Shafinar Ismail, Abdul Rahim Ridzuan
Universities worldwide are striving to excel in the management of academic achievements, student activities and research and industrial linkages and they need to scrutinise their Critical Success Factor (CSF). In this case, UiTM Melaka branch is not an exception. To achieve excellence, one of the key determinants is proper planning and initiatives in strategizing and systemising the processes involved. The objectives of this paper are to discuss the practices and achievements of UiTM Melaka branch, particularly in research and innovation. The good practices are seen in the top-down commitment by the management, the bottom-up involvement of staff from every level, the culture that encourages cultivating and sharing in every program, continuous improvement in carrying out tasks and responsibilities, reward and recognition for outstanding staff and setting a long-term goal in connecting the industry and community with academia. These good practices have showed various promising results. For instance, UiTM Melaka branch has developed a proper procedure in enhancing the number of index publications as well as securing the highest number of grants for social science among branch campuses. These achievements were obtained through CSFs of UiTM Melaka branch. The CSF identified is (i) publications strategies and research grant administration. CSF has truly encouraged its staff and students to build the university together. As such, adapting CSF has aided the management to excel in achieving its goals.