Journal of Production Research and Management

Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Institutionalize Quality to Excellence in Technical University

Priyavrat Thareja*
Principal Programme Coordinator, Total Quality Engineering and Management, PEC University of
Technology, Chandigarh, India

ABSTRACT

The case study of an institute upgrading to a Deemed University is analyzed in this work, and reported
with more generic treatment. Though various initiatives reported have largely been a reactive response to
the mandate of Deemed University framework, many situational corrections have been undertaken with
strategically planned interventions firmly in place. Analysis of the case institute (name with-held because
the institute remains in public (government) sector even after upgradation, and grant of autonomy), has
been prescriptively built around the Joseph Juran quality model. The circumscribing objective of this
work is to count how quality may be institutionalized in an academic setup. Cognizance is driven from
AUM model – the acronym meaning as Alignment, Utilization and Metamorphosis, to elucidate the
hierarchical progression of learner for excellent performance. Need of inculcating excellence is
emphasized in this work.

Keywords: Faculty quality, SWOT analysis, AUM-TQM model, excellence, deemed university

*Author for Correspondence: E-mail [email protected]

1. QUALITY AS A GROUNDED The cult of quality has become pervasive and

REALITY IN PEOPLE it is now embracing all domains – service,
DEVELOPMENT education, health, government, etc. With
awareness increasing wide and dense – even
Growth is a phenomenon, which naturally among the younger lot, i.e., students, the
follows after initial incubation. If the latter demand and supply will be intensively under
(nucleation) has been faultless, the harmony in pressure. If and when quality is taught in
former (growth) will be a natural progression. colleges, or back in schools, the proliferation
The generic advantages are achieved through was all set to improve, beginning with “my
materializing a “Change of (common) suppliers,” and “my customers” to my roles
mediocres into new special people with and responsibilities and competences.
significant excellence” [1]. The recognition of Conceptually, quality connects these “my”
this aspect generally got spread, deeper and suppliers and customers through the paradigm
wider, both in terms of constructs and of “mutually beneficial supplier relationship
expectations of the quality of various (which is one of the eight quality management
processes. However, it is not as yet explicitly principles),” grounding strongly on a cultural
been recognized that the need to nurse the base over which the whole “good business
human child through this defect-free paradigm practices” will be built. It marks the two
is the greatest, as proverbially, “no child be determinants, viz., responsiveness to societal
left behind.” The Bush government finally needs of education and the responsibility with
passed an Act of this title in 2001. which one conducts the stipulated functions, as

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 1
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

claims of well-incubated maturity to the our students view their work as temporary
present levels, and how it may be rewarded experimental accomplishments...subject to
with a new growth trajectory. It is in line with further change?”
the University Grants Commission‟s (UGC)
agenda to help mature institutes to graduate to When Olatunji [4] exhorts: “The future of a
deemed universities (Section 3 of UGC Act). nation depends on the quality of its education,
The present work attempts to collate the which in turn is a factor of the quality of the
immediate change facilitated by the new teachers,” he possibly construes that these are
autonomy granted to an engineering institute kinds of ferocious tigers who are conscious of
considered in this case study. enhancing quality in their business as the
hunger. For the process of education, unlike
The graduation of an institute of higher various perishable things, it implies that the
learning, in line with the state thinking, is vital more it is exploited, the larger it grows. “But
because they together align the masses much depended on the type [of „good
towards a synchronized growth path. The education processes‟] provided and
conformance to “good education practices,” particularly on the teacher who is the hub of
which are so vital for society‟s health therefore the education process” [2]. The teachers
can no longer be ignored. Ukeje quips, however have multiple roles to perform,
“Education is so powerful that „it can heal or among which crowd the quality of primary
kill‟; it can build or tear apart; it can lift or process is made to suffer [5].
impoverish [2].” How dare academia work on
it partially or carelessly to leave it in a state of Thus, the quality of our society, the people,
criticality? Good academics is all about and of a nation is firmly grounded through
transforming the student as an individual who quality of education. Arendt [6] believes the
is serene in conduct, sound in knowledge, and world is constantly being renewed through
bright like a supernova. birth. All such people pass through schools
and higher (and technical) education. They
Eisner [3] appends the most critical part: thus renovate not only the society, but also the
“How can we help them work at the edge of “ecology of education,” [7] where educators
incompetence” and be continually improving? form the virtual nucleus. Greene [8] confers
.Argues “ [o]pening oneself to the uncertain is hope: “If educators can renew their...speak...
not a pervasive quality of our current (and) if they can empower more persons in the
educational environment...uncertainty needs to multiple domains of possibility, we shall not
have its proper place...(such that) pursuit of have to fear a lack of productivity, a lack of
surprise be promoted in a classroom.... What dignity or standing in the world. With such an
kind of classroom culture is needed…(to) help “articulate public” composed of persons with

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 2
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

many voices and many perspectives, out of industrial houses, it has augured well except
whose multiple intelligences may still emerge for the faculty shortage(s). Historically, in
a durable and worthwhile common world [9]. private sector, academic institutions have been
This common is not mediocrity in essence; it successfully raised and enviously operated by
is rather excellence in spirit and a wider religious institutions, for instance, DAV,
homogenous lateral spread. SGPC, SD, like-minded trusts, etc., but today
many newer institutions have currently been
2. GARNISHING WITH AMBITION TO circumscribing on motives of making money.
EXCELLENCE Amidst the heavy shortage of engineering
faculty, (say, of 4531 Professors, 9063
One objective of granting autonomy to mature Readers and 27187 Lecturers, as Prof. Rama
institutes, by UGC, was founded over the Rao counts in his report of 2005 submitted to
ambition of inculcating individual excellence. AICTE), concurrently the objective of making
Firstly, the team2transform was enthused to profit only works like oxymoron.
prove her merit, by demonstrating alignment
[10], and then asks for more support from the Further, if in Hindu thinking Goddess
state so as to strengthen their basics and Saraswati (the goddess of learning and
infrastructure, and in the meantime secure the knowledge), and Lakshmi (the goddess of
system constructs to move on a path of wealth) may not vest together, can one expect
excellence. It was planned over a dual motif, incompetent teachers to coexist (disciples of
one being the state of lack of capatence Lakshmi) with demanding students (amidst the
(capacity + competence) to fulfill stipulated already terse scenario of shortage of Ph.Ds
functions of engineering higher education, and which exceeds 30,000 while the Masters‟
the other was a realization, that apart that the shortfall is over 24,000 as per Rao‟s report)?
state could not handle it, private incumbents to Well! The Hindu [11] quotes Rama Rao
education had to be additionally attuned for saying, “the gravest problem bedevilling our
quality through a better code of business (call country‟s system of technical education” is the
it academic practices). shortage of competent teachers,” who based
his data on the sudden, yet non-homogenous
The practice of privatising higher education, expansion in sanctioned strength of B.E/
accompanied by mushrooming of institutions B.Tech. programs, which shows a CAGR of
abound, is not unique to India. Though such 19.7% over a 10 year period 1997–2007, as
trend is globally prevalent, India remains most shown in Figure 1. This problem looks
severely impacted by this unprecedented grimmer especially with the intake of
expansion. Wherever private investment in engineering students poised to grow threefold
education has dawned from well-aligned in five years. By 2012, our annual engineering

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 3
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Fig. 1: Growth of Sanctioned Intake of Graduates (1947-2007/8).

Source: Banerjee, Rangan and Muley, Vinayak; (2008)

intake is projected to grow to 1.5 million from remains enthusiastic, innovative and
the present 500,000. inquisitive.”

Well! Pointing towards customer focus, Notwithstanding this wrath that Bennis and
Bennis and O‟Toole [12] posit: “University O‟Toole [12] bare, for not fulfilling academic
programs are currently facing intense criticism responsibilities, the pockets for enhancing
for failing to impart useful skills to their quality of education continue to coexist
students, failing to prepare good leaders, together with nonconformities. The expansion
failing to instill norms of ethical behavior, and of engineering education provisioning, with
failing to lead graduates to good corporate flexibility grounded through grant of
jobs.” Warn Banerjee, and Vinayak [13]: We autonomy, is therefore required so as to
solicit “a mechanism to identify important facilitate all-round enabling; and that at least
areas and disciplines that should grow and the mature organizations strive for excellence.
develop policies and institutions that facilitate The allied objectives embrace in the name of
this. There needs to be a high-level think tank productivity, national defense, and
that reviews the higher engineering and technological primacy in the world [8].
science education system in India and provides Excellence arrives bit by bit, and byte by byte.
direction for future growth.” Supports Rao Excellence is one stage next to quality, and
[14], “The quality of technical education in the concern for either one can‟t afford to lose sight
entire country will reach a level of excellence of, lest recouping levels of performance should
if the moral of the teaching community become more complex,

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 4
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Oje Aisiku [15] defines Excellence as, “a continual training may not be ruled out. But
quality of being, a virtue, and superior one needs to drive uninterruptedly at least till
accomplishment, or achievement, outstanding the next fuel point. In another work, i.e.,
value. It is a quality of eminent goodness, Thareja‟s 4 shifts a day model (in place of
second to none first class value.” Excellence is usual 3), I show the enabling of a methodical
a virtual quality of mind, which prompts one role changing and on/off the job learning on
to do better and make a difference. The free regular basis in case of operators working
online dictionary considers it as a state of consecutively, and in shifts [17]. Such
possessing good qualities in an eminent innovative bouts are inevitable part of the
degree; exalted merit; [and] superiority in strategy2excellence. Concurs Ziglar [16],
virtue. Irving Howe so differentiates: “the very “That‟s the way the game of life is played and
word „excellence‟ ought to make us cringe a we cannot change the rules of the game. What
little.” Elucidates Ziglar [16] as in the we can do is learn the rules well and then play
following exemplar (adapted): Several years them to the best of our ability.” An hour spent
ago at the Arlington Futurity (a race of one together during change of shift allows the
and one-eighth miles, which as you well know operator a smooth transition cum
is 71,280 inches), the difference between first experimentation: in line with what Eisner calls
and second place was $100,000. ...Or, just one for: “When you come to the boundary of what
of those 71,280 inches. After the winner you know, it‟s time to make some mistakes
jockey in the 1974 Kentucky Derby crossed and learn something new.” – Rich Dad. The
the finish line... less than two seconds later, objective is to continually enlarge domain of
the jockey who brought his horse home in competencies, by pushing boundaries outward.
fourth place was paid $30.
The wherewithal of enhancing competencies is
It is only obvious that one realizes “ available in plenty and without bias only till
„defeat has happened, only after it has educative years. Later, the cost may be very
eventually happened‟. After the goal has been high, because of the associated strings of
a miss. But if and when one acts prior to professionalism. The benefit accrues after one
competing, in best of ways, pre-empting the has put experiential learning through best
very curse of differentiation between success bouts of experimentations. Exhorts Neils Bohr,
and failure, this endeavor is strategically “An expert is someone who has made and
termed as “excellence.” Education allows this learned from every possible mistake in a
preparedness for one, for life. Life is a narrow field.” How does academia holistically
journey, and education is the fuel which prepare youth for impending life challenges is
equips one to drive smoothly, riding to the the moot objective of righteous education.
end, though a constant recharge through That marks one “define”. of excellence: as a

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 5
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

University process, and the other which reads which autonomy is considered a boon. The
as a process requisite. Greene [8] writes, present work is targeted to study the case of
“There is a warrant, then, for thinking of such an engineering college upgraded as a
excellence in a plural sense.” Quoting Peters technical university in recent past.
he says, “We might want to look adjectivally
at such excellences as consisting in the 3. THE CASE OF INSTITUTIONALI-
development of particular capacities like ZING EXCELLENCE THROUGH
critico-creative thinking, integrity, autonomy, UPGRADATION TO TECHNICAL
fidelity, imaginativeness, adventurousness, UNIVERSITY
self-reflectiveness, cooperativeness, moral
sensitivity, and even strength of will or The following discussion conceptually reviews
persistence or stubbornness” [18]. This the scenario and consequent interventions by
capacity like critico-creative thinking must the institute, aligning their way to graduate as
take into account the ways in which such a a university, and also respond to national and
capacity is displayed or finds expression, viz., societal requirements, while improving the
that of solving problems, of responding to quality of education.
threats to the environment, of reacting w.r.t.
lived situations in order to discover what needs 3.1. The Will and the Way
to be repaired. To develop capacities like Passmore [20] analyses, “Teaching is a triadic
critico-creative thinking, the solitary institutes undertaking: It involves someone teaching
(engineering colleges), stringed in a web of something to somebody,” as illustrated in
many complementary counterparts were not Figure 2. Attaching it with Bronfenbrenner‟s
capable of. It needed flexibility to think, concept of “ecology of education,” this triad
freedom to innovate, and autonomy to operates in an environment of learning, as
implement. To support it within context of essentially teaching is enabling somebody to
quality management, Witcher et al. [19] argue learn how to learn. The apices of triangle get
through their strategic reviews of operational more weighty with roles assigned to them
activities, the effectiveness is best when the when we append “someone” as not the only
reviews of top executives (also called audits) one who is the teacher, who is intently trying
are best operated when integrated together as to provoke diverse persons to reach beyond
an organization-wide managed system of themselves, to become different, to enter a
review. The solution had come into sight with state more desirable than the one they are
the opening of Indian economy in 1991, which presently in, but also the latter who are
finally complemented the growing maturity of complementing the process. The common
quality in education, finally paving the way for parable illustrating situation is like: when you
a standardized quality era, conceptually, for can lift a bagful of 100 kg load in arms

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 6
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

comfortably, you may not succeed lifting a management, and consequently Figure 2 has
human being of similar weight, until the latter been interspersed with his Triad of Plan
allows you to do so! [21]. The process Control and Improve.
functions vide Juran‟s paradigm of quality

Academics
/ Teaching

Improve Ecology of
Environment

Teaching Plan Control Teaching

Somebody Something

Fig. 2: The Triad of Teaching and Learning, Interspersed with the Juran’s Triad of Plan Control and
Improve.

Coming to the subject matter (something) in for those in academic positions to be

triad, Passmore conceives it as a specific conducting high-quality research in addition to
symbol system, a structure of related concepts, teaching well,” it is contended the primary
a perspective, a set of know-hows. It is in fact applied area to research for the academy is
a system, as defined by Russell [22], which how to connect “ecology of education” with
calls for the subject matter development in the ecology itself interacting with the subject
such a way that as Packard [23] argues: it under discussion [25].
“evolves from the organization‟s strategic plan
and is based on stakeholder expectations. This Now, to the context of Passmore‟s
type of planning and stance regarding “somebody” in triad, the onus of education is
environmental relations is receiving more critical. Greene warns “those who teach or
attention but still is not common in the human supervise or administer a school cannot merely
services.” It implies that the “ecology of look on students as members of an aggregate
education” and the ecology are kept at a or cases or instances of some nationwide state
distance in the purpose of education. Is it of things.” The learners, in their particularity
because of lack of competence of teachers to and variety, belong to different biographies
extrapolate subject matter to connect well? and different levels of readiness and skill
While Powers and Swick [24] assert: “There is based upon the degrees of interest, genetically
an increasing demand and critical importance present or as motivated by their mentors (e.g.,

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 7
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Greene). The way they are aligned to “ecology circumscribing various initiatives of total
of education” they utilize the threads in quality management to make India a
learning from available resources or from developed society by the year 2020, further
teachers‟ instructions to allow themselves to recognizing the fact that in this fast changing
be transformed. This works per Thareja‟s world dictated by the developments in
AUM model, where an individual promotion technology, there was an express need to
works through Alignment, Utilization and develop and implement newer courses.
Metamorphosis [25,26]. The metaphor of Recognizing such requirements, a new
promotion includes a higher level of Strategy Planning Body to design and develop
development, the objective for which maps futuristic courses and for transferring them to
through the responsibilities of academy whose the universities and colleges was envisaged. A
instructions must not only include but new state-of-the-art, postgraduate course in
explicitly “spell out the values which should total quality engineering and management was
permeate the quality of instruction at all levels developed by the author. Based on the triad of
of the education system” [27]. quality engineering, management and Holean
education (again a triad of holy, lean and
It is evident from the “triad of Teaching,” that holistic [28], this course is designed to serve
excellence cannot dawn upon our institute abinitio inculcation of total quality in students.
unless the processes were fully made prone to The inputs into the course were also driven
continuous improvement. The process after a shared team effort was launched at the
approach implies the Who, Whom and What American Society of Quality‟s forum for
are PIC‟ed (Planned, Improved and building a first course on quality management
Controlled) by Aligning with / and towards the in 2005–06 with global perspective and
objectives, to undergo necessary applicability. This initiative was well in
Transformation, Utilising the resource base alignment with UGC‟s recommendation 12.
effectively and efficiently. The case institute In recommendation 13 of the report, UGC also
was however prone to many open-ended reminds the relevance of a good faculty for
threats, and thus a plethora of opportunities for which an Indian Higher Educational Service,
improvement existed, for instituting quality- along the lines of the IAS, is proposed. A new
system initiatives. Human Resource Development Policy evolved
to facilitate this is the answer, and as well as
In the wider “ecology of education,” the Dec the Corrective/Preventive action to facilitate
2003 report of The University Grants quality control, means to curb the present evil
Commission speaks of various of inbreeding at Indian universities, and the
recommendations for higher education, schema of prevailing neck deep shortage of
namely implementing strict quality assurance, (competent) engineering faculty in India [14].

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 8
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

3.2 Significant Improvement Opportunities Driven from due alignment, the initiative of
to Upgradation for Case Institute upgrading the institute nucleated following
In this section, two options are planned to be change initiatives as prospects:
reviewed, namely the possible keys “Key
Initiatives” to improvement and the analysis of Erstwhile fees, the students paid for
current scenario the institute was obsessed education, were very low. With a
with. In that framework, the action points plethora of new engineering colleges
could be positioned for steering the institute on that mushroomed around the place, the
a path to excellence. Such an exercise is not fee structure had remarkably broken
generic, and learning from earlier experiences through the roof. Older engineering
and not results may be replicated in another colleges marrying the new technical
scenario. Recommends Kanter [29]: “Planned university had also joined the
change processes often work, if bandwagon, with fee raised. The case
conceptualized and implemented properly; institute virtually offered free
[B]ut, unfortunately, every organization is education now, of course at the cost of
different, and the processes are often adopted older infrastructure. The threat was
„off the shelf.‟.... [T]he „appliance model of lest cheap should turn sheep when
organizational change‟: buy a complete dear became dear ‘deer.’ On the other
program, like a „quality circle package,‟ from hand, this potential resource could
a dealer, plug it in, and hope that it runs by fund new word class infrastructural
itself” [does not work everywhere]”. The latter inputs. After all, more capable
schema is a replica of implementation of students which this institute, with an
Quality management System in organisations approximate rank of 15 among the list
per ISO 9001:2008, and oversees the gradual of technical institutions in India,
loss of brand value for certified institutions. attracted deserved better access to
The right endeavor is to accomplish a SWOT word class tools.
(strength, weakness, opportunity & threat)
analysis, a system oriented tool for analyzing o Superior continual quality initiatives
and suitably responding to the changes in the by enriching involvement of
organization‟s environment [30].Arguably, stakeholders, alumni, industrial
right System orientation is prelude to desired leaders, for advising and counseling,
System transformation. after they were appropriated places in
the new board of governors to be
The SWOT analysis of case institution, as formed, when the institute gets
evaluated by the author is documented in upgraded. Earlier such things were
Exhibit I. nonexistent and merely the

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 9
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

government department was deprived five years of their planning and

of such counsel. The conventional execution, and are well received even
bureaucratic temperament was thus set when they are obsessed with a much
to be replaced by more democratic higher fee charged for these courses.
governance live to system
requirements changing from 3.3 Classified Benefits to Teaching
time2time [22]. Faculty and staff Learning Process
promotions have been scanty. Latter The various advantages of autonomy,
because of bureaucratic hassles, which initiated by UGC, include benefits in
delayed these, and for faculty again, administrative functions, (by way of
which were operated through the decentralization) which are speedier
prime national commission, had been decision making, and liberation from
hot-spiced with political turmoil and various strings promoting mediocrity.
finally got bogged in the triad of There were benefits envisaged in the
hierarchy. The de-motivation was domain of academics, viz., autonomy in
deemed to be firmly cast in the local curriculum management, implementation
“ecology of educational of innovation in academics, and flexibility
infrastructure.” to teachers. It also promised flexibility in
o More importantly, about 35% of the designing and launching newer courses.
faculty were working on adhoc basis,
with many positions vacant and/or Towards upgradation of the institute, the
unsanctioned while the institute had organizational structure was set for
succumbed to administrative and/or physical improvements. The Principal of
market pressures to increase output. Deemed to be University undertakes
Getting into a Deemed University responsibilities like those of a Vice
promised the breakout. And, when Chancellor, and departmental heads too
later all of these faculties were become probationers for the Principal‟s
regularized by the stroke of a pen, level, and seek training in higher echelons
albeit at the hands of experts invited of organizational development.
on speedy reviews, the merit of going
deemed was reinforced. A university essentially implies the notion
o Getting into a “deemed environment” of academic freedom in both higher
promised instituting new programs for education and research. While she grants
vertical expansion of the institute. undergraduate, graduate and doctoral
Three new programs at postgraduation academic degrees in a variety of subjects,
level have since been instituted within she is expected to support vital knowledge

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 10
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Exhibit I: SWOT Analysis of Case Institution.

Weaknesses: Strengths:
1 Rigidity, passé and bureaucracy in recruitments 1 Excellent input of students (topmost preferred in the zone
2 Small continuous improvements could be enabled with next to IITs). Consequently has a national character and
hard work, no breakthroughs, because of bureaucracy and brand
absence of flexibility 2 Located in the city with greatest ambience, both academic
3. Low autonomy and feeble resource enhancement, in and physical
hardening economy did not allow the institute to exploit the 3 Highly positioned and accomplished alumni, contributed
goodwill and available potential over more than platinum years (85 yrs). It is because the
4 De-motivation and shortage of dedicated faculty institute has been among the top 5 contributors to
5 Modification of curricula and revamping of schemes was engineering manpower development before IITs came into
tedious because of strings (other institutions in university) being
attached by design. 4 Good infrastructural potential can be developed as great
resources with new investments
5 Academic support of a 5-star university, to which the
institute was affiliated earlier
6 Great city ecological and cultural environment
Opportunities: Threats:
1 Of extraneous funding and raising of money from 1 The competing and newly raised institutions which came
legitimate resources up with a thoroughly improved as enviable infrastructure,
2 Launching of new programs and courses on self- could snatch the better students inducing plethora of higher
supporting basis. comfort with benefit of technology
3 Retaining of experienced teachers by speedier recruitments 2. TEQIP and other modernization grants were being denied
and CAS (career advancement schemes promised in thanks to bureaucratic delays and consequent lack of own
autonomous framework) initiatives
4 Retaining of experienced teachers by delaying 3 Competing institutions who clamored for similar deemed
superannuation age and also reemployment beyond the university status would be better recognized once they
enhanced 4 years from age of 58 to permitted 65 in a succeed to become deemed university. This would threaten
deemed setup the brand nursed over the years of the case institute.
5 Implementation of academic autonomy which now allows
curriculum maneuvering @ 25% by instructor without prior
permissions/approvals

infrastructure, contributing towards and also functions, i.e., academic quality and research
servicing availability, applicability and even are viciously improved, by way of enhanced
generation. The two differentiators helping competencies. The schematic in Figure 3 is
these objectives are possibly the academic targeted to bring home the assistance towards
freedom and research which mark a university. academic and co-curricular responsibilities
rendered by the research scholar. Apart from
Let us reiterate how research helps a university that, it allows more time resource at the
in facilitating excellence. It is implied that as a support of the academia and the researcher
benefit of research, both the university additionally comes handy in supporting

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 11
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

various management functions, under purview consequently augmented by broader presence.

of his/her guide. The help desk to students is

Fig. 3: The Virtuous Loop of Superior Research Orientation of Institution Serves both Research and
Academics, as a Result of Accent on Ph.D Programs.
integrated with knowledge enhancement,
Towards the upgradation of individual (and innovations and both applied and fundamental
university‟s) transformation, the three-step research will mark the levels of
upgradation process collates as (a) Strategic transformation. The improvement schema
planning of processes and products, which which was illustrated through Figure 2 has
includes aligning of students and the been reiterated using plan, control and
curriculum; improving research environment, improve (PIC) in a similar incarnation, now in
enhancing the ecology of education, Figure 4. The control paradigm is not a
improvement of planning infrastructure, etc. reactive or correctional phase, but a proactive
(b) Superior knowledge and development maximization of available resources,
management, which includes utilization of utilization of which is critical, viz., controlling
various resources, library resources, ICT the use of chalk and talk and/or multimedia,
(information and communication video inputs effectively to maximize learning
technologies), ISO (infrastructural systems‟ [31]. To sustain & stabilise improvements is a
optimization, viz., using advanced knowledge never ending process for conceptual edificing.
resources, virtual laboratories, computational
and simulation software, etc.), and (c) The objective in this schematic is driven
Transformation of university functions which towards being learner in processes for which
imply defining and designing new products the facilitator contributes through the “bottom
and processes to culminate into excellence. It up” concept towards the very objective of
includes improving brand for the certificates education, which is transformation [25].
and products. The way classroom education is

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 12
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

This aspect is supported by Shukla [32] in his 3.4. A Brief Review of Change Initiatives
India Science Report which reiterates that our The “deemed” processes are now fully
styles and paradigms of “education needs to be operative at the case institute for the last
strengthened in terms of methods of teaching, 5 years. More than 100 research scholars are
teacher quality, and infrastructure. This planned to adore the scenario (previously
observation has been found valid for all none). With IQAC (Internal Quality Assurance
regions of the country”. Whether the new Cell), monitoring of educational processes is
Deemed to be Universities graduate to better. Transparency in academic functions in
institutionalize such benchmarks of quality or evaluation of examination scripts has been
not, remains to be seen. Only time will tell implemented, with stricter governance. 100%
how new universities stand to the critical of class rooms are provided with LCD
requirements the competitive world assigns projectors and multimedia and interactive
them, while the government takes one step teaching has been resourced. Motivation for
backward by authorizing them extensive international publications is much higher, with
autonomy bundled with accountability. A an award of Rs. 7500 instituted for top
paradigm is in implementing Holean way [28]. publications by any teacher. As a wake model
Authors argue Holean (Holy + holistic +Lean) for faculty more initiatives are sought.
alignment solicits means to affect higher level Institute‟s 5 year vision /road map is in place,
functions by transforming better students for chased for implementation, and monitored.
effective product realisation the efficient way.

Fig. 4: The Teaching and Learning Triad, as Applied with the Hierarchical Improvement Aligning
vide Strategic Planning Process for Organization/ higher Level Student Development, Adapting with
Thareja et al. (2011)[26].

Most of the improvement actions have been place. The rate of improvement is dependent
governed with respect to an institute vision, upon the institute culture which in turn is
which is pursued with involvement of institutionalized by faculty. It however awaits
departmental heads, and supported by most the tasting of “quality-cultural” blood to make
faculty therein. The lower level alignment them ferocious for better improvements. The
(planning) and controls have thus been put into awareness to want of Quality is still deficient.

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 13
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

4. CONCLUDING REMARKS REFERENCES

Reiterating the importance of quality in 1. Thareja P. FOUNDRY-s Indian Journal

education, the need for chasing and for Progressive Metal Casters. 2007a.
demonstrating excellence cannot be xix(1)., March/April 2007. 61–67p.
undermined. The way to excellence maps 2. Ukeje, B. O. In Akinmade, C.T. Oyetunji, Formatted: Swedish (Sweden)

through cultural realignment, strategic et al. (Eds.). Improving Teacher Education

planning, through optimum utilization of in 21st Century Nigeria: Challenges and
resources and competencies for onward Strategies. Department of Arts and Social
transformation. The authors prescribe Science Education, Faculty of Education,
AUM model for guidance and practicing. University of Jos. 2000.
Faculty competency is critical. To achieve 3. Eisner, Elliot W. The Encyclopedia of
quality of education, a total emphasis on Informal Education. 2002.
the three – teacher, taught and curriculum www.infed.org/biblio/eisner_arts_and_the
notwithstanding – the ecology of _practice_or_education.htm
education must be catered to. This will be 4. Olatunji, Michael. Towards an Enhanced
facilitated by alignment. Status for Teachers. 2011. 9(2). Africa.
The pathway to excellence is challenging. 5. Thareja P. Proceedings of Seminar on
One may have to learn from mistakes, Reaching the Unreached. ISTE, BBSBEC
experimentation, innovation or by design. 12th March 2004, also in Lecture notes of
But the objectives and the determination to short term course on „Effective Teacher‟,
continue chasing stays put IIT Rorkee, 21st June to 2nd July 2004.

The case of an institution institutionalizing 6. Arendt, Hannah. Between Past and

quality has been briefly viewed. The Future. New York. The Viking Press.

SWOT analysis has been tabulated, and 1961. 193–196p.

suggestions/opportunities for improvement 7. Bronfenbrenner, Urie. The Experimental

cited. Many of such improvements are in Ecology of Education. Teachers College.

line with the ambition the University December 1976. Record 78(2). 158–201p.

Grants Commission professed in their Dec 8. Greene, Maxine. Excellence, Meanings,

2003 recommendation during promotion and Multiplicity. Teachers College

of autonomy. Record. Winter 1984. 86(2). 283–297p.

Aligning & guiding institutional systems http://www.maxinegreene.org/pdf/articles/

prescriptively around the AUM model is excellence_mm.pdf

seen as precursor to implementation of 9. Dewey, John. Art as Experience. New

Juran‟s paradigm of Plan, Control and York. Minton, Balch & Co. 1934. 263p.

Improve, re-ordered by author as PIC. Quoted in Greene (1984).

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 14
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

10. Thareja Priyavrat and Thareja Mannu. 19. Witcher, Barry J., Chau, Vinh Sum,
Consulting Ahead. (The Journal of Harding, Paul. Managerial Auditing
Consultancy Development Centre). Journal. 2006. 22(1).95–105p.
January 2011. 5(1). 20. Passmore, John. The Philosophy of
11. The Hindu. To Engineer Faculty Teaching. Cambridge. Harvard University
Improvement. Education Plus, Kerala, by Press. 1980. 18–83p.
Abdul Latheef Naha. Sept 11, 2007. 21. Thareja P. Foundry. Sept /Oct. 2011.
12. Bennis, W. G., O‟Toole, J. Business xxiii(5). issue 137. (available hq.ssrn.com)
Review. May. 2005. Reprint R0505F. Thareja, Priyavrat, Alignment to the Bull:
13. Banerjee, Rangan and Muley, Vinayak. A Total Quality Organization Thru‟
Engineering Education in India. Deptt of People – Part 35. A Journal of Progressive
energy Studies, IIT Mumbai. 2008. Metal Casters, Vol. 23, No. 4, 2011.
http://casi.sas.upenn.edu/system/files/Engi Available at SSRN:
neering%2BEducation%2Bin%2BIndia%2 http://ssrn.com/abstract=1948999
BDec1608-1.pdf 22. Russell, J. P. Quality Progress. January
14. AICTE. Report of High Power Committee 2012. )
for Faculty Development in Technical 23. Packard, Thomas. Total Quality
Institutions. All India Council for Management in the Social Services:
Technical Education. July, 2006. Theory and Practice. Burton Gummer and
http://www.teindia.nic.in/Files/Reports/C Philip McCallion (Eds.). Albany, NY,
CR/P%20Rama%20Rao%20committee%2 Rockefeller College Press. 1995.
0report.pdf 24. Powers Joelle and Swick Danielle.
15. Oje Aisiku. A Keynote Speech presented Straight Talk From Recent Grads: Grant
at the 14th Annual Convention of Edo Writing Tips for New Investigators. Spring
National Association in the Americas, Inc. 2011. 9(2).
Sept 2005. http://www.academicleadership.org/issue/s
16. Ziglar. See You at the Top. 25th pring-2011/
Anniversary Edition. Pelican Publishing. 25. Thareja P. Journal of Education in
2000. 204p. Engineering and Technology. Jan-June
17. Thareja P. May/June 2006. Foundry. 2007. 1(1).
xviii(3). 26. Thareja P., Sharma D. D, Mahapatra P. B.
18. Peters, R. S. In Education and Reason. R. Journal of Production Research &
F. Dearden. P. H. Hirst, and R. S. Peters Management. April, 2011 .1(1). 34–52p.
(Eds.). London. Routledge & Kegan Paul. 27. Abiodun, Alade. Academic Leadership.
1972. 122–124p. Spring 2011. 9(2).

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 15
 Journal of Production Research and Management
Volume 2, Issue 2, August 2012, Pages
__________________________________________________________________________________________

http://www.academicleadership.org/issue/s Information Technology. 2011. 1(1).

pring-2011/ 9–16p.
28. Thareja P., Sharma D. D., Mahapatra P. B. 33. Shukla, Rajesh. India Science Report,
Omniscience: A Multi-disciplinary Science Education, Human Resources and
Journal. February, 2011, 1(1). 1–21p. Public Attitude towards Science and
29. Kanter, R. M. The Change Masters: Technology. National Council of Applied
Innovation for Productivity in the Economic Research. 2005.
American http://www.insaindia.org/India%20Science%2
30. Corporation. New York. Simon & 0report-Main.pdf
Schuster. 1983.
31. Wamena Nyarku and Gloria Agyapong. WEB REFERENCES
Rediscovering SWOT Analysis: The
Extended Version. Spring 2011. 9(2). 1. The Elementary and Secondary Education
Academic Leadership. Act (The No Child Left Behind Act of
http://www.academicleadership.org/issue/s 2001)
pring-2011/ 2. Wild Animals of India
32. Thareja P., Jayjee Gagandeep Kaur, www.1902encyclopedia.com
Dhawan Isha, et al. Comparative Analysis
of PowerPoint and Blackboard Teaching
Methodologies, Current Trends in

ISSN: 2249–4766© STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved

Page 16