Enhancing Interdisciplinary Research in Engineering Education (IDREE) Thanikachalam Vedhathiri Former Professor and Head, Center for International Affairs, National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Chennai Vthani2025@yahoo.in Abstract There is a need for enhancing interdisciplinary/ multidisciplinary research in engineering education (IDREE). Interdisciplinary thinking is rapidly becoming an integral feature of engineering research as result of the inherent complexity of nature of engineering planning, design, manufacturing and maintenance of various products. This leads to compulsion to explore engineering problems that are confined to a single discipline. The power new digital technologies help the researchers to solve the complex problems. The researcher has assisted 18 doctoral students to find solutions in curriculum, institutional development, human resource management, environmental problems, planning new interdisciplinary programs in building technology, manufacturing technology, and training of the computer science graduates, globalization of Indian engineering education, international human resource management, women in technical education, and organizational learning. The barriers to IDREE in India have been identified. The interdisciplinary degrees earned by the graduates should be recognized by the national councils and funds should be granted for various research proposals under IDREE. Every engineering institute could form interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams to solve the emerging problems by using IDREE. Keywords: Interdisciplinary research in engineering research, barriers, drivers for IDREE, actions to be taken by the AICTEE and the technical universities. Introduction
Many universities rigidly organized in disciplinary silos and producing single disciplinary programs, but world class universities shifted many programs to interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary areas to explore and solve many complex problems in analysis, design and manufacturing. There is a growing interest in exploring complex questions that cross borders and engage faculty from multidisciplinary areas. Quite some universities in USA, Europe, China, Japan, and Korea make bigger jumps. The universities develop liberal engineering programs and they aim to develop broader education with more holistic thinking and global context to engineering graduates. Karl Popper (1963) stated that “We are not students of some subject matter, but students of problems. And problems may cut right across the boundaries of any discipline.” Interdisciplinary Research It is a type of academic collaboration between various specialists who are drawn from two or more academic disciplines. True interdisciplinary occurs when the faculty from two or more branches pool their research approaches and improve them so that they are better suited to the problem at hand. In multidisciplinary projects, faculty from three or more branches work together by utilizing their expertise to solve the complex problem. Interdisciplinary programs arise from new research developments such as self- driving cars which cannot be addressed without combing the approaches of two or more disciplines. Another example: Material science amalgamates physics, chemistry, metallurgy, and electronics. Value of IDREE Interdisciplinary research in engineering education can be one of the most productive and inspiring of engineer pursuits- one that provides a model for getting new knowledge and innovation. Challenges to Engineering Education The following are some of the challenges to Engineering Education:
Improve problem solving abilities of engineering graduates Improve the critical thinking of the engineers Manage global warming Advance MOOCs in Engineering Education Provide access to clean water Improve urban infrastructure Improve cyber security
Eradicate poverty Improve urban transport system Improve industrial safety
IDREE Drivers in India The following factors enhance the need for IDREE in the Indian engineering institutes:
The inherent complexity of the Indian society in the 21st century The desire of engineering faculty to explore complex problems of developing human capital that are not confined to some single disciplines The need to develop the institutions to provide outstanding engineers to meet the challenges due to globalization of Indian economy and its impact The power of digital technology, and new opportunities due to “Make in India” Interdisciplinary thinking and the creation of interdisciplinary programs, research groups, centers and institutions would meet the challenges of innovative design of products. IRDEE programs are essential to develop sustainable environment and development, improved health, food security (Morse et al., 2007) Indian engineers have substantially contributed to the success of MNCs through their research and innovative development and hence they created a mind set in the students to pursue IRDEE programs Indian researchers will require skills, information, and/or methodologies traditionally compartmentalized in disciplinary programs To overcome severe anomalies and disasters due to climate change, the responsibility of IRDEE increases. It is therefore the study of climate change requires the collaboration of scientists, engineers, social scientists, humanities scholars, doctors, agronomists, and policy makers. Good interdisciplinary research centers not only open up new areas of research, but also provide flexibility and expansion possibilities for traditional disciplines Software development parks have already shown the success in India More confidence of MNCs, in the Indian engineers in the product design
Initiatives of Government of India
Research as focused area under UNDP for then Technical Teachers Training Institutes (TTTI) (19781982) Upgrading TTTIs in to National Institutes of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR) (2003-04) Providing grants to implement Fellowship programs for research in engineering education Starting interdisciplinary programs like M.Tech (HRD), M.E.ED/M.Tech.Ed, and Ph.D. in Engineering Education. Sponsored research projects from the World Bank assisted projects (1997-98 and 2002-2007)
Barriers to IDREE in India The specific barriers to IDREE in India are listed below:
Limited faculty in engineering in each institute Many universities have not institutionalized the programs in IRDEE Only four National Institutes of Technical Teachers Training and Research are offering IRDEE, but there are only affiliated institutes to State Universities who restrict the participants to enroll for Ph.D. from the areas beyond their jurisdiction AICTE has banned the Ph.D. degree holders with IRDEE for recruitment Only limited number of faculty are interested in offering guidance in IRDEE even in many institutes of national importance The Ph.D. programs in IRDEE are not included under Quality Improvement Programs of AICTE Almost all engineering colleges do not recognize the value of IRDEE The faculty members who obtain their Ph.D. in IRDEE are frustrated and this discourages others to enroll in these programs
Objectives of Research 1.
2.
To develop interdisciplinary approach to evaluate various curricula in engineering, forestry, agricultural engineering, management of human resources and improve them continuously so that the graduates can meet the fast- changing challenges from the global industry To improve the skills and competence of engineering graduates to meet the challenges of the multinationals
3.
4.
To develop the engineering institutes in improving the skills and competencies in solving complex problems of the graduates To innovate in human capital and knowledge capital in India
Research Methodology Using survey method, define the research problem, identify the population, select a random sample, develop research questions based on the objectives, distribute them to the samples, collect feedback and analyze them. Use statistical methods to check the errors, correlate the factors and verify the hypotheses. Draw inferences and conclusions. Based the study suggest improvements and create innovative models. Literature Survey Solomon Bililign (2013) explored the need for interdisciplinary research and education for sustainable human development to deal with global challenges. He stated that a comprehensive understanding of the main social challenges requires the collaboration of scientists, social scientists, humanities scholars and engineers, and will be highly interdisciplinary. The need to create a new generation of engineers who combine a rigorous disciplinary depth with the ability to reach out to other disciplines and work in interdisciplinary teams is more urgent. Because these skills cut across traditional disciplinary boundaries, there is a need for increasing support from the AICTE, Directorates of Technical Education, UGC, MHRD and industries. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify the problems in the engineering education from diploma to postgraduate programs. Interdisciplinary research in engineering education is central to India’s future competitiveness. Interdisciplinary programs help to ensure better educational programs, which give engineering students better ability to analyze, design and manufacture and maintain innovative goods. Aboelela et al. (2007) have conducted a critical review of the literature in health services and concluded that it links and integrates theoretical frameworks from two or more disciplines and adopt methods and skills from them. According to National Academy of Sciences (2005) there is a need to prepare engineering students for an increasingly interdisciplinary, collaborative, and global job market also calls for providing opportunities for interdisciplinary training of students.
According to Golding (2009) students show increasing enthusiasm about problems of global importance that have practical consequences- all of which can be best addressed through IDREE. Barriers to Interdisciplinary Research in Engineering Education Many authors have identified a variety of factors which contribute to failure of interdisciplinary research (Golde and Gallagher, 1999; Feller, 2002; Institute of Medicine, 2002; Rhoten, 2004; National Academics, 2005; Sidolk and Hibbert, 2009). Some of the main barriers to IDREE are as follows: Funding Most of the funds from MHRD, ICAR, CSIR, DRDO, DST, TIFAC etc. are mostly allocated to the disciplinary departments. The current academic structure has led to a lack of modern interdepartmental or cross-disciplinary cooperation and to large egos of the heads of departments. Often loyalty to the department or unit leads to irrational and anti-interdisciplinary decisions. Communication Barrier Many researchers in IRDEE are constrained by communication barriers. Even the ministry circulars are not circulated to them. One needs to get communications like a letter of invitation (LOI). Even the technical proposals are not forwarded to the external agencies. Pride in one’s discipline All engineering faculty members are trained in disciplinary programs with specific majors and departmental affiliations. Therefore, other disciplines could be viewed as unimportant. Personal Barriers According to Jacobs (2010) personality traits matter in interdisciplinary work. The faculty must have willingness to accept alternative methodologies, the ability to master rapidly, good leadership skills, and an astounding interest in real world issues which will bring sustainable success. Global Initiatives to Foster Interdisciplinary Research Ohio State University, Rutgers University, University of California at Berkeley, Virginia Tech and Vanderbilt have
provided seed funding for the establishment of interdepartmental or interdisciplinary degree programs. Faculty members have also established interdisciplinary programs because of large external funding from National Science Foundation. Many programs are funded by NASA, USDA and Homeland Security. Interdisciplinary programs (IDP) co-exist with disciplinary departments that retain exclusive control over academic activities. Success of IDREE The faculty must develop collaborative skills, project relevant skills, attitude and motivation. In addition, the faculty should be empowered and the department should be decentralized. They have form dedicated teams. The faculty members should take risks and possess risk taking abilities. They need more imagination. In building an interdisciplinary team, there must be clarity regarding roles, expectations, and authority. Clearly articulated protocols in data and resource sharing and leadership in projects is important for success ( Bruhn, 1995; Grant et al., 1998). Policies should be mutually agreed on and be acceptable to a majority of the team members to enhance the team members’ personal and professional goals (McGuire, 1999). Success in interdisciplinary efforts requires expertise in one’s discipline, good interpersonal skills, a strong leader, commitment , flexibility and willingness to work. Interdisciplinary Research Programs in Engineering Education completed by the center for International Affairs of NITTTR-Chennai The following 6 Interdisciplinary Research Programs in the Engineering Education (Ph.D.) have been completed by the research scholars from 1998-2018 under the supervision of the author:
Research Focus: Relevance of the courses to meet the current needs of the Building Engineering, new courses to be added, optional training to be provided. (Tamilarasu. V, 2004). 3.Title of the Thesis: A study of the Industry based Curriculum for Manufacturing Technology to meet the Human Resource Needs of the Chennai Industrial Hub. Research Focus: New skills and competences to meet the job specification of various companies in the industrial hub, new courses, electives based on the career needs of the students, formation of consortium of institutes, lead institute, etc. (T. Sivaneasn, 2009). 4.Title of the Thesis: Development of a Model Curriculum for a Flexible Credit based Four Year Degree Program in Building Technology and Management. Research Focus: Job needs of the Private Building Industry, management practices, new skills in planning using Computer software, project and financial management, Total Quality Management, industry relevant projects, internship etc. (Mathew B.V, 2014). 5.Title of the Thesis: A Study of the Effectiveness of the present Mechanical Engineering Curricula with Preference to Design Competencies. Research Focus: Product Design, Prototype Development, Testing, and improvement, mass production, new courses in design, industry specific projects, internship (Subbaraj. S, 2014). 6.Title of the Thesis: Evaluation of the Computer Sciences/ IT Curricula with respect to Software Engineering Skills.
Area I: Curriculum Evaluation against the Current Needs
Research Focus: Current needs of Software firms, industry relevant projects, new courses needed etc. (Srividhya, 2015).
1.Title of the thesis: Status of Technician Programmes in Computers in Kerala State- A Qualitative Analysis.
7.Title of the Thesis: Development of Diploma Programme in Animation Engineering.
Research Focus: Status study, faculty competence resources availability, employment status, and the desired changes (Pasupathy.T.D, 2002).
Research focus: Employability in the sunrise industry, open software, views of the school leavers, parents, educational administrators, animation industry, new industry focused curriculum ( Kurinchi.P, 2017).
2.Title of the thesis: A study of the Effectiveness of Curriculum of three-year Diploma Programme in Civil Engineering and its Implementation in Affiliated Polytechnics in Tamil Nadu
9. Interdisciplinary Programmes Completed under World Bank assisted Projects Title of the Program: M.Sc. (Forestry) Curriculum
Client: The Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehra Dune, under World Bank
13. Title of the Thesis: A Study on Women Technicians and Engineers in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Focus of the Project: Evaluate the existing curricula of 12 Forestry Colleges, evaluate the gaps through the questionnaires and collect the responses, analyze and develop an improved curriculum.
Research Focus: Career goals, job opportunities, employment potential in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Problems in migration to main lands, suggestions for attitude change. (Alagu Sundaram. V 2009).
Review: By the team of specialists drawn from the state univrsities and universities which offer the programs. Outcome: Implemented in all 12 Forestry Colleges in India 10.Title of the Program: Interdisciplinary Diploma Program in Wood Technology User: Directorate of Technical Education, Kerala. Focus of the Program: Develop industry specific diploma in wood technology to meet the needs of the wood based industry in Kerala State Review: By the employers’ representatives.
The following IDREE have been completed in HRM. 14.Title of the Thesis: Study of Lifelong Learning and the Effectiveness and Development Interventions to Build a Learning Organization Research Focus: Growth of private companies in autoancillary parts manufacturing., selection process, focused training, interventions for developing a learning organization (Swaminathn.S, 2006). Title of the Thesis
Outcome: Implemented
15. A Study on HRM Challenges faced by Indian Global Corporations in Preparing Managerial Personnel for International Assignment.
First Revision: Added paper and pulp technology. Area II Environment of Urban Areas The following Research Interdisciplinary approach:
Area IV. Human Resource Management HRM)
was
completed
using
11.Title of the Thesis: A Study on the Role of NonGovernment Organizations in Protecting Environment at Local Level. Research Focus: Pollution due to various chemical and leather industries in Tamil Nadu, role of NGOs, Court cases, judgements, suggestions to protect the local environment (Reeni Samuel, 2008).
Focus of the Thesis: Predeparture training, cultural orientation, local labor laws, impact of misunderstanding of the decision-making processes, sensitivity of the employees and suggestions for implementation ( Muthuvellaippan, 2010).
Area V: Institutional Development
Area III Women in Engineering
16.Title of the Thesis: A Study on Institutional Development to Create Excellence in Technician Education for 21st Century
The following two IDREE have been completed.
Focus of the thesis:
12.Title of the Thesis: Curriculum Improvement Model in Instrumentation and Control Engineering with respect to Women Technicians.
Evaluation of the existing practices to ensure high quality in academic activities and suggest best practices (Sujhatha. S, 2009).
Research Focus: Problems faced by the women technicians, alternate jobs, needed changes in the curriculum, manufacturing companies and the revised curriculum (Uma Rani. K, 2007).
17.Title of the Thesis: Performance Management of Heads of Departments in Engineering Institutions Focus of the thesis: Performance of the Heads of Department in Academic and Administrative activities.
Interventions suggested to improve their performance (Ponnuswamy. M, 2012).
Focus of the Thesis: Status of networking with global universities, global participants in India, trends in overseas institutes collaboration, norms under WTO, Suggestions in globalization (Anita.S, 2010).
NITTTRs must be elevated to National Universities in Engineering Education so that they can provide assistance all engineering colleges in planning IRDEE programs. The fellowships for Ph.D. programs in IDREE should be provided through Quality Improvement Programs of AICTE. Research grants for undertaking IRDEE programs must be provided by various national funding schemes. NITTTRs could plan more faculty development programmes in IRDEE. At least 2-5% of the faculty members in each engineering college should undertake academic works under IDREE. The State Technical Universities must establish a department in IDREE. MHRD should offer funds for undertaking advanced research to reach excellence in “Make in India�.
Area VII: Postgraduate Programs
References
19. Title of the Thesis: A Study of the Effectiveness of MBA Curriculum and its Implementation in the Business Schools and Colleges in Chennai, India
Abdul Hakeem. M.A. (2016) A Multi-Dimensional Perspectives Towards Internal Quality Assurance of Second Cycle Programmes in Engineering, Ph.D., Thesis, University of Madras.
Area VI: Globalization of Engineering Programs 18. Title of the Thesis: Analysis of Indian Engineering Institutes Capacity to offer Programmes under General Agreements on Trade in Services/ World Trade Organization.
Focus of the Thesis: Program Educational Objectives, Course Outcomes, Courses, outcomes of the programs, specialization, involvement of Business houses in planning the programs, dissertation works and suggestions for improvement. (Athivera Rama Pandian, 2010) 20. Title of the Thesis: A Study of Effectiveness of M.E (Postgraduate) Programme in Embedded Systems Technologies and a Model for Curriculum Improvement. Focus of the thesis: The Design and Manufacturing Needs of Embedded System Technologies, current industrial needs, relevance of the postgraduate curriculum, new courses needed, relevance of dissertation topics, suggestions and model curriculum (Sheeba Rani Gnanamalar, 2017).
Aboelela, W.S et al. (2007) Defining Interdisciplinary Research: Conclusions from a Critical Review of the Literature, Health Services Research, 42(1), 329-346. Alagusundaram. V. (2009) A Study on Women Technicians and Engineers in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Madras. Anita. S (2010) Analysis of Indian Engineering and Technology Institutes Capacity to Offer Programmes under General Agreement on Trade in Services/ World Trade Organization, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Madras.
Area VIII Quality Assurance in the Postgraduate Programs
Athiveera Rama Pandian. V. (2010) A Study of the Effectiveness of MBA Curriculum and its Implementation in the Business Schools and Colleges in Chennai, India, Ph.D. thesis, University of Madras.
21. Title of the Thesis: A Multi-Dimensional Perspective Towards Internal Quality Assurance of Second Cycle Programmes in Engineering
Bruce, A., Lyall, C., Tait. J., and Williams, R (2004) Interdisciplinary Integration in Europe: The case of the Fifth Framework Programme. Futures 36, 457-470.
Focus of the Research: Factors affecting the Internal Quality Assurance of Postgraduate Programs in Engineering, Intervention methods for the Quality Improvement (Abdul Hakeem, 2015).
Bruhn, J. G. (1995) Beyond discipline: Creating a culture for interdisciplinary research. Integr. Physiol. Behav. Sci. 30, 331-341.
Conclusions There is a great need for introducing IDREE in all universities in India. The AICTE must approve the Ph.D. degrees in IDREE for recruitment and promotion. The
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Specific Reference to Design Competencies, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Madras. Sujatha. S. (2009) A Study on Institutional Development to Create Excellence in Technical Education for 21st Century, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Madras. Swaminathan. S. (2006) Study on the Effectiveness of Lifelong Learning and Development Interventions to Build a Learning Organization, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Madras. Tamilarasu. V. (2004) A Study of the Effectiveness of Curriculum of three Year Diploma Programme in Civil Engineering and Its Implementation in Affiliated Polytechnics in Tamil Nadu, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Madras. Umarani.K. (2007) Curriculum Improvement Model in Diploma in Instrumentation and Control Engineering with respect to Women Technicians, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Madras.