The IMI 2nd Research Forum gathered students and lecturers to discuss student research projects. Five students presented their research on topics such as personal appearance discrimination in the workplace, identifying traits that luxury hotels look for in hospitality graduates, and the influence of social media and drug tourism on tourist destination selection. The event also included research posters that students and lecturers could provide feedback on. In conclusion, the forum exceeded expectations by providing a platform for discussion of diverse ideas and perspectives through student research presentations and posters.

1. It All Starts With An
I D E AIMI 2nd
Research
Forum gathers critical
minds one afternoon
to discuss the latest
in student research
by C. Bernhard Makagiansar
(photos by Benjamin & Marketing Dept.)
What is the point of having ideas
if we cannot make it happen?
That was the key message of
IMI’s 2nd Research Forum, on
Friday 8th
April. The Research
Forum Committee desired the
event to capture the spirit of
discussion and presentation
through the event.
This event welcomed people
to get down to brass tacks about
subjects that interest them,
familiarizing the forum with the
outcome of their research. Five
students had the opportunity to
present their research to an
audience of students from varied
pathways, as well as lecturers of
multiple disciplines.
Held in the Swiss Room, the
forum kicked off with a keynote
address by Dr Petruta Rusu, a
recent addition to IMI’s aca-
demic team. She brought with
her years of research experience
to give her students a glimpse of
current research methods. Ex-
pounding on the recent trends of
inter-disciplinary research, she
discussed her ongoing project
examining consumer psychology
in marketing.
Tang Hui Min discussed the
influences of personal appear-
ance discrimination at the work-
place. Her presentation in the
forum shed some light on the
discrimination that employees
face in the workplace today. Due
attention and recognition is
owed to her as discrimination
awareness is in dire need of a
wider audience.
Continued on page 2
ISSUE 4 of 16A www.imi-luzern.com 11 – 22 April 2016
A T i m e to S a y G o o d b y e . . .

2. 2 | T h e B I G N e w s
Impacting the World
through Research
Continued from front page
Perhaps unique among the
other presentations was Sophie
Truong’s, whose research had
only just begun. For her
dissertation, Sophie will identify
the traits that hotel companies
look for when hiring hospitality
graduates, in particular luxury
hotels in the United Arab
Emirates.
One of the most litigious topic
of the event was Sari Arab’s
findings on the Dilemma of Dark
Tourism in Syrian Kurdistan.
Sari’s report on a friend’s
research got all eyes fixated on
his presentation due to the
irrefutability of the findings. And
perhaps more eminently, the
emotional associations with the
Kurdish crisis had everyone
transfixed on his every word.
Last but certainly not least
was a joint presentation by
Tanvir Khan and Nindya Asmara.
Although researched separately,
they decided to collaborate on
this special occasion, since both
their topics centred on how
tourists find pleasure from
traveling. Together, they
explored the extent of influence
social media and drug tourism
has on a tourist’s destination
selection. The findings were
indeed surprising as they
claimed – social media is a much
stronger pull factor than drug
tourism!
Another feature new to the
forum were research posters,
which were displayed at the
reception area throughout the
event. Each of them managed to
elaborate their unique
perspective towards the world,
explicitly expressing what they
have in mind about a particular
subject.
Lecturers and students were
welcome to judge the posters
based on presentation, visuals
and referencing. It was
understood later on that the
results were extraordinarily
close, but congratulations to
Nindya for winning the best
poster award!
In short, The Forum
exceeded expectations in this
writer’s opinion; that is what you
get for having a determination.
Editorial
Musings
“This is the end… Hold your
breath and count to ten…”
A prize to anyone who can
guess where that came from.
I’m serious – although I don’t
know what the prize is yet! Hint:
it’s a well-known song, happens
to be one of my favourites.
End-of-terms always have a
sort of finality to it, in my
opinion. Projects are done
(unfortunately not for MBAs
*sighs), classes are wrapping
up, and for a substantial portion
of the student body it’s time to
say goodbye… );
So I decided: why not
dedicate an issue to these final-
semester students? It’s a subtle
theme, I have to admit, and to
announce it kind of loses the
point of a core message! But it’s
something, at least. I, for one,
will definitely miss those I had
the privilege to acquaint with.
With this last issue, another
issue arises – a thorny one, that
is! Most of the current team will
be leaving to focus on the rest
of their studies, so once again
the hunt is on! Opportunities for
new blood, among existing as
well as incoming students, all
that jazz. Formal notices to
follow, I promise.
So here’s a toast to the end.
*clinks glass* *pause* Actually,
I should say another beginning,
shouldn’t I?
Keat Meng,
Student Editor

3. T h e B I G N e w s | 3
Doodles and
MasterpiecesClosing remarks by Mrs Carrie-Ann Brühlmann, Co-Chair of IMI 2nd
Research Forum
The theme of this forum is ‘it all starts with an
idea,’ and sometimes it can just be as simple as a
doodle!
Do you know what a doodle is? It is the carefree,
absent-minded drawing on the side of your paper. But
is it really that absent-minded? Because a doodle can
turn into a masterpiece!
I feel very lucky to work here at IMI to foster and
encourage your doodles. Your very diverse,
international, and abstract ideas.
Some say it takes courage to express ideas,
especially if these ideas are about implementing
change.
The idea that proper policy implementation can
eliminate personal appearance discrimination is bold,
but needs to be considered.
Addressing the role of human resources
management has in recruitment and highlighting this
for graduates is a concept that IMI endorses.
Both of these topics demonstrate Dr Rusu’s
suggestion that ideas are inter-disciplinary.
On the other hand, the ideas surrounding drug
tourism and social media use are trending and
sometimes controversial. Yet impacts are made each
day from these activities.
And, if we consider the initial idea of creating a
dark tourism site out of a ruined neighbourhood,
taking into account the riots, discussions, community
forums and plans within Syrian Kurdistan, we can
agree that some ideas get beaten, but then can be
discussed and brought back to life in ways we never
expected.
In this case, it is a school. A school to provide
employment opportunities for the locals that
remained after the war.
And on the whole, a school for more masterpieces
to be made.
It is a stark reminder that each person in this room
is a pioneer. We are tackling new problems and
questions for answers.
This is a difficult mission, but the consequences of
our ideas being put into action can make a difference.
We can – and many of us will – create
masterpieces.

4. 4 | T h e B I G N e w s
Feature event:
Events by
Students for
StudentsPhotos by Vincy, Angeline and Hui Min
Three events took the centre-
stage during the ninth week of
this term. Organised by the BA
Events Management students as
part of the course, these events
were designed with a core
message in mind.
Easter Fiesta
Tuesday, 5th
April
At the core, Easter
Fiesta was all about fun-
filled, Easter-themed
games designed to
simulate the joy of
Easter. In six groups,
participants played
against each other for
prizes of Easter choco-
late and sparkling wine.
Keeping the mood fest-
ive was a trio selection
of innovative drinks,
and a scrumptious
snack buffet during the
interval.

5. T h e B I G N e w s | 5
Pre-Loaded
Wednesday, 6th
April
Definitely one of the
wackiest parties in re-
cent times! The event
simulated a nightclub
environment, including
even a bouncer at the
door. Drinks and games
created an avenue for
students to relieve their
inhibitions, while dis-
covering valuable les-
sons – like what kind of
things you should not
do in ‘those’ situations!
Colours
Thursday, 7th
April
A truly colourful
night! Participants were
divided into four groups
and competed in simple
but enjoyable games with
a twist of colour.
Colourful decor and board
games induce a sustained
atmosphere for students
to relax throughout the
party. Yes, that’s a lot of
the word ‘colour’ in one
paragraph, but it’s not a
theme that you can easily
forget!

6. 6 | T h e B I G N e w s
Special Feature:
When the Knife
meets the Pen
IMI alumnus speaks about her experiences in the culinary profession
In the days before Oxford Brookes and the ICI,
culinary arm of IMI, Mia Sallehudin came from
Malaysia in July 2010 to study the BA European
Culinary Management programme. Here she shares a
little about her first novel.
“The Knife’s Got Reflections was written as a
tribute to all chefs and cooks, as well as to those who
are aspiring to become one. If you are familiar with
Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential and A Cook’s
Tour, then I am very optimistic that this book would
be a similar but different version of it that is suitable
and enjoyable for the targeted audience including
young industry professionals, culinary students and
school leavers in search of the right line of further
education.
“The story itself is fictional, told and seen
through the eyes of Nuha Razif, a young, fiery and
ambitious culinary graduate. She tells the readers of
her journey as a cook towards her dreams of
becoming a chef. It features a colourful mixture of
Nuha’s insightful observations in the kitchen and her
personal challenges throughout the journey that she
finds ‘enriching in ways that most people can’t even
imagine’.
Check out Mia’s
online interview
about her book
with IMI here!
“Also, since some of the chapters
in the novel which took place in
Switzerland is based on my own
experience while studying at IMI, I took
the liberty to thank my former lecturers
in IMI in writing by mentioning their
names in the acknowledgement section
of the book.”
This article is courtesy of Mia’s corre-
spondence with Ms Greta Musu, whom
alumni remembers most as the main point
of contact after they left IMI due to her
capacity in alumni services.

7. T h e B I G N e w s | 7
Did you hear about the …?
Coming Soon:
I’m going on an adventure!
15th
April 2016,
Friday 5.30pm
Quote to Remember:
IGNORING SOMEONE
IS THE
WORSE
THING
YOU CAN DO.
~ Anonymous

8. 8 | T h e B I G N e w s
One BIG Final Say