The latest news, announcements, and academic insights from the School of Murtaza Academic Research & Training — including new programme launches, research updates, and institutional developments.
SMART is pleased to announce the launch of its Research Methods programme — a rigorous, graduate-level introduction to research philosophy, design, and methodology. The programme covers quantitative methods including Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and SPSS analysis, alongside qualitative approaches such as thematic analysis, grounded theory, and case study research. It is designed for postgraduate students, doctoral candidates, and research-active professionals who wish to build robust research literacy. The programme is now live on the SMART learning platform and is free to enrol.
SMART has added Communication Skills Development to its programme portfolio — a focused course for professionals returning to study and those seeking to sharpen academic and workplace communication. The programme covers academic writing, report structure, critical argumentation, presentation skills, and professional digital communication, with a 70% pass-threshold assessment and a SMART Certificate of Completion on successful conclusion.
A new working paper from SMART's director investigates the relationship between emotional intelligence, organisational commitment, and individual work performance in the UK service sector. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with validated instruments — the WLEIS, Meyer and Allen's OCQ, and Koopmans' IWPQ — the paper makes an empirical contribution to understanding how EI influences employee performance through organisational commitment as a mediating variable. Available via ORCID 0000-0001-9851-4277 and ResearchGate.
Masum Murtaza, Founder and Director of SMART, continues his role as Lecturer and Module Leader in Business at Fairfield School of Business, delivering across Ravensbourne University London, Bath Spa University, and Birmingham Newman University. This active engagement in mainstream UK higher education directly informs SMART's programme design and ensures all content meets the standards expected at undergraduate and postgraduate level in British universities.
SMART's founder and director participated in a major community education event in Bradford organised by the North England Bangladeshi Association, delivering an address on British-Bangladeshi educational expectations, diaspora community development, and the role of higher education in social mobility. The address drew on Quranic references, scholarly commentary on education, and the director's experience as President of Sheffield Muslim Society.