Dr. K. S. Srinivasan, a renowned academician, is currently serving as the Principal at Mohamed Sathak AJ College of Engineering in Chennai. He completed his PhD in VLSI Signal Processing from Anna University, his M.E. in Applied Electronics from the Government College of Technology, and his B.E. in Electrical Electronics Engineering from the Government College of Engineering Salem. He has 35+ years of experience in teaching.

As a visionary leader, Dr. Srinivasan has a proven ability to set and achieve ambitious goals, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in teaching. He is an effective communicator capable of articulating the vision of the institute, engaging with stakeholders, and maintaining open lines of communication with students, staff, and parents. He is a strong advocate for teamwork, actively involving teachers, students, and parents in decision-making processes.

Dr. Srinivasan has 50 publications in reputed national and international conferences and journals. He is also the author of ten books that show his qualities of vision building, organizing, motivating and leading teams to perform at their peak level. He also received funds from various funding agencies for research and other developmental activities of the institute.

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How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make them industry-oriented?

We integrate case studies and examples from current industry practices to illustrate concepts. We encourage hands-on projects that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge for a better understanding of the subject. We invite professionals from relevant fields to share insights and experiences, bridging the gap between academia and industry. The college has partnerships with industries to provide industrial visits, internships, training or collaborative projects that expose students to actual workplace challenges. We emphasize practical skills that are in demand in the industry, such as coding, data analysis, or project management, through various skill development initiatives of AICTE- KARMA, NSDC-PMKVY. Not only do we conduct workshops that mimic industry environments, allowing students to practice skills in a controlled setting but also foster a culture of feedback where students can learn from their mistakes and refine their approaches, similar to real-world iterative processes. 

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often does it get updated to make it befitting for the students?

Since our institute is an autonomous institute, we regularly analyze industry trends and emerging technologies to ensure the curriculum aligns with current demands. We collect input from students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals to understand their needs and experiences. Our goal is to create a flexible curriculum structure that allows for easy updates and the integration of new content as industries evolve. We also implement a schedule for curriculum reviews, typically every three to four years, to assess effectiveness and relevance. We are continuously testing new courses or modules on a smaller scale before full implementation, allowing for adjustments based on feedback. These strategies ensure our curriculum remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of our students and the job market.

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students which help them gain the necessary skills?

The college encourages our students to participate in project based learning such as real-time projects, and participate in various competitions like Smart India Hackathon, and Codathon, that mimic real-world scenarios, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge. We facilitate opportunities for students to gain practical experience in industry through internships or training along with organizing skill-building workshops on relevant tools and technologies, such as software applications, coding languages, or project management. We host networking events with industry professionals, alumni, and guest speakers to help students build connections and pair students with mentors in their field who can provide guidance, advice, and support. We promote group projects and teamwork to develop collaboration skills expose students to diverse perspectives and encourage participation in research projects, allowing students to explore topics of interest and develop critical thinking skills. We also offer courses or workshops focused on communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills essential for workplace success.

What are the challenges you faced / are facing to uplift the quality of education in your department?

Competent human resources and insufficient funding to introduce new technologies, materials, or facilities hinder the ability to implement innovative teaching methods. Ensuring faculty are trained in the latest pedagogical techniques and industry practices can be challenging, especially with diverse teaching backgrounds. Maintaining high levels of student motivation and participation, particularly in large classes, is difficult. Developing effective assessment strategies that accurately measure student learning and skills is complex. Encouraging collaboration between departments is challenging due to differing priorities and structures as addressing the varying skill levels and learning styles of students requires tailored approaches and additional resources.

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When you came to the college, what was your vision and how are you trying to achieve the same? 

When I came to the college, my vision was to create, engage and provide a relevant educational experience that prepares students for the complexities of the modern workforce. To achieve this vision, we continuously update the curriculum to align with industry trends and emerging technologies, ensuring students gain relevant skills. To achieve this, we have built partnerships with industry leaders for internships, guest lectures, and collaborative projects to enhance students' learning experiences. We are also incorporating training in communication, teamwork, and leadership to prepare students for collaborative work environments. We promote diversity and inclusion within the department to enrich the learning experience and reflect a global workforce. Through these strategies, I aim to cultivate a dynamic learning environment that equips students for success in their careers.

How does the curriculum of your college ensure the best practice of the industry?

Our curriculum ensures best practices in the industry through several key strategies. We collaborate with industry professionals who provide insights into current trends, skills, and needs, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant. Integrating case studies from actual industry scenarios, and motivating the students to participate in various competitions and hackathons will help the students understand the practical applications of theoretical concepts. Facilitating internships and training programs that provide students with direct industry experience. Inviting industry experts to conduct lectures and workshops, exposing students to the latest practices and technologies. Utilizing assessments that focus on practical skills and competencies that are highly valued in the workplace. Organizing events that connect students with industry professionals, fostering relationships that can lead to job placements and mentorship.

How does the college enhance the skills of the faculty and prepare them according to the industry standards?

To enhance the skills of our faculty, we are implementing some strategies. We motivate our faculty to attend workshops, seminars, and FDPs focused on the latest teaching methodologies, technologies, and industry practices to update their skills. We facilitate collaborations with industry to keep the faculty updated on real-world applications. We also support faculty research initiatives that align with current industry trends, fostering innovation and expertise. Establishing mentorship programs where experienced faculty guide newer instructors in best practices and professional growth. Involving faculty in curriculum design and revision processes ensures they are aligned with industry needs and standards. We also provide training on the latest educational technologies and tools to enhance teaching effectiveness and engagement.

What do you see as the college’s greatest strengths, and how can they be enhanced?

We have experienced and passionate faculty who are committed to student success. This can be enhanced by establishing more formal collaborations to provide students with internship and networking opportunities. We aspire for a curriculum that incorporates current trends and technologies which we regularly update based on feedback from industry experts to strengthen its relevance. We focus on student support services, including mentoring and tutoring and provide access to research projects that allow students and faculty to engage in meaningful work. 

What valuable advice would you like to give to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

Continuously seek knowledge and skills beyond your coursework. Stay curious and open to new ideas. Build relationships with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. Networking can lead to opportunities and insights that are invaluable. Pursuing internships or volunteer work, as real-world experience is crucial for understanding industry dynamics and enhancing your resume. Focus on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as they are as important as technical skills in the workplace. Define your career objectives and create a roadmap to achieve them. The job market is constantly evolving. Being flexible and willing to learn new skills will help you thrive in changing environments. Be reliable, punctual, and committed to your responsibilities. A strong work ethic sets you apart and earns you respect.