Welcome to the fourth edition of MAG Newsletter. In this issue, I like to inform members of the recent recruitment drive, MAG Scholar Journal Rating List, Asian Journal of Business Research, and Conference.

Membership
Over 380 academics and practitioners from 30 countries have joined MAG Scholar since we started the recruitment drive, five months ago. They come from all walks of academia and industry, including dean of reputable business schools, professors, lecturers, research students, and entrepreneurs. Over half of them are from Asia followed by USA and Europe. Our next task would be to organize a conference for MAG Scholar members.

MAG Scholar Journal Rating List
The study on the value of publishing in academic journals has been completed. Several respondents commented on the online survey used, like …

            “It was very interesting and about the best online survey format I’ve seen”

           “This is a really interesting topic - and one close to my heart these recent years”

A total of 547 academics completed the survey, representing a 13% response rate. We are pleased with the response rate after taking into consideration that journal ranking survey has become a ‘nuisance’ to some respondents, the survey was carried out during the peak summer break judging from the higher number of ‘out-of office’ auto generated messages, and invalid email address of academics posted on university websites.

The study attempted to answer the following three broadly defined research questions:

Currently we are in the process of tabulating the responses into meaningful findings. Once we have completed the task, we will compile a MAG Scholar Journal Rating List for your viewing and comments. We will include the ratings by the Association of Business Schools, UK and Australian Business Deans Council in the list so that members can use it to strategise future publications. 

Asian Journal of Business Research (AJBR)
Currently, I am in the process of assembling an Editorial Advisory/Reviewing Board. So far, several well-known academics have agreed to serve on the Board. I am sure their scholarly reputation will enhance the standing of AJBR. The prime objective of AJBR is to provide a platform for researchers of Asian business practices to disseminate their work. If you are currently working in this area, please consider sending your manuscript to AJBR. My aim is to launch the inaugural issue in late 2009.

Asia Pacific Marketing Conference in Association with MAG Scholar
I am pleased to announce that the 2009 Asia Pacific Marketing Conference will be co-hosted by MAG Scholar. The conference will be held in November in Kuching (Sarawak, Malaysia). To entice you to Kuching, the 3rd APM Conference will include amongst others, MAG Scholar Distinguished Professor Lecture,  MAG Scholar Best Paper/Track Award and MAG Scholar Research Workshops. For the research workshops, I have negotiated with UNIMAS (conference organizer) five vouchers which entitle each recipient to free accommodation (3 nights only), free registration and free transfer from airport to hotel and return; airfare is excluded. To qualify, you must give a 90-minute research workshop on the latest development in your research area, future research direction and willing to mentor attendees on how to publish.

If you are interested, write a two-page proposal addressing the above requirements and send it to kimfam@magscholar.com before February 15, 2009.

By the Beehive
From now onwards, I will be writing to you by the New Zealand Parliament fondly called “The Beehive” as my new office is just a stone throw away from the seat of power. I am now residing happily on the 11th floor of Rutherford House, Victoria University of Wellington.

Now we can all publish!

Dr Kim Fam, PhD, FCIM
Founding Director of MAG Scholar