NATIONAL E-SEMINAR

A Two day National e-Seminar on Steps 2 Research organized by Department of Computer Science & Computer Applications, Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, Kanjirappally in association with IIT Bombay, ISTE Kerala Section and CSI Cochin Chapter was held at Dronacharya Group of Institutions, Greater Noida on 19th and 20th September, 2014. The event was broadcast to 2500 participants across all over India though A-View platform. 

Proceedings Summary – 19th September, 2014

Dr. James Jacob, Dean Research, Amal Jyothi College of Engg., delivered the welcome address on the day one of the eSeminar. During his address, Dr. Jacob introduced the audience to the objectives of the seminar, and outlined the course of the day. The inaugural session was delivered by Guest Speaker Prof. (Dr.) Deepak B. Phatak, Deptt. of CSE, IIT Bombay. Dr. Phatak laid emphasis on the need of setting up a research mind set for the interest and the development of the nation and to contribute to the advancement of the country in the areas of technology. He also defined the importance of ‘succint articulation’ in a research project in a concise manner.

Dr. Mukta Atrey, IIT Bombay, commenced the technical sessions with a brief lecture on the importance of research in our day-to-day life and conceptualization of the term ‘innovation’.
The second technical session delivered by Rev. Dr. Jose Kannampuzha, focussed on the qualities of a good research project, emphasizing on the terms like ‘quality consciousness’ and ‘absolute honesty’. He enlightened the audience on the purpose of research and articulated the very basic steps to make a research fruitful. He discussed in depth, about various types of research based on purpose and the know-hows of choosing the best suitable research advisor.

Mr. G. Vijayaraghavan, Former CEO Techno Park, Member–State Planning Board, introduced the audience to innovation in technology, small entrepreneurial firms and the role of Ministry of Science and Technology in promoting research. He deliberated in detail on the concept of patenting of projects. In the concluding session of the day, Dr. K. Alexander, Principal, S.D. College, M G University focused on the obstacles across research work.

Proceedings Summary – 20th September, 2014

The proceedings of the first session of the day were dedicated to the topic “Management of Research Process” by Dr. Achuthsankar S. Nair, Centre for Bio Informatics, Trivandrum. He focused his discussion on the differences between local and global types of research. He advocated the cause of giving priority to better conferences or journals over the bogus ones, for setting up higher research standards.

In the second technical session, Dr. Sahana Murthy of CDEEP, IIT Bombay, delivered an inspirational lecture on “Research in Teaching”. It was an interactive session which gave an in-depth analysis of the topic “Action Research” and included various audience based activities.

Dr. Soney C. George, Centre for Nano Technology, AJCE shared his views about the methods for writing research papers and the application process for grants to various funding agencies like DST, DRDO etc. The session was followed by lecture on ‘out-of-box thinking’ and ‘management skills’, by Dr. Arun P.V., Research Scientist, NASA. He shared the essential qualities of a good researcher, and the requirements of a research based organization.

The concluding session of the day was delivered by Dr. Jacob Philip, Director STIC, CUSAT on methodologies for writing an effective research paper. He gave an in-depth analysis of the various topics that should be included within each section of a research work.

The event came to an end with vote of thanks from Mr. Joe A Skaria of Amal Jyothi College of Engineering.

Scope of Improvement:

The positive feedback received for the workshop indicated that it was very widely appreciated by the staff members of Dronacharya Group of Institutions. Some points which could have made the workshop even better are as follows:

1- The session by Prof. Kannan could have been scheduled separately during the inaugural session, as this session was not in synchronization with the continuity of the workshop.

2- The session delivered by Dr. Soney C. George was highly informative and rich in content, but the duration of the same was inadequate to cover the diverse range of topics covered.

3- The workshop organizers could include a section on paper writing in the form of a small assignment to help the participants feel connected.

4- A session on simulation and modelling for research would have been appreciated.