Dr. K. Shashidhar is the Dean of Academics and the Director, TBI of Lords Institutes of Engineering and Technology. He has 23 years of experience in the field of teaching and research. He completed his PhD from GITAM University and holds an M.Tech in VLSI System Design from JNTUH. At present, he is working as a professor in the Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering.

Dr. Shashidhar has worked for Nottingham Trend University UK for 4 years in Malaysia and has published 20 papers in SCI, ESCI, and Scopus in reputed national, international journals and conferences. He has authored three books and three book chapters including Taylor and Francis. He published eight patents, including one Indian grant patent. He is the SCI and SCOPUS journal reviewer and editor for the IFERP Newsletter and Techno Time Magazine, Advisory Board Member for Ulektz.

Dr. K. Shashidhar has attended 15 FDPs conducted by various reputed institutions and an FDP on AICTE-IDEA Lab. He has also visited T-Hub, and Osmania TBI and had MOUs with them. His areas of interest are low-power VLSI Design and VLSI design signal processing.

Lords Institute of Engineering

How do you balance the academic needs of students, and administration at the same time as a Dean of Academics?

As a Dean of Academics, I believe in maintaining a delicate balance between the needs of students, faculty, and the administrative aspects of the institution. To achieve this balance, several strategies are employed. Firstly, we ensure that the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, including faculty, students, and administrative staff, are clearly defined. This clarity helps streamline the overall academic process. We maintain excellent mentoring system to monitor individual student progress. This includes keeping track of attendance and academic performances and providing placement assistance. Frequent meetings with teaching staff are conducted to discuss students' progress, class work monitoring, syllabus coverage, and lab audits. This continuous communication ensures that academic needs are addressed effectively. Moreover, a strong feedback mechanism is established to gather input from both students and faculty on their academic needs. This feedback helps us adapt and make necessary improvements in real time.

What kind of steps you take to ensure that the curriculum and academic pedagogy stays updated and current with the latest trends?

To ensure that our curriculum and academic pedagogy remain up-to-date and aligned with the latest trends, we employ several strategies. We actively seek feedback from alumni and industry experts to understand the evolving needs of the job market. Industry experts are frequently invited for guest lectures and workshops to bridge the gap between academia and industry. The Board of Studies (BOS) includes industry experts as committee members to guide curriculum updates. We regularly review and modify the syllabus to incorporate current industry trends and technological advancements. Short-term skill development programs (SDPs) are conducted to equip students with the latest skills and knowledge. By consistently engaging with industry professionals, monitoring market demands, and making curriculum adjustments, we ensure that our students receive a cutting-edge education that prepares them for current and future challenges.

What are the steps that Lords Institute takes in order to providing experiential learning to the students?

The Lords Institute is committed to providing experiential learning opportunities for its students. We provide training to our faculty members, ensuring they understand and employ effective teaching methodologies to engage students actively. Our classrooms are equipped with modern teaching aids and technology to create an interactive and immersive learning environment. We encourage practical, hands-on learning through laboratory sessions, projects, and internships. The institute offers opportunities for industry visits, where students can gain real-world insights and experiences. We organize seminars, workshops, and industrial interaction programs that expose students to practical challenges and problem-solving. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing our students with valuable experiential learning opportunities.

Can you describe what is the challenging part of being in a Dean of academics role, and how you successfully manage it?

One of the most challenging aspects of the Dean of Academics role is effective time management. Balancing administrative responsibilities with teaching and research commitments can be demanding. To successfully manage this challenge, I rely on a few key strategies. I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, ensuring that critical issues are addressed promptly. Delegating specific responsibilities to capable faculty and administrative staff members helps distribute the workload and responsibilities effectively. I practice efficient time management techniques to make the most of my workday, setting aside dedicated blocks of time for different tasks. Maintaining open and effective communication with colleagues, faculty, and students is essential to staying informed and streamlining decision-making processes. The collaborative efforts of the principal, management, and faculty members have been instrumental in successfully managing the diverse responsibilities of the Dean of Academics role.

Check Lords Institute of Engineering & Technology Courses & Fees

How do you leverage the use of technology for teaching methods to give effective learning experiences to the students at Lords?

At Lords Institute, we embrace technology to enhance teaching methods and provide students with effective learning experiences. We equip our classrooms with smart boards, projectors, and audio-visual aids to make learning more interactive and engaging.We provide access to online learning platforms and resources, enabling students to access study materials, assignments, and resources from anywhere. We offer virtual lab environments for practical subjects, allowing students to perform experiments and gain hands-on experience remotely. We record and provide video lectures, making it easier for students to revisit lessons or catch up on missed classes. We use online assessment tools to conduct quizzes and exams, providing instant feedback and promoting self-paced learning. We encourage the use of collaboration tools for group projects, discussions, and knowledge sharing. By integrating technology into our teaching methods, we aim to make learning more accessible, engaging, and effective for our students.

What kinds of initiatives have been implemented for encouraging the students to be involved in extracurricular activities outside the classroom?

Lords Institute actively promotes extracurricular involvement among students. We have established a Technology Business Incubation Centre to encourage and support entrepreneurial activities among students. We have an active NSS unit that engages students in community service and social outreach programs. Our campus boasts spacious sports facilities, encouraging students to participate in various sports and physical activities. We frequently organize hackathons and makathons to stimulate students' problem-solving skills and innovation. We conduct skill development programs (SDPs) on various subjects and technologies, empowering students to gain practical skills outside the classroom. These initiatives motivate students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and engage in a well-rounded educational experience.

What kind of steps are you taking in order to bridge the gap between academia and the real industry world?

Bridging the gap between academia and the real industry world is a top priority for the Lords Institute. We modify our syllabus based on industry requirements and market trends, ensuring that our graduates are job-ready. We actively involve industry professionals in our academic processes, organizing guest lectures, seminars, and industrial visits. We establish partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with industry organizations to enhance students' exposure to real-world applications. We facilitate internships and placement opportunities for students, connecting them with industry leaders and businesses. We conduct skill development programs and workshops that focus on practical, industry-relevant skills. Our Technology Business Incubation Centre encourages students to become entrepreneurs and fosters industry connections. These initiatives ensure that our students are well-prepared to transition seamlessly from the academic world to the professional world.

What is your vision for the coming years as a Dean of Academics for the institution?

As the Dean of Academics at Lords Institute, my vision for the coming years is multifaceted. I aim to establish more Center of Excellence within the institution, dedicated to specific fields of study and research. I aspire to achieve a 100% placement rate for our students, ensuring that they find rewarding career opportunities upon graduation. I envision elevating Lords Institute to the status of a deemed university, further enhancing our reputation and academic offerings. This vision is aligned with our commitment to providing high-quality education, fostering innovation, and preparing our students for success in a dynamic and competitive world.