Journal of Engineering Education Transformations

R. Natarajan ¹

Affiliations
1 AICTE ; IIT Madras, IN

Abstract

The Engineering Education system in India has several distinctive features --- such as huge size; considerable diversity of many types; several strengths and weaknesses; several policy pronouncements; several pending Bills; a small number of institutions of quality in a sea of mediocrity; the emergence of the private sector as a major player ; etc. There are several national policy initiatives for laying down the roadmap for the future, such as the National Policy on Education 1986, revised in 1992; the Science Policy Resolution, The Technology Policy Statement, The Science and Technology Policy, The Science , Technology and Innovation Policy; The Twelfth Plan Document ;National Knowledge Commission Recommendations; Yash Pal Committee Recommendations; National Higher Education Policy (RUSA) etc. With a change in government at the centre, it is hoped that several pending bills such as , establishment of National Council for Higher Education (NCHER); National Accreditation Regulatory Authority (NARA); Entry of Foreign Universities; etc will be cleared, and also the promises made in the poll manifesto would be acted upon. These are the emerging Opportunities for Change - for the better.

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R. Natarajan ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras-600 036, IN

Abstract

Engineering teachers essentially practise two professions : engineering and teaching. It is noteworthy that the majority of engineering teachers consider themselves first as teachers and only then as engineers. (This is to be contrasted with the preference of most students to work in industry, and avoid a teaching career). They often prefer to teach subjects of a theoretical nature, and avoid those dealing with current practices in technology.

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R. Natarajan ¹

Affiliations
1 IIT, Madras, IN

Abstract

With Globalization becoming a reality in almost all spheres of our lives, the concept of a Global Engineer has been gaining in importance. This paper first illustrates the globalization of the Engineering Profession. The importance of preparing Global Engineers and details of a couple of studies on Global Engineers are next described. The global competencies and attributes of global engineers are next identified. The formats of global engineering partnerships and the challenges and obstacles to participating in international experiences are indicated. The importance of global research partnerships and international curricula are highlighted. In recent times, globalization is among the criteria for determining the quality of higher education institutions. A partial list is provided of higher education institutions worldwide which focus on global education. Finally the results of an ongoing survey by ASEE of Global Competencies are included.

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R. Natarajan ¹

Affiliations
1 AICTE, IIT, Madras, IN

Abstract

Innovation is increasingly being recognised as the key to technology and business competitiveness. This paper explores the anatomy of Innovation, and attempts to identify the key success factors promoting Innovation, as also barriers and impediments to Innovation.

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R. Natarajan ¹

Affiliations
1 Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, Chennai - 600 036, IN

Abstract

While there have been sporadic initiatives for infusing Quality into Education in general and Technical Education in particular, organized and sustained activities have only begun since 1991 when the Corporate Sector began to recognize the importance of Quality in their products and services consequent upon the economic liberalization introduced then. This Paper discusses several frameworks which have been developed for introducing and sustaining Quality in the different sectors. While all of them have the same or similar objectives, the frameworks differ both in the identification of criteria and the assessment process.

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R. Natarajan ¹

Affiliations
1 AICTE, IIT, Madras, IN

Abstract

This paper discusses the nature and scope of the paucity of research culture in our technical institutions. Some suggestions are advanced to remedy this situation. Some of the important considerations for graduate students and researchers to take into account during their professional careers are highlighted.

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R. Natarajan ¹

Affiliations
1 AICTE, IIT, Madras, IN

Abstract

Our Technical Education system is one of the largest such systems in the world, and is cited to be one of the major reasons for our growth in economy and the rise of the middle class, creating jobs and foreign exchange reserves. Many changes have occurred over the years, especially in terms of numbers of institutions and admission capacity. There are concerns, however, of lack of quality and relevance.

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