Standard 4: Research, Publications, and Linkages

4.1 Research Culture

4.1.1 A Comprehensive Research Policy is in Place and Adhered To

Objective: Ensure that GCIT follows a well-defined research policy that promotes ethical and impactful research practices.

Documentation:

• Research Policy Document: Contains ethical guidelines, institutional research priorities, and regulatory compliance measures (Royal University of Bhutan [RUB], 2014).

• Minutes of College Research Committee (CRC) Meetings: Evidence of policy implementation and decision-making processes.

• Research Ethics Review Reports: Documentation from the Research Ethics Sub-Committee (RESC) on ethical compliance of research proposals (RUB, 2021, p. 7).

• Faculty and Student Research Guidelines: Internal documents outlining the roles and responsibilities of researchers.

• Reports on Research Activities: Summaries of ongoing research projects and their alignment with the policy.

Supporting Evidence :

·       Research Documents

·       Copies of the RUB Research Policies and institutional guidelines.

·       Approval records from the CRC and RESC.

·       Research project reports and compliance reviews.

4.1.2 Sources of Research Funds Earmarked or Secured

Objective: Document and monitor the sources of research funding available at GCIT to ensure sustained financial support for research activities.

Documentation:

• Annual Research Budget Allocation Reports: Details of institutional funding for research projects (RUB, 2020, p. 10).

• External Research Grants Received: Reports on government, industry, and international funding sources (RUB, 2021, p. 95).

• Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): Agreements with funding agencies, universities, and industry partners.

• Grant Proposal Submissions and Approvals: Documentation of applications for research funding and their outcomes.

• Records of Sponsored Research Projects: Summaries of industry- and government-funded research initiatives.

Supporting Evidence :

·       Research Documents

·       Financial statements showing research allocations.

·       Copies of MoUs and grant agreements.

·       Reports on successful research funding applications.

4.1.3 System and Practice to Develop Research Capacity in Place

Objective: Develop a structured approach to strengthening research capabilities among faculty and students at GCIT.

Documentation:

• Research Training and Workshop Reports: Records of faculty and student training sessions on research methodologies, grant writing, and publishing (RUB, 2020, p. 18).

• Mentorship Program Records: Documentation of mentorship assignments and progress reports for junior researchers.

• Student Research Participation Logs: Lists of undergraduate research projects and participation in innovation challenges.

• Publication Support Reports: Records of faculty and student publications in peer-reviewed journals (RUB, 2020, p. 10).

• Faculty Development Plans: Evidence of faculty involvement in research training and capacity-building initiatives.

Supporting Evidence :

·       Research Documents

·   Training materials, attendance sheets, and feedback from workshops.

·   Records of student and faculty research projects.

·   Reports on research mentorship activities.

·   Publication databases listing faculty research.

4.1.4 Impactful Research Activities and Outcomes Are Evident

Objective: Assess the influence of GCIT’s research activities on academia, industry, and policy development.

Documentation:

• Conference and Symposium Reports: Details of events organized, including agendas, speakers, and research presentations (RUB, 2020, p. 18).

• Research Outcome Reports: Summary of findings and their implications for industry, policy, and education.

• Case Studies of Research Impact: Examples of how GCIT research has influenced policies, technologies, or practices.

• Collaborative Research Reports: Documentation of joint research projects with national and international institutions.

• Government and Industry Policy Contributions: Reports detailing how GCIT research has influenced policy decisions, such as Bhutan’s ICT Policy 2022 (RUB, 2021, p. 47).

Supporting Evidence :

• Research Documents

•  Reports on industry and academic collaborations.

• StartUp Team and Achievements

• StartUp Industry Projects

• Testimonials from policymakers and industry leaders.

References

• Royal University of Bhutan. (2014). RUB Research Policies. Thimphu, Bhutan.

• Royal University of Bhutan. (2020). Standard Operating Procedures. Thimphu, Bhutan.

• Royal University of Bhutan. (2021). Research Degrees Framework. Thimphu, Bhutan.

4.2 Research and Publications

4.2.1 Key Indicator: Research Output Published in Peer-Reviewed Journals

4.2.1.1 Question: Show the list of publications (research articles, books, book chapters, conference papers, research reports, theses, dissertations, and technical reports, etc.) published in peer-reviewed journals in the last three years.

At Gyalpozhing College of Information Technology (GCIT), under the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), faculty and students actively contribute to high-impact research publications. Below is a selection of peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers published over the last three years:

Selected Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles and Conference Papers:

·   Jamtsho, Y., & Wangmo, S. (2024). Smartphone-based heart disease classification using machine learning. International Journal of Informatics.

·   Jamtsho, Y., Yangden, P., & Wangmo, S. (2024). Transfer learning-based Bhutanese currency recognition. Computing Open.

·   Jamtsho, Y., Yangden, P., & Wangmo, S. (2024). Deep learning-based Dzongkha handwritten digit recognition. Journal of Information Technology and Computer Science.

·   Dema, C., & Choden, U. (2023). Impact of project-based learning on computer science students. Educational Innovation and Practice.

·   Adhikary, P. K., Dadure, P., & Others. (2023). Dzongkha handwritten digit recognition using machine learning. Procedia Computer Science.

For the complete list of publications, please refer to the GCIT Research Repository.

4.2.2 Key Indicator: Database for Research Papers is Well Maintained

4.2.2.1 Question: Provide a link to the database for research papers.

GCIT maintains a dedicated online repository to systematically store and manage research publications, theses, and conference papers. This platform ensures easy access and structured archiving of research outputs for faculty, students, and external researchers.

GCIT Research Repository:

Access the Repository

The database is updated regularly to reflect the latest research contributions and is an essential resource for academic and industry collaborations.

References

·   Royal University of Bhutan. (2020). Standard Operating Procedures. Thimphu, Bhutan.

·   Royal University of Bhutan. (2021). Research Degrees Framework. Thimphu, Bhutan.

·   Royal University of Bhutan. (2024). GCIT Research Repository. Retrieved from https://rub.edu.bt/research-database

Impact Assessment and Evidence:

• Conference and Symposium Reports: Documentation of GCIT faculty participation in international and national forums.

• Community Outreach Reports: Evidence of engagement with local businesses, NGOs, and government agencies.

• Government and Industry Contributions: Documentation of faculty advisory roles in national policies (RUB, 2023, p. 15).

• Stakeholder Feedback Reports: Testimonials from industry partners and policy makers on the impact of GCIT’s professional services.

GCIT’s Commitment to Consultancy and Professional Services

GCIT remains dedicated to strengthening consultancy and professional services through:

• Enhancing faculty and student engagement in industry-driven projects.

• Expanding collaborations with industry, government, and international institutions.

• Contributing to community development and national policy enhancements.

• Maintaining transparency and accountability in consultancy revenue management.

Suggested Evidence:

• • Startup Industry Projects

  • Startup Activities and Achievements

  • Parking.BT Phuentsholing 2025

  • Industry Feedback

• Continuing Education and Training Academy

4.4 Collaborations and Linkages

4.4.1 System for Student or Staff Exchange Programmes Established and Upheld

At Gyalpozhing College of Information Technology (GCIT), under the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), student and staff exchange programmes are structured through formal policies and agreements, providing global exposure and fostering international research collaborations (RUB, 2021).

Key Documents and Processes:

1. Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Agreements

1. • GCIT has signed MoUs with international institutions, including the University of Batangas, to facilitate exchange programmes (RUB, 2021, p. 15).

   • These agreements outline programme duration, financial responsibilities, academic credit transfers, and cultural integration guidelines.

2. Exchange Programme Policy

1. • The policy document defines eligibility criteria, application procedures, academic credit transfers, and participant responsibilities (RUB, 2021, p. 22).

   • Provisions for accommodation, cultural orientation, and student support services are included.

3. Application and Selection Process

1. • Applicants must submit academic records, a statement of purpose, and recommendation letters for evaluation.

   • A Selection Committee reviews applications and conducts interviews to ensure transparency in participant selection.

4. Pre-Departure Orientation

1. • Selected students and staff undergo orientation sessions covering visa arrangements, cultural adaptation, and academic expectations (RUB, 2021, p. 30).

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

1. • GCIT monitors participants’ progress through performance reviews and feedback from host institutions, ensuring continuous programme improvement (RUB, 2021, p. 35).

Supporting Evidence:

•       Spark: Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) Students

•       Spark MOU

4.4.2 Policy and Procedure on Active Collaborations with Relevant Organizations Established with Clear Outcome

GCIT follows RUB’s research and collaboration policies, ensuring that external partnerships deliver measurable academic, research, and institutional development benefits (RUB, 2020).

Key Policies and Agreements:

1. Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)

   • Establish broad academic collaboration frameworks, covering joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and curriculum development (RUB, 2020, p. 18).

2. Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs)

   • Define specific terms for projects under MoUs, detailing funding allocation, research focus areas, and implementation timelines (RUB, 2020, p. 22).

3. Memorandums of Collaboration (MoCs)

   • Formalize long-term strategic partnerships, supporting multiple projects and interdisciplinary research initiatives (RUB, 2020, p. 28).

4. Collaboration Policy Document

   • GCIT follows RUB’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for initiating, managing, and evaluating collaborations (RUB, 2020, p. 35).

5. Expected Outcomes of Collaborations:

1. • Research Publications in peer-reviewed journals.

   • Joint Academic Conferences and faculty development programmes.

   • Enhanced Curriculum Development through industry and academic partnerships.

   • Increased Faculty and Student Mobility through international academic exchange opportunities.

Suggested Evidence:

•       Industry Feedback

•       Student Feedback

•       Staff Feedback

•       Spark: Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) Students

•       Spark MOU

Exchange Programmes and Initiatives from Collaborations

GCIT’s international and national collaborations have resulted in successful exchange programmes and research initiatives, benefiting students, faculty, and institutional partners.

Key Initiatives:

1. Student Exchange Programmes

1. • The University of Batangas partnership allows students to study abroad, engage in collaborative research, and gain global academic exposure (RUB, 2021, p. 40).

2. Faculty Exchange Programmes

1. • GCIT collaborates with SIDD and CITEC, fostering joint research projects and cross-institutional academic activities (RUB, 2021, p. 45).

3. Joint Research Projects

1. • GCIT partners with international institutions on AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation research, leading to high-impact journal publications (RUB, 2021, p. 50).

4. Workshops and Conferences

1. • GCIT organizes and participates in joint research symposiums, industry-academic networking events, and global workshops (RUB, 2021, p. 55).

   • University of Batangas International Conference.

5. Enhanced Curriculum Development

1. • Collaborative efforts help revise GCIT’s curriculum, incorporating global technological advancements and industry best practices (RUB, 2021, p. 60).

Supporting Evidence:

•   GCIT UB MOU

·   University of Batangas Ubian International Conference, February 27-28, 2025

•       Spark: Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) Students

•       Spark MOU

References

·       Royal University of Bhutan. (2014). RUB Research Policies. Thimphu, Bhutan.

·       Royal University of Bhutan. (2020). Standard Operating Procedures. Thimphu, Bhutan.

·       Royal University of Bhutan. (2021). Research Degrees Framework. Thimphu, Bhutan.

Standard 4 Rubricsn(15 Points)

For any questions or feedback, please email us at: qualityassurance.gcit@rub.edu.bt.