Flexible Approach To Accommodate Local Needs Crucial For Success: Amity University

There have been many changes in the Indian education system in the last few years. The use of technology has also increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, it is claimed that educational institutions are incapable of preparing such students who, after completing their studies, can work directly in any industrial organization or industry and can also give better results by demonstrating their skills there.

Why is this happening? What changes have taken place in the education system at the national and international level in the last few years and what things should we pay special attention to improve ourselves? Group Vice Chancellor of Amity Universities, Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh spoke to Opportunity India and discussed why small and medium entrepreneurs are afraid of AI and ChatGPT. He had a detailed conversation with Sushmashree, senior correspondent, Opportunity India. Here are excerpts:

OI: You have 26 years of experience working in many fields related to education. You have established many campuses of Amity in the country and abroad. What kind of problems did you face during this period? What did you do to overcome them?

Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh: During my 26 years of working in various fields of education and establishing Amity University campuses abroad, I encountered several challenges. Some of the key problems I faced included:

Cultural and Regulatory Differences: Adapting to different cultures and navigating varying regulatory frameworks in foreign countries was often challenging. To resolve this, we established strong local partnerships and conducted thorough research on each region's educational landscape.

Quality Assurance: Maintaining consistent educational quality across different campuses was a priority. We implemented standardized curriculum and assessment methods while ensuring rigorous faculty training and continuous evaluation.

Resource Allocation: Allocating resources efficiently to support the growth of multiple campuses while ensuring financial sustainability required careful planning and financial management. We implemented robust budgeting and financial control measures.

Recruitment and Retention of Faculty and Staff: Attracting and retaining talented faculty and staff members in foreign locations posed recruitment challenges. We established attractive compensation packages, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

Student Recruitment and Retention: Recruiting and retaining a diverse student body was crucial. We developed targeted marketing strategies, scholarships, and support services to enhance the student experience.

Adaptation to Local Needs: Each region had unique educational needs and demands. We customized our programs and services to align with local requirements while maintaining the core values of Amity University.

Compliance and Accreditation: Meeting local accreditation and compliance standards was vital. We engaged with local accrediting bodies and ensured all campuses adhered to relevant regulations.

Infrastructure and Facilities: Building and maintaining world-class infrastructure and facilities was a continuous challenge. We invested in infrastructure development and maintenance plans.

Global Branding: Establishing and promoting the Amity University brand internationally was essential. We engaged in strategic marketing and partnerships to enhance the university's global visibility.

Crisis Management: Dealing with unforeseen crises, such as natural disasters or geopolitical issues, required swift response and contingency planning.

To address these challenges, we adopted a proactive and adaptable approach. We leveraged our experience, sought expert advice when needed, and fostered a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Collaboration with local stakeholders, robust planning, and a commitment to academic excellence were key elements in successfully resolving these challenges and establishing Amity University's global presence.

OI: What things are important to keep in mind while starting an educational institution in the country and abroad? Will starting an institute in different states of the country be a different experience?

Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh: Establishing educational institutions, whether in India or internationally, involves careful consideration of several key points:

Regulatory Compliance: Understanding and adhering to the regulatory requirements and guidelines set by the respective education authorities in the chosen location is crucial.

Market Research: Conducting a thorough market analysis to identify the demand for specific educational programs and disciplines in the targeted region or country.

Infrastructure and Resources: Assessing the availability of suitable infrastructure, faculty, and resources to support the planned educational institution.

Curriculum and Pedagogy: Developing a relevant and competitive curriculum, along with effective teaching methodologies that meet the needs of the local or global student population.

Financing: Securing the necessary funding and financial resources to establish and sustain the institution, including tuition fees, grants, and potential collaborations with industry partners.

Accreditation: Working towards obtaining accreditation or recognition from relevant accrediting bodies, both nationally and internationally, to ensure the quality and legitimacy of the institution.

Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting cultural nuances and diversity, particularly when establishing institutions in international settings.

Legal and Governance Framework: Establishing a robust legal and governance framework that includes policies, procedures, and ethical standards for the institution's operation.

Marketing and Outreach: Developing effective marketing and outreach strategies to attract students and build a positive reputation within the educational community.

Regarding the experience of establishing universities and educational institutions across various states of India, yes, it can indeed be a different kind of experience. Each state in India may have its own set of regulations, cultural diversity, and educational needs. Therefore, it's essential to adapt and customize your approach accordingly. Additionally, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of each state can significantly impact the success of the institution in that region.

OI: What is the difference between running an educational institution and running a chain? What is the difference in expenses? What things are important to keep in mind? Explain keeping in mind both different states of the country and foreign countries.

Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh: Running a single educational institution and managing its multiple chains involves several differences, including costs and regulatory considerations:

Scale and Complexity: Managing multiple chains of educational institutions typically involves a higher level of complexity due to the need for standardized operations, curriculum, and quality control across different locations. Running a single institution may be simpler in comparison.

Geographic Variation: Different states in India and overseas locations often have varying regulations and educational standards. Managing multiple chains requires compliance with these diverse regulatory frameworks, whereas a single institution may have a more uniform regulatory environment.

Costs: The costs of running multiple chains are typically higher. You have to consider expenses related to expansion, hiring and training staff across various locations, maintaining infrastructure, and ensuring quality control. In contrast, a single institution may have lower overhead costs.

Quality Assurance: Maintaining consistent quality across multiple chains is a significant challenge. You need effective quality assurance mechanisms, monitoring, and feedback systems in place to ensure uniform educational standards.

Brand Management: Managing the brand and reputation becomes crucial when you have multiple chains. Any issues or successes at one location can impact the overall brand image, making brand management more complex.

 Cultural and Regional Adaptations: Different locations may require cultural and regional adaptations in curriculum, teaching methods, and content. This customization can be more extensive when managing multiple chains.

Scalability: Running multiple chains allows for greater scalability, potentially reaching a broader student population. However, it also requires a well-thought-out expansion strategy.

Competition: In some regions, competition may be fiercer when you run multiple chains, as you're competing with local and global educational providers. This can affect marketing and enrolment efforts.

In terms of costs, while there may be economies of scale with multiple chains, initial investments and ongoing operational expenses tend to be higher due to the broader infrastructure and staffing requirements. Moreover, regulatory compliance costs can vary significantly between different states in India and overseas, affecting the overall financial picture.

Points to consider include conducting thorough market research, understanding regional regulations, establishing strong management and communication systems, building a cohesive brand identity, and carefully assessing the financial implications of each option before deciding on running a single institution or multiple chains. Additionally, a flexible and adaptive approach to accommodate changing regulations and local needs is crucial for success in the education sector.

OI: You have experience of teaching in different institutions in the country and abroad. Please tell what changes have taken place in the field of education in the last few years?

Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh: From my personal teaching experience, I can provide some general observations about developments and changes in the academic landscape in India and abroad.

Digital Transformation: Both in India and abroad, there has been a significant shift towards digital learning. Online education, MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), and e-learning platforms have gained prominence, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interdisciplinary Studies: There's been an increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and research. Universities are encouraging students and faculty to collaborate across different fields to tackle complex global challenges.

Globalization: Academic institutions are becoming more globalized. There's a growing trend of international partnerships, student exchanges, and collaborative research programs between universities worldwide.

Skill-Oriented Education: There's a shift towards providing education that's more skill-oriented and aligned with industry needs. Vocational and practical skills are gaining importance alongside traditional academic knowledge.

Diversity and Inclusion: Efforts are being made to make academia more inclusive and diverse, with a focus on gender equality, underrepresented minorities, and accessibility for students with disabilities.

Research Funding: In many countries, including India, there's an increasing focus on research funding and innovation. Governments and private organizations are investing more in research and development.

Quality Assurance: Quality assurance and accreditation processes are evolving to ensure that institutions meet high standards of education. Rankings and assessments play a significant role in this.

Ethical Considerations: There's a growing awareness of ethical issues in research and education, including concerns about plagiarism, academic integrity, and responsible conduct of research.

Sustainability and Environmental Focus: Many institutions are incorporating sustainability and environmental studies into their curricula and research programs to address pressing global environmental challenges.

OI: How is the field of education in our country different from foreign countries? What changes do we need to make in the field of education to get ahead of other countries?

Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh: The Indian education system differs from many foreign countries in several ways:

Emphasis on rote learning: Indian education often focuses on memorization rather than critical thinking or practical application of knowledge.

Examination-oriented: High-stakes exams like the JEE and NEET put immense pressure on students, leading to a narrow focus on test preparation.

Limited choice: Indian students typically have limited flexibility in choosing subjects and courses compared to some foreign systems.

Theoretical vs. practical: There is often a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the Indian system.

To go ahead of foreign systems, India may need to consider the following changes:

Emphasize critical thinking and creativity: Encourage students to think critically and foster creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.

Reduce exam pressure: Re-evaluate the importance of high-stakes exams and consider alternative assessment methods that assess holistic skills and knowledge.

Diversify curriculum: Allow students more flexibility to choose subjects and courses that align with their interests and career goals.

Practical education: Incorporate more hands-on and practical learning experiences to bridge the gap between theory and application.

Invest in teacher training: Improve the quality of teachers through better training and professional development programs.

Digital integration: Embrace technology for online learning and digital resources to reach a wider audience and enhance access to education.

Industry collaboration: Foster partnerships between educational institutions and industries to ensure that students are equipped with relevant skills.

Global exposure: Promote international collaborations and exchange programs to expose students to global perspectives and opportunities.

Continuous assessment: Implement a system of continuous assessment to provide feedback and adapt teaching methods accordingly.

Inclusive education: Ensure that education is accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background, gender, or disabilities.

These changes can help the Indian education system become more competitive on a global scale and better prepare students for the challenges of the modern world.

OI: What kind and how many changes have taken place in the method of teaching in the last few years? In your opinion, how good or bad can it be called and why? What kind of changes need to be made in our education system to remove the short comings?

Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh: In my experience, over the last few years, there have been several noteworthy changes in teaching methodology in India. Some of these changes include:

Embracing Technology: The integration of technology into classrooms has become more prevalent with the use of digital learning platforms, online resources, and multimedia tools to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

Blended Learning: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of blended learning approaches, combining traditional classroom teaching with online resources and remote learning options.

Student-Centred Learning: There's a growing emphasis on student-centred learning, encouraging active participation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Skill-Based Education: The shift towards skill-based education has gained momentum, focusing on practical skills and employability, rather than rote memorization.

Interdisciplinary Education: Encouraging interdisciplinary studies to foster a holistic understanding of subjects and real-world applications.

Inclusive Education: Efforts have been made to make education more inclusive, addressing the needs of students with disabilities and promoting diversity.

Continuous Assessment: A move away from heavy reliance on high-stakes exams towards continuous assessment methods, which provide a more comprehensive evaluation of students' abilities.

Whether these changes can be considered good or bad depends on various factors and perspectives. Some might argue that increased technology integration and skill-based education are positive developments that prepare students for the future job market. Others may express concerns about potential drawbacks, such as overreliance on technology, inequality in access, or the risk of neglecting foundational knowledge.

To address some of the shortcomings in our education system and ensure positive outcomes, we could consider the following changes:

Teacher Training: Invest in teacher training programs to equip educators with the skills needed for effective online and offline teaching.

Infrastructure: Ensure equitable access to digital resources and improve the overall infrastructure in schools, particularly in rural areas.

Curriculum Reforms: Continuously update and adapt the curriculum to meet the evolving needs of society and the job market.

Assessment Reforms: Develop fair and comprehensive assessment methods that assess not only academic knowledge but also practical skills and soft skills.

Inclusivity: Implement policies and practices that promote inclusivity, accommodating the needs of all students.

Research and Innovation: Encourage research and innovation in education to identify best practices and improve the quality of teaching and learning.

Parent and Community Engagement: Foster collaboration between schools, parents, and communities to create a supportive learning environment.

In summary, the changes in teaching methodology in India have both positive and negative aspects, and whether they are good or bad depends on the context and perspective. To address shortcomings, a holistic approach involving teacher training, infrastructure improvement, curriculum and assessment reforms, inclusivity, research, and community engagement is crucial.

OI: Which courses are being launched or run in Amity to promote entrepreneurship?

Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh: Amity universities offer a variety of courses and programs to promote entrepreneurship, which include:

Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Entrepreneurship: These programs provide comprehensive education on entrepreneurship, covering topics such as business planning, finance, marketing, and innovation.

Entrepreneurship Bootcamps: Short-term, intensive programs designed to help aspiring entrepreneur’s kickstart their ventures by providing practical skills and mentorship.

Incubator and Accelerator Programmes: Universities often have startup incubators and accelerators that offer resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to early-stage startups.

Entrepreneurship Electives: Amity universities offer entrepreneurship-focused courses as electives for students in various disciplines, allowing them to gain entrepreneurial skills while pursuing their primary degree.

Entrepreneurship Competitions: Universities may organize entrepreneurship competitions where students can pitch their business ideas and win prizes or funding.

Workshops and Seminars: These events provide students with hands-on experience, industry insights, and networking opportunities.

Entrepreneurship Research Centres: Amity Universities have research centres dedicated to entrepreneurship, which produce valuable research and offer resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Keep in mind that course offerings and programs can vary widely among Amity University making it a popular destination for students searching for entrepreneurship education.

OI: How Diversified Are The Courses?

Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh: Over the years the Indian education system has undergone various changes and diversifications. However, I can provide some specific details on developments that point some latest trends and areas of diversification in Indian education:

Online Education: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning platforms and distance education. Many universities and educational institutions in India began offering online courses and degree programs, providing students with more flexible learning options.

Skill-Based Courses: There was a growing emphasis on skill-based and vocational courses to better prepare students for the job market. These courses covered a wide range of fields, including technology, healthcare, hospitality, and more.

Interdisciplinary Programs: Educational institutions were promoting interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to combine subjects from different disciplines to gain a broader perspective and skill set.

Specialized Programs: Institutes were offering specialized programs in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, data science, blockchain technology, and cybersecurity to meet the demands of the evolving job market.

Liberal Arts Education: Liberal arts programs were gaining popularity in India, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and a well-rounded education in addition to specialized skills.

Industry Collaboration: Many universities were collaborating with industries to develop curriculum and research opportunities, ensuring that students receive practical and up-to-date knowledge.

International Collaborations: Educational institutions were forming partnerships with international universities, allowing students to access global education opportunities and exchange programs.

OI: What are you doing to reduce the gap between demand and supply in the industry?

Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh: The steps Amity University is taking to bridge the gap between demand and supply in Indian industries. To address the issue, include:

Curriculum Alignment: Updating and aligning academic programs with industry needs to ensure that students are equipped with relevant skills and knowledge.

Industry Partnerships: Establishing partnerships with businesses and industries to provide students with real-world experience, internships, and job placement opportunities.

Skill Development Programs: Offering additional skill development and certification programs that are in high demand in specific industries.

Research and Innovation: Encouraging research and innovation that can lead to solutions for industry challenges and foster economic growth.

Entrepreneurship Support: Supporting student entrepreneurship and startups to contribute to the growth of new businesses and job creation.

Continuous Learning: Providing opportunities for professionals and workers to upgrade their skills and knowledge through lifelong learning programs.

OI: What things should be kept in mind to become an entrepreneur? Five points.

Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh: Certainly! Here are five key points to remember if you want to become a successful entrepreneur:

Passion and Vision: Have a clear passion for your business idea and a strong vision for what you want to achieve. This will help you stay motivated and focused.

Resilience: Entrepreneurship often comes with setbacks and challenges. Being resilient and able to learn from failures is crucial for long-term success.

Market Research: Understand your target market thoroughly. Conduct research to identify customer needs, preferences, and trends to ensure your product or service meets a demand.

Adaptability: Be willing to adapt and pivot when necessary. The business landscape can change rapidly, and successful entrepreneurs are agile in responding to these changes.

Effective Team Building: Surround yourself with a skilled and motivated team. Building a strong team with complementary skills is essential for scaling and sustaining your business.

Remember that entrepreneurship is a journey, and these points can serve as guiding principles along the way.

OI: There has been a lot of discussion regarding the field of education in G-20. Regarding the National Education Policy 2020, many countries and foreign institutions have decided to invest in India. How much benefit or loss is this likely to cause to national educational institutions? In such a situation, what kind of challenges may Indian educational institutions have to face? What kind of preparations do these institutions need to make for this?

Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh: Investments in Indian educational institutions due to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 can have both positive and negative impacts, depending on various factors. Here's an overview:

Some Potential Benefits may be:

Quality Improvement: Increased investment can lead to the improvement of infrastructure, curriculum, and teaching quality, enhancing the overall educational experience.

Innovation: Investments can foster innovation in teaching methods and technology, making education more engaging and accessible.

Global Collaboration: Collaboration with international institutions can bring global perspectives and expertise to Indian institutions, enriching the learning environment.

Skill Development: Investments can enable institutions to focus on skill development, aligning education with industry needs and increasing employability.

Some prospective challenges may include:

Inequality: Ensuring that investments benefit all segments of the population, including marginalized communities, is a challenge. Avoiding elitism in education is crucial.

Regulatory Hurdles: India's complex regulatory framework can pose challenges to foreign institutions and investors. Navigating these regulations can be time-consuming and costly.

Infrastructure: The scale of investment required for infrastructure development in India is massive. Overcoming infrastructural deficits can be a significant challenge.

Cultural Adaptation: International institutions may face challenges in adapting to Indian cultural and societal norms, which can impact their effectiveness.

Ways to Overcome Challenges:

Inclusive Approach: Ensure that investments focus on providing quality education to all sections of society, not just urban or privileged areas.

Collaboration: Foster collaboration between government bodies, educational institutions, and investors to streamline regulatory processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage public-private partnerships to share the burden of infrastructure development and ensure efficient