Accepting an award for best research, CPI’s Managing Editor Kavitha Rajasekhar-Vivek said that her job had been made easier thanks to the open co-operation of many IT professionals in the region.

“My article was intended to showcase how key government departments and large organisations in the Middle East are now approaching security as a quality methodology,” she said. “To my surprise, given the often-quoted reluctance of some players in the region to discuss security issues, I had a lot of frank exchanges with experts who fully comprehend the business imperative of secure systems.”

The awards were presented by HE Lt General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, President of e-TQM College and Commander in Chief, Dubai Police Headquarters.

The Award was sponsored by TECOM Investment and DTK Computers who presented notebooks to the four winners along with a crystal trophy presented by the HE Dhahi Khalfan Tamim who praised the quality of the journalists receiving the awards. “The media is becoming increasingly aware of the critical importance of the application of TQM concepts in all businesses and all walks of life,” he said.

The awards covered four categories - best article, best feature, best interview and best research that focus on TQM-related subjects such as Encouraging Management Concept, Organisational Development, Knowledge-Based Economy, e-Government, e-Commerce and so on. Entries were judged on insights into TQM in the published or broadcast work, by a panel comprising international quality gurus and professors.

Kavitha, Editor of Security Advisor Middle East (in whose February 2006 issue her winning article appeared), was praised by CPI’s publisher Dominic De Sousa. “I am delighted that one of my key editors has been recognised in this way. It says a lot for her hard work, as well as the spirit of initiative and ‘big picture’ thinking that she encourages in her editorial team. To gain this level of respect is great news for her and for CPI!”