Research and innovation increase the intellectual quotient of the organization. Food for good thought is always a sign of harmony. The enhancement of the research activities through research projects of students has twofold benefits in terms of tangible outcomes and accreditation points. Funding applications to various funding organizations shall provide the resources required for the research. Taking up industrial problems can help staff and students to realize real-life problems and learning problem-solving methodologies. Various activities by innovation and research-related committees are aimed at improving paper writing skills, awareness of intellectual property rights, and solving real-life problems through technological innovation. The current document sheds light on the measures taken at Gharda Institute of Technology, Maharashtra in recent past and strategic planning for academic year 2023.
TopIntroduction
Basic elements involved in the strategic plan for the improvement in research activities are innovation, sustainability, societal responsibility, ethical and moral values and lifelong learning. The employability of undergraduate student depends on skills, knowledge, personality, team work, problem solving ability, communication, leadership and motivation (Hossain et al., 2023). The research activities in undergraduate institutes are becoming important aspects of education as they address some key factors related to employability. Undergraduate (UG) projects are categorized as research, design and manufacturing projects at UG studies of Mumbai university. Gharda Institute of Technology follows Mumbai university curriculum and focuses on obtaining the outcomes of UG projects through the strategic planning and its implementation (R and D Cell Gharda Institute of Technology, 2023).
Outline of the Book Chapter
The book chapter starts with introduction containing fundamentals of research and its categories. The relationship between the undergraduate research and employability is highlighted in introduction. The concept of strategic planning is explained at the end of the introduction. Second section contains some case studies of strategic planning for research and development by various organizations. Third section is devoted to objectives, goals and actions for developing research culture that are adopted by Gharda Institute of Technology. Fourth section discusses the strategic planning for 2023 for UG research followed by fund allocation strategy for the same, followed finally by conclusion.
Employability and UG Research
UG institutes needs to focus on research appetite of the students and communication skills to make them employable (Finch et al., 2013). Undergraduate students need be provided with the skills required in the modern industry set up. Critical thinking and intellectual abilities need to be inculcated since the innovation in technology is spearheading in the development agenda of most of the countries. Needs of the students required to be considered in developing them into employable graduates (Zhang, 2022). Feeding the intellectual ability and critical thinking can be promoted through UG research projects. The student’s ability to evaluate their own interest depends on their understanding of the subject and ability to carry out innovative thinking. This aspect can help them choose the career that can boost their employment selection and longevity in the job (Kazi & Akhlaq, 2017). Providing the engineering education at higher secondary level can be an option to develop engineering professionals that are competent and intellects. Thus, education can be integrated with P 12th grade (Brophy, 2008). Qualitative, quantitative and mixed research approaches are essential for engineering education (Borrego et al., 2009).
Attributes such as self-reliance, resilience, problem solving ability are becoming important along with the domain knowledge for employability (Kunal & Jon, 2023). The factors such as institutional, individual, employer’s perspective and contextual approach play vital role in the employability of students (Shumilova & Cai,2015). Proving a well-structured education to develop domain specific knowledge, developing temperament and ability to develop problem solving metrologies are important aspects in institutional contribution to student employability. Research and development activities needs to be planned strategically with setting goals, objectives and activities in time specific manner to bring clarity among the stakeholders.