Higher Education Digest – India Edition – Must-Watch Colleges and Universities in Gujrat Special by Connecta Innovation

INDIA EDITION

MUST-WATCH COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN GUJARAT

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COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

KARNAVATI UNIVERSITY FEATURING INSIDE

FEATURING INSIDE

AMIT DUTTA Ampersand Group

PROFESSOR AMMAR KAKA Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus

ANKUR AGGARWAL LaunchMyCareer

RAJESH KUMAR SINGH Kunwar’s Global School

ARPIT AGARWAL JECRC Foundation

SASHA RAMANI MPower Financing

DR. SUNITA GUPTA KONWAR Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD)

SHAMINI MURUGESH WNS Cares Foundation (WCF)

SHUBHRA RANJAN Shubhra Viraj EduTech Private Limited

ISHAAN ARYA The Esports Club DR. S. SUNDAR MANOHARAN,

DIRECTOR-GENERAL, PANDIT DEENDAYAL ENERGY UNIVERSITY

PANDIT DEENDAYAL ENERGY UNIVERSITY A I M I N G S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y T H R O U G H

JANUARY 2022

T R A N S L AT I O N A L R E S E A R C H

Higher Education Digest January 2022

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January 2022

Vol - 4 Issue - 2

Colleges in Gujarat Special (India Edition) Head of Advisory Board Dr. Varughese K.John, PhD

Managing Editor Sarath Shyam

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MANAGING EDITOR’S NOTE

The Gujarat Model of Higher Education

raining students to take up entrepreneurship is a contemporary practice in the Indian higher education system. Until a few years ago, not many business schools had given much thought to it. However, come to Gujarat, we see that people living in the state are born entrepreneurs. From Ambanis to Bansals, the living examples are many. While the entrepreneurship mindset of Gujarati people has a lot to do with the culture, the state is now rapidly becoming a significant exporter of professionally trained human resources. The Government of Gujarat has embarked on a mission to make Gujarat an Education Hub for the country. According to the Annual Status of Higher Education (ASHE) - 2021 published by Deloitte, Gujarat has 76 universities, 2275 colleges, and 308 standalone institutions, offering higher education to about 153400 students from all over the country and abroad. Universities and colleges from Gujarat have been making steady progress in the NIRF ranking.

Recently, three of its major universities found a place in India’s top-100 list of universities. On the other side, the emergence of EdTech and new approaches to education have created tremendous possibilities for the institutes in the state to reach out to various parts of the country and train work-ready, skilled human resources who can contribute to enhanced productivity economic growth. In this issue, we celebrate the success of higher education institutions in Gujarat. With the help of our advisory panel, we have identified 10 MustWatch Colleges and Universities in Gujarat. We feature Pandit Deendayal Energy University on the cover, which has become synonymous with a student paradise for higher education and learning. The institute has transformed itself into a nurturing ground for hybrid learning by developing cuttingedge digital infrastructure with up-to-date research and an educational curriculum to promote and facilitate research and education. Enjoy Reading.

Sarath Shyam

Higher Education Digest January 2022

ADVISORY BOARD Dr. Kuldeep Nagi, Ph.D, MBA, BSc.

Program Director of Ph.D, Recipient of Fulbright Fellowship Award & Dan Evans Award for Excellence and Writer columnist.

Dr. Venus M. Alboruto, PhD, Dr. Varughese K.John, PhD, MBA, MPhil, MCom, LLB.

Master Teacher, Researcher, Innovator, Trainer.

Former Program Director, MS in Management Program, GSATM - AU

Mr. Sreedhar Bevara, MBA, B.Com

Major General (Rtd.) Dr. Sunil Chandra, VSM (Vishishta Seva Medal), Ph.D, M. Phil, MA, M.Ed, PGBDA Ex-M D Army Welfare Education Society, ExCOO GEMS Education - India, Ex- Addl Dir Gen - Army Education, Mentor - Adventure-Pulse

Former Senior General Manager: Panasonic Middle East & Africa, Thought Leader, Speaker & Author of ‘Moment of Signal’ (Amazon’s International Bestseller)

Dr. Ajay Shukla, Ph.D, MBA, BE. Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Higher Education UAE

Mr. Amulya Sah, PGD PM & IR, PG Diploma in PM&IR (XISS Ranchi)

Shanthi Rajan (MSHRM, FHEA, AMCILT) Director, Institution Development, University of Stirling, RAK Campus, UAE.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Chief Human Resources Officer, Former Head HR group Samsung R&D Institute India,Transformative HR Leader, Change agent, Digitization facilitator, Engagement architect, Trainer and Diversity champion.

Dr. Khyati Shetty

Ph.D (Marketing)., SFHEA (UK), MBA (Marketing), PGHRM, BA (Marketing & Economics)

Amazing Opportunity for Teachers and School Leaders to enhance their knowledge through FREE Teachers Academy masterclasses from international education experts !!! For more details and registration www.teachersacademy.com

Higher Education Digest January 2022

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COVER STORY

PANDIT DEENDAYAL ENERGY UNIVERSITY

A I M I N G S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y T H R O U G H T R A N S L AT I O N A L R E S E A R C H

CONTENTS

Higher Education Digest January 2022

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

40 KARNAVATI UNIVERSITY

Creating Professionals with Human Values

9 MENTOR’S MANTRA

Re-calibrating Digital Learning Approaches in the Era of New-age Pedagogy

Shamini Murugesh, Chief Mentor, WNS Cares Foundation (WCF)

Higher Education Digest January 2022

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INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

Esports emerging as a Lucrative Career Option in India

Evolving from Teacher Training to Continuous Professional Development for Teachers

Laying a Strong Foundation with a Robust Learning and Development for Electric Future

Amit Dutta, Chief Strategy Officer, Ampersand Group

Ashwini Tiwary, Co-Founder & CEO, Autobot India

Ishaan Arya, Co-founder, The Esports Club

ACADEMIC VIEWS

CONTENTS

28 How are Indian B-Schools Becoming a Powerhouse for Start-ups

Dr. Jitendra Kumar Mishra, Director, Jaipuria School of Business, Ghaziabad

Higher Education Digest January 2022

52 Marketing Communication Trends for the Fashion Industry

Dr. Sunita Gupta Konwar, Course Leader - Associate Professor, Fashion Business Management, Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD)

How Can You Improve the Odds You’ll Be Approved for An Education Loan?

The Relevance of Career Choices in Cryptocurrency, Blockchain and IoT for Millennials and Gen-Z

Sasha Ramani, CFA, Associate Director of Strategy, MOWER Financing

Ankur Aggarwal, Director, LaunchMyCareer

How Novel Corona Virus Has Changed Education Forever?

Pandemic Taught Us that Education Sector Too Needed Some Learning

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Educationist & Founder & MD, Kunwar’s Global School

Arpit Agarwal, Director, JECRC Foundation

Higher Education Digest January 2022

MENTOR’S MANTRA

Re-calibrating Digital Learning Approaches in the Era of New-age Pedagogy Shamini Murugesh, Chief Mentor, WNS Cares Foundation (WCF)

he passage of the Right to Education Act of 2009 marks the most groundbreaking change in the evolution of the Indian education system. The year 2020 brought about yet another significant event – COVID-19 – that catalyzed the re-imagination of the education system, as we knew it. In fact, COVID-19 turned classrooms into digital spaces and textbooks into clouds as students, as well as teachers, re-calibrated to the new normal of e-learning.

The digital or the e-learning sector that was slowly, yet steadily, growing as an ancillary to the traditional learning ecosystem has now taken center stage. The advances in digital technology have further accelerated the growth of various digital learning platforms, Ed-tech startups and innovations in the field. In fact, India’s Ed-tech industry is poised to grow to USD 30 Billion in size within this decade. Therefore, it is not surprising that a Bangalore-based technology and online tutoring firm is now the world’s highest valued Ed-tech company.

If we are to adopt e-learning as the new normal, policies must also take into consideration the diversity of dialects, social and cultural aspects, and go above and beyond to address equity in the delivery of quality education

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Shamini Murugesh, Chief Mentor, WCF, has years of rich experience in community development, and has helped establish two noteworthy organizations in the area of corporate social responsibility – S’Prayas and WNS Cares Foundation. WCF touches the lives of 84,000+ beneficiaries in 9 countries and has been the recipient of many global honors, including the Golden Peacock and Asia Responsibility Entrepreneurship award. Shamini began her career in journalism with Business Standard after her M. Phil in Economics from Madras University.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

The Government of India has consistently been a crusader of online learning, calling it a ‘game-changer’ and encouraging its adoption in the new National Education Policy (NEP) announced last year. It also aligns seamlessly with the vision of digital India. What has this shift to digital learning meant for the millions of students? What challenges and disparities has this sudden transformation brought to the front and how do we combat these? How will new-age tech and innovation play a pivotal role in this transition? As we move to a digital-led learning world, these are critical questions we need to answer. More so, if we want to ensure that this change bears a successful future for our children. Here are a few important aspects that will determine the impact of this massive transformation. Bridging the Digital Chasm Globally, more than 1.5 billion students were forced out of a typical school setting according to UNESCO. The rapid transition to online schooling also exposed the disparity in households with respect to access to the internet and a smartphone. Despite the jump in smartphone ownership in India, in 2020, only one third of India’s school children were pursuing online education. A smaller cohort of this, 32.5 percent, are attending live online classes, according to ASER (Annual Status of Education Report). This situation demands a systemic change that will not only be sustainable, but scalable as well. The government and the private sector must collaborate and invest in extending the reach of both online and offline modes of digital learning. Implementing policies that support digital learning with adequate infrastructure – platforms, devices and connectivity – will be imperative. Some welcome steps have been implemented such as the Government of India’s Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA), which aims to bridge the social divide in digital learning. Innovative approaches such as digital / tech libraries, which can reach the last mile to provide devices to students are already being experimented with in some countries. If we are to adopt e-learning as the new normal, policies must also take into consideration the diversity of dialects, social and cultural aspects, and go above and beyond to address equity in the delivery of quality education. There is also an urgent need to facilitate training and engagement for teachers across schools by integrating technology into their training modules, and also encouraging collaborations between schools and institutions. This will eventually pave the way to a digitized national curriculum, which can be easily accessed by the students. In schools, self-contained micro-cloud learning

Higher Education Digest January 2022

The need for education and dialogue on digital citizenship, Netiquette and cybersecurity has assumed highest importance in today’s scenario

environments, which allow students and teachers to access cloud-based learning management systems, curricula, content and resources even with no connectivity or power, can be created. Integrating New-age Tech into Learning This new, re-invented education system with the integration of technology can ensure that children leapfrog to a successful future, opening up opportunities to build digital and real-life skills they need. As 9 out of 10 jobs in the future will require digital skills as per the UN, this will equip them with new skills and make them ready for jobs in the future of work. Digital reforms will also mean that new-age technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Learning Analytics (LA), Gamification, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will also be integrated in the education system. Global Ed-tech organizations are already using AI, such as Kunduz, who have launched a mobile platform that uses AI along with their tutor network to help students with their queries online. Many firms are now using the cradle-to-grave approach as they use new-age tech to analyze their online learning data and trends, and further conceptualize products and initiatives to address the concerns and challenges the students face. Online learning also provides students the opportunity to learn at their own pace, go back and read / understand concepts, thus building critical thinking and adaptability, two of the most crucial skills for success in the future. Ensuring a New Cohort of Cybersmart Children With online learning meaning more screen time and significant access to the internet, we are also exposing our

children to an unfiltered digital world where they can be prone to cybercrimes, cyberbullying, sextortion and the dark underbelly of the internet. As per the Global Risk Report 2021 of the World Economic Forum 2021, ‘Cybersecurity Failure’ ranks as the 4th most critical threat to the world. Therefore, it is most critical to provide a safe learning environment for our children. The need for education and dialogue on digital citizenship, Netiquette and cybersecurity has assumed highest importance in today’s scenario. The government, in collaboration with the private sector, will need to devise plans to tackle threats onground. The NETF (National Education Technology Forum) envisaged under NEP 2020 can look at hosting Ed-tech tools on open-source platforms with in-built cybersecurity resilience. Stringent cybersecurity policies and quick redressal systems need to be in place. Educational platforms for capacity building with modules on screen time to cyberbullying to privacy will help equip children with ‘Digital Intelligence’ – including digital etiquette – and empower them to be independent thinkers and assess the risks, to make the right choices online. Even as we gradually return to pre-COVID normalcy, the technology transformation of education is here to stay. Digitalization is the key to democratizing education. Hybrid models of education will emerge, integrating the traditional and the new-age. Integration of technology in education will be further accelerated with ‘smart’ learning with the help of AI and ML being the norm. A new era of digital pedagogies will forever find place in the school education systems, creating a new generation of learners well-equipped for the digital-only world.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

PANDIT DEENDAYAL ENERGY UNIVERSITY

A I M I N G S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y T H R O U G H T R A N S L AT I O N A L R E S E A R C H

Higher Education Digest January 2022

S T O R Y

COVER Y ORST

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pread across a 100-acre campus, with an opulent source of greenery and freshness, the Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) makes it to the list of Must-Watch Colleges in Gujarat. The University has been awarded prestigious “Centre of Excellence” status by Government of Gujarat and secured its position in Top 100 Universities in India. Equipped with facilities like no other, the university caters to more than 6900 students, including 270+ students from 40 foreign countries. “PDEU has developed a vibrant campus with advanced facilities and technologies on its campus. It has set up state-of-the-art laboratories in each discipline with support from industries, knowledge partners, and internationally renowned University partners,” shares Dr. S. Sundar Manoharan, the Director-General at PDEU. The institute has transformed itself into a nurturing ground for hybrid learning by developing cutting-edge digital infrastructure with up-to-date research and an educational curriculum to promote and facilitate research and learning. Thus, PDEU has become synonymous with a student paradise for higher education and learning. With furnished hostel rooms, various food courts, a sports complex, gymnasiums, a medical store, a book store, and other essential amenities, PDEU has become one of

Higher Education Digest January 2022

the choicest universities in Gujarat. This Wi-Fi-enabled campus is a safe heaven for students from all around the globe, with 24/7 security and CCTV surveillance. Bridging the global gap As we live in this global village, there is an increasing need to shape students into global citizens. With international collaborations and exposure programs, many students are equipping themselves with flexibility and adapting to changing times. PDEU facilitates and encourages them to step forward into International Exchange Programmes and be prepared for dynamic international careers. Since 2010,

PDEU offers multiple courses ranging from engineering, arts and management along with maximum exposure and opportunities to its students through various national and International exchange programs with Best Universities worldwide.

About

Dr. S. Sundar Manoharan Dr. S. Sundar Manoharan, a renowned Educationist, Scientist, and Administrator, obtained his doctoral degree from the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore in 1991. After his post-doctoral fellowship, he served at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur as a Professor between 1996 to 2014 and as the Vice-Chancellor of Karunya University, Coimbatore, Periyar Maniammai University, and at Sathyabama University between Feb 2014 till Feb 2020. He has over 30 years of extensive experience in teaching and research in Material science and Nanotechnology. He was deputed from IIT-Kanpur to be the Founder Director of UGC funded 100 Crore project to establish the National Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the University of Mumbai premises in 2012-2014. He served as a visiting professor in internationally reputed institutions, including NUS Singapore, University of California-Berkeley, Max Planck Institute-Germany, Imperial College-London, and the University of Maryland-USA. In the recent past, he has held several administrative positions including, being a member of the Project Advisory Committee at DST & DRDO Funding Agencies.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

The University provides international opportunities to students & members of the faculty for exchange of knowledge between the universities.

the university has partnered with numerous universities abroad to Summer Internships and Research Programmes. “It was designed in such a way that students get an exposure academically, technically and culturally with the intent to create and promote a collaborative academic and Research platform at some of the finest universities in the world,” shares Dr. Manoharan. The International Exposure Programme allows students to explore global technologies, improve their communication skills, self-esteem, creativity, and leadership skills. As budding professionals, these are the skills that employers look for. With an international scope, students can be trained in international business and sculpt and perfect their skills in advanced research and development. More than 750 students participated in international conferences, and the university spent more than Rs. 1.3 Crores (approx. US$17,000) to support their travel. Through classroom sessions, practical classes, industrial visits, experts from the industry, and research-oriented workshops, the university makes sure that students are subjected to different cultures and best practices to become successful engineers, scientists, and business professionals. Holistic Growth and Development PDEU believes that students have a right to use all the resources available to them. In this regard, the university has gone above and beyond to make these resources readily available for all students. With accreditation from NAAC and recognition for SIRO, NBA, and AIU, the Pandit Deendayal Energy University provides scholarships for deserving students and grants for those

Higher Education Digest January 2022

22 who excel at research. To get students excited about learning, there are over 35 student activity clubs that open up many opportunities for them to think and explore their creativity. In addition, the university also provides an Innovation and Incubation Center to boost their entrepreneurial spirits. Students have the opportunity to intern at multiple companies in both rural and corporate sectors, including industry project opportunities and student research funding up to Rs. 250,000. The infrastructure also includes state-ofthe-art laboratories, Residential premium facilities with covid safety measures, cafeteria facilities, sports facilities, and much more. A women’s cell, an antiragging policy, and COVID safety measures have been adopted to ensure safety. Through the act of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, the Pandit Deendayal Energy University was established in 2007, with the provision to have diversity and scholarship for building a prominent talent base in the energy sector. By evolving with the times, PDEU was conceived as a university of transformation that would focus on energy, academics, and research. As years went by, they included fields of humanities and renewable energy sources. Today, the university has marked its

Higher Education Digest January 2022

presence as a renowned institution with noteworthy national and international visibility. Ranked the No.1 Private University in Gujarat, PDEU is proud of its NAAC ‘A’ Grade Accreditation with CGPA 3.39/4.0 from 2015 and for being the only private University in Gujarat to get the graded autonomy status by University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2018. The university has been awarded ‘Centre of Excellence Status’ by the Government of Gujarat. “It has undertaken extensive research in the area of renewable energy sources, with 8 International Level Centres of Excellence and Innovation and Incubation Centre (IIC). Apart from this, International Exposure Programs (IEP), State of the art Infrastructure,

Pandit Deendayal Energy University has been promoted by Government , Industry and Energy & Petrochemical Department to create a world class University in energy education and research with special focus on the oil and gas sector.

Laboratories, On-Campus Residential Facilities, Green Campus, Diversity of students and Global Collaborations with Universities abroad, has been the steps towards success for PDEU,” says Dr. Manoharan. So far, the university has helped more than 100 researchers, entrepreneurs, and research projects as a way to encourage students to participate and engage in their fields. “At PDEU, understanding the need of the hour, special emphasis is given to developing the ‘observational power’ and ‘sharpening the problemsolving approach’ as this creates a foundation for achieving excellence. It is focused on developing an intentional, aligned, and integrated culture that radiates the beliefs, values, and life skills for the youth to be successful,” Dr. Manoharan shares. PDEU also provides scholarships to deserving students and exposure and facilities for them to grow. They offer 5 categories of scholarships for undergraduate students for merit, SC and STs, and female students. The university provides financial aid for candidates with qualified and valid GATE scores for MTech students. It also offers assistance to Ph.D. students for resources as per its availability in the name of fellowship, who would qualify as per the norms specified below on a merit basis. PDEU provides its learners with a perfect blend of pristine environment and modern technology, enabling a dynamic learning experience and turning students into potential professionals. The university has an excellent infrastructure with proper maintenance facilities offering students an ideal platform for excelling their performance. Be it festivals, sports, or various programs/events, the students actively participate and win awards for the university. With more than 40 student clubs, students take an active role in the club functioning as a Core Executive Member and participate in the activities organized by other clubs. There are 3 major festivals: Flare, Tesseract, and Petro Cup organized annually, where students from different colleges across the country participate. Initiatives towards securing ‘Energy for All’ As natural resources are depleting every day, it has become the need of the hour to find alternative energy sources to make our planet greener and reduce our carbon footprint. PDEU was established to focus on renewable energy and drive prominent research into the field. “PDEU has completed extensive research on new energy sources. The Centre of Excellence in Geothermal Energy (CEGE) has conducted exploration surveys for geothermal prospects in several parts of Gujarat and has drilled two shallow wells in the Dholera region in India’s west. It has established firstof-their-kind projects on heating and cooling in Dholera,

Higher Education Digest January 2022

honey-processing, and balneology using geothermal water,” Dr. Manoharan says. He adds, “The Centre for Biofuel & Bio-Energy Studies (CBBS) has developed expertise in designing energy-efficient biodiesel processes. This includes an energy-efficient biodiesel reactor unit that is capable of producing biodiesel from readily available Indian feedstocks, facilitating a reduction in dependency on imported fossil fuel and increased self-sufficiency in the Indian energy sector. PDEU also has a Solar Research Development Centre, a 1 MW solar power plant, and a 1.5MW rooftop facility.” Disruptive Industry 4.0 Technologies To cater to student exposure and give them handson experience, the university has partnered with a variety of companies and organizations. It has collaborated with Maruti Suzuki and the Government of Gujarat to create the International Automobile Centre of Excellence (iACE) in order to teach students about automotive manufacturing and electronics. Similarly, the university is working towards setting up a 45MW assembly and manufacturing unit for monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic solar panels to

Higher Education Digest January 2022 2022

The University has created a number of sector relevant engineering laboratories which are well equipped to facilitate the pedagogic and research process.

demonstrate solar cell to panel integration, lamination, and electroluminescence testing process. Apart from Maruti Suzuki, PDEU also has collaboration with Reliance Industries, Torrent Power Limited, Jubilant Oil and Gas, Shell Total, Cairn India, Siemens, Hitachi, Adani Ports, and many other leading companies in the field of energy and resources. PDEU also has Prof. Surendra Singh Kuchhwaha as Suzlon Chair Professor. He has vast experience in the application of evaporative cooling, sprays, ice slurry generation technology, cascaded refrigeration system, biodiesel production techniques,

waste heat recovery systems, renewable energy-based poly-generation systems, and resource assessment of offshore renewable energy (solar, wind and wave). “PDEU has received more than Rs. 200 Crore (approx. YS$27 million) for Centre of Excellence Projects and 60 ongoing projects being sponsored by government and private entities. The university is contributing to the ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT INITIATIVE through its Centres of Excellence, including recent addition of Metal 3D printing facility dedicated to the nation for research in Energy, Healthcare, Automotive and Aerospace Sector,” shares Dr. Manoharan. With an idea to transform the energy and potential of young students, the PDEU Innovation and Incubation Center (IIC) was established in 2014. It was then legally registered as a Section 8 company in 2017 to support budding entrepreneurs, innovators, and technologists to drive business ventures and initiatives. For 3 consecutive years, from 2017 to 2019, the center was recognized as the “Incubation Centre of the Year with Prominent IP Culture” by Intellectual Property Protection Organization (IPPO) in IP fest. Through its extraordinary efforts to make the university stand out, many accolades have been awarded to PDEU, including the ARIIA Ranking in 2021 that ranked the university as 5th under University / Deemed University category. The institute was awarded as the Best Performing Private University under the Private University category at the SSIP Prashana Awards organized by the Education Department of the Government of Gujarat for 2019 and 2020. Interactive Learning PDEU spreads its belief in active and continuous interactions with industry players to build stronger bases and long-term professional relationships by conducting various activities like guest lectures, seminars, workshops, industry visits, and short-term training programs. “This Industry connect helps the university to facilitate Industry exposure to the students. This exposure allows students to apply technical knowledge to real-life situations and problems. Industrial training is an experience where a student closely works with other professionals and follows instructions to get insights about the operations,” Dr. Manoharan shares. The immense success of the students and the initiatives at the university to cater to student needs and holistic development can be attributed to the diverse faculty that PDEU employs. With over 500 faculty and staff from reputed national and international universities, 200 guest

Higher Education Digest January 2022

26 faculty from the industry and over 250 research scholars, the university prides itself on the support that students receive from them. 75% of this faculty body are qualified with doctorate degrees from prestigious universities of national and international repute. Faculty with their experience and immense subject knowledge in specialized fields play a vital role in upbringing students’ development. At PDEU, researchers and students collaborate with industry and government to create innovative solutions merging engineering and creativity, theory and practice, and university and society. Experts from industry and academia and members from our Board of Studies provide scientific advice to craft the curriculum to meet industrial requirements. With the third wave looming worldwide, stricter measures have been adopted to increase security and safety. As the world continues to vaccinate itself, PDEU has been taking steps to reduce the spread of the disease by organizing Vaccination drives on campus, continuing to follow COVID protocols in addition to sustaining online teaching and using Microsoft teams and google classrooms. “The University provided Coursera access during the difficult time of pandemic to all the students along with NPTEL (National

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Programme on Technology-enhanced learning) / SWAYAM platform courses for Credit Transfer. All the Classrooms have been equipped and integrated for hybrid learning since the first Unlock during the pandemic. Faculty members conducted the classes from campus while students attended the same from Home through Microsoft Teams/ Google Classroom. Over the last year, more than 11200 lectures have been administered over hybrid mode from the classroom at the campus,” Dr. Manoharan says. In recent years, the university has transformed the teaching-learning process, making it more adaptable for future generations. With the change in how concepts are taught and learned, the objective of grooming students has taken a paradigm shift for the future. Now, with the hybrid approach to learning, syllabi have been designed to incorporate STEM subjects and integrate them with practical learning. 10% of total classes are delivered by experts from industry/academia who are invited to share their experiences. This is done practically for all subjects & it is facilitated by concerned faculty taking the subject. With all this in mind, PDEU continues to work towards creating a space safe for students to explore their creativity and innovative ideas.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

ACADEMIC VIEW

How are Indian B-Schools Becoming a Powerhouse for Start-ups 28

Dr. Jitendra Kumar Mishra, Director, Jaipuria School of Business, Ghaziabad

A PhD holder in Economics, Dr. Mishra’s experience spreads over a period of two decades in various facets of Academia. Being a vibrant learner, in the course of his professional journey, he has gained proficiency not only in different aspects and nuances of teaching, research, administration and institution building but also in handling cross-cultural scenarios as he has worked with people having varied backgrounds. Being a researcher himself, Dr. Mishra has published his research in reputed national and international journals. His areas of research include, Economic Policy, International Business, Higher Education, Consumer Behaviour, Materialism, and Sustainable Development. He is a reviewer for the reputed international journals, PhD examiner and supervisor with eminent universities.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

At the heart of start-up revolution sweeping across India are B-schools who are giving precedence to a culture of nurturing entrepreneurial acumen rather than mere academic prowess

rom creating talented managers who drive the growth of multi-national corporations to nurturing confident innovators with entrepreneurial zeal, Indian business schools are coming of age and becoming a powerhouse for the booming start-up culture in the country. A start-up can be defined as a young company that introduces a new and unique solution to a problem or a burgeoning demand in the market by creating an innovative product or service. Behind every start-up is, first and foremost, a new idea and a relentless rigour to transform that vision into reality by winning the confidence of investors and implementing the proposed business model with success. The advent of the start-up culture in India can be traced back to the turn of the century. The old attitude of seeking the calibrated high-paying jobs in big corporates was already giving way to a nascent entrepreneurial mindset among the country’s young population. Recognizing this trend, the government of India founded the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) in the year 2000 with the aim to foster the grassroots technological innovations. Early

start-ups emerged from engineering colleges and a culture of research and innovation gave birth to the new attitude of taking calculated risks for trying out new ideas. Even the global recession of 2008, couldn’t cramp this surge for entrepreneurial endeavours. Today, India has the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. According to a report published by InnoVen Capital, Indian start-ups witnessed a year-on-year increase of 6% in the early-stage funding in 2020 (despite the Covid pandemic) to achieve the 279 million USD mark. The year 2021 has seen the emergence of 42 new unicorns in India and the number is going to rise in 2022, if we go by the trends. At the heart of this start-up revolution sweeping across India are B-schools who are giving precedence to a culture of nurturing entrepreneurial acumen rather than mere academic prowess. Here is how B-schools are emerging as a powerhouse for start-ups in India. Government Policy Intervention Policy intervention by central and state governments has created a momentum and acceleration for the start-up culture in India. In 2015, the Startup India campaign was

Higher Education Digest January 2022

announced to promote industry-academia partnership and incubation and funding support to encourage management graduates to begin their own companies. A special I-MADE program was launched under this initiative to help Indian entrepreneurs build 10 lakh mobile app start-ups. In 2016, the government launched the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) to promote an ecosystem of entrepreneurship in colleges and MSME sector. Additionally, Ministry of Education has established Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) to build a culture of innovation in higher educational institutions. As a result of these policy interventions, the B-schools today have

Business schools, along with governments, have pushed vigorous incubation policy for the start-up culture in India, leading to a 15-fold growth in the last ten years

restructured their programmes to incorporate innovation and entrepreneurship related activities on campuses. Events like Hackathon and workshops which test innovative competencies are organized periodically to inspire students and nurture entrepreneurial talent. Incubation facility on B-school premises Incubation facilities have been created in B-schools either by self-sponsorship or in collaboration with incubation facilities on other campuses in the vicinity. An incubation centre is a place where aspiring entrepreneurs are provided with resources, means and guidance to try out their new

Higher Education Digest January 2022

innovative ideas for start-ups. It provides the atmosphere for experimentation, innovation and refinement of raw ideas into implementable plans. Incubators also help the entrepreneurs to connect with angel investors to secure initial seed funds. Business schools, along with governments, have pushed vigorous incubation policy for the start-up culture in India, leading to a 15-fold growth in the last ten years. Extended placement support for budding entrepreneurs Management graduates aspiring to embark on their own entrepreneurial ventures previously had to forego the placement support from B-schools. But over the years, business schools have made their placement support more flexible. Now, the students who desire to launch their own start-ups have the backup of extended placement support, which sometimes spans the period of 3 years or even more. This works as a great assurance and catalyst for those willing to take calculated risks in trying out the feasibility of their start-up ideas. In case the start-up doesn’t take off, the graduates have the option of availing the placement support for a corporate job. Change in ranking parameters The parameters for ranking B-schools have changed over the years. With the founding of National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2015, the criterion for ranking has now changed from excellent placement records to nurturing entrepreneurial excellence. Likewise, the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) rewards the institutions that promote innovation in their education ecosystem. B-schools that rank high on ARIIA are deemed distinguished institutions. Aligning With the Vision of Nep 2020 The National Education Policy 2020 lays out a new and forward-looking vision for India’s higher education system. From institutional restructuring to creating optimal learning environment for students, the policy aims to overhaul the learning ecosystem in a way that will bolster the start-up culture. According to the policy, the institutes of higher learning have to support the local ecosystem by providing solutions to their problems. This will lead to creation of jobs and starting of new businesses etc. NEP 2020 also lays emphasis on research and innovation integrated with entrepreneurship. It envisions the formation of National Research Foundation (NRF) for catalysing research and development in all fields. Its full implementation will reinforce the position of Indian business schools as powerhouses for start-ups.

Higher Education Digest September 2020

Higher Education Digest January 2022

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

Esports emerging as a Lucrative Career Option in India 32 Ishaan Arya, Co-founder, The Esports Club

Ishaan Arya is the cofounder, head of business development and content at The Esports Club. He is a veteran of the gaming industry. Ishaan started his career as a content creator and writer and led ‘Just Another Gaming Site’ JAGS- one of the top portals at the time. After working in the gaming and e-sports industry for five years, Ishaan realised there wasn’t any platform that offered brands the opportunity to make long term investments and helped the gaming community with grassroots development. He felt the need for a platform that let gamers pursue their esports dreams and allowed brands to leverage long term and sustainable esports IPs. Hence he cofounded The Esports Club with Vamsi Krishna.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Gaming was a bit of a late bloomer in India, but much like the kid you underestimated back in school it has really come of age and is now presenting itself as the next big thing!

ports is one of the few things in the world that possess the power to draw in fans and viewers from across the globe. From the days of gladiators in ancient Rome to the roaring footballs fans today, sports has always found a place in our hearts; bringing the world together like very few others could even dream of. It’s no wonder some of the highest watched events in the world range from FIFA World Cup finals to Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics and even blockbuster fight nights featuring the great Mohammed Ali! This has helped sports take its place as one of the most lucrative entertainment industries in the world today! With the likes of the Premier League, Champions League, NBA, ISL and more, sports is a major part of everyday life for a large part of the global population. As we progress into a the digital era, traditional sports faces competition from an unlikely source, electronic sports or esports as it’s known today is taking the world by storm. As video games have grown into one of the largest entertainment sectors over the past 3 decades, it was only a matter of time before our competitive nature took over and turned it into something truly phenomenal.

Today not only are their formal competitive esports leagues around the globe; professional athletes compete for hundreds of millions of dollars every year, followed closed by millions of viewers! In fact, the gap between traditional sports and esports is closing so fast, the likes of Wimbledon neck and neck with esports in terms of both prize money and viewers! However, more than competition traditional sports teams and leagues have looked at esports as an opportunity. An opportunity to continue engaging with younger audiences, strengthening their brand and expanding their reach beyond the traditional sports demographic. We’ve got great examples from all over the world with the Premier League partnering with FIFA to create the ePremier League and teams like PSG and Shalke04 investing in esports franchises for League of Legends. With this massive spike in interest for esports, it’s important to look at how this presents itself as a massive opportunity for gamers and fans across the world with a whole new industry growing an exponential pace, constantly looking for new talent!

Higher Education Digest January 2022

India & Esports Gaming was a bit of a late bloomer in India, but much like the kid you underestimated back in school it has really come of age and is now presenting itself as the next big thing! Despite a very late introduction to video games, thanks to the smartphone boom and 4G revolution in the country suddenly you have one of the largest potential audiences playing and watching video games. This created the perfect conditions for mobile esports to growth and thrive in the region to the point that PUBG Mobile in India eventually boasted more prize money and viewership than anywhere else in the world! Despite the game’s well documented absence over the past year or so, the industry has continued to grow with the likes of Garena Free Fire filling the void. Today several tiers of regular competitive opportunities exist for mobile esports players for games like Garena Free Fire and Call of Duty Mobile; supported by both publishers and third parties. In fact even content platforms like Booyah! are contributing to the esports opportunities for players by creating an esports ecosystem with the likes of the Booyah! League. Outside the mobile space Valorant has become a bit of a household name, dethroning CS:GO which enjoyed all of the attention and a majority of the prize pool for PC esports over the last decade. Today PC esports thanks to Valorant boasts of regular competitive opportunities, $15-20K in prize money almost every month and regular Concurrent Viewership of over 10 Thousand watching some of the popular esports events in the country. Opportunities In Esports To the layman, a career in esports must like sports is only for players and coaches; however that could not be further from the truth. While the esports athletes are the

Higher Education Digest January 2022

stars of the show, hundreds of others jobs exists around the esports ecosystem, very similar to those in the world of sports. From event producers, broadcast teams, umpires and officials; esports requires much of the same type of personnel to that of regular sports. In addition to the teams that are deeply involved in creating and broadcasting esports events, an entire ecosystem of content and journalism supports and amplifies their efforts, once again similar to traditional sports. While one can argue, how would any of this be relevant to gamers; the truth is that a deep understanding of gaming and esports would give them a huge advantage over traditional skilled manpower in the space. One Esports event, from single organizer alone has the potential to provide gainful employment to over 40 people ranging in roles from producers, video editors, admins, broadcasters, writers, broadcast talent, observers, writers, graphic designers, social media managers to name just a few. So as you can see there is certainly no shortage of opportunity within the gaming and esports ecosystem to work, even if you’re not a content creator or pro player. The challenge the industry in India now faces is really backing organizers who are investing in long term, recurring opportunities like long leagues and championships that provide a clear and sustainable roadmap for players and teams, but also long term employment to the myriad of roles required to put up an event, and as well as helping grow the media ecosystem around gaming and esports. It won’t be long before traditional sports in India will look towards esports, much like Europe and North America as an extension of their branding and visibility opportunities given the seasonal nature of our sports leagues like the IPL and ISL.

No matter where you decide to go in India, you’ll find something incredible. And right next to that, you’ll find us. Safe and sanitised stays, waiting to host you. So pack up your bags, dust those boots, come to an OYO near you.

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Higher Education Digest January 2022

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

ujarat is fast becoming one of the major destinations in India for higher education. With the introduction of policies to promote research and innovation in the higher education and technical education sector, the state is restructuring the teaching-learning process to make the most of the existing opportunities. Along

with its flagship institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, IRMA, and CEPT, the state houses many young and dynamic institutions that attract students from all over the country and abroad. In this issue, we have identified 10 MustWatch Colleges and Universities in Gujarat that are making huge strides in the Indian higher education sector and helping the state become a knowledge hub.

Ahmedabad University

Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology

Location: Ahmedabad

Location: Gandhinagar

Website: www.ahduni.edu.in

Website: www.daiict.ac.in

Year of Establishment: 2009

Year of Establishment: 2001

About the College:

Established by the Ahmedabad Education Society, Ahmedabad University is a private, nonprofit research university that offers students a liberal education focused on interdisciplinary learning and research thinking.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Named after the founder of Reliance Group late Dhirubhai Ambani, the institute is designed with an aim to instill environmental consciousness along with academic knowledge among students.

Indus University

Institute of Rural Management Anand

Location: Ahmedabad

Location: Anand

Website: www.indusuni.ac.in

Website: www.irma.ac.in

Year of Establishment: 2001

Year of Establishment: 1979

About the College:

The student-friendly campus of Indus is spread across 16 acres. Away from the crowded city of Ahmedabad, the tranquil and serene environment of Indus enables the learners to study in a calm and knowledge-driven environment.

IRMA is focused on creating management professionals who can bring about sustainable, ecologically-friendly and equitable growth by applying their management acumen at the grassroots level and influencing the public policy narrative at the national and global levels.

Karnavati University

Marwadi University

Location: Uvarsad

Location: Rajkot

Website: www.karnavatiuniversity.edu.in

Website: www.marwadiuniversity.ac.in

Year of Establishment: 2017

Year of Establishment: 2016

About the College:

KU is a dynamic and growing university defined by its close connections to the professional community and a commitment to outstanding student education.

Marwadi University is promoted by Marwadi Shares and Finance Limited (MSFL) a major stock broking company in India & Chandarana Intermediaries Brokers Pvt. Ltd. (CIBPL), a leading firm dealing in technical and arbitrage trading in Indian Stock Markets.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

MICA

Navrachana University

Location: Ahmedabad

Location: Vadodara

Website: www.mica.ac.in

Website: www.nuv.ac.in

Year of Establishment: 1991

Year of Establishment: 2009

About the College:

MICA is the only residential institute in the AsiaPacific region, dedicated to creating leadership in Strategic Marketing and Communication. MICA, an autonomous, non-profit institution, offers a wide range of academic programmes including four residential programmes.

About the College:

Pandit Deendayal Energy University

Parul University

Location: Gandhinagar

Location: Vadodara

Website: www.pdpu.ac.in

Website: www.paruluniversity.ac.in

Year of Establishment: 2007

Year of Establishment: 1993

About the College:

Backed by 55+ years of excellence in education, Navrachana University has developed holistic curriculums wherein the emphasis is not just on gathering knowledge but on ‘informed application in the real world’.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Offering a range of over 450 uniquely structured programs, designed to suit the career prospects of every student aspirant, Parul University has grown into one of India’s leading academic Institutions.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

KARNAVATI UNIVERSITY CREATING PROFESSIONALS WITH HUMAN VALUES

ocated in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Karnavati University (KU) has a unique teachinglearning mechanism. The university calls it, inTECHgrated approach. Here, emerging technologies and creative thinking collide with an entrepreneurial spirit, research acumen, and a global mindset to build a collaborative environment where students can freely communicate ideas and learn from their surroundings. “As a Global University, the onus is on us to prepare the students for future challenges and provide them with the platform to showcase their skills and talent. The industry has seen unprecedented changes and growth in recent years as the competition among companies to offer better products and services is getting fierce. Given the scale, technological innovations, and intense competition, the need for skilled, well-groomed, and proactive professionals is increasing exponentially,” opines Dr. A K S Suryavanshi, ViceChancellor, Karnavati University. It is indeed true that today’s graduates need to be ready for the new-normal with changing market scenario that is paving the way for newer job roles. KU prepares you for the upcoming paradigm shift in various industries by imparting knowledge and skills that are in trend. Dr. Suryavanshi adds,

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Karnavati University (KU) is an InTECHgrated university in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees for domestic and international students

Higher Education Digest January 2022

“As a modern-day top-tier University, we diversify our approaches and concentrate our efforts on the holistic growth of the students that benefit them immensely and help them achieve their goals.” With visionary ideas, thought leadership, innovative approaches, and inTECHgrated learning, KU is transforming the face of the education system in India. “These changes are mandatory to make the students industry reedy rather than just imparting bookish knowledge,” pinpoints Dr. Suryavanshi.

Karnavati University supports its students to succeed at every level to become wellrounded individuals and skilled professionals

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Knowledge Seekers’ Paradise Spread over 33 acres of land in Uvarsad near Gandhinagar, KU is empowered to award degrees as specified under Section 22 of UGC Act to the students studying in its main campus in regular mode with the approval of Statutory Bodies/Councils, wherever it is required. KU is also granted membership of Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi, with effect from April 2019. Established under Karnavati Medical & Educational Trust, Karnavati University is envisioned to undergo a transition from versatility to super specialty. “Our mission is to contribute to the society through academic excellence and diverse knowledge in a broad range of disciplines, from design and arts to health and environment, business and humanities,” shares Dr. Suryavanshi. At present, the trust runs six colleges, including Unitedworld Institute of Design, Unitedworld School of Business, Unitedworld School of Liberal Arts & Mass Communication, Unitedworld School of Law, Unitedworld School of Computational Intelligence, and Karnavati School of Dentistry. Dr. Suryavanshi explains, “The university’s prime motive is not only to develop designers, lawyers, managers, researchers, media professionals, and dentists but professionals with human values who make noteworthy contributions to the society. We support our students to succeed at every level to become well-rounded individuals and skilled professionals.” Through the progressive initiative ‘Unitedworldwide,’ KU has signed several MoU with some of the most renowned universities and institutes of international repute for student and faculty exchange programs and joint project/research opportunities. Some of the notable global universities that fall under the aegis of this initiative are- the University of Northampton, De Montfort University (Leicester), Nottingham Trent University, University of Derby, University for the Creative Arts (UCA), Coventry University, and many more.

ABOUT

DR. A K S SURYAVANSHI, VICE-CHANCELLOR

Dr. A K S Suryavanshi is a senior academic, with 27 years of experience, across corporate and academic organizations. He is former Vice-Chancellor of SGT University, Gurugram, and had held several senior leadership roles in premier organizations such as Chandigarh University, SGT University, and Amity University, where he also held the role of Head -Executive Education. In his splendid academic career, he has been a Professor of Marketing and strategy, including Visiting Professor in international universities. Professor Holds a full-time Ph. D. degree in business management, Postgraduate in Business management, and Graduate in economics areas. Dr. Suryavanshi has been a member of the prestigious Project Review Committee of CDC, DSIR, Ministry of Science & Technology, and International Life Science Institute. He has served on several boards of industry and academic Institutions.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

KU is, in fact, one of the few Indian universities to have a vast catalog of collaborations and synergistic relations with a plethora of global organizations. “From providing interactive digital platforms and free computing education resources to helping us produce enterprise-ready talent, these collaborations help us in a plethora of ways,” states Dr. Suryavanshi. Blackboard, Adobe, Oracle Academy, Red Hat Academy, and UI Path are some of the organizations among them. In addition to that, KU has collaborations with a plethora of renowned institutions from across the world. One of the constituent colleges of KU, Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), is a member of World Design Organization (WDO), Cumulus Association, and International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI).

Preparing Achievers KU’s efficient Career Service Departments (CSD) is driven by the dynamics of the industry. CSD always proactively helps every aspiring student find their true calling, enabling them to succeed in whatever career pathway they choose. Dr. Suryavanshi says, “Students here are groomed and trained to be good communicators who can crack any interview and land their dream jobs. Apart from the regular classes, we focus on giving them maximum industry exposure.” The university organizes study trips for the students to provide the students with maximum practical exposure and an opportunity

Higher Education Digest January 2022

KU has established an enviable synergistic relationship with Industry wherein the university provides continuous exposure to its students to relevant industries

to learn while having fun. These study trips include an extensive tour of certain industries, firms, and factories and recreational activities that encourage the students to bring out their best. Dr. Suryavanshi adds, “To make the learning process even more exciting, we take students for industrial visits that instill confidence in them and allow them to experience how organizations operate daily.” On the other side, KU has a separate wing called Karnavati Innovation and Incubation Foundation (KIIF), a business incubator that works on an amalgamation of design, technology, and business principles. Located within the campus of KU, it has been formed to help start-up companies and entrepreneurs in their journey towards becoming successful businesses. Through KIIF’s hallmark business assistance services, the university would render much-needed support to companies sprouting their way into the business world. The incubated companies will have access to corporate-like workspaces, domain expert mentors, and cutting-edge labs to take their idea to emerge out into a successful and profitable business venture.

Dr. Suryavanshi states, “Our mission is to create an inclusive environment for potential entrepreneurs and graduating students to translate knowledge and innovation into the creation of successful enterprises to contribute to nation’s growth.” With an excellent academic support system, KU has emerged as one of the most sought-after private universities in the country. KU provides an affable environment conducive to learning and cutting-edge facilities such as state-of-theart laboratories, workshops, and libraries. Offering and Unforgettable Campus Life The university campus has 4 food points, basketball & tennis courts, an amphitheater, 3 auditoriums, a wellstocked central library, a salon, an ATM & a wellequipped gym, a massive playground, and a departmental & stationery store. It also has multiple workshops and labs, including Ceramics and Clay Workshop, Metal Workshop, Wood Workshop, 3D Printing Workshop, Laser Cutting Workshop, Dyeing and Printing Workshop, Knitting & Weaving lab, Embroidery and Stitching Lab,

Higher Education Digest January 2022

46 Pattern Making Studio, Jewellery Workshop, Leather Lab, Paint Lab, Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Lab, Photography Lab, Felder Centre of Excellence (COE), Wacom Lab, VFX 3D Studio, Robotics Lab and a Moot Court. Today, with a diverse student body from across the nation, KU is a potpourri of different cultures. The university also offers 100 percent scholarship to the top 20 meritorious students with a desirable 12th percentage in CBSE or ICSE boards. Talking about the student life at the campus, Dr. Suryavanshi says, “A superlative experience waits for students at KU, where their mornings start with a scrumptious breakfast at the mess; afternoons are spent in immersive classrooms and workshops whereas the evenings are sprawled under a moon-lit sky, jamming with their friends at the Anti-clock.” KU offers something for everyone. Here, students will find knowledge, wisdom, insights, immersive projects, fun, frolic, celebrations, friends, mentors, inspiration, and the path to their aspirations! Holistic development and a humungous green campus are significant factors that differentiate KU from other universities in the region. The university has built an

Higher Education Digest January 2022

The recreational infrastructure at Karnavati University ensures an active lifestyle and a health-focused environment

extensive sports infrastructure, from a football ground, cricket ground, basketball court, badminton court, gym, and a lot more. Every day at KU unfailingly ends with power-packed matches. The recreational infrastructure at the campus ensures an active lifestyle and a healthfocused environment. “At KU, we take pride in the diversity of our students. We believe that unity lives in diversity. To foster this diverse culture, we celebrate every festival joyously with the entire KU community,” concludes Dr. Suryavanshi.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

Evolving from Teacher Training to Continuous Professional Development for Teachers Amit Dutta, Chief Strategy Officer, Ampersand Group

Amit Dutta is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Ampersand Group, a multifaceted, end-to-end solution provider with key interests in education, skill development and livelihoods, Ed-Tech, and consulting services. The Group owns the successful franchise of the K12 VIBGYOR Schools across several cities in India and has a passionate focus on its vision to democratize education, healthcare and employment opportunities for one and all. Amit , in his previous role was a Director with the Human & Social Services practice of KPMG in India and focused on the area of social inclusion and social protection. In his over 18-year consulting career, Amit has led several development sector programme advisory assignments with Central Government Ministries, State Governments and International Development Agencies.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Most of the current teacher training programmes of the Government are geared towards in-service teacher training, and there are not enough induction programmes to create a new pool of qualified teachers

ndia is home to one of the largest student populations in the world. There are currently around 26.4 crore students enrolled in 15 lakh schools across the country, but there are not enough qualified teachers to teach them. As per the latest UDISE data, India has 96.8 lakh teachers with a teacher-to-Student Ratio of 1:24 as against Brazil and China’s 1:19. In response to an RTI query, the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development revealed that over 10 lakhs teaching posts were lying vacant in government elementary schools in 2020. Around 1.1 lakh schools are single-teacher schools in India as per the latest UNESCO 2021 State of Education Report in India. The report suggests that the teacher vacancies have now grown now to 11.16 lakh, and 69% of these vacancies are in rural areas. Additionally, the existing teachers may not have enough skills to adapt to the changing education environment and evolving student needs. A May 2020 UNESCO report revealed that around 2.7 million teachers in India were unprepared for dealing with the challenges related to school closures and altered methods of teaching. The data emphasises the scale of the challenge as teachers were forced to adapt to online learning without having the necessary training. The changes were immediate, and teachers were expected to pivot without preparation. The shortage of qualified teachers is one of the chronic ills that have been afflicting Indian schools. The government has tried to address this by mandating all government schoolteachers to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the National Council of Teacher Education

(NCTE). Additionally, NITI Aayog’s Three Year Action Agenda identified the role of pedagogy in improving learning outcomes. This demands that pre-service training take a front seat in teacher recruitment, along with qualifications. To provide ongoing training to teachers, there have been several initiatives undertaken by the government. These included the launch of Digital Infrastructure for School Education (DIKSHA), a portal that provides access to a repository of useful content, and a capacity building programme called National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA). These initiatives have provided an opportunity to train teachers better, however there is scope for much improvement According to July 2021 report by Boston Consulting Group titled “Equipping, Enabling, and Advancing Digital Education in India”, 60% teachers have identified the need for better content. They pointed out difficulties in finding relevant, high quality, curated content, especially for some underserved subjects and in some low-coverage languages. Additionally, 75% teachers citied the need for better internet and access to digital devices. Most of the current teacher training programmes of the Government are geared towards in-service teacher training, and there are not enough induction programmes to create a new pool of qualified teachers. The second issue is that the courses on online portals have limited content and that content is not engaging enough to ensure high course completion rates. The third issue is that there is still no system in place for accurately assessing a teacher’s ability and providing a personalised career development path.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Why is teacher training needed now more than ever? Globally, education is undergoing a massive and rapid transformation, in response to the pandemic. For Indian students to fully benefit from these changes, there is an urgent need to build the capacity of schools to offer quality education offline and online. Each K12 teacher can potentially impact at least 1,000 students in her lifetime (assuming she teaches a class of 25 pupils annually over her ~40-year career). The National Education Policy (NEP 2020) recognises that motivation and empowerment of teachers is required to ensure the best possible future for our children and the country. The students are now exposed to a variety of informal learning channels such as YouTube and learning apps, outside classrooms. Since many teachers have not been formally exposed to these new-age learning channels, tools, and techniques, they are unable to engage with a student, which leads to many teachers losing motivation. As we enter the post-pandemic phase, education system is formally embracing many more digital learning tools and methods. Hence, it is even more important that every teacher is provided with appropriate training, skilling, assessments, certifications, and career guidance to help them adapt. It is important to develop an integrated mechanism for Continuous Professional Development of Teachers with the following features:

Higher Education Digest January 2022

● A single unified online system that offers comprehensive end-to-end coverage of all aspects for the lifelong learning and personalised career progression ● Offers a dynamic and intuitive learning environment which allows for self-paced learning, live classes, group activities and online assessments and certifications ● A highly scalable and reliable cloud-based system accessible from the computer or mobile in online and offline mode ● Includes a peer-to-peer platform for teachers to interact, engage and learn from each other ● Integration with SMS and email services for notifications and alerts ● An intuitive user interface that is simple to use for teachers who are not computer savvy ● Engaging modular content, with regular updates and interactivity that fosters experiential learning and higher course completion rates ● Integration with government systems and databases for information exchange ● Totally secure role based and/or domain-controlled access with 256-bit data encryption Such an integrated and inclusive teacher training mechanism can be created using public-private partnerships (PPPs). PPPs have the potential to close the gaps in quality and access by leveraging government infrastructure and introducing private sector technology and expertise to provide better-quality training services across geographies and populations. Edtech and learning apps designed using new-age technology bring an enormous opportunity to automate, scale and personalize the learning experience for teachers. Edtech solutions focusing on the learning needs on teachers are few and far between in India and this continues to be a largely underserved market with tremendous opportunity for generating impact with quality solutions. A PPP model can thus, bring about a visible shift in the quality of teachers and, thereby, creation of engaging classrooms and improvement in access to education. In the long run, a well-designed PPP model can help close the learning gap for students in underserved communities and improve learning outcomes. In conclusion, it is important that all stakeholders recognize the importance of well-structured teacher development programmes which are in tandem with evolving technologies and changing business environments. We owe it to our teachers, students, and our country to ensure that our teachers have the training and ongoing support they need to prepare students for the post-pandemic future.

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NORTONLIFELOCK.COM Higher Education Digest January 2022

ACADEMIC VIEW

Marketing Communication Trends for the Fashion Industry 52

Dr. Sunita Gupta Konwar, Course Leader - Associate Professor, Fashion Business Management, Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD)

Dr. Sunita Konwar has over 30 years of experience in teaching. She completed her PhD in Economics from Mumbai University and thereafter headed the Department of Economics at a college in Mumbai University. She went on to work as Dean PGDM with IILM-Management Institute at Lodhi Road. She also shared her knowledge with students in other institutes such as ISBF, JIMS, IIPM, Asia Pacific & TERI as a visiting and contract faculty. One of her many distinguished accolades includes researching and publishing papers globally in the field of Public Finance, laying emphasis on Internal Public Debt.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Technology has also emerged as a panacea to enhance efficiency, ensure cost-effectiveness and maximise ROI on fashion communication campaigns

ashion marketing is where fashion and business intersect to build awareness of brands’ core philosophy and products, connect with the target audience, drive sales and boost revenue. Fashion entrepreneurs need to be thoroughly abreast of marketing communication trends and position their brand as the top choice for customers. Unlike other sectors, fashion communication campaigns should be able to achieve their goals and objectives within a short timeline after their launch. Thus, the short cycle is the salient feature of fashion marketing campaigns. The fashion industry is highly dynamic, with trends rapidly evolving. The competition is also stiff marked by the entry of several new brands. Here are some marketing communication trends redefining the fashion industry. The acceleration of digital transformation has reimagined the fashion communication landscape. Marketers are increasingly leveraging digital tools such as search advertising, email marketing, search engine marketing, etc., to build brand awareness and recall. Nevertheless, mobile-friendly websites, advertisements and landing pages are among the top trends for the fashion industry due to increasing traffic from mobile devices over any other channels. Mobile marketing provides personalised, location and time-sensitive information to customers on the go. Nevertheless, the rise of digital platforms in no way implies the death-knell of traditional marketing. While digital platforms help to boost engagement and reach, traditional media build awareness and recall. Both mediums

will co-thrive as fashion brands ramp up their communication strategies to achieve tangible outcomes. COVID-19 has catalysed digitisation, paving the way for fashion shows to go digital. Designers are collaborating with tech companies to harness computer-aided models to showcase the new collections. A salient feature of these events is the harnessing of innovative technologies such as Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, etc., to offer curated experiences. For instance, The Fabric of Reality simulated an experience of guests moving down a purple carpet in a futuristic museum toward the exhibition hall. The hallmark of the show was a 360-degree immersive experience, including a mix of fashion, music and graphics. It also leveraged the power of collaboration among digital experts and designers to produce animated videos. Technology has also emerged as a panacea to enhance efficiency, ensure cost-effectiveness and maximise ROI on fashion communication campaigns. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence help marketers gain insight into behavioural and purchase patterns of their target audience, segment them and customise their strategy accordingly. For instance, leading fashion retailer Revolve uses data-driven insights to determine the factors for boosting sales, tracking users’ behaviour on websites and curating personalised item recommendations. AI-powered chatbots help in soliciting feedback and addressing customer queries and grievances in real-time. Similarly, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality,

Higher Education Digest January 2022

etc., simulate larger-than-life experiences to engage with the target audience. Social shopping is among the relatively new fashion marketing trends. Fashion brands are linking their social media handles with their websites to enable viewers to make a purchase at one click anytime and anywhere. Brands such as Natori reported a 1416% increase in Instagram traffic, while Magnolia Boutique clocked a 20% increase in revenue via Instagram through the Instagram Shopping feature. Personalities with a vast social media following significantly impact the brand by giving them mentions, reviews, or endorsing their products. Fashion bloggers/vloggers help reach out to new markets, increase lead generation and drive sales for businesses. Live streaming is another avenue with constant growth. Live streaming videos help fashion brands amplify their reach by enabling netizens to tune in to

Higher Education Digest January 2022

events from their devices in real-time. The fashion communication strategy should be geared towards establishing their official Livestream channels instead of relying on third-party players, besides YouTube, Instagram Live, Facebook Live, Vimeo Livestream, Streamshark, Ustream, etc., are fantastic live streaming platforms. Brands such as Louis Vuitton, Nike, Levi’s are already leveraging Instagram Live to expand visibility and reach untapped audiences. The penetration of e-commerce, the proliferation of emerging technologies and increasing social media consumption have prompted marketers to rethink their marketing communication strategies to monetise existing platforms more effectively and maximise their ROI from them. Nevertheless, great content with powerful storytelling and emotion will continue to be the key ingredient of successful marketing campaigns.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

Laying a Strong Foundation with a Robust Learning and Development for Electric Future Ashwini Tiwary, Co-Founder & CEO, Autobot India Ashwini Tiwary is the co-founder and CEO of Autobot India, a leading and growing startup company in the EV domain which provides specialised and customized solutions to the automotive and education sector. Founded by him and his brother in June 2017, Autobot offers Platform as a Service (Paas) in verticals such as learning and development, consulting and Lab infrastructure. During his corporate journey he worked in various roles across functions like marketing, training and consulting, where he worked with companies like Alibaba and some leading startups like Autosports.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Our academic institutions will have to start training the students on skills such as design development, analytics, data science, battery management, safety, vehicle connectivity, smart mobility, and fuel efficiency

he Indian renewable energy sector has been undergoing a positive transformation in the past few years. We have moved the needle from being a nation with aspirations to be a green economy to leading the world with path-breaking innovations in the sector. From electric mobility to wind energy, from rainwater harvesting to reduce the carbon footprint, we have been taking up a lot of initiatives to be carbon neutral. However, in my opinion, there is a long way to go and we need to gear up to build an extremely capable and creative talent pool to build a sustainable electric future. Here are my thoughts on how can we build a talent pool for the future.

1. Academic infrastructure The academic infrastructure needs to be drastically revamped to be able to support this exponential growth in demand for skills. The NITI Aayog has predicted that by 2030, 30% of new vehicle sales will be electric. This will create a huge demand for Electrical Embedded Engineers, Data Scientists, Electronics engineers, Electromechanical and Electrochemical chemical engineers. Our academic institutions will have to start training the students on skills such as design development, analytics, data science, battery management, safety, vehicle connectivity, smart mobility, and fuel efficiency.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

We have seen young kids of 12 and 14 years building large enterprises, let’s build a conducive environment for learning

Higher Education Digest January 2022

2. Catch them young We have seen young kids of 12 and 14 years building large enterprises, let’s build a conducive environment for learning. We need to bring in Interesting workshops, hackathons, etc, and take them to schools, societies. This would not just build awareness it will also build future customers of EV vehicles. 3. Overhaul of education It is time to look at our curriculum closely especially for Engineering students. If we can add EV to the curriculum now, maybe we may become pioneers of the world in EV, as not only we may have a first-mover advantage we will also have young talent cropping up without bias towards learning as everyone is learning ground up. Last year, on the occasion of World EV Day, I had pledged to educate and create awareness about zeroemission globally for cleaner and sustainable energy, mobility, and environment. At Autobot, we have been working on various initiatives in line with the abovementioned thoughts and I’m glad that we have been fairly successful in achieving our targets.

Higher EducationK12 Digest Digest January 2022 Sept-Oct 2020

ACADEMIC VIEW

How Novel Corona Virus Has Changed Education Forever? 60

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Educationist & Founder and MD, Kunwar’s Global School

An eminent professional, compassionate social worker Mr. Rajesh Singh has gained a prominent position in society due to the exemplary work he has done in his career. His raise to prominence in such a short span can be attributed to his strong will power, caliber, conviction, dedication and leadership quality. He has established Kunwar Lives and Kunawar’s Educational Foundation in Lucknow in the memory of his son Kunwar with a purpose to spread education among the young generation, belonging to rural areas, and more specifically, to underprivileged classes of the society.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

For Schools and other educational institutions, using innovative technology will enable excellent education that will be accessible to all

OVID-19 has changed everyone’s lives drastically. The resulted change also took place in a very short period of time, so, everything, including all learning, was forced online as the whole world had to isolate in the home immediately. The setting of the traditional classroom, sadly, has now become a past. So, what has really changed for education? Well, everything! Everything is now online and e-learning is the new normal. Due to the drastic COVID-19 crisis, India is witnessing a boom in e-Learning. Every school, college and educational institution has continued the teaching and learning process by leveraging online learning platforms. This shift changed the concept of education and knowledge sharing overnight, and digital learning has emerged to be an absolute necessity for the education industry. India’s well preparedness with the extensive and robust 4G Network and affordable data in virtually every part of the country made the shift possible. What’s more impressive is the smartphone adoption, which further helped in the acceleration of the adoption of learning infrastructure. It is because of the digital technology with easy access to the internet that remote learning opportunities, online classrooms, and access

to high-quality education has been brought up even in rural and semi-urban locations. Today, language, location and financial resources are no more a barrier to avail high-quality education. It is the best time for our country and the whole world to experiment with the technology and make delivery of education seamless for learning. Overall, digital learning holds great potential in India and it may change the meaning of education forever. For Schools and other educational institutions, using innovative technology will enable excellent education that will be accessible to all. Schools have now evolved from the traditional model and have built a strong online infrastructure. Presently, the speed at which people are gaining knowledge has been growing constantly, and so are the needs of students. Such educational institutions need to invest more and more in technology and incorporate it in their day-to-day working. This will engage and help the students in better understanding and knowledge retention capability. The quick shift from traditional learning to e-learning has been full of challenges for the schools as well as for students and their parents. Balancing the needs of everyone is a difficult task. Institutions are also learning to get a strong hold of this learning mode. From conducting live lectures to uploading study material and conducting examinations, the institutions are giving it all for the students to learn better.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

The key trend of digital learning includes the need for up-skilling courses with user-generated and curated content

E-learning Trends to Follow Being a source of innovation, EdTech always enhances education. During the pandemic, EdTech has not only transformed the traditional classroom learning experience but also has changed the way lectures are conducted. AI has played a great role personalizing and enhancing education among students. It is also used to automate activities such as grading and giving feedback on the particularly those areas which need improvement. EdTech platforms use one more innovative technology that is cloud computing. Cloud computing has enabled the access to high-tech education to everyone. EdTech platforms provides an anytime-anywhere access to information that is stored in remote cloud servers. It has now become easy for the students to experience advanced learning seamlessly. It has become one of the most important aspects of accelerating digital learning. The key trend of digital learning includes the need for upskilling courses with user-generated and curated content. This is in demand among the people who are learning and working remotely. This will help in determining the most effective

Higher Education Digest January 2022

content that matches the student’s needs efficiently, resulting in a positive user engagement and hence, an optimum outcome. As and when the technology will develop, these new trends will develop. The pillars around which the technology and the new trends will advance will be – customized learning, engagement, accessibility and user-centric learning. India has a dynamic education system. Its collaboration with the modern technology can be a useful tool which may help in increasing engagement and efficiency among communities. Adopting the right tools enables enhanced teaching, which will ultimately raise student’s accomplishments. Hence, more and more educational institutions should digitize themselves, and get a good hold in the tech space soon before it is too late. In this way, they can definitely give their students the kind of education that will enrich their vocational capabilities as well as the quality of cognitive. Educational institutions should look at technology partnerships as a crucial investment towards the future of their students. They should not compromise with the expansion and the quality of this area, as today, it has become a necessity.

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Higher Digital Education First Magazine Digest August 2022 2021 January

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

How Can You Improve the Odds You’ll Be Approved for An Education Loan? Sasha Ramani, CFA, Associate Director of Strategy, MPOWER Financing

Sasha Ramani runs Corporate Strategy for MPOWER Financing, the leading provider of scholarships and no-cosigner loans for students from India and around the world. MPOWER offers no-cosigner loans for education at nearly 400 universities around the U.S. and Canada. Sasha holds a BMath from the University of Waterloo, a BBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Education loans can substantially help students afford their education, but they may not cover every expense

ith increasing numbers of Indian students seeking to study abroad, many will avail a loan to cover the cost of foreign tuition and living expenses. But the costs for earning an education overseas are rising, so students will want to do as much as possible to increase their odds of being approved for a loan. Here are three things that Indian student can do to improve their chances of availing an education loan for studying abroad: 1. Check Your School’s Eligibility Several lenders have esoteric requirements about which schools and degree programs they support. For example, one lender may only provide loans to students attending schools in specific U.S. states, while another may not limit by location but instead offer loans to students attending at select schools or degree programs. And each lender has its own list of acceptable countries, for example, far fewer lenders support students at Canadian schools than American schools.

To maximize their chances of receiving education loan approval, students’ first step should be to research lenders. It’s best to conduct this research before deciding which schools to apply to so students will know which combinations of schools and lenders are viable and won’t waste time applying to lenders that don’t cover their programs. In fact, many schools share a list of lenders that have successfully supported their students in the past, and websites like Edupass.org and InternationalStudentLoan. com can help to identify lenders at a specific school. 2. Have a Financial Plan Education loans can substantially help students afford their education, but they may not cover every expense. If, for example, a lender provides a maximum loan amount of $50,000 but the total cost of education is $70,000, students would need to have a plan to bridge that cost gap. Whether it’s through personal/family savings, scholarships, or parttime work and internships, having a strategy to maintain

Higher Education Digest January 2022

a healthy financial path to graduation can help students’ chances of receiving an education loan. It’s also important to know that some lenders require interest-only or partial-interest payments while in school. This means that students may decide to work part time to cover these payments. While lenders may allow students to defer them, making these payments could actually help students to build a credit profile and prevent the interest from capitalizing (which could result in substantially higher payments after graduation). Fortunately, many schools offer on-campus employment opportunities to help students cover these in-school payments and working on campus also serves to help students bond with their local academic community. And in countries like Canada with more student-friendly visa policies, students can often easily secure work off-campus.

Having a clear narrative about how a student’s degree can help their future career can help convince a lender that the student is worth the risk of a loan

Higher Education Digest January 2022

3. Have a Strong Career Plan Lenders have a high interest in making sure students are able to successfully pay off their loans. This means that students attending degree programs that are more likely to result in high-earning careers (such as engineering) or who are on career paths that are more financially lucrative tend to have a higher chance of being approved for education loans. But in addition to simple degree economics, it’s beneficial in other ways for students to have a reasonable career path connected with their education that can provide some assurance of success after graduation. It’s also vital for providing a sense of professional security after graduation. Having a clear narrative about how a student’s degree can help their future career can help convince a lender that the student is worth the risk of a loan. It’s also beneficial for graduate degree students to leave their previous employer on good terms in order to garner good references and connections in the future, and, if possible, to secure a job offer to return. If the employer has offices around the world, that leaves students with even more opportunities and can serve as further validation for lenders that the student already has a potential career placement lined up for them after graduation. As always, though specific lenders will have unique criteria for study abroad loan applications, most students will face similar eligibility requirements. Students who research those requirements and who have a strong financial and career plan should be able to avail an education loan and will be well prepared when studying abroad.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

ACADEMIC VIEW

Pandemic Taught Us that Education Sector Too Needed Some Learning Arpit Agarwal, Director, JECRC Foundation

Arpit is an intelligent entrepreneur well-versed in professional education (engineering and management). He has been providing a platform for quality education to the 21st century’s young and curious learners since two decades in various verticals. He looks forward to building a better world with an asset of more than 10,000 students through the innovative citadel of higher learning. He has a sound understanding of business strategy, implementation and marketing coupled with an excellent entrepreneur aptitude.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

While any other form of learning might be beneficial, there is a reason why collective education was the preferred choice from the very beginning

obody saw it coming. It needed something like a pandemic for the world to realise how important day-to-day education really is. For a little over 18 months, the world has come to a standstill, courtesy of COVID-19. The novel Coronavirus has taken the world by storm and brought to the fore many issues in almost every sector across the world. But probably the biggest impact that the pandemic outbreak has had on is the education sector. From teachers to institute staff workers, everyone had to stay home, but most importantly, the students had to not only stay home but be forcefully deprived of education, which is the last thing one needs in his/her life. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the pandemic will end up changing education forever. The normal, usual, everyday education was out of the question. The only real question was: will the normal, usual, everyday education ever be possible? The first thing we had to make sure of was resuming education as quickly as possible. But before that, we had to ensure all the students remain in the right state of mind while facing something the world has never seen, and probably never will.

Maintain Healthy Student Mindset According to World Bank data, the education of as many as 185 million students across 45 countries was affected during the peak of the pandemic. What was needed was constant outreach programmes and virtual mental health orientation lectures for students during such a crisis, understanding their psyche and providing them with all possible mental arsenal to face their toughest challenge yet. Education Retention While everyone would agree that education should never stop and knowledge being passed on is welcome. But while information is important, imbibing values and other things are equally important. Completing the curriculum and retaining education are two different things. A conversation with a friend (one-to-one, not through chats) about the previous class and discussing any future activities that they could engage in is more important than it may seem. Moreover, the outlook should expand and university education helps in doing that. While any other form of learning might be beneficial, there is a reason

Higher Education Digest January 2022

why collective education was the preferred choice from the very beginning. Online Only Option? However, the pandemic also came with a lot of learning, highlighting the need to make swift and tectonic changes to the world and its way of functioning as far as the education sector goes. Online education was always there but its importance never appealed as much as it did in the last two years. To make sure there is no lack of communication and interaction, online education came as a known-yet-new experience for both parties. It acted as a much-needed bridge between students and teachers in this unwanted break from education. The world quickly transitioned from physical to virtual, offline to

Higher Education Digest January 2022

online and rightly so. One cannot even begin to imagine what could have happened had technology not been around. It has indeed been a boon. Having said that, can online education ever replace the value of learning spaces where batches of students engage in rigorous learning, working, playing and making friends? The 20th century model of education sure needs to be updated, but need it necessary be mechanical or technological? But while universities are slowly peeking out of their burrows, they need to ensure that they make suitable changes to the way they had been functioning all this while. It is high time we prioritise human aspects and push the sector to be individualised yet with societal interest, exclusive yet common in terms of purpose. Because teachers are not replaceable, they should never be.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

The Relevance of Career Choices in Cryptocurrency, Blockchain and IoT for Millennials and Gen-Z 72 Ankur Aggarwal, Director, LaunchMyCareer

Ankur Aggarwal’s name is synonymous with innovation in the edtech sector. Passionate about solving real world problems through the application of technology, he carries an extraordinary zeal with a fervent resoluteness to evolve the tech landscape. His relentless quest to pursue innovation in the fields of enterprise and education has led him to establish numerous edtech companies, delivering solutions that are being applied in more than 25 countries around the globe. With more than 15 years’ experience across the US, the UK and India, innovation runs through Ankur’s veins, as does a tireless pursuit of creative excellence.

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Gen Z values organizations that provide opportunities to acquire skills and a good worklife balance

igitization and automation have engulfed every scope and sphere of life. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that has immense benefits such as enhanced security and traceability. Thus, blockchain can serve as a good foundation for applications requiring transactions. Blockchain can help to solve most security vulnerabilities and traceability concerns by using a ledger that can keep track of how devices interact. IoT (internet of things) applications have been mainly implemented with technologies such as cloud and fog computing, and AI (artificial intelligence) to help address some of its key challenges. With Bitcoin hitting a trillion-dollar valuation for the first time, interest in cryptocurrency has been sky-rocketing. Today, blockchain technology, IoT, and AI are recognized as innovations that have the potential to improve current business processes, create new business models, and disrupt whole industries. Blockchain, for example, can increase trust, transparency, security, and privacy of business processes by providing a shared and decentralized distributed ledger. Over crypto’s 13-year existence, there’s been a lot of speculation about the viability of digital currency. While the future of things like Bitcoin are still being decided,

some aspects of what’s driving the growth of crypto today are clear. Gen Z and Millennial buyers make up nearly 94% of all crypto purchases — compared to just 6.14% of buyers over the age of 40. To be precise, Gen Z buyers outpace Gen X buyers by 350%. So not only is crypto a young person’s game — it is by a very wide margin. For Gen Z, it’s personal. With worries of job security and well-being at a premium, Gen Z is entering a disrupted workplace. Economic and social insecurity is at the heart of their career aspirations, based on what they have witnessed, coupled with almost 2 years of a global pandemic. These conditions present particular concerns about job opportunities and security, well-being and mental health. These concerns rank significantly higher for our survey respondents than issues such as climate change, inclusivity, and equality. Gen Z values organizations that provide opportunities to acquire skills and a good work-life balance. Job insecurity is a big concern, but that doesn’t mean they will accept any job to ‘play it safe’. Young workers seek organizations that provide them with ongoing skill acquisition and a good work-life balance. However, companies who traditionally value incentives such as high compensation, opportunities to work internationally and rapid advancement are less

Higher Education Digest January 2022

Over the next decade, businesses will reframe their goals to become more resilient, creative, and concerned about preserving long term value

well-matched to this group, suggesting retention may be an issue. This could be a reflection of the pandemic and a possible (albeit temporary) reordering of priorities. The digital natives see tech opportunities, but worry about their own jobs. A generation raised on digital and social media is unsurprisingly comfortable with technology and sees a future world of work that is connected. They see this as a positive and understand that smart technology will continue to change what type of work is done, where

Higher Education Digest January 2022

it is done, and how it is delivered. Yet, they’re also a generation that has been hard hit economically during the pandemic. It’s no surprise that they have concerns over the impact of digital tech on their own job opportunities. Analyzing data by sector, it’s apparent there are marked differences in views expressed by this generation. In a fast-changing world of work, digital know-how is key for all organizations in creating competitive advantage and transforming their businesses. Organizations value Gen Z candidates who bring tech know-how, innovation and use of technology to solve challenges differently, and more efficiently. Like no other group before it, this generation has an amazing opportunity to influence business for the better, and help build knowledge and awareness across the rest of an organization. It must be considered that this may be an issue in larger firms, as respondents are much more likely to cite poor work-life balance as a career barrier. Differences exist in what attracts individuals into certain professions. Those in the public sector cite opportunities to acquire professional qualification as the number one priority. However, those in larger firms don’t see this in their top 5 of priorities. Over the next decade, businesses will reframe their goals to become more resilient, creative, and concerned about preserving long term value. This creates a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to transform professions, helping organizations survive and thrive well into the future. This decade of opportunity will transform the world of work and sow the seeds for long-term change in a multitude of professions. Today, professionals across the world are critical in helping create sustainable value for organizations, while acting in the public interest. Through a decade of disruption, smart technology and digital work has transformed the global economy and redrawn the jobs landscape. This generational shift has changed how activities are performed, how they are delivered, and where work is done and by whom. An organizational growth shift will be profoundly impacted by workplace skills and education, fueled by the capabilities needed in various professions. This generation of young workers will be at the heart of such a revolution. They will bring their talent and tech know-how to professions and change them, while pursuing careers with purpose and doing jobs that make a difference. They’ll acquire professional qualifications to secure a grounding in various areas like accounting, finance, business, ethics, technology, and sustainability. They are well-equipped and are expected to apply these transformational skills throughout their careers.

Higher Education Digest January 2022