Research Cluster in Engineering Education and HRD Thanikachalam.V vthani2025@gmail.com
Research Cluster Engineering
Science and Technology
Objectives • Identify the needs for the research clusters in Engineering Education and HRD • Review the global practices • Present a case study on the successful research cluster • Suggest formation and establishment of research clusters in engineering education in India
Research Methodology • Survey Method • Naturalistic evaluation
Need for Research Clusters in Engineering Education • To undertake national research projects which have to be completed in many regions of the country within the short period • To develop regional reports and a national report on the impact and the changes made due to the project innovations • To suggest further initiatives through clusters to reach the envisaged vision
Facilitating Conditions and Factors • Availability of dedicated research institutes and competent researchers • Proven expertise in successfully completing similar research projects • Continuous administrative support • Conducive academic environment with resource persons and supporting technical staf • Necessary funds
Selected Global Research Clusters • South, West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership Research Centers (SWWDTP), UK • Student- led with academic support & advice • Students can get involved with multiple clusters • Clusters are adaptive to the needs of each cohort • Students are encouraged to set-up new interdisciplinary clusters on their research interest • Students engage in discussion and debate across institutional boundary using SWWDTP’s research programs
Research Cluster Areas of College of Engineering, University of Akron, Ohio • • • • • • •
Advanced Materials, System, Design & Automation Biotechnology/ Biomedical Chemical Technology and Advanced Combustion Clean/Renewable Energy Corrosion, Health Monitoring and Reliability Computers, Sensors, Devices, and Instrumentation Structural, Hydro, and Geotechnical
Research Clusters of University of Houston • Multidisciplinary, Challenge based groups • Draw on the Strengths of Existing Research Centers • Took Advantages of the Interrelationships of Research Areas • Multilevel Frameworks that Connect Researchers with expertise in various disciplines in a multicampus system with industry partners and funding agencies
Critical Success Factors (CSF) • Strategic Plan for Hiring and Investment in Core Project Facilities • Formation of Interdisciplinary and Competent Research Teams • Transparency and Mutual Trust • Early Conflict Resolution • Decentralized Administration and Empowered teams • Frequent Discussions and Communications • Joint Responsibility to Fulfill the Agreement • Well Defined Research Methods to meet the TOR
Major Research Clusters of NITTTRs • • • • •
Curriculum Development to meet the State Vision Faculty Development to improve the Quality Continuing Education to Assist the SMEs Publication to support the new Curricula Educational Research to Improve the Performance of the Clients • Institutional Development based on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) • Research Studies as per the Needs of DPR
NITTTRs • Four National Institutes to plan and develop technical education, curriculum, instructional materials and faculty • Bhopal- Western Region • Chandigarh- Northern Region • Chennai- Southern Region • Kolkata- Eastern Region
Research Cluster in the Engineering Education under the World Bank Assisted Project NITTTRs Bhopal -Western region Chandigarh -Northern Region Chennai -Southern Region Kolkata - Eastern Region
World Bank Assisted Projects for Engineering Education
Tech EdI,II,III Teqip –I and II
Projects Under World Bank • Capacity Development - New Diploma Programs based on the Economic Needs - Continuing Education Programs to upgrade the skills of SMEs, Entrepreneurs, Government Departments - Infrastructure Development - Modernization of Labs and Workshops
Quality Improvement • Curriculum Revision based on the needs of the users • New Programs in The Emerging Technologies • Modernization of Resources and Establishment of New Labs • Instructional Design to meet the Challenges • Improved Examination System
Efficiency Improvement • • • • •
Autonomy to the Institutes Board of Governors Academic Council Faculty Meeting and Academic Auditing Group Decision Making for Resources Utilization • Examination Reforms
Research Projects through the Research Cluster • National Project on Tracer Studies of the Graduates - Four Regional Studies - Common TOR - Funding from Educational Consultants of India - Period- 3 months - Regional Reports - Consolidated National Report
Utilization of Resources and Space Developed under the WB Project • • • • • • •
National Research Study Four State wise Studies Consolidated National Report Common TOR Funding through Educ. Consultants of India Ltd. Common Research Methodology State Reports and National Report were presented to the Joint Review Mission of the World Bank • Focus on the contribution to human resources, SMEs, Entrepreneurs, & Community Development through the Polytechnic Colleges
Major Contributions by the Research Cluster • Institutional Development through IDA funding • New programs to meet the challenges due to emerging technology • Faculty development to implement new programs • Contribution to SMES & Government Departments • Substantial Contribution to Quality Improvement and Efficiency Improvement
Success Factors • • • • • •
Cooperation in the Research Methodology Decentralized Administration Qualified and Competent Faculty Multidisciplinary Teams Cooperation of the State Directorates Active Involvement of State Project Implementation Units • Frequent Meetings and Active Consultation among the Institutes of the Cluster
Suggestions • Develop Postgraduate Departments in the needed areas of Specialization • Participate in the new policies like “Make in India” and “Digital India” by establishing Consultancy Centers in the Industrial Corridors and Hubs • Develop Consortium of the Postgraduate Departments • Undertake Collaborative Projects
Research Clusters • Enter into MoU with the leaders, lead centers of research, & companies in the corridors/hubs • Develop project based consortia • Train the faculty in preparing viable technical proposals and financial proposals • Bid for the R&D Projects • Be committed for quality • Encourage and motivate the project leaders
Summary • State wise Studies • Consolidated National Report • Efective Utilization of Funds through Educational Consultants of India Ltd • Improvements in the Human Capital • Contribution to the State and National Economy • Poverty Alleviation • Women Development through Technical Education • Natural Resource Based Programs
Thank you, Your Questions Please