Supporting learning outcomes in pursuit of purpose

Dr. Kaushik Sahu

Professor, SoM KIIT University

[This note dated 26 Feb 2012 is in response to the Hon’ble Chancellor’s directions for a shared vision]

The attached documents (hyperlinked) articulate Dr. Kaushik Sahu’s statement of purpose and related views in support of the educational ecosystem at KIIT.

Purpose: Promoting design thinking in Indian Professional Higher Education

• Dr.Kaushik Sahu’s statement of purpose: Promoting Design Thinking: Long term plan for technology & management. Support required from University and regulatory bodies. (1 page)
• Promotingdesign thinking in B-Schools Plan already under implementation in SoM, KIIT University. The Center for Building Competence in Product Lifecycle Management has been established. University support is needed to strengthen it further while soliciting greater support from the industry partners. (1 page)
• Creatingan enabling environment for fostering R&D creativity: Views in support of the long-term plan. This was articulated earlier to strengthen KIIT University. (5 pages)
• Brief profile of Prof. Kaushik Sahu (2 pages)

[These are all in line with the earlier proposal to KIIT for setting up the Kalinga Institute of Design]

Dr. Sahu’s academic activities are influenced by the above statement of purpose which supports various teaching-learning outcomes. The learning-outcomes are mostly adapted from various accreditation bodies (such as AACSB, NAAC, and ABET) and provide directions for continuous quality improvement. Efforts are also on to strengthen the resources necessary for supporting research, consulting and training initiatives. Some of the learning outcomes of importance are:

1. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
2. To be competent in the uses of technology and information systems in modern organizational operations.
3. An understanding of the creation of value through the integrated production and distribution of goods, services, and information (from acquisition of materials through production to distribution of products, services, and information).
4. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
5. An ability to identify, formulate and solve problems.
6. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
7. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
8. An ability to communicate effectively.
9. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering and management solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
10. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
11. A knowledge of contemporary issues.
12. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern tools necessary for engineering and management practice.

Please note: There is a long way to go for achieving greater satisfaction with regard to these learning outcomes.