworkSecurityBSc(Hons)LLBandBSc(Hons)DigitalMarketing TherearefurthernewprogrammesonthepipelinesuchasBSc(Hons)Cyber security,BSc(Hons)GamesDesignandBSC(Hons)GamesProgramming(thisis subjecttosufficientnumberofstudentsbeingrecruited)

Itisourwishtogetknowledgeexchangeandcollaborationbetweenstaffinthe maincampusandRAKAcademicCentreLikethelastyear,weexpectcolleagues fromRAKtopresenttheirTIRIarticlesintheGMBSconferencewiththetheme of"OrganisationalTransformation:Theory,Policy,andPractice"beingheldon the11thand12thJuly2024inUoBUKFromthequalityfront,wehavenow receivedtheQAAQualityReviewreportcommissionedbytheRAKEZAcademic FreezoneandItiswithgreatpleasurethatwehavescoredDiamondstatuswhichis thehighestqualitystandardachievable

Tobuildonourlastyear’ssuccessfulcareerfair,thisyearwehavestudentsfrom variousdepartmentsinLaw,Psychology,Business,Computingoninternshipand workplacementItisgoodtoknowthatallYear2andYear3Lawstudentsareon internshipplacementsatlegalfirmsinDubai,SharjahandRasAl-KhaimahEach departmentalsoboastsseveralactivitiesorganisedforstudentengagementand knowledgeenrichmentexperience

Inthisnewsletter,youwillfindamyriadofarticlesshowcasingtheachievementsof ourstudents,faculty,andstaffFromresearchprojectstoinspiringstudentsuccess stories,weaimtocelebratethediversetalentsandaccomplishmentswithinour universityfamilyMoreover,wewillprovidevaluableinsightsintoupcoming events,seminars,andworkshopsdesignedtoenrichyouracademicjourneyand professionaldevelopmentWeinviteyoutoexplorethepagesofournewsletterand joinusincelebratingtheachievementsandadvancementsoftheUniversityof BoltonAcademicCentrecommunityTogether,westrivetoshapethefutureof educationandmakeapositiveimpactlocallyandinternationally

Warisha Islam BSc Hons Computing, Y2

Managed by Ana Gul Jamal, Designed by Maheen Shabir

Shafna Sirajudheen BSc Hons Business Management, Y1

Habsa Binte BSc Hons Computing, Y2

Ana Gul Jamal BA Hons Accountancy, Y3

Israt Rahman ATHE Level 3 Business Management

Mohammad Abdullah BSc Hons Computing, Y1

Maheen Shabir

BSc Hons Computing, Y2

Fadil Azeem BSc Hons Law, Y1

STUDENT ARTICLES

Remoteworkingembodiesaparadox initiallyliberating,eventually isolatingThethrillofgamingduringcallsexemplifiesthisfreedom,yetas dayspass,theabsenceofstructureandcolleaguescanleaveoneadrift

Thesenseofaccomplishmentwanes,replacedbyalongingforshared momentsandcamaraderieThememoryofsavoringbreakswithcolleagues evokesnostalgia,whilethecomfortoffamilynearbyofferssolacePersonally, Imissthebustlingofficeatmosphere,yettheallureofextragamingtimeis undeniable,reminiscentofcarefreedaysinmylateteens

Still,theabsenceofmymorningroutine,thebriskairagainstmyskin,leavesa voidRemoteworkisn'taclear-cutfriendorfoe;it'sadelicateequilibriumof freedomanddisciplineSuccessliesinfindingone'sbalance,andembracing autonomywhilemaintainingproductivity

Ultimately,remotework'svalueliesinunderstandingwhatresonateswith individualneedsIt’saboutcraftingaworkspacethatblendsthebestofboth worlds aplacewherefreedomanddisciplineharmonizetocreatea fulfillingworkexperienceSowhatwouldbeyourtakeifitcametoremote working,woulditbeyourfriendorfoe?

HAL’s Legacy: Wrestling with the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Warisha

Islam (BSc. Hons. Computing, Y2)

TheuseofArtificialIntelligence(AI)continuesto becomemoreprevalentinoursystems,fromtargeted advertisementstoautonomousdrivingWithitsability toprocessvastamountsofdata,AIoftenappearsasthe most adept decision-maker Amidst this, we often overlook an essential element of effective human decision-making:nuance

AstudyconductedbyCornellUniversityin2019 concludedthatAIsystemsusedinautomaticcarswere morelikelytofailindetectingpeoplewithdarkerskin tonesHow?Thiswasduetothelackofdiversityinthe datasetsusedtotrainthesystem

Thisinstanceisjustoneofmanyhighlightingtheethical dilemmassurroundingAItechnology Bydelegating criticaldecision-makingtoinadequatelytrainedand unregulatedAIsystems,weinadvertentlyperpetuate biaseswithinoursociety

Theimplicationsofsuchbiasesextendbeyondmere inconvenience;theyposesignificantethicalconcerns AI systems devoid of human empathy and understanding canreinforcesocietalprejudicesand exacerbateinequalities

AsAIadvances,itbecomesimperativetoconfrontsuch ethicaldilemmasbeforedeployingthesesystemsforuse incriticalsituations Itisalsoimportanttoremember thatinsightsfromdataarenotasubstitutefornuanced perspectives and depth of human understanding essentialforsocietalprogress

Riding The Wave: How Inflation Can Propel Business

Shafna Sirajudheen (BSc. Hons. Business Management, Y1)

Allofushaveheardoftheterminflationandthereasonbehindtheincreasingpricesof goodsandservicesButwhatexactlyisitandwhyisitacursefortheeconomy?

Ifyouthinkaboutitforeverykindofproblemthereareopportunitiestooifhandled strategicallyThisarticlediscusseshowinflationcanbeaboonforbusinesses

Inflationisasituationwherethepricesofcommoditiesriseoveraperiodintheeconomy

ItmostlyaffectspeoplewithlowerincomesAsweknow,populationgrowthisincreasing dramaticallyintheworldAsaresultofthis,thedemandforhousingisincreasingdayby dayConstructioncompaniesneedtohirealotofworkerstomeetthedemandsThis createsjobopportunitiesforthepeople

Weknowthat“Today’s$1ismorevaluablethantomorrow’s$1”Duringinflation,the incomeofbusinessesincreasesThismakesiteasierforthefirmstorepaytheirpastloansas thevalueofmoneywillbelessthanwhentheyborroweditThisfacilitatesthegrowthof thefirmsbysavingmoneyTosumitup,inflationhelpsinafirm’sdevelopmentAllwe havetodoiscreateopportunitiesafterresearch,ratherthanstereotypingitnegatively

AmajorEnforcementDirectorate(ED)inquiryhasbeencenteredontheMahadev Gamingapp,abettingplatformthatoffersavarietyofsportsandcardgames,becauseit isallegedtobeinvolvedinadailyscamof$240,000Theapp,whichisownedbyIndian residentsSourabhChandrakarandRaviUppal,areaccusedofencouragingunlawful betting,whichresultedintheaccumulationofawealthofalmost$667millionovera four-yearperiod

ChandrakarslavishweddinginDubai,whichcost$34million,setoffaninvestigation thatresultedinthediscoveryofpossiblehawalaoperationsandlinkagestointernational moneylaundering,particularlythosebetweenPakistanandtheUnitedArabEmirates Bollywoodstarswhoperformedor attendedChandrakar'sweddingandbusiness events are currently being investigated; names like Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoorareamongthem

SpaceMining:RegulatoryFrameworkandLegalDifficulties

Israt Rahman (Level 3 Business)

Abrightfutureforhumanspaceexplorationandresourceexploitationliesinspace mining,theprocessofextractingrichmaterialsfromcelestialbodiessuchasasteroidsand theMoonThatbeingsaid,aplethoraoflegalandregulatorycomplicationsariseas humanityexpandsintospacemining,posingathreattothegrowthofthisrapidly developingsectorStakeholdersarefacedwithuncertaintyandambiguityinthelackofa comprehensiveinternationallegalframeworkThesubjectofpropertyrightsiscentral tothediscussionAnysovereignstateisprohibitedfromappropriatingcelestialbodies bythe1967OuterSpaceTreatyItsaysnothingthoughaboutprivateorganizations rightstoresourceextractionandexploitationThislegalvoidleavesroomfor uncertainty,whichrisesquestionsregardingliabilityandownership

Furthermore,theuncertaintysurroundingjurisdictionmakesthingsevenmore difficultDeterminingwhichrulesapplybecomesacomplextaskasspacemining venturescrossnationalbordersTheproblemismadeworsebyoverlappingjurisdictions andconflictingnationallegislation,whichmakesitmoredifficulttocreateacoherent legalframework Inaddition,environmentalissuesareveryimportantStrong regulatorycontrolisrequiredduetothepotentialecologicalimpactthatspacemining operationsmayhaveoncelestialbodiesandtheirecosystemsItisextremelydifficultto strikeabalancebetweentheneedtopreservetheenvironmentandtheneedofresource consumptionCooperationbetweenstatesandpartiesisrequiredtoovercomethese legalobstaclesEnforcingstrictenvironmentalstandards,definingjurisdictionallimits, andestablishingclearpropertyrightsareessentialstepsinpromotingasustainableand moralspaceminingsector

Thequestforofabundantresourcesinspacetravelmustbebalancedwithadedication tointernationalcooperation,environmentalresponsibility,andlegalcertaintyWe cannotfullyrealizethepotentialofspaceminingwithoutworkingtogethertoprotect theintegrityofourheavenlyheritage

From Arrest to Appeal: A Journey through Legal

Explorethecomplexpathofcriminalcases,fromtheinitialarresttothefinalappeal Uncovertheintricaciesofinvestigations,trialsLearnabouthowpoliceinvestigate,what happensintrials,andhowjudgesdecidepunishmentDelveintothechallengesfacedby defendants,prosecutors,andjudgesasjusticeunfoldsincourtroomsacrosstheglobeAs thecaseprogressestotrial,thecourtroombecomesthestageforlegalbattles,where prosecutorsanddefenseattorneyspresenttheirargumentsbeforeajudgeandjuryThis phasehighlightstheprinciplesofdueprocess,therulesofevidence,andtherights affordedtoboththeprosecutionandthedefense

Afterthetrial,whenthejuryorjudgedecidesifthepersonisguiltyornot,thenextstepis decidingthepunishmentThejudgelooksathowseriousthecrimeis,whetherthe personhasahistoryofdoingbadthings,andifthereareanyreasonsthatmightmakethe punishmentlesssevereThishelpsthejudgechoosewhatpunishmentisfairforwhatthe persondidInthelegalsystem,therearemanydifficultpartsWeseehowit'shardto makesureeveryonesrightsarerespectedwhilealsokeepingsocietysafe

APsychologicalApproachtoUnderstanding& ManagingProcrastinationinUniversityStudents SamarMohammedRashid(BSc Hons Psychology,Y3)

Procrastinationisacommonstruggleamonguniversitystudents,whichoften hindersacademicperformanceandincreasesstressItisfrequentlyassociatedwith psychologicalissueslikefearoffailure,perfectionism,andlowself-efficacy However,investigatingafewpsychologicalrootsofthisbehaviorprovidesvaluable insightsintoeffectivemanagementstrategies

Toovercomeprocrastination,youmustfirstgraspthereasonswhyyou procrastinate,aswellastheroleprocrastinationplaysinyourlifeItisseenthat studentsusuallyprefershort-termrewardsoverlong-termgoals,leadingto procrastination

However,aswithanyotherproblem,somesolutionscanbeusedtocombatthis issue, suchastheapplicationofCognitivebehavioraltherapy(CBT)whichoffersan effectivemethodof“implementationintention”inwhichstudentscreatespecific plansforwhenandwheretheywillcompletetasks,inadditiontoit,breakingdown thetasksintosmaller,manageablestepsusingthe"chunking"techniquecanreduce thefeelingsofoverwhelmandincreasemotivation

ThePowerWithin:UnderstandingInternalLocusof Control

Megha(BSc Hons Psychology,Y3)

Whenlifethrowschallengesatyou,howdoyourespond?Doyoufeellikeyouhave controlovertheoutcome,ordoyoubelievethatyouareatthemercyofexternalforces? Thesequestionsexploretheideaoflocusofcontrol,apsychologicalconceptthatshapes ouroutlookonlife

Locusofcontrolreferstowherewebelievecontroloverourlivesresides–withinourselves (internallocus)oroutsideforces(externallocus)Locusofcontrolexistsonacontinuum, withmostpeoplefallingsomewherebetweentheextremesIndividualswithaninternal locusofcontrolbelievetheycaninfluenceoutcomesthroughtheiractionsanddecisions, whilethosewithanexternallocusattributetheirachievementsorfailurestochance, destiny,orotherindividualsResearchsuggeststhathavinganinternallocusofcontrolis generallybeneficial,encouragingoptimism,resilience,andaproactiveapproachto challengesWhileanexternallocusofcontrolmayhavesomeadvantages,suchasreducing anxietyinsituationsbeyondourcontrol,itcanalsoleadtofeelingsofhelplessnessand dependencyonexternalfactors

Developinganinternallocusofcontrolenablesustofocusoureffortsonimprovingor rectifyingourbehaviorsinsteadofwhiningaboutexternalcircumstances,empowering progressTherefore,dearreader,thedecisionisyours:wouldyouprefertotakecontroland makethingshappen,orsimplyletthingsunfold?

Mahadev betting scam case: Financial Fraud that made $240,000 per day

Ana Gul Jamal (BA Hons Accountancy, Y3)

Remote working: Friend or Foe?

Muhammad Abdullah (BSc Hons Computing, Y1)

DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES

Department of Accountancy

On 28th of November 2023, ACCA Middle East hosted the ‘UOB Accounticians Quiz Challenge’ in our university, consisting of eight groups of students from the schools of business and accounting Taher Kapasi ACCA and Ahmad Bilal Manzoor alsointeractedwiththe students

School of Business

On 26th November 2023, Mr Ruknuddin Mohd Umar, a traditional marketer, and an offlinecampaigner,conductedalectureonthe transition from academics to the corporate world,whichwasinsightfulforthestudents

Mr Abhishek Jha, the Chief Administrative Officer of Hedge & Sachs engaged with the second-year undergraduate students on the topic “Technological TrendsandInnovationsinFinance”on6thofMarchthis year

Department of Psychology

On 8th of February 2024, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales signed the Memorandum of Understanding with our university, giving the students a few paperexemptionsfromICAEW

Student Updates

First-year law students, Fadil Azeem, Sumaiya Shaikh and Rabia Alam won ‘Most Promising Team’ award from the 1st International Moot Court held online on 15th March2024

Ourstudentshaveachievedgreatsuccessat the IWAM Conference held on 21st February 2024 Asraa Hanif, Mahzabin Kabir, Josiah Erum, and Alexander Brendan Ayson, the group of mechanical students won 1st place in the Industry Challenge and the group of third-year business students, Ans Irfan, Shalini Tulsani, Nahida Islam, and Ibrahim Sherkhan won 2nd runner-up for Poster MakingCompetition

Around12studentsfromsecondyearlawhavecompletedtheirinternships successfullywith6lawfirmsacrosstheUAEundertheclosesupervisionof Mrs DevikaRamachandranandprofessionallawyers

Thepsychologydepartmentofouruniversityhasconductedsomeamazing eventsthathaveinspiredandhelpedmanyofourstudentsandfaculties

Mental health fest was conducted on the 1st of November 2023 for the freshers to mingle and adapt to the university's new campus life in the libraryandoutdoors Thereweredifferent stalls, activities,andgamesfor thestudentsandfacultiestoenjoyandbreakthestigmasurroundingmental health

OnMarch5,psychologystudentsweretakentothe EmiratesDownSyndromeAssociationinDubaiasa field and educational trip and an MOU was signed withthemaswell

Department of Law

Anarttherapywasconductedonthe16thofFebruary for both the students and faculty members by Ms Ritu Chaturvedi, a professional art therapist, which wasquiteenjoyableandliberatingforthelecturers

On21stofNovember2023,theModelUNwasorganizedbythe law department to educate students about the importance of the UnitedNationsOrganizationintheworld

Awebinarwasconductedamongthestudentsonmootcourtand clientcounsellingbyDrSageeGeethaSethu,HeadofLawinAmity UniversityinDubaion10thofOctober2023Itwasinformativefor thestudentstogetfamiliarizedwiththeprofessionalaspectsoflaw AvirtualtouroftheDubaiInvestmentFinancialCourt(DIFC)was giventothestudentson21stNovember2023

Apostercompetitionandworkshopwereconductedon26October2023onCyberSecurity,AI&Lawsin theUAEincollaborationwiththeComputingdepartment

Faculty Forum

Sixstudentsfromtheschoolof computinghavebeendoingtheir internshipatISDGlobalunder the close supervision and guidance from Mr Suresh Dinakaran,theproductowner, andMrsRenukaNyayadhishAs reportedbythestudents,“We hadtheopportunitytodevelopa diverserangeofskills-fromdata analysistostrategicplanning”

Two third year computing students,MohammadZaidand IftakharAhmed,havebeendoing theirinternshipsattheUS-based firm,Viewit,whichhasbeen insightfulfordevelopingtheir expertise in app and web development “Collaborating withamulticulturalteaminaUS companyhonedourinterpersonal and collaborative skills significantly”

Will 2024 be known as the year Canada started to close its doors?

Colleen W Mackey, RCIC, JD, LLM

ManyexpatriatesintheUAElooktocountriessuchasAustraliaandCanadaasplaceswheretheymay settleaspermanentresidentsandthenobtaincitizenshipwithinareasonableperiodButin2024,except for those with French language proficiency, there have been few Express Entry draws for either the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Worker program, and scores attracting Invitations to Apply(ITAs)havebeenhigh So,whatshouldpeoplestillinterestedinimmigrationtoCanadadointhefaceofintensecompetition forITAs?

Studentsandfreshgraduatesshouldfocusonobtainingcontinuousskilledemployment Itmaybe better to obtain skilled employment in a home country than higher-paid unskilled employment elsewhere

Language proficiency remains key, and there are additional points for skills in a second official language

Industry 6 0 and IT

Job opportunities

AsthesoftwareworldchangesfromIndustry10tothelatest60,jobroles, opportunitiesandwaysofworkingareconstantlyevolving(WorkfromHomeand On-site)

WhileIndustry3,4,5startedwiththedigitalrevolution,Automation,digitizationandhumansand machinesworkingtogether,Industry60,combineshumanintelligence,artificialintelligence,cloud computingenergy,human–robotworkingbigdataandquantumcomputing

TheabovecombinationofdevelopmentshasagreatimpactontheITindustrywhichleadstovarious typesofcareeropportunitiesforstudentsJobopportunitiescanbeclassifiedastraditionalandnontraditional

Traditional opportunities are jobs which have been in the market for a long time and will continue to sustain such as programmers, analysts and network engineers Non-traditional rolesarethosewhichhaveemergedwiththerevolutionoftheIT industrysuchasnewjobtitlesandrolesinGaming,Cloudor DataAnalysisSectors

The Transformative Impact of AI in Accounting

Ms Thasneem Shams ACCA, MSc, PGCert, FHEA

Withthehelpofautomationandmachinelearningalgorithms,AIsimplifies routinetasks,enablingaccountantstoconcentrateonstrategicandanalytical elementsoffinancialmanagement Fromdataentrytofinancialreporting,AI-based solutionsenhanceprecision,speed,anddependability,resultinginbetterdecision-makingprocesses OnekeyareawhereAIexcelsisindetectingfraudandmanagingrisks Byexamininglargevolumesof dara

inreal-time,AIalgorithmscanspotanomaliesandpatternsthatsuggestfraudulentbehaviors,allowingbusinessestoaddressrisksbeforetheyescalateFurthermore,chatbotsandvirtualassistantspoweredbyAIimprove customerinteractionsbyofferingtailoredassistanceandenhancingtheoverallcustomerexperienceAsAItechnologyprogresses,itsimpactonaccountingwillgrow,leadingtomoreimprovementsinfinancialmanagement techniquesUtilizingAItoolsenablesaccountantstobetteradjusttotheevolvingindustry,ultimatelyincreasingefficiencyandeffectivenessintheirwork Insummary,AIisrevolutionizingaccountingbystreamliningtasks,enhancingdecision-makingprocesses,andelevatingcustomerinteractions,ultimatelyleadingtogreaterefficiencyandeffectivenessinfinancialmanagement practices

Ms Renuka Nyayadhish, MSc, PhD Scholar

TALENT SPOTLIGHT

Alumni Stories: Muhammad Zain

Warisha Islam (BSc Hons. Computing, Y2)

InourAlumniStoriessegment,wecelebratetheachievements ofouresteemedgraduateswhohaveembarkedonremarkable journeyspost-graduation

OurfirstsuccessstorycomesfromMuhammadZain,alumnus ofBScComputingClassof2020Sincegraduating,hiscareer hastakenoff fromgettinganinternshipwiththeSharjah governmentaftergraduation,tobeingaServiceDeskAnalyst inBristol

WhenaskedtoelaborateonhisexperiencesatUoB,Zain agreedthathiscourseworkhelpedbuildastrongfoundation ofcoreconceptsthatwereusefullaterinhiscareerHisadvice tocurrentuniversitystudentsistodoextensivebackground researchonindustrynichesbeforecommittingtoaMaster’s courseandmakingsureitalignswithyourcareeraspirations goingforward

ZainhasaMaster’sdegreeinCybersecurityfromSwansea University Hesharedinsightsintotheburgeoningfield, highlightingitslucrativenatureandabundantopportunitiesin theUKandCanadaHeunderscoresthesignificanceofsoft skills particularlyeffectivecommunication inthejob applicationprocess,emphasizingtheimportanceof’sellingit’ duringinterviews

Zain'sstoryservesasabeaconofguidanceforcurrentstudents, emphasizingtheroleofextensivebackgroundresearchand strategiccareerplanninginsettingoneupforsuccess

Behind the Reels: Ans Irfan

Warisha Islam (BSc Hons. Computing, Y2)

Atjust20yearsold,Ans Irfanstepped into the dynamicworldofrealestate Whatbegan as an internship turned into hisfull-timecareer propelledby hisstrongbusiness acumenandpassion for buildinglong-lastingrelationships

Following a successful summer internship at Salwa Real Estate, Ans balanced the demands that came with being a full-time Sales Consultant and final-year BBA student He embraced this opportunity to hone his time management skills, recognizing that every moment invested in his craft would pay dividendsinthelongrun

Reflecting on his academic journey at the UoB, Ans acknowledges the invaluablerelevanceofhiscourseworkintherealworld Forexample,business lawequippedhimwiththelegalacumennecessarytonavigatethelandscapeof realestatetransactions Inanagedominatedbysocialmedia,Ansrecognizesthe powerofbuildingapersonalbrand LeveragingplatformslikeInstagramand TikTok,hehascultivatedadistinctonlinepresence,exposingthemassestoreal estateopportunitiesinDubai

Ansembodiestheethosofperseveranceanddetermination Heservesasa beaconofinspirationforstudentslookingtocharttheirowncourseinthe competitiverealmofDubairealestate

Future-Proofing Careers: Insights from Ajay Nema on Navigating AI, Startups, and Workplace Evolution

Interviewer:AnaGulJamal,BA(Hons.)Accountancy-Year3

Whatisyourperspectiveonjobsdisappearingwiththeadventof AI?

“AIismerelythelatestinaseriesoftechnologicalrevolutions, liketheintroductionofcomputersortheWorldWideWeb InsteadofworryingaboutwhichjobsAIwillreplace,Iadvise studentstoalignthemselveswiththesechangesandadapttothe evolvingenvironment”

Canyoudescribeyourexperienceswithproductdevelopment?

“Product development begins with identifying an existing problem Fromthere,weworkonbuildingasolution,creating prototypes,andtestingthembeforefindingtherightmarket Forinstance,atNetscaler,Iwaspartofateamthatdevelopeda product aimed at simplifying the process of managing web applications, which was crucial as at the time use of web applicationswasbecomingincreasinglycommon”

Howdoyouapproachmarketinganewproduct?

We had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Ajay Nema, who is currently working with Telstra Group Limited, an Australian telecommunication giant With over 25 years in the tech industry, Mr Ajay has vast experience in product development and team management across various multinational corporations, including Jio, ADVA, Citrix, and Netscaler

“There are generally two approaches Sometimes, you might have an existing solution from another market that can be adaptedtomeetlocalneeds Othertimes,you'recreatinganew market entirely based on innovative solutions developed specificallyforlocalproblems”

Whatadvicewouldyougivetostudentsinterestedinstartingtheir ownbusinessesratherthanworkinginacorporateenvironment?

“Iencourageembracingentrepreneurshipearlyinyourcareerif financial and other circumstances allow Startups offer profound learning experiences and skill development opportunities Speakingwithexperience,evenifastartupfails, the skills and knowledge gained are invaluable Success, however,cansignificantlyaccelerateyourcareerprogression In astartupenvironment,you'lllearnaboutproblemidentification, customer interaction, and solution development much faster thanintraditionalemployment”

What are your thoughts on the work-from-home trend? Does it offerabetterwork-lifebalance?

“The debate around work-from-home is quite vibrant While remoteworkcanofferflexibilityandpersonaltime,itoftenlacks opportunitiesforsocializationandnetworking,whicharecrucial forprofessionalgrowth,especiallyforfreshers Ahybridmodel might be the best approach, as it allows for both personal flexibility and valuable office interaction, fostering both innovationandabalancedlife”

Whenyourecruit,whatdoyoulookforinaCV?Howimportant areonlinecourses?

“ThestructureofaCVandwhatitreflectsaboutthecandidate's personalityiscrucial Forstudentswithlimitedworkexperience, extracurricular activities can be very telling These activities demonstratepotentialexpertiseandpersonaldrive Intermsof onlinecourses,theirvalueoftendependsontherelevancetothe job role They are most beneficial when they align with the employer’sneeds”

DoemployersuseAItoscreenCVs,andisitfairtocandidates?

“Yes,AIisincreasinglyusedinscreeningCVs,whichmightseem todiminishthepersonaltouch However,mostcompaniesstill relyonhumanjudgmenttomakefinalhiringdecisions AsAI technology advances, it's likely that these tools will begin to replicate human decision-making more closely But for now, human assessment remains the key to understanding a candidate'suniquecapabilitiesandfit”

ThisinterviewwithMr AjayNemaprovidedrichinsightsinto adaptingtotechnologicaladvancements,thebenefitsofearlycareerentrepreneurship,effectiveproductmarketingstrategies, andthenuancesofrecruitmentinthemodernage Hisadviceis particularlyvaluableforstudentsnavigatingtheintersectionof technology,careerdevelopment,andtheevolvingworkplace

Managed by Warisha Islam, Designed by Maheen

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Experience of UOB students on their trip to Aviation Summit

“AsanattendeeoftheAviationSummit2024,itwasquiteinterestingconsideringmy momisinthesamefield,Iknewsomeaspectsofit,butIdefinitelygottolearnmore suchasAirTrafficControl Itwashighlyeducational Overallittaughtalotandfor someonewhoisnotgoingintotheaviationfield,itwasquiteinteresting”

-AdiaMaheshwari(ATHELevel3Business)

“Fromthereceptiontoallthestaffworkingthere,wewerewelcomedattheAviation Summit 2024 All individuals were connecting and networking and even during lunchtime,everyonewassurroundedwithgoodcompany Allthespeakersdelivered inspiringspeechesaboutyoungpeoplepursuingtheirdreamsandbecamerolemodels formanyofusintheroomwhoaspiretoachievetheirbiggestgoalsandbecameeven moredrawntotheaviationindustry Thesummitwaseducational,motivating,and eye-openingtothegoalsthatcanbeachievedatayoungage Itwasarealizationthat ourdreamsareinourhands,anditisuptoustoapproachtheworldwithhungerto achievethosegoals”

-KaryallAndrea(ATHELevel3Business)

“MyexperiencegoingtotheRAKaviationsummitwasamazing Igottolearnalotof differentthingsaboutaviationanditwasratherafunexperience,Ievengotfoodto eatandenjoyedourtime”

-Angela(ATHELevel3Business)

Short Film Wins Hearts at Lift Off Global Network

A short film by Fadil Azeem, titled “Speak or Shrink” and featuring students from the university, delves into the intricacies of anxiety and stress surrounding public speaking, specificallytailoredforlawstudents

This insightful short film doesn't just raise awareness; its an award-winner! The work impressed the Lift Off Global Network Film Festival where it snagged both the Student Film AwardandtheTrendsetterandFilmmakerAward Congratulations,SpeakorShrinkTeam! Clickonthelink/scanthe QRcodetowatchit!

ぎ KINTSUGI Golden repair

IntheartofKintsugi,ataleistold,ofenduringhomagetoperseverance

Astorybold, Ofbrokenpiecesthatmendwithgoldenseams

Everycrackconveysa narrativeofsuffering andadversity, yetanewlifeemerges throughthosecracks

Thereisagreatergracefoundinimperfections;eachmarkisatributeto strength

Likeexquisitegoldused torestorepottery,oursoulsarealso capableofhealingandshining

Wefindourpathbyhardshipsandtriumphs,turningwoundsintoa radiantdisplay

AndliketheartorKintsugi,ourgenuinebeautycanalsoemergefrom thegoldenrepair

-IsratRahman

Winter Fest 2024

Karyall Andrea, Level 3 Business

The University of Bolton hosted a unique 'Winter Fest 2023' outdoors, featuring an innovative set-up anddecorationsinspiredbytheredandwhitetheme

Students,teachers,andstaffweredressedinadorable wintersweaters Therewerefoodstallssetupbysome studentswithfoodbeingfreshlypreparedforallto indulgein

Everyoneintheuniversityparticipatedtohaveapeal ofgoodlaughter,engagewiththeirfriends,befriend newpeople,anddancealongwiththemusic There werealsoenjoyablegamesforteachersandstudents

Attheendoftheday,therewasa‘BonfireNight’that consisted of more dancing and roasting of marshmallows

IcouldsaythattheoverallexperienceoftheWinter Festhasunlockedanewperspectiveontheuniversity, highlightingthatwhileBoltonisaplaceforlearning, it is also a place to make events enjoyable and appreciate the people around us, making university yearsmuchlighter

BOLTONIESTA’24

On17thFebruary,TheFreshers PartytookplaceintheVIPhall whichwasanexcitingeventthatbroughttogetherstudentsstaff membersinaspiritofcelebration

Thestagewasfilledwithcaptivatingdanceroutinesandmusical performances that perfectly set the tone for the evening Boltoniestaalsohadanexquisitespreadofdishes

Treasure, Tournaments, and Talent: Boltonova!

Thecampuscamealivewiththethunderouscheersof spectatorsandthecompetitivespiritofparticipantsas the intra-university sports tournament took center stage

Boltonova nailed the spirit of friendship, energy, and good times that characterizes our lively campus community

Itfilledthecampuswithlotsofthrillingactivities! Newmemberswereregisteringfortheclub,keento pursuetheirinterests

Inanexcitingtreasurehunt,Studentswentona treasurehunttowinticketstotheexclusiveFreshers Party GamersclashedinanepicTekken7tournament

Freshmen, upperclassmen, and our awesome faculty all came together to create an unforgettable night Fueling the fun were deliciousfood,refreshingdrinksandbeatsdroppedbyDJRaahyl Itwasanunforgettablewaytowelcomethenewstudentsandan excitingcelebrationofthepastacademicyearforcurrentstudents!

Student Experiences