ACE conducts periodical Continuous Assessment Tests to train students to perform well in exams, says VP

Industry readiness is a skill that should be acquired over time. Chennai-based Alpha College of Engineering (ACE) is practising it for years now and has continuously come up with new initiatives to help students become industry-ready. In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Vice-Principal and HOD of Biomedical Engineering department R. Manickavasagam talks at length about various initiatives that prepare students for industry. These include Mock Aptitude, Personal Interview and Group Discussion rounds, grooming sessions, interactive sessions with corporate leaders, association with PALS for project-based learning and hands-on training on live projects with industry professionals. ACE is leaving no stone unturned and is pushing ahead with continuous improvement strategies to give its students a bright career ahead.

Manickavasagam is a ME degree holder in Applied Electronics from Satyabama University, Chennai and is currently pursuing PhD in Electronics and Communication Engineering. He has over 20 years of rich academic experience.

Read the excerpt of the conversation below:

Q: What are the salient features of the teaching methodology adopted by your college? How does this differ from others?

A: Alpha College of Engineering regularly updates on the course delivery as well as the content, across all programmes. The committed management and dedicated Principal, along with the faculty team have created a vibrant teaching-learning atmosphere in the college.  Teaching at Alpha ensures that the students get exposed to theory as well as practice through hands-on training. At ACE, academic delivery is done through a combination of tools such as – Classroom laboratories, PowerPoint presentations, videos, demonstrations, experiments, interactive classrooms and laboratories, research, case discussions, experiential teaching, industry visits,  guest lectures, value-added courses, etc.

At ACE, academic delivery is done through a combination of tools such as – board and chalk, PowerPoint presentations, videos, demonstrations, experiments, interactive classrooms and laboratories, research, case discussions, experiential teaching, industry visits,  guest lectures, value-added courses etc.

A few powerful initiatives taken in imparting academics include:

• Faculty Advisory Program (FAP) is a unique programme introduced in ACE which enhances the learning ability of the students. It gives an opportunity for students and teachers to do collaborative learning.  During this period, students will be engaged in doubts clarification and concept discussions. One to one mentoring and coaching happens during these sessions
• S2S programme is a student-to-student programme aims to develop self-learning ability in the students. This is based on group study and peer learning concepts.
• ACE offers experiential teaching to all students across the domains through hands-on workshops in leading concepts, demonstrations, experiments, debates, case studies, role plays, corporate guest lectures, industrial visits and industrial tours, etc.
• Identified value-added courses are delivered by industry partners which will benefit the students in preparing them for their future careers
• The college believes in the overall development of students. A separate sports period is provided to ensure that students take care of their physical and mental fitness.
• Students are encouraged to participate in contests, competitions and activities conducted by other institutions and colleges to develop a competitive spirit

Understanding the transition of classroom education to virtual education, ACE started Digital teaching through online platforms and regularly conducts all academic activities - academic delivery, students’ assessments, special coaching classes in digital mode.  This trains students in their careers, where automation is the need of the hour

Q: How are you preparing your students to be industry-ready?

A: The Career Development Cell (CDC) of ACE trains all students in technical and non-technical skills relevant for the respective industry, from the first year of study onwards. Industry readiness is a skill that is acquired over time, hence:

• Value-added courses are identified and imparted to students to improve their technical skills
• Business English Certification from The Cambridge University is provided to all students across the verticals for improving their language skills
• At ACE, students undergo training in aptitude, interview facing skills, resume preparation, grooming and group discussion
• ACE has 4 important Centers of Excellence, under which students are trained for their careers:
  • Center for Excellence in Data Science and Big Data Analytics under ICT Academy and DELL EMC
  • Center for Excellence for Certification in core Java from Oracle Academy
  • Center for Excellence for CCNA Certification from CISCO Networking Academy
  • Center for Excellence in Design Academy for Auto Desk inventor

ACE is associated with PALS (Pan IIT Leadership Series) and under that partnership, students regularly participate in its flagship programme “INNOWAH”, which is a project contest.  They also attend several technical lectures offered by PALS apart from participating in the three days residential workshop, expert talks, industry visits, and corporate internships.

• ACE is associated with National Skill Training Institute, Chennai, to train students in industry-based courses
• Industry projects and Internships: Teaching-learning happens through mini, minor and major industry projects and internships which help our students in getting exposed to the corporate culture ACE organises multiple lectures by industry experts who share their expertise with the students and create awareness among them about the industry expectations.

Q: What are the qualities you are looking for in student applicants? What qualities do they need to do well in your course?

A: To become successful, all one needs is a good attitude and willingness to work hard. ACE desires the same qualities in its students. Apart from attitude and willingness to work hard,

• The student should have a passion for engineering
• An open-minded approach to learning
• Good Analytical abilities
• Mathematics aptitude is a plus
• Good English Language is desired

Q: How do you ensure that your course curriculum is up to date and meets industry requirements?

A: It is the most basic requirement for any educational institution or University to ensure their curriculum is updated in today's time. This is also a step towards industry-readiness.

• ACE is affiliated to Anna University and as such whatever changes and modifications the University is making will be adapted by ACE.  Apart from the modified Curriculum and regulations, the CDC of ACE identifies the gaps between what is covered in the Curriculum and what is expected by the industry and brings out Value added Courses that will be offered to the students by industry experts

Alpha College of Engineering takes pride in positioning its students in the international arena by offering International SWISSMEM Certification Courses to all its students. SWISSMEM is the leading association for SMEs and large companies in Switzerland’s mechanical and electrical engineering industries (MEM industries) and related technology-oriented sectors. It offers highest SWISS know-how with modern SWISS teaching methodologies.

• Members of the Academic Council of ACE meet annually, to review the Syllabus as well as to validate the Value-added courses and suggest new initiatives for improving the learning experience of students.

Q: Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship? How? Could you cite some examples of these?

A: ACE is receptive to innovation, technology, science and entrepreneurship.  In fact, ACE nurtures innovation and Entrepreneurship orientation in students.  ACE believes in making students self-sufficient and employment generators.  In this direction, the focus is given to organising Entrepreneurship related activities such as lectures, workshops, shows, contests, symposia, conferences etc.  These events bring students closer to industry and they are able to interact with them and learn from their experience.  ACE has partnered with Professional institutions such as PALS (Pan IIT Leadership Series), CED AU (Center for Entrepreneurship Development, Anna University), NEN (National Entrepreneurship Network), EDI (Entrepreneurship Development Institute), ENACTUS, ICT Academy, etc. 

The Bio-medical department students are treated as annual student members and faculty members are life members of BMESI (Biomedical Engineers Society of India). The BME department organises the seminar, symposia and conferences in association with BMESI chapter regularly. And, R Manickavasagam, Vice President and HOD- BME has been selected as the executive council member of this association for the Academic Year 2020-21. Also, we have Computer Society of India (CSI) Chapter, Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) Chapter, The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE) Chapter, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Chapter. The departments organise the seminars, symposia and conferences in association with these chapters regularly for the benefit of members  

Since its inception, the faculty members of ACE encourage and motivate students to engage in Funded Research Projects. ACE is the proud recipient of the “TEACHING AWARD IN ENGINEERING” for BME Department from Thiru K.P ANBALAGAN,  Honorable minister for higher education on 23rd July 2019 at Arignar Anna Arangam, Chetput, Chennai.

• ACE conducts Project contest annually under the event name “TIDE” (Technical fest on Innovative Design Exhibits),–where students are encouraged to come out with innovative Projects and exhibit them.  Leading companies such as SWISSMEM, Festo, Fronius, Gemicates, PCRA, Healthwatch, Resprolabs, Aero3Astro, Otomatiksetc exhibit their products and equipment and explain to interested students. Festo, Fronius, Aero2Astro and Otomatiks have given free workshops to interested students and   Established Research and Development institutions such as NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology), Birla Planetarium and CLRI (Central Leather Research Institution) have displayed through their most coveted Research Posters.
• ACE hosts PALS Campus lectures every semester and invites other college faculty and students to attend along with ACE students
• ACE students participate in PALS Campus lectures in other colleges and usually win accolades with their participation in quiz programmes

In the recent past, ACE students have been selected for internships in TOTBOX Company and later, based on their involvement and commitment, they are invited to become partners with the company