Two SBM ITB Graduates Achieve Perfect GPAs and Publish in Internationally Reputable Journals

By Lavena Laduri -

Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.

Rindawati Maulina (right).
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – The ITB graduation ceremony for the August 2025 term marked a historic moment for the School of Business and Management at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) (August 30th). Two graduates achieved a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 and recorded outstanding academic achievements in scientific publications. They are Rindawati Maulina, a graduate of the Doctor of Science in Management (DSM) Program, and Ririen Clara Octavia, a graduate of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program.

Rindawati achieved a GPA of 4.0. Furthermore, she also published two articles in reputable international journals ranked as Q1 and three articles in Q2 journals. Rindawati acknowledged that the doctoral journey is not easy.

"A doctorate is like a rollercoaster ride; there are ups and downs, but all can be overcome with discipline and the right support," she said in Bandung.

She emphasized that this achievement was born from a combination of discipline, time management, and the support of her family and supervisor. According to Rindawati, journal reviewers are indeed sharp. But that's where we learn.

"Every revision makes me stronger. Never give up even if it's rejected, because every rejection actually makes us better," she explained.

For her, publication is not just an academic requirement, but an essential part of scientific contribution. The key is reading a lot of journals, understanding research gaps, and then writing consistently.

"This process is indeed long, but the results are very worthwhile," she added.

In addition, Rindawati has also poured her experiences into a book. The book provides a comprehensive guide to various aspects of doctoral studies, from the preparation stage, the journey itself, to the challenges and ups and downs faced during the PhD process. She co-wrote it with Adrian Ariatin (an alumnus of DSM-ITB), expanding Adrian’s initial idea which originally focused only on the learning context at DSM ITB into a broader scope aimed at doctoral students in Indonesia, both at the national and international levels.

Ririen Clara Octavia
Meanwhile, Ririen successfully concluded her academic journey with a 4.0 GPA. She also successfully wrote an article that was accepted into a reputable international journal, Q2, which began as a college assignment. Ririen admitted that she never expected the assignment to develop into a recognized scientific work.

"Initially, I was only working on a college assignment, but after continuing to develop it with my supervisor and reading a lot of additional literature, it was finally accepted into a Scopus journal," she said.

She emphasized the importance of time management in master's studies. If you can do it now, don't delay.

"That's what keeps me focused and maintaining my academic quality. The key is to have lots of discussions, read a lot, and don't be afraid to try," she added.

Both Rindawati and Ririen emphasized that the key to success isn't just intelligence, but rather discipline, consistency, and a never-give-up attitude. Rindawati emphasized the importance of mental toughness in the face of publication rejection. Ririen, meanwhile, demonstrated that seriousness in completing each assignment can pave the way for greater achievements. Both achievements are clear evidence that with hard work, a supportive academic environment, and a strong learning spirit, SBM ITB students can contribute to the international academic world.

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