Workshop on Digital Transformation in HEIs and Stakeholder Engagement

Aligarh : A workshop on the theme “Digital Transformation in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Stakeholder Engagement: Perspectives, Challenges, and Way Forward”, as part of Short Term Empirical Research Project funded by ICSSR, New Delhi, was held at the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Studies & Research, Aligarh Muslim University.

The event brought together a diverse group of educators, researchers, and professionals to explore and discuss the evolving landscape of Digital Transformation in Higher Education Institutions.

The Chief Guest for the event was Prof. Mirza Asmer Beg, Dean, Faculty of Social Science, while Prof. Jamal A Farooquie, Chairman, Department of Business Administration, delivered the welcome address. The Patron of the Workshop was Prof Mohammad Gulrez, Vice Chancellor, AMU.

Prof. Mohammed Naved Khan, the Coordinator of the Project introduced the audience to objectives and the findings of the Project. Prof. Mohd Asim Siddiqui, (expert on American Fiction & Literary Theory and Chairman, Department of English) shared his insights during panel discussion and highlighted the need to embrace digital technology in higher education. Prof. Akram Khan (Dean, Faculty of Agriculture), Prof. M Salim Beg (an expert on Digital Communications over Mobile Channels &Chairman, Ranking Committee), Prof Mujeeb Ullah Zuberi (Controller of Exams), Prof. Asim Zafar (UGC SWAYAM Coordinator and former Chairman, Department of Computer Science), Prof. M Muzammil (Chairman, Department of Mechanical Engineering), Prof. Arman Rasool Faridi (Chairman, Department of Computer Science), Prof. BB Singh (Provost, NRSC & former Chairman, Dept of Physical Education), Dr Salma Shaheen (an expert in Computer Science Information Systems),Prof. Naseem Ahmad Khan (Chairman, Department of Social Work), Prof. Afifullah Khan (former Chairman, Department of WildLife), Prof. Valeed A Ansari (former Dean, FMSR, who specializes in Behavioral Finance), Prof. Sheeba Hamid (Member of National Rural Tourism Council), Prof. Aysha Munira Rasheed (a specialist in Comparative Literature and Gender Studies), Prof. Mohammad Shadab Khan (Department of Commerce), Dr Nayyer Rehman (Department of Commerce), Dr Musavvir Ali(Department of Maths who specialises in  General Relativity& Member Executive Council), Prof Salma Ahmed (an expert in Knowledge Management and Information Systems), Dr Naushaba Anjum (who specializes in Western Philosophy and Existentialism), Dr S Kaleem Zaidi (expert in Structural Engineering), Prof Faisal Hasan (specialist in Operations Management, Human Factors), Prof. Sk. Ehtesham Uddin (Department of Law with specialization in Modern Indian History), Prof Feza Tabassum Azmi, Dr Zafar Iftekhar, Dr Asad Rehman, Dr Asif Ali Syed, Dr Mohd Afaq Khan, Dr. Lamay Bin-Sabir and Dr Ahmad Faraz Khan, actively participated in the several rounds of discussion.

Their valuable insights and collaborative spirit enriched the discussions, making the event a meaningful experience for all.

The workshop delved into the crucial aspect of stakeholder engagement and satisfaction, and also examined how students, faculty, administrators, policymakers, and the community are being affected and contributing to the ongoing Digital India initiatives of the Govt of India in the context of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The participants engaged in insightful discussions covering a wide spectrum of topics related to digital transformation in HEIs. The workshop provided a platform for sharing of experiences, best practices, and innovative strategies for integrating digital technologies into higher education. Attendees actively participated in sessions that identified challenges associated with digital transformation and collectively brainstormed effective solutions and strategies for the future. The workshop concluded with a forward-looking approach, providing actionable insights for institutions to navigate the evolving educational digital landscape.

Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include Prof Moinuddin (Department of Biochemistry, JNMC and Member Executive Council), Prof. Aftab Alam (International Relations and Chairman of the Department of Strategic and Security Studies), Dr Naseem Ahmad Khan (Director, CPECAMI & former Chairman, Department of Chemical Engineering), Dr Azam Mir Khan (Hon. Gen. Secretary, AMU Old Boys’ Alumni Association), Prof Shadab Bano (Department of History), Prof. Syed Ali Nawaz Zaidi (Department of Law & Deputy Proctor), Dr Wasif Ali (Department of Surgery, JNMC, & President, AMU Riding Club), and Dr. Ahmad Mujtaba Siddiqui (Department of Geography & Joint Secretary, Al Barkaat Educational Society), Mr Adnan Khalil (Entrepreneur), Mr Izhaar Khan (Entrepreneur & Social Worker), Mr. Gopal Krushna Johri (Advocate, Supreme Court), Mr B P Sharma (Advocate and AMU Alumnus), Mr H R Singh (Advocate), Mr Amber Zaidi and Mr Shariq Azam (Marketing Manager, Dawakhana Tibbiya College).

Dr Arham Adnan (ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellow) and other research Scholars of the Department of Business Administration, namely, Mr Idris, Mr Tariq, Mr Suresh Bhardwaj, Mr Nazish, Ms. Alia, Ms Sadia, Mr Faiz, Safdar, Ms Omama, Ms Uzma, Ms Zeba, Ms Sherin, and Mr Jyotir facilitated in the smooth conduct of Workshop.

ICSSR Project team comprising Prof. Jaya Bhasin, Dr Shahid Mustahq, Dr Mohd Danish Kirmani, Dr Asad Ahmad, Dr Obaidur Rahman, Dr Farheen Mujeeb Khan, Mohammad Anas, Sameer Khan and Nidhi led by Prof. Mohammed Naved Khan, Coordinator, ICSSR Short Term Empirical Project, expressed gratitude to the participants, speakers, and facilitators who provided critical inputs and contributed to the success of the workshop.