UTech, Ja Annual Report 2017-18

University of Technology, Jamaica “Pioneering Past; Bright Future ” ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 6 others to publish their manuscripts in the form of refereed books. Secondly, the university has increased the number of volumes per year of its in-house refereed journal, The Journal of Arts Science and Technology. Thirdly, the university has provided financial incentives for staff members who publish articles in refereed journals and books. Fourthly, the university has increased the size of its Research Development Fund by 50 per cent, and has put in place mechanisms to facilitate access by staff members to that fund. Promotions Realising too the need to incentivise research within the university’s promotion structure, we have also been in the midst of revising the criteria for promotion in a way that will enhance promotion prospects for persons who research and publish their scientific, technical and other findings. The shift to full commitment in the area of research is a cultural change that will take time to properly come to fruition; happily, though, there are good signs of growth. I take pride in noting recent publications by staff members-in both local and international journals in a range of specialist fields including engineering and computing, hospitality management and education, among others. PRESIDENT’S OVERVIEW Cont’d. Professor Stephen Vasciannie (centre) accepts the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) programme accreditation certificate from Professor Brendan Bain, Deputy Chairman of the UCJ for the Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering. Sharing in the presentation is Professor Nilza Aples, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Computing.