Journal of Engineering Education Transformations

Prem Vrat ¹

Affiliations
1 UP Technical University, IIT, Roorkee, IN

Abstract

This paper identifies the need for and role of a technical university in a state to nurture quality and academic excellence in technical education as a result of privatization of technical education system and resultant proliferation of institutions. It identifies the advantages of having a technical university in a state and briefly traces the history of technical university system in India. To ensure success of this system, it outlines a strategic roadmap with TQM based approaches with focus on "employability enhancement, student orientation, faculty - driven and enlightened visionary led institutions". It advocates strong focus on 'quality' and 'academic' excellence, transparency in functioning; agility to quickly respond to requirements in industry and balance teaching, applied research and consulting or outreach activities. It pleads for a case for greater financial, administrative autonomy, commensurate with accountability for performance on well defined parameters and metrics perceived by stake - holders: the university members, institutions affiliated, students, employers, state govt. and the academic regulators at the national level. It addresses on the issue of recent trends in bifurcating/trifurcating technical universities in the states and cautions about the dysfunctional aspects of such a strategy and proposes all alternative to take care of efficient handling of increased numbers.

Full Text

     

Prem Vrat ¹

Affiliations
1 ITM University, Gurgaon (Haryana), IN

Abstract

This paper highlights the importance of quality in higher education in India in the context of globalization, but provides insights to the current ground realities of higher education with focus on higher technical education system in terms of quality and reach. Demographic dividend potential may be an opportunity lost, if issues of excellence, equity and employability are not seriously addressed. Indian higher education system has to come out of mediocrity syndrome and focus on balanced approach towards quality, access, governance, regulatory framework research and development, faculty quality and commitment, funding and employability in a global perspective. There is a need to look at the entire educational system in a holistic perspective as an "Academic Supply Chain" and address issues of information distortions at different stages of supply chain leading to 'bull-whip' effect like phenomenon in the planning and design of educational processes and systems. It also examines the socio-economic implications of 'hype' created around few 'elite' centers of excellence, whether it is being overdone manifesting the 'Matthew Effect ' leading to ever-increasing 'gap' in the funding and public perception of 'over-hyped' institutions. A suggested road map for availing opportunities of globalization and Indian demographic profile and rich innovative talent, to develop a balanced higher education system, is outlined.

Full Text

     

Prem Vrat ¹

Affiliations
1 ITM University, Gurgaon, IN

Abstract

This paper brings out, the role of technical universities and the industry in working together to enhance the employability of graduates of Engineering Colleges. This has become necessary, due to exponential growth of engineering colleges and enrollments therein, leading to acute faculty shortage . . 1 technical university helps in providing a common standards and quality filters, through which all colleges affiliated to that University have to pass. This, however, does not give any assurances unless industry is actively involved in hand holding and provides a pro-active support. This is possible, if industry views the academic institutions as the nursery of their future talent pool. A technical university can enforce this through a policy initiative which all colleges affiliated to it, will have to implement.

Full Text

     

Prem Vrat ¹

Affiliations
1 MDI Gurgaon & Former Vice Chancellor, UPTU Lucknow and Former Director, IIT Roorkee, IN

Abstract

This paper attempts to identify research and innovation as a major untapped potential of Indian talent in the emerging knowledge economy. If India is to exploit its demographic dividend potential, it must focus on knowledge creation, dissemination and application with quality in each of these, as the guiding philosophy. However, the current scenario of research - and particularly quality research in engineering and technology in the country, is quite disappointing. The ratio of undergraduate to postgraduate and research scholars in engineering colleges is heavily imbalanced infavor of undergraduates which are perceived as 'star' programs or 'cash cows' but research is seen as a cost center which has long term returns. About 80% of Ph.D. degrees awarded in engineering and technology are being produced by liT's/NIT's/liSe., though these institutions account for less than 5% of total undergraduates in engineering and technology. The paper employs concepts like SWOT Analysis. Theory of Constraints (TOC) and the BCG matrix to look at the academic degrees as academic products of an engineering college. The quality of research and its relevance to national needs is also a question mark. Due to manifestation of the 'Diminishing caliber Syndrome ', the quality of inputs to research programs is below par of the quality of lower degree programs of the same institute. Status of research publications in peer-reviewed international standard journals is also quite pathetic. To improve the situation and take a lead in emerging knowledge economy, a strategic road map is proposed to boost research in engineering colleges in close collaboration with industry.

Full Text