What are some degree programs offered by NICMAR University?

With a legacy of 40 years in CRIP management (Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Project), NICMAR has spread its wings to become ‘NICMAR University Pune’ enacted by Maharashtra Act No XXXVI of 2022 with the primary objective of specialized education in Built Environment domain. The following degree programs are currently offered by NICMAR University:

Programs Offered by NICMAR:

School of Construction:

MBA in Advanced Construction Management

PG Diploma in Quantity Surveying and Contract Management

School of Engineering:

B.Tech. in Civil Engineering

School of Project Management:

MBA in Advanced Project Management

School of Architecture, Planning and Real Estate:

MBA in Real Estate and Urban Infrastructure Management

Master of Planning (Urban Planning)

Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch.)

School of Energy and Environment:

MBA in Sustainable Energy Management

MBA in Environmental Sustainability

NICMAR Business School:

MBA

MBA in Family Business Management

BBA

BBA (Hons.)

Integrated MBA

The various ongoing research projects include projects funded with the seed money scheme of NICMAR University and collaborative research projects. Some of the notable projects ongoing in NICMAR University include the Impact of Tornado Vortex Induced Aerodynamic Loads on Structural Projections in Low Rise Buildings; Development of Digital Readiness Index for the Indian Construction Industry; Family Business in Construction Sector – Establishing their Unique Identity; Design and Development of a 3D Concrete Printer Prototype for Agro-Waste-based Geopolymer Concrete Production; Financial System and Housing Price Dynamics in India; Impact of Smart City of Socio-economic Development – A Case Study on Aundh, Baner Balewadi (ABB) Area of Pune as a Local Area Initiative; and Impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on the Growth of the Indian Economy: A Sector Wise Comparative Study.

How is the Industry Institute Interaction and placements of students?

NICMAR is formed by the Indian Construction Association and giants in the Construction Industry, which commenced in 1983. It was supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) grant which enabled the Institute to involve eminent academicians from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA; University of Michigan, USA; University of Loughborough, UK; International Labour Organisation, Geneva; Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and other institutes in India, and eminent practitioners from India in the development of the first full-fledged curriculum for a two-year Post Graduate Program in Advanced Construction Management in the late eighties.

NICMAR takes pride in being a unique, specialized built environment University in the country with the aim to provide post-graduate education in Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure and Project (CRIP) Management, and allied areas in the country.

The University has connects with more than 300 companies and MoUs with 50+ International and national bodies, Industries, etc. Enhancing the student’s leadership skills by connecting with and learning from accomplished faculty and celebrated executives from different sectors. Through the Executive Education program, we trained students on how to counter risks and improve execution skills that organizations desire to achieve sustainable productivity and profitable growth.

• Placement Details for 2022-2023:

A total of 704 students were placed out of 711 (99.01 %).The average package was 9 LPA.

• Placement Details for 2021-2022:

A total of 775 students were placed out of 812 (95.44 %). The average package was 6 LPA.

What are some of the overall challenges that your institution faces?

Even well-established institutes like NICMAR face a range of challenges due to the evolving landscape of higher education, changing student expectations, and external factors such recovery from the Covid pandemic. Some of the overall notable challenges are Attaining and Maintaining Global Standards in Academic Quality; Faculty Retention and Recruitment; Research Funding; Globalization and Internationalization; Student Mental Health and Well-being; Online Learning; Alumni Engagement; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion; Government Regulations Including Accreditations; Adapting to Technological Disruption; and Ethical and Research Integrity.

How would you characterize the current relations between the NICMAR University and the corporate world and industry? What are some of the projects that you are implementing in local companies?

NICMAR was established in 1983 by various construction industry leaders (Indian Construction Association) to respond to the changing needs of the construction sector. Since the time of its establishment, NICMAR boasts of excellent industry partnerships as over 200 companies have visited NICMAR University for student internships, placements and guest lectures in the recent past. The academic curricula are developed with a continuous dialogue with industry stakeholders. NICMAR also regularly delivers Management Development Programmes for various renowned companies throughout the year, in addition to the regular full-time programmes.  

NICMAR University has established strong industry collaborations with several local partners and organisations including Construction Technology Alliance Institute (CTAI), Indo Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education (IUCEE), Spaceify Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Visilean, AmpliNxt, I for Humanity Foundation, YelloSKYE, SoftTech Engineers Limited, Anthill Ventures, PMI Organization Centre Private Limited, Tata Steel, Homepecked e-Marketplace Services Pvt. Ltd, Tracecost, Bentley, Bexel India Consulting, Larsen and Toubro Limited, Mumbai, Kanix Infotech Pvt Ltd, Lals Software Services, CalQuan India, Aurigo software Technologies Private Limited, Bangalore – to name a few. These are instrumental to enhance students’ knowledge, skills and make them industry-ready.

Does NICMAR University have any international branches?

NICMAR attained the State Private University status in 2022 and hence it does not have an international branch as of now. However, NICMAR University plans to create its global presence in future.

Are there any international partnerships between NICMAR University and other schools in Europe, Africa, and other regions of the world?

NICMAR University has initiated several global partnerships. The noteworthy MoUs include a Ph.D. split-site program with Loughborough University, UK; academic and research partnership MoUs with Texas A&M University, USA; Daniels College of Business, University of Denver, Colorado, USA; and Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA among others.

What are some of the cutting-edge engineering education advancements at the NICMAR University during the last few years under your leadership?

NICMAR boasts as a leader in engineering management education in the areas of Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure and Projects. Advanced technological tools including various domain software, online learning platforms, data analytics tools, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are deployed to aid the teaching-learning processes. In addition to using technology, pedagogical tools such as collaboration tools, industry partnerships, live projects, flipped classroom, peer learning, interactive webinars and workshops, continuous assessment are used by the well-trained faculty to maximise the in-class student-centric learning.

Can you share with us some of the approaches that the NICMAR University is implementing in order to sustain growth in its School and retain a constant growth in its student body in addition to ethnic and gender diversity?

Some of our strategies for sustain growth and retention in student body are to offer diversity of programs, enhanced program quality, online presence, targeted recruitment, scholarships and financial aid, community engagement, state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, feedback and continuous improvement, alumni engagement, and most importantly creating industry-specific programmes that are well-received by the industry.   

What are some of the initiatives that you have undertaken to promote diversity in engineering education?

NICMAR believes in diverse and inclusive culture and these are integral part of the University’s vision. Initiatives undertaken to achieve this vision are as follows: Inclusive student admissions; Scholarships and financial support; Diverse faculty and staff; Inclusive curriculum and pedagogy; Student support services; Academic mentorship programme; and Inclusive campus environment. NICMAR University’s initiative of ‘Women in Construction’ is an active group of women in this sector that share experiences, expertise to encourage and empower more women to be included in the sector. ‘Genesis- A gender championship club to provide platform. This is definitely a step closer to make the construction and engineering sector more gender-inclusive.   

In your opinion, what are some of the significant issues/topics that need to be addressed by the global engineering community and particularly by engineering deans, in order to further strengthen inter-regional communication and continue to globalize this field of study?

The global engineering community needs to join hands and knowledge should be shared across borders freely through international collaboration and partnerships and cross-border research initiatives. NICMAR University is working on this front to launch student and faculty exchanges, joint degree programs, creating global engineering curriculum and industry-academia partnerships, international internships, global engineering conferences and symposia.

How has the GEDC helped your university achieve the goal of making your institution a more global environment?

• International Collaboration: The GEDC has facilitated international collaborations among institutions. We are benefited from these collaborations by engaging in student exchange programs, and faculty collaborations. These initiatives have brought diverse perspectives and expertise to the institution, making it more globally connected.

• Diversity and Inclusion: Membership in organizations like the GEDC has helped to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. By participating in international initiatives and promoting diversity in engineering education, through diversity award has helped to create inclusive environment that reflects a global perspective.

• Curriculum Development: The GEDC offer resources and best practices for globalizing engineering & management curricula. We have used these resources to integrate global perspectives, international case studies, and cross-cultural competencies into our programs, preparing students for a globalized workforce.
• Student Mobility: GEDC initiatives has promoted student mobility and exchanges. We could encourage our students to participate in exchange programs with partner institutions worldwide. This exposure to different cultures and educational systems can contribute to a more globalized university environment. Various competitions for students are also organized thus creating global competitiveness.

• Global Engineering Challenges: The GEDC often addresses global engineering challenges. Universities can align their research and educational efforts with these challenges, fostering a sense of purpose and global responsibility among students and faculty.

Events like “Industry forum”, Global conferences on emerging topics in Engineering education, sustainability etc. Supports networking and knowledge sharing.

GEDC has various initiatives that align with their strategic objectives and mission to foster a global perspective within their engineering programs.

What are your top five priorities as a dean, and where do you plan to take the Faculty of Engineering and Management five years from now?

Top Five Priorities as a Dean:

• Academic Excellence: Ensuring that the faculty maintains high academic standards by improving curriculum, teaching quality, and research output. This may involve enhancing faculty development programs, promoting innovative teaching methods, and supporting research initiatives.

• Student Success: Prioritizing the success and well-being of students. This includes providing academic support services, mentoring and counselling fostering a supportive learning environment, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the student body.

• Research and Innovation: Promoting research excellence and innovation within the faculty. Provide executive education as per requirements of Industry/ Government departments etc. Promote patenting & commercialization of product / teaching – learning.

• Industry Engagement: Strengthening ties with industry partners to facilitate internships, co-op programs, and research collaborations. This helps students gain real-world experience and ensures that the faculty’s programs remain relevant to industry needs.

• Community Outreach: Engaging with the broader community, including alumni, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This can help secure funding, provide experiential learning opportunities for students, and showcase the faculty’s impact on society.

Future Directions for the Faculty of Engineering & Management (Five Years from Now):

• Globalization: It will involve increasing the number of international students, faculty & student exchanges, global research initiatives, internships, and credit transfer.
• Innovation Hub & Start-up Centers: Establishing an innovation hub or technology transfer center to facilitate the commercialization of faculty research and promote entrepreneurship among students and faculty especially in the area of Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure and Projects sector.

• Sustainability: This may involve developing programs and research initiatives that address climate change, renewable energy, water challenges and sustainable infrastructure.

• Online Education: Expanding online and hybrid learning options to reach a broader and more diverse student population. This could include the development of online courses and degree programs. Especially for executive education.

• Interdisciplinary Initiatives: Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and other fields such as Information technology, Finance, Economics, safety, Energy and Environment, and business to address complex, real-world challenges.

• Infrastructure and Facilities: Investing in state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure to support cutting-edge research and provide a conducive learning environment for students.

• Adaptation to Technological Trends: Staying abreast of emerging technologies and trends in engineering & management fields and adapting curricula accordingly. This may involve incorporating topics such as artificial intelligence, data science, and advanced materials into the curriculum. Use of innovative teaching – learning tools, ICT and reforms in evaluation and assessment of students. Digitization in Construction, 3D printing, Robotics & Automation, and futuristic trends in construction and management.