Emerging Research Themes in Sustainable Development and Environmental Planning

By Kavita Dehalwar

Sustainable development and environmental planning are no longer confined to single disciplines or narrowly defined policy tools. Instead, they have evolved into deeply interconnected research domains that span urban planning, environmental health, solid waste management, climate resilience, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable construction technologies. Recent scholarship highlights how global environmental challengesโ€”climate change, rapid urbanisation, resource depletion, and social vulnerabilityโ€”are reshaping both research priorities and planning practices. Drawing on contemporary peer-reviewed literature, this blog post outlines some of the most prominent emerging research themes shaping the future of sustainability and environmental planning.

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1. Nature-Based Solutions and Climate Resilience

One of the strongest emerging themes is the application of nature-based solutions (NbS) to address climate risks, particularly in vulnerable ecological regions such as river deltas and coastal settlements. Research increasingly emphasises ecosystem-based planning approachesโ€”mangrove restoration, wetland conservation, floodplain management, and green-blue infrastructureโ€”as cost-effective and socially inclusive alternatives to hard engineering solutions. Studies on deltaic regions in India demonstrate how NbS can simultaneously enhance climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and livelihoods, making them central to sustainable regional planning frameworks. This research direction aligns strongly with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2. Environmental Health and Peri-Urban Waste Challenges

Another growing research focus concerns environmental health risks linked to solid waste management, especially in peri-urban and transitional zones. These areas often fall outside formal municipal service coverage, leading to unmanaged dumping, groundwater contamination, and public health vulnerabilities. Recent studies stress the need for integrated planning models that link waste infrastructure, land-use planning, and health risk assessment. This theme highlights a shift from purely technical waste solutions to more holistic, people-centred and health-sensitive planning approaches.

3. Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Environmental Governance

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into environmental planning and management represents a rapidly expanding research frontier. AI tools are being explored for waste segregation, route optimisation, predictive maintenance of infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and decision-support systems. Beyond technical efficiency, emerging research also examines AIโ€™s role in social domainsโ€”such as social work, governance, and community engagementโ€”to promote environmental sustainability. This interdisciplinary theme raises critical questions around ethics, data governance, inclusivity, and the capacity of local institutions to adopt smart technologies responsibly.

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4. Advanced Solid Waste Management Techniques

Solid waste management research has moved beyond conventional collectionโ€“transportโ€“disposal models toward circular economy-oriented systems. Emerging studies focus on waste-to-energy technologies, material recovery, decentralised processing, and policy-driven innovations such as extended producer responsibility (EPR). Importantly, recent literature highlights the need to integrate these technologies within urban and regional planning frameworks, ensuring land availability, environmental safeguards, and social acceptance. This reflects a broader shift toward systems thinking in environmental planning research.

5. Sustainable Construction Materials and Life Cycle Assessment

In the built environment domain, a significant research trend centres on life cycle assessment (LCA) of construction materials and infrastructure. Studies evaluating recycled and secondary materials in road construction illustrate how embodied energy, emissions, and resource efficiency can be systematically assessed during planning and design stages. Parallel research on innovative materialsโ€”such as self-healing concrete, biocrete, and self-sensing concreteโ€”signals a growing interest in durability, resilience, and long-term sustainability of infrastructure systems. These themes bridge environmental planning with materials science and civil engineering.

6. Green Buildings and Sustainable Neighbourhoods

The role of green buildings has expanded from energy-efficient structures to catalysts for sustainable neighbourhood development. Recent research highlights how building-scale interventionsโ€”energy efficiency, water conservation, passive design, and renewable integrationโ€”can generate cumulative benefits at the community level. This theme reinforces the importance of neighbourhood-scale planning, mixed land use, walkability, and public spaces in achieving environmental sustainability outcomes.

7. Prefabrication and Industrialised Construction

Prefabricated and modular construction has emerged as a promising pathway for sustainable urban development. Thematic analyses of prefabrication research reveal its potential to reduce construction waste, improve quality control, shorten project timelines, and lower environmental impacts. For planners and policymakers, this research underscores the need to adapt building regulations, zoning norms, and supply chains to support industrialised construction methods.

8. Climate, Migration, and Food Security Linkages

Finally, an increasingly important theme links climate disasters, migration, health risks, and food security, particularly in the Global South. Research in this area highlights how environmental stressors reshape settlement patterns, strain urban systems, and exacerbate vulnerability. This integrative perspective calls for planning approaches that are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially resilient and equity-driven.

Concluding Reflections

Collectively, these emerging research themes signal a profound transformation in sustainable development and environmental planning. The field is moving toward interdisciplinary, technology-enabled, and justice-oriented approaches that recognise the complex interdependencies between environment, society, and the built form. For researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, engaging with these themes is essential to designing resilient, inclusive, and sustainable futures in an era of overlapping global crises.

References

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (Eds.). (2026). Deltas resilience: Nature-based solutions for sustainable development in India. Springer Nature. https://link.springer.com/book/9783032072399

Kumar, G., Vyas, S., Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2024). Challenges of environmental health in waste management for peri-urban areas. In M. Nasr & A. Negm (Eds.), Solid waste management (pp. 149โ€“168). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-60684-7_9

Lucero-Prisno, D. E. III, Ayuba, D., Akinga, A. Y., Olayinka, K. E., Precious, F. K., Ogaya, J. B., Sharma, S. N., โ€ฆ Kouwenhoven, M. B. N. (2025). Impact of climate disaster, migration and health risk on food security in Africa. In Advances in food security and sustainability. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.af2s.2025.08.003

Ogbanga, M. M., Sharma, S. N., Pandey, A. K., & Singh, P. (2025). Artificial intelligence in social work to ensure environmental sustainability. In M. Nasr, A. Negm, & L. Peng (Eds.), Artificial intelligence applications for a sustainable environment (pp. 1โ€“??). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-91199-6_16

Sharma, S. N., Dehalwar, K., & Singh, J. (2024). Emerging techniques in solid waste management for a sustainable and safe living environment. In M. Nasr & A. Negm (Eds.), Solid waste management (pp. 29โ€“51). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-60684-7_3

Sharma, S. N., Dehalwar, K., Jain, S., & Pandey, A. K. (2025). An assessment of the applications and prospects of AI tools in solid waste management. In M. Nasr, A. Negm, & L. Peng (Eds.), Artificial intelligence applications for a sustainable environment. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-91199-6_4

Sharma, S. N., Lodhi, A. S., Dehalwar, K., & Jaiswal, A. (2024). Life cycle assessment of recycled and secondary materials in the construction of roads. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1326(1), 012102. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1326/1/012102

Sharma, S. N., Prajapati, R., Jaiswal, A., & Dehalwar, K. (2024). A comparative study of the applications and prospects of self-healing concrete / biocrete and self-sensing concrete. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1326(1), 012090. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1326/1/012090

Sharma, S. N., Singh, S., Kumar, G., Pandey, A. K., & Dehalwar, K. (2025). Role of green buildings in creating sustainable neighbourhoods. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1519(1), 012018. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1519/1/012018

Sharma, S. N., Dehalwar, K., Singh, J., & Kumar, G. (2025). Prefabrication building construction: A thematic analysis approach. In S. B. Singh, M. Gopalarathnam, & N. Roy (Eds.), Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Advances in Concrete, Structural, and Geotechnical Engineeringโ€”Volume 2 (pp. 405โ€“428). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-0751-8_28

What Exactly is a Dissertation?

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

๐Ÿ“˜ Understanding the Dissertation: A Scholarโ€™s Journey

For many doctoral students, the dissertation is the most significant milestone of their academic journey. Yet, there is often confusion about what a dissertation truly isโ€”and what it is not. Letโ€™s break it down.

Photo by Tanya Gupta on Pexels.com

๐Ÿ”น Not Just a Term Paper or Personal Reflection
A dissertation is not a longer version of a term paper, nor is it an anecdotal record of professional achievements or a personal statement of beliefs. It is, instead, an objective, evidence-based, and detailed research document prepared for a scholarly audience. Its purpose is to demonstrate original thinking, methodological rigor, and a solid grounding in existing literature.

๐Ÿ”น Length and Disciplinary Variations
On average, dissertations are about 200 pages long, though they typically range from 125 to 225 pages. Differences arise based on field and research methodology:

  • Dissertations in natural sciences are usually shorter, with a stronger emphasis on experimental results.
  • Dissertations in social sciences or ethnographic studies are often longer due to the need for contextual detail, participant narratives, and interpretive analysis.

The practical advice remains constant: write your dissertation so that it is long enough to tell your research story clearly, but not so long that it loses your readerโ€™s interest.

๐Ÿ”น Looking and Sounding Scholarly
A dissertation must not only present new research but also engage with existing scholarship. This means:

  • Citations & Literature Review: Your work must show that you understand the field, can cite relevant studies, and position your research in the broader academic conversation.
  • Tone & Style: The writing should be formal, precise, and objective. While recent years have seen a move away from overly complex and turgid prose, the expectation remains that dissertations must maintain a scholarly voice, avoiding colloquial or editorial-style writing.

๐Ÿ”น Organisation and Structure
Although formats may vary, most dissertations continue to follow a well-established structure:

  1. Introduction โ€“ stating the problem and research objectives.
  2. Literature Review โ€“ situating the study within the existing body of knowledge.
  3. Methodology โ€“ explaining how the research was conducted.
  4. Results โ€“ presenting the findings systematically.
  5. Summary and Discussion โ€“ interpreting results, highlighting contributions, and suggesting future directions.

Even when deviations occur, dissertations generally follow a predictable order that ensures clarity and logical progression.

๐Ÿ”น Adhering to Style Guides and Academic Rigor
Dissertations must comply with specific style manuals such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or university-specific guidelines. Unlike term papers where some flexibility may be allowed, dissertations demand strict consistency in formatting citations, references, tables, figures, and headings. This attention to detail not only reflects professionalism but also ensures that the work aligns with academic publishing standards.

โœจ Why It Matters
A dissertation is more than just a degree requirementโ€”it is a scholarly contribution that adds to the pool of academic knowledge. It reflects years of study, months of data collection and analysis, and countless hours of writing, editing, and refining. Most importantly, it showcases a researcherโ€™s ability to think critically, engage with theory and evidence, and communicate ideas in a scholarly manner.

๐Ÿ‘‰ In conclusion, think of your dissertation as your first book-length research project. It is not about filling pages but about building arguments, documenting evidence, and making a meaningful academic contribution.

References

Hofstee, E. (2006). Constructing a good dissertation.ย Johannesburg: EPE.

Borden, I. (2006).ย The dissertation. Routledge.

Lyons, P., & Doueck, H. J. (2010).ย The dissertation: From beginning to end. Oxford university press.

Rudestam, K. E., & Newton, R. R. (2014).ย Surviving your dissertation: A comprehensive guide to content and process. Sage publications.

Scipioni, E. P. (2000).ย Dissertationย (Vol. 18). Edition Reichenberger.

Selecting a Research Problem in Urban Planning

Urban planning isย the comprehensive process of developing and managing land use, infrastructure, and the built environment to improve the quality of life for urban residents and ensure sustainable development.ย It is a multidisciplinary field that involves creating spatial plans for cities, balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental considerations to build resilient and functional urban areas.ย 

Selecting a research problem in urban planning for a thesis is one of the most crucial steps because it determines the direction, relevance, and overall quality of your work. A well-defined problem ensures that your research contributes meaningfully to the discipline, aligns with your interests, and has practical applicability. Below are detailed guidelines to help you systematically select a suitable research problem:


1. Identify Your Area of Interest

  • Self-reflection: Think about which sub-field excites you mostโ€”transportation planning, land use, housing, TOD (Transit-Oriented Development), environmental planning, resilience, smart cities, governance, etc.
  • Past exposure: Review your coursework, internships, and projects to see which topics you enjoyed and where you performed well.
  • Sustainability of interest: Since a thesis is a long-term project, ensure the topic is something you can stay motivated about.

2. Review Existing Literature

  • Survey journals and books: Look into reputed sources such as Journal of Urban Planning and Development (ASCE), Transport Policy, Habitat International, etc.
  • Identify gaps: Check where existing studies lackโ€”geographical gaps (e.g., limited studies in Indian or Global South context), methodological gaps (e.g., limited use of advanced modelling), or thematic gaps (e.g., underexplored areas like informal transit, active mobility).
  • Track current debates: Identify emerging themes like climate-resilient cities, equity in transport, gender and mobility, AI in urban planning, or post-COVID mobility trends.

3. Relevance to Local Context

  • Urban planning problems are place-specific. Select an issue that is relevant to your city, state, or country. For example:
    • In Delhi: firstโ€“last mile connectivity, TOD effectiveness, informal housing, air quality, urban flooding.
    • In tier-2 cities: rapid urbanisation, peri-urban growth, infrastructure deficits.
  • This ensures your thesis is not only academically rigorous but also socially impactful.

4. Practicality and Feasibility

  • Data availability: Consider whether you can access data (primary surveys, government databases, GIS datasets, remote sensing, etc.).
  • Time constraints: Make sure the research can be realistically completed within your thesis timeline.
  • Resource availability: Check whether you have the technical tools (software like ArcGIS, SPSS, R, Python, SmartPLS) and guidance to carry out the research.
  • Field access: Ensure you can conduct site visits, interviews, or surveys safely and practically.

5. Alignment with Research Objectives

  • A good problem should lead to clear objectives (e.g., evaluating TODโ€™s influence on mode choice, assessing green building adoption, analysing resilience strategies for flood-prone urban areas).
  • Frame research questions that are:
    • Specific โ€“ clearly state the issue.
    • Measurable โ€“ based on data or empirical evidence.
    • Relevant โ€“ aligned with urban planning principles and societal needs.
    • Achievable โ€“ feasible within available resources and time.
    • Time-bound โ€“ can be addressed within your programโ€™s duration.

6. Contribution to Knowledge and Practice

  • The problem should add something new to urban planning theory, policy, or practice:
    • Theoretical contribution: Enhancing or testing an existing framework (e.g., TOD 8Ds, accessibility measures).
    • Methodological contribution: Introducing new models (e.g., SEM, MCDM, agent-based modelling).
    • Practical contribution: Providing solutions for urban policymakers and planners.
  • Always ask: โ€œWho will benefit from my research?โ€โ€”academia, government agencies, urban residents, or specific groups like women, cyclists, or low-income communities.

7. Scoping the Research

  • Avoid problems that are too broad (e.g., โ€œUrban transport in Indiaโ€) or too narrow (e.g., โ€œEffect of streetlight color on pedestrian flow in one laneโ€).
  • Define a scope that is:
    • Manageable in size (e.g., one neighborhood, one transport corridor).
    • Rich enough for analysis (enables both quantitative and qualitative dimensions).
  • Ensure your problem allows you to apply urban planning tools and frameworks rather than just descriptive reporting.

8. Policy and Societal Relevance

  • Link the research to ongoing policies, programs, or SDGs:
    • Smart Cities Mission
    • AMRUT
    • National TOD Policy
    • Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities)
    • National Urban Transport Policy
  • This alignment ensures your thesis outcomes can influence real-world decision-making.

9. Discussion with Advisors and Experts

  • Discuss potential problems with faculty, mentors, and professionals. They can:
    • Highlight feasibility issues.
    • Suggest refined angles.
    • Provide access to networks and data sources.

10. Refining and Formulating the Problem Statement

  • Once a topic is identified, write a problem statement that includes:
    • Context: Background and why the problem matters.
    • Gap: What existing research lacks.
    • Objective: What you intend to achieve.
    • Justification: Why it is important for urban planning and society.

โœ… Checklist for Selecting a Research Problem

  • Is it aligned with your interest?
  • Is it relevant to urban planning discipline?
  • Does it address a real-world/local issue?
  • Is it feasible with available data, time, and resources?
  • Does it contribute to knowledge or practice?
  • Is it clear, specific, and researchable?

Steps to Do Literature Review Using Scopus

Letโ€™s go step-by-step for doing a literature review using Scopus, and then Iโ€™ll give you a table format that you can use to collect and organize records from each paper.


Steps to Do Literature Review Using Scopus

1. Define Your Research Scope

  • Clarify the research question/objective (e.g., “Impact of urban transport design on commuter satisfaction”).
  • Identify keywords, synonyms, and Boolean combinations.
    • Example: "urban transport" AND "commuter satisfaction" OR "public transit experience"

2. Search in Scopus

  • Go to Scopus.
  • Enter your keywords in the Document Search field.
  • Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine results.
  • Apply filters:
    • Year range (e.g., last 10 years)
    • Subject area
    • Document type (e.g., article, review, conference paper)
    • Language

3. Refine & Export Records

  • Sort results by Relevance or Citations (for seminal works).
  • Skim abstracts to ensure relevance.
  • Use the Export function in Scopus:
    • Export to Excel, RIS, or CSV.
    • Include: title, authors, year, journal, DOI, abstract, keywords, citations, etc.

4. Read & Annotate

  • Download full texts (via institutional access or open access links).
  • Read each paper focusing on:
    • Research questions
    • Methodology
    • Findings
    • Gaps/future work suggested

5. Organize Data in a Review Table

Youโ€™ll collect specific records from each paper for easy synthesis.

Table Structure for Scopus Literature Review (given below is the headings for column name)

Sl. No.

Title of Paper

Author(s)

Year

Country name

Keywords

Research Objective

Methodology

Research tools

Sample size

Source of data

Key Findings

Gaps Identified


6. Analyze & Synthesize

  • Group findings by themes (e.g., infrastructure design, travel time, accessibility).
  • Identify trends (e.g., shift from infrastructure to user-experience focus).
  • Spot research gaps that your work will address.

7. Write the Literature Review

  • Begin with a thematic structure.
  • Compare and contrast studies.
  • Show how your research will contribute.

.

How to Use Mendeley for Citation and Bibliography Generation

By SN Sharma

Step-by-step guide on how to use Mendeley for citation and bibliography generation โ€” from setting it up to seamlessly inserting references into your work.


1. Install and Set Up Mendeley

  • Download: Go to https://www.mendeley.com and download Mendeley Reference Manager.
  • Create an Account: Sign up (or log in) with your email.
  • Install Citation Plugin:
    • For Microsoft Word: In Mendeley Reference Manager, go to Tools โ†’ Install Mendeley Cite for Microsoft Word.
    • Alternatively, install Mendeley Cite as an add-in from Microsoft Office Add-ins store.

2. Add References to Your Library

You can add references in multiple ways:

  • Manual Entry: Click Add New โ†’ Add Entry Manually, then fill in details like Author, Title, Year, Publisher, DOI, etc.
  • Import PDF: Drag and drop a PDF; Mendeley will extract metadata.
  • Import from Databases:
    • Use Mendeley Web Importer (a browser extension) to capture references from Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, etc.
  • Import RIS/BibTeX files: If you have downloaded citations in RIS or BibTeX format, go to File โ†’ Import.

3. Organize Your References

  • Folders/Collections: Group references by topic, project, or paper.
  • Tags: Add keywords for easy searching.
  • Annotations: Open PDFs inside Mendeley to highlight text and add notes.

4. Insert Citations in Word or Google Docs

  • In Word (Mendeley Cite):
    1. Open your document.
    2. Go to the References tab โ†’ click Mendeley Cite (or open it from the Add-ins menu).
    3. Search for the reference you want โ†’ click Insert Citation.
    4. Mendeley will insert the citation in your chosen style.
  • In Google Docs: Mendeley doesnโ€™t directly integrate, but you can:
    1. Use Mendeley Cite in Word and then paste into Google Docs, OR
    2. Export citations as plain text from Mendeley and paste.

5. Generate a Bibliography

  • In Word with Mendeley Cite:
    1. Place the cursor where you want the bibliography.
    2. Click Insert Bibliography in Mendeley Cite.
    3. It will auto-generate based on all citations in the document.
  • Bibliography will update automatically when you add or remove citations.

6. Choose and Change Citation Styles

  • In Mendeley Cite, click Citation Style to select from formats like:
    • APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, IEEE, etc.
  • If you canโ€™t find your required style:

7. Export References

If you need to share or move your references:

  • File โ†’ Export โ†’ choose RIS, BibTeX, or EndNote XML format.

8. Tips for Smooth Use

  • Keep your library synced to the cloud so you can access it on multiple devices.
  • Double-check imported data for accuracy โ€” automated extraction sometimes misreads author names or titles.
  • Backup your library (File โ†’ Export Library) regularly.

โœ… Summary:
Mendeley acts as both a reference manager and citation generator. You simply add your references to the library, insert them into your writing via Mendeley Cite, and let it auto-generate and format citations and bibliographies in your chosen style โ€” saving you hours of manual formatting.

References

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023).ย Fundamentals of research writing and uses of research methodologies. Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Dehalwar, K. S. S. N., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Exploring the distinctions between quantitative and qualitative research methods.ย Think India Journal,ย 27(1), 7-15.

Elston, D. M. (2019). Mendeley.ย Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology,ย 81(5), 1071.

Holt Zaugg, Richard E. West, Isaku Tateishi, Daniel L. Randall. (2011). Mendeley: Creating communities of scholarly inquiry through research collaboration.

Jain, S., Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Explanation of Delphi research method and expert opinion surveys.ย Think India,ย 27(4), 37-48.

Kratochvรญl, J. (2017). Comparison of the accuracy of bibliographical references generated for medical citation styles by EndNote, Mendeley, RefWorks and Zotero.ย The Journal of Academic Librarianship,ย 43(1), 57-66.

MacMillan, D. (2012). Mendeley: teaching scholarly communication and collaboration through social networking.ย Library Management,ย 33(8/9), 561-569.

Reiswig, J. (2010). Mendeley.ย Journal of the Medical Library Association: JMLA,ย 98(2), 193.

Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2025). A Systematic Literature Review of Transit-Oriented Development to Assess Its Role in Economic Development of City.ย Transportation in Developing Economies,ย 11(2), 23.

From Transit Hubs to Sustainable Cities: The Research Journey of Sharma and Collaborators

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Over the past few years, the body of research led by Shashikant Nishant Sharma and collaborators has carved a distinct intellectual pathway in the field of urban development, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental planning. Their work threads together themes of transit-oriented development, green infrastructure, solid waste management, and emerging construction technologies โ€” each piece contributing to a larger vision of livable, equitable, and resilient cities.

The journey begins with an evidence-based investigation into Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). In A Systematic Literature Review of Transit-Oriented Development to Assess Its Role in Economic Development of City (Sharma & Dehalwar, 2025), the authors synthesize global and regional studies to position TOD as a powerful catalyst for urban economic growth. Building upon this conceptual foundation, their empirical work Assessing the Transit-Oriented Development and Travel Behavior of the Residents in Developing Countries: A Case of Delhi, India (Sharma & Dehalwar, 2025) reveals how strategic urban transit policies influence commuter choices, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and reshape city life.

Parallel to the TOD research, the team engages with the built environmentโ€™s role in sustainability. Role of Green Buildings in Creating Sustainable Neighbourhoods (Sharma et al., 2025) positions eco-friendly construction not as a luxury but as a necessity, linking architectural choices to long-term community well-being. This theme expands into work on prefabricated building systems and innovative materials โ€” from Self-healing Concrete / Biocrete to Life Cycle Assessments of recycled materials in road construction โ€” demonstrating a commitment to life-cycle thinking in infrastructure design.

The researchers also recognize that sustainable cities must manage waste streams responsibly. In Emerging Techniques of Solid Waste Management for Sustainable and Safe Living Environment and Challenges of Environmental Health in Waste Management for Peri-urban Areas (both 2024), Sharma and colleagues propose technologically viable, socially inclusive solutions to the mounting urban waste crisis. These publications situate waste management as a cornerstone of environmental health, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions.

Transportation remains another recurring focus, with works such as Assessing Bus Users Satisfaction Using Discrete Choice Models: A Case of Bhopal (Lodhi, Jaiswal & Sharma, 2024) highlighting how public perception drives the adoption of sustainable mobility options. The linkage between transport accessibility, land use planning, and urban growth patterns is further illustrated in Urban Growth Prediction using CA-ANN Model and Spatial Analysis for Planning Policy in Indore City, India (Kumar, Vyas, Sharma & Dehalwar, 2025).

Beyond technical and policy domains, Sharmaโ€™s scholarship also touches on political and educational dimensions of planning. His brief commentary Council of Planning for Promoting Planning Education and Planning Professionals (Sharma & Dehalwar, 2023) calls for stronger institutional frameworks to nurture future urban planners. Even socio-political issues, such as gender representation in politics, are addressed in Politics in the Name of Womenโ€™s Reservation (Dehalwar & Sharma, 2024), reflecting the authorsโ€™ recognition that social equity is inseparable from urban development.

Taken together, these publications present more than isolated research outputs โ€” they tell a story of integrated urban sustainability. The collective work blends quantitative modelling, policy critique, technological innovation, and socio-political analysis to address the complex realities of cities in the Global South.

By continually shifting between the macro lens of city-wide policy and the micro lens of materials, technologies, and user behavior, Sharma and his collaborators are not just documenting urban change โ€” they are actively shaping the discourse on what the cities of the future should be.

References

Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2025). A Systematic Literature Review of Transit-Oriented Development to Assess Its Role in Economic Development of City. Transportation in Developing Economies11(2), 23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40890-025-00245-1

Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2025). Assessing the Transit-Oriented Development and Travel Behavior of the Residents in Developing Countries: A Case of Delhi, India. Journal of Urban Planning and Development151(3), 05025018. https://doi.org/10.1061/JUPDDM.UPENG-5468 

Sharma, S. N., Singh, S., Kumar, G., Pandey, A. K., & Dehalwar, K. (2025). Role of Green Buildings in Creating Sustainable Neighbourhoods. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science1519(1), 012018. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1519/1/012018

Lodhi, A. S., Jaiswal, A., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Assessing bus users satisfaction using discrete choice models: A case of Bhopal. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions9(11), 437. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-024-01652-w

Sharma, S. N., Kumar, A., & Dehalwar, K. (2024). The Precursors of Transit-oriented Development. Economic and Political Weekly59(14), 16โ€“20. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.10939448

Sharma, S. N., Singh, D., & Dehalwar, K. (2024). Surrogate Safety Analysis- Leveraging Advanced Technologies for Safer Roads. Suranaree Journal of Science and Technology31(4), 010320(1-14). https://doi.org/10.55766/sujst-2024-04-e03837

Kumar, G., Vyas, S., Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2025). Urban growth prediction using CA-ANN model and spatial analysis for planning policy in Indore city, India. GeoJournal90(3), 139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-025-11393-7 

Sharma, S. N., Dehalwar, K., & Singh, J. (2024). Emerging Techniques of Solid Waste Management for Sustainable and Safe Living Environment. In M. Nasr & A. Negm (Eds.), Solid Waste Management (pp. 29โ€“51). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-60684-7_3

Kumar, G., Vyas, S., Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2024). Challenges of Environmental Health in Waste Management for Peri-urban Areas. In M. Nasr & A. Negm (Eds.), Solid Waste Management (pp. 149โ€“168). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-60684-7_9

Ram Suhawan Patel, Sonia Taneja, Jagdish Singh, & Shashikant Nishant Sharma. (2024). Modelling of surface run-off using SWMM and GIS for efficient stormwater management. Current Science126(4), 243โ€“249. http://dx.doi.org/10.18520/cs/v126/i4/463-469 

Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2023). Council of Planning for Promoting Planning Education and Planning Professionals. Journal of Planning Education and Research43(4), 748โ€“749. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739456X231204568

Sharma, S. N., Prajapati, R., Jaiswal, A., & Dehalwar, K. (2024). A Comparative Study of the Applications and Prospects of Self-healing Concrete / Biocrete and Self-Sensing Concrete. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science1326(1), 012090. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1326/1/012090

Sharma, S. N., Lodhi, A. S., Dehalwar, K., & Jaiswal, A. (2024). Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Recycled & Secondary Materials in the Construction of Roads. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science1326(1), 012102. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1326/1/012102

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Politics in the Name of Womenโ€™s Reservation. Contemporary Voice of Dalit, 2455328X241262562. https://doi.org/10.1177/2455328X241262562 

ALBATROSS Applications in Travel Prediction: A Detailed Review

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

1โ€ฏโ€ฏIntroduction

Traditional fourโ€‘step models aggregate trips and treat demand as static, making them illโ€‘suited for todayโ€™s dynamic mobility landscape. Activityโ€‘based approaches overcome these limits by simulating what people actually doโ€”their daily activity programmesโ€”and deriving the travel those activities generate. One of the earliest and most influential of these systems is ALBATROSSโ€ฏโ€“โ€ฏAโ€ฏLearningโ€‘Basedโ€ฏTransportation Oriented Simulation System, developed at Eindhoven University of Technology for the Dutch Ministry of Transport at the turn of the century. Over 25โ€ฏyears the platform has matured from a proofโ€‘ofโ€‘concept scheduler into a multiโ€‘day, multiโ€‘agent laboratory used for policy design across Europe and beyond. journals.sagepub.comjournals.sagepub.com

2โ€ฏโ€ฏConceptual Foundations

ALBATROSS is ruleโ€‘based rather than utilityโ€‘maximising. The system first mines activityโ€‘diary data with the CHAID decisionโ€‘tree algorithm, extracting a hierarchy of โ€œifโ€‘thenโ€ rules (e.g., if female, fullโ€‘time worker, weekday โ†’ schedule work between 08:00โ€“16:30). During simulation each synthetic agent consults this rule base when deciding

  1. Whether to perform an activity,
  2. Where to do it,
  3. With whom,
  4. When and for how long, and
  5. Which mode/route to use.

Logical, spatial, temporal and institutional constraints (e.g., shop opening hours, maximum travel time budgets) are enforced by a dedicated repair agent that reschedules infeasible programmes until a coherent 24โ€‘h agenda emerges. The microโ€‘simulation then translates the agenda into timeโ€‘stamped trips, producing OD matrices, route flows and emissions inventories that can feed mesoโ€‘ or microsimulation assignment models. journals.sagepub.com

3โ€ฏโ€ฏModel Architecture

ModulePurposeKey InputsTypical Outputs
Population SynthesiserCreates statistically representative households/peopleCensus, labourโ€‘force surveySynthetic persons with socioโ€‘demographics
Rule BaseStores decision trees for each choice dimensionTravelโ€‘diary data26 decisionโ€‘trees; thousands of conditional rules
SchedulerGenerates daily agendas sequentiallyRule base, constraints, landโ€‘use GISActivity lists with startโ€“end times
Constraint RepairEnsures feasibilityTransport network, opening hoursRevised agendas
Mobility AllocatorAssigns mode/routeNetworks, service levels, fare tablesTrip records with mode, path, time

4โ€ฏโ€ฏEvolution of ALBATROSS

VersionMilestones & New Capabilities
1.0โ€ฏ(2000)Ruleโ€‘base extracted from Dutch National Travel Survey; singleโ€‘day forecasts; validation on Eindhoven region. journals.sagepub.com
Transferability Testsโ€ฏ(2002)Rules trained in one town applied to two others; 75โ€“90โ€ฏ% accuracy in activity participation & timing, demonstrating spatial transferability. journals.sagepub.com
FEATHERS Integrationโ€ฏ(~2008)Scheduler embedded in Flemish FEATHERS framework; added population synthesis, assignment and emission calculators for policy analysis in Belgium. mdpi.com
Scenario Engineโ€ฏ(2012)Used to explore ageingโ€‘population scenarios, adjusting lifeโ€‘cycle parameters and leisure propensities. link.springer.com
ALBATROSSโ€ฏIVโ€ฏ(2018)Multiday horizon; lifeโ€‘trajectory events, weather sensitivity, EV choice, carโ€‘sharing, MaaS, energy modules, parallel computing (40ร— faster). trid.trb.org
2020โ€‘24 ExtensionsRealโ€‘time calibration with smartphone GPS, synthetic social networks, API hooks for dynamic traffic assignment and digitalโ€‘twin dashboards (ongoing PhD and Horizon Europe projects). intechopen.com

5โ€ฏโ€ฏApplications in Travel Prediction

5.1โ€ฏUrban Pricing & Demandโ€‘Management

Dutch metropolitan authorities employ ALBATROSS to test cordon tolls, parking pricing and speedโ€‘limit schemes. Simulations capture peakโ€‘spreading and interโ€‘modal shifts more realistically than fourโ€‘stage models because agents can reโ€‘time or chain activities.

5.2โ€ฏInfrastructure & Service Planning

By feeding ALBATROSS output OD matrices into dynamic assignment models (e.g., PTVโ€ฏVisum, Aimsun), planners evaluate queueโ€‘lengths and unreliability on future corridors, supporting phased rail upgrades and BRT projects.

5.3โ€ฏSocioโ€‘Demographic Scenarios

The ageingโ€‘population study showed that postponing retirement age by five years increases AM peak trips by only 2โ€ฏ% but raises midday leisure travel 15โ€ฏ%, demanding offโ€‘peak service adjustments rather than additional peak capacity. link.springer.com

5.4โ€ฏNew Mobility Services

ALBATROSSโ€ฏIV embeds choice sets for carโ€‘sharing, demandโ€‘responsive transit and Mobilityโ€‘asโ€‘aโ€‘Service bundles. Policy labs in Utrecht and Antwerp evaluate subscription tariffs and stationโ€‘based EV fleets, projecting up to 8โ€ฏ% privateโ€‘car VKT reduction under high adoption. trid.trb.org

5.5โ€ฏEnergy & Emissions Accounting

The integrated fuelโ€‘andโ€‘emission ledger combined with activity diaries produces hourly emission profiles, enabling lowโ€‘emissionโ€‘zone design and benchmarking against EU Fitโ€‘forโ€‘55 targets.

5.6โ€ฏTransferability to Emerging Contexts

While most case studies are European, the ruleโ€‘based architecture is dataโ€‘agnostic. Pilot calibrations using Delhiโ€™s 2018 household survey demonstrate that 60โ€ฏ% of rules remain valid after reโ€‘estimation of only timeโ€‘window parametersโ€”promising for quick deployment in TOD influence zones such as Mukundpur or Dwarka.

6โ€ฏโ€ฏValidation & Performance

  • Activity participation: Mean Absolute Error (MAE) โ‰ˆโ€ฏ3โ€ฏ% by activity purpose.
  • Startโ€‘time distributions: Kolmogorovโ€‘Smirnov Dโ€ฏโ‰คโ€ฏ0.08 across three Dutch cities.
  • Mode splits: Within ยฑ4โ€ฏ% of observed for work, education, shopping.
  • Runtime: 1โ€ฏM agents, 7โ€‘day forecast on 32โ€‘core server <โ€ฏ45โ€ฏmin (ALBATROSSโ€ฏIV). journals.sagepub.comtrid.trb.org

7โ€ฏโ€ฏStrengths and Limitations

StrengthsLimitations
Transparent rule baseโ€”easy to inspect & editRequires rich activityโ€‘diary data for training
Captures schedule adaptation (add, drop, retime)Rule logic may โ€œlockโ€‘inโ€ past behaviour; limited behavioural dynamics without reโ€‘training
Fast microsimulationโ€”suitable for scenario sweepsLess grounded in microโ€‘economic theory than utilityโ€‘based models
Modularโ€”can slot into landโ€‘use, energy, emissions pipelinesConstraint repair can fail under extreme counterfactuals, needing manual tuning

8โ€ฏโ€ฏFuture Research Directions

  • Hybrid MLโ€ฏ+โ€ฏRule Systems: Use gradientโ€‘boosted trees or graph neural nets to update rule probabilities on streaming data.
  • Realโ€‘time Digital Twins: Fuse ALBATROSS with mobileโ€‘phone OD inference for 15โ€‘minute rolling forecasts of transit loads.
  • Equityโ€‘Aware Modules: Embed genderโ€‘, incomeโ€‘ and accessibilityโ€‘explicit welfare indicators to align with SDGโ€ฏ11.
  • Integration with Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA): Tight coupling to dayโ€‘toโ€‘day traffic flow signals to study shock propagation (e.g., metro shutdowns, extreme weather).
  • Deployment in Global South: Rapid calibration toolkits and openโ€‘source rule libraries to help cities like Delhi, Jakarta and Lagos leapfrog from fourโ€‘stage models to activityโ€‘based analytics.

9โ€ฏโ€ฏConclusion

ALBATROSS pioneered ruleโ€‘based activity scheduling and remains a versatile engine for travel prediction. Its dataโ€‘driven rule hierarchies offer transparency and computational efficiency, while successive versions have incorporated multiday dynamics, new mobility options and environmental accounting. Realโ€‘world applicationsโ€”from Dutch toll pilots to Belgian EV scenariosโ€”show that ALBATROSS can reproduce complex behavioural responses and guide evidenceโ€‘based transport policy. As richer data streams and realโ€‘time digital twins become mainstream, ALBATROSSโ€™s modular design positions it well to remain at the heart of nextโ€‘generation travelโ€‘prediction ecosystemsโ€”helping planners shape sustainable, equitable and resilient mobility futures.

References

Application of Albatross for Scenario Development: Future Travel Behavior in an Ageing Population. (2012). In T. Arentze & H. Timmermans, Springer Geography (pp. 147โ€“171). Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2518-8_8

Arentze, T., Hofman, F., Van Mourik, H., & Timmermans, H. (2000). ALBATROSS: Multiagent, Rule-Based Model of Activity Pattern Decisions. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 1706(1), 136โ€“144. https://doi.org/10.3141/1706-16

Arentze, T., Hofman, F., Van Mourik, H., & Timmermans, H. (2002). Spatial Transferability of the Albatross Model System: Empirical Evidence from Two Case Studies. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 1805(1), 1โ€“7. https://doi.org/10.3141/1805-01

Recent Progress in Activity-Based Travel Demand Modeling: Rising Data and Applicability. (2021). In A. Tajaddini, G. Rose, K. M. Kockelman, & H. L. Vu, Models and Technologies for Smart, Sustainable and Safe Transportation Systems. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93827

Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2025). Assessing the Transit-Oriented Development and Travel Behavior of the Residents in Developing Countries: A Case of Delhi, India. Journal of Urban Planning and Development, 151(3), 05025018. https://doi.org/10.1061/JUPDDM.UPENG-5468

Sharma, S. N., Kumar, A., & Dehalwar, K. (2024). The Precursors of Transit-oriented Development. Economic & Political Weekly, 59(14), 16โ€“20. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10939448


Innovative Research Steps developed by SN Sharma, Research Head at Track2Training,

Narrative explanation of the research steps developed by SN Sharma, Research Head at Track2Training, structured as a story that brings each step to life:


Title: The Quest for Cleaner Cities โ€“ A Research Journey


Meet Riya, a young researcher at Track2Training, working under the guidance of Dr. SN Sharma, the Research Head. Riya was tasked with investigating the effectiveness of municipal waste management systems in Indian metro cities. Dr. Sharma introduced her to his five-step research process: Data Collection, Data Sorting, Data Categorising, Data Analysis, and Writing Research in a Convincing Manner.


Step 1: Data Collection โ€“ The Treasure Hunt Begins

Riya began her journey by gathering raw information from multiple sources โ€“ government reports, citizen feedback surveys, social media complaints, interviews with municipal workers, and even photos of dump yards. Just like a treasure hunter collecting clues, she ensured her data pool was rich and diverse.

Dr. Sharma’s advice: โ€œBe inclusive. Every voice, every record, every photo is a piece of the puzzle.โ€


Step 2: Data Sorting โ€“ Cleaning the Clutter

Soon, Riyaโ€™s desk was overflowing with information โ€“ useful and useless tangled together. She began the sorting process: removing duplicates, correcting typos, and eliminating irrelevant entries (like posts about rain delays instead of waste management). It was like decluttering a messy room so she could finally see the floor.

Dr. Sharma guided her: โ€œSort with care. Junk data can mislead even the smartest researcher.โ€


Step 3: Data Categorising โ€“ Organising the Library

With a clean dataset, Riya grouped her information into meaningful categories: ‘Collection Methods’, ‘Public Satisfaction’, ‘Government Initiatives’, ‘Private Contractors’, and ‘Common Complaints’. Each category was like a bookshelf where similar ideas could sit together, making patterns easier to spot.

Dr. Sharma noted: โ€œCategorising is about structure. It turns a sea of information into a map.โ€


Step 4: Data Analysis โ€“ Finding the Story Behind the Numbers

Now came the most exciting part. Riya used statistical tools and qualitative analysis techniques to uncover trends. She noticed that cities with decentralized waste collection had higher satisfaction rates. She found that complaints increased during monsoon months, and contractor performance was worst in areas with poor road infrastructure.

Dr. Sharma smiled: โ€œAnalysis turns facts into insight. This is where research speaks truth to power.โ€


Step 5: Writing Research in a Convincing Manner โ€“ Giving Voice to Truth

Riya now had everything: facts, figures, patterns, and insights. But she knew that unless her findings were communicated clearly and persuasively, they would be ignored. She crafted her research report with powerful narratives, compelling evidence, and actionable recommendations. She used charts to show trends, quotes to humanize data, and a structured flow to keep her readers engaged.

Dr. Sharma emphasized: โ€œGood research not only discovers truthโ€”it persuades others to act on it.โ€

Her report was not just informativeโ€”it was inspiring. It helped city planners see the gaps, encouraged stakeholders to innovate, and even made it to a national urban planning conference.


Conclusion: Thanks to Dr. SN Sharmaโ€™s five-step research methodโ€”Data Collection, Data Sorting, Data Categorising, Data Analysis, and Writing in a Convincing Mannerโ€”Riya transformed complex problems into clear, compelling solutions. Her journey showed that research isnโ€™t just about studying the worldโ€”itโ€™s about changing it.


STATA- A powerful statistical software

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Stata is a powerful and user-friendly statistical software package widely used in academia, research, and professional fields for data analysis, data management, and graphics. It is especially popular among social scientists, economists, epidemiologists, and biostatisticians due to its comprehensive features and ease of use.

Key Features

1. Data Management

Stata offers a wide range of data management tools to efficiently handle datasets:

Import/export data from various formats like Excel, CSV, SPSS, SAS, and more.

Merge, append, reshape, and sort datasets.

Generate new variables, recode existing ones, and label data for clarity.

Handle missing data effectively with built-in commands.

2. Statistical Analysis

Stata supports a broad range of statistical analyses, including:

Descriptive Statistics: Mean, median, standard deviation, frequencies, and cross-tabulations.

Inferential Statistics: Hypothesis testing, t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square tests.

Regression Analysis: Linear, logistic, multinomial, and panel data regression.

Time-Series Analysis: ARIMA, VAR, and cointegration models.

Survival Analysis: Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression, and survival curves.

Multivariate Techniques: Factor analysis, principal component analysis, and clustering.

3. Graphics and Visualization

Stata provides advanced visualization tools to create:

Scatterplots, histograms, and boxplots.

Line graphs and bar charts.

Customizable publication-quality graphics.

Interactive dashboards through integrated external tools like Stata Graph Editor.

4. Programming and Automation

Stata allows users to automate repetitive tasks and enhance functionality by:

Writing scripts (do-files) to run sequences of commands.

Creating custom programs (ado-files) for specialized tasks.

Integrating with Python or R for additional computational power.

5. User-Friendly Interface

Stata has a straightforward interface that includes:

Command Line: For executing specific commands.

Menu System: For point-and-click operations.

Data Viewer: To browse and edit datasets directly.

6. Extensibility and Community Support

Stata supports third-party plugins and extensions available via:

The Stata Journal and Stata user community.

Built-in access to repositories like SSC (Statistical Software Components).

Applications

1. Economics: Modeling economic growth, forecasting, labor market analysis.

2. Health Sciences: Analyzing clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and survival rates.

3. Social Sciences: Public policy evaluation, survey analysis, and social behavior research.

4. Business and Marketing: Predictive modeling, market segmentation, and financial analytics.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Comprehensive suite of features.

Intuitive syntax and user-friendly interface.

Highly active user community and robust documentation.

Suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Cons

Steep learning curve for non-technical users.

Can be expensive compared to alternatives like R or Python.

Limited in advanced machine learning functionalities compared to specialized tools.

Getting Started with Stata

1. Installing Stata:

Visit Stata’s official website to purchase and download.

Install based on your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).

2. Basic Commands:

Load a dataset:

use filename.dta

Summarize data:

summarize varname

Create a new variable:

generate newvar = expression

Run a regression:

regress y x1 x2

3. Learning Resources:

Stata’s inbuilt help system (help command).

Online tutorials, courses, and webinars.

Books and user guides provided by StataCorp.


Stata Editions

Stata offers various editions tailored to user needs:

1. Stata/MP: Multi-core processing for large datasets.

2. Stata/SE: Standard edition for moderately large datasets.

3. Stata/IC: Basic edition for smaller datasets.

4. Small Stata: Entry-level edition for educational purposes.

Stata remains a robust choice for data analysis due to its versatility and reliability, offering tools for handling complex data challenges across various fields.

PhD Supervisor and PhD work

PhD Students – How can you help your supervisors to give you the best supervision for your PhD?

In a PhD program, supervisor-supervisee relationship is very important.

Here are 10 things you can do on your part to get the best out of your PhD supervisors.

๐Ÿ. ๐’๐ก๐จ๐ฐ, ๐๐จ๐ง’๐ญ ๐ญ๐ž๐ฅ๐ฅ: Instead of telling your supervisor what you have worked on, show him/her the progress. For example, instead of saying that I have read 5 papers, you should say here are the critical summaries and 5 takeaways from these 5 papers that I think are useful for my research in these ways.

๐Ÿ. ๐“๐š๐ค๐ž ๐Ÿ๐ž๐ž๐๐›๐š๐œ๐ค ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž๐ฅ๐ฒ: If your supervisor criticizes you, actually he/she is not criticizing you but your work. This criticism is only for the purpose of improving your research and helping you to succeed.

๐Ÿ‘. ๐’๐ก๐š๐ซ๐ž ๐ฆ๐ž๐ž๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐š๐ ๐ž๐ง๐๐š ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐ญ๐ž๐ฌ: Send upfront the points about which you want to talk about in the meeting. Similarly, share what has been discussed in the meeting. It will only take around 10 minutes of your time.

๐Ÿ’. ๐€๐ฌ๐ค, ๐๐จ๐ง’๐ญ ๐š๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ž: Do not assume outcomes from your supervisors. Instead, ask in a polite way. For example, do not assume that your supervisors will not allow you to apply for a research internship. Ask them.

๐Ÿ“. ๐Ž๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ก๐ƒ: Your PhD is your project. After around 6 months, you are likely more expert on the topic than your supervisors. They are there to guide you through the process.

๐Ÿ”. ๐‘๐ž๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ฆ: Supervisors have many things on their plates. It’s possible that their minds skip something. Give them a soft reminder if they need to get back to you on something such as feedback on a paper.

๐Ÿ•. ๐’๐ž๐ž๐ค ๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐ž๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐Ÿ๐ž๐ž๐๐›๐š๐œ๐ค: Sending a paper draft to a supervisor one day before a submission deadline is a mistake on your end. Even if he/she provides the feedback, it might be shallow. Give them time.

๐Ÿ–. ๐‚๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐œ๐š๐ญ๐ž ๐œ๐ฅ๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ: Communicate clearly to your supervisors about any obstacles you are facing and any expectations you have. They have the experience to guide you accordingly but first, they need to know.

๐Ÿ—. ๐ƒ๐จ๐ง’๐ญ ๐ซ๐ž๐ฉ๐ž๐š๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ฌ๐š๐ฆ๐ž ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐š๐ค๐ž๐ฌ: If your supervisors have corrected you about something, try not to repeat it. It will give them the impression that you did not value their feedback. If you don’t agree, discuss it with them.

๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ. ๐‘๐ž๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ž๐œ๐ญ, ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ž๐œ๐ญ, ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ž๐œ๐ญ: Doesn’t matter how good or bad your relationship is with your supervisor, always respect them. I have hardly seen anyone successful who does not respect his/her teachers and supervisors.

Thematic Study Research Technique: An In-Depth Exploration

Daily writing prompt
Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Thematic study is a qualitative research technique employed to identify, analyze, and report patterns (themes) within data. This method is highly valuable in various fields, including social sciences, psychology, and market research, as it provides insights into the underlying themes that characterize a particular phenomenon.

What is Thematic Analysis?

Thematic analysis is a method for systematically identifying, organizing, and offering insight into patterns of meaning (themes) across a dataset. It allows researchers to interpret and make sense of collective or shared meanings and experiences. This method is flexible and can be applied across a range of theoretical and epistemological approaches.

Steps in Thematic Analysis

The thematic analysis process generally involves six key phases:

  1. Familiarization with the Data:
    • This initial phase involves immersing oneself in the data to get a thorough understanding of its content. Researchers transcribe verbal data, read through the text multiple times, and begin noting initial observations and potential codes.
  2. Generating Initial Codes:
    • Coding involves organizing the data into meaningful groups. This is done by identifying features of the data that appear interesting and systematically tagging them with codes. Codes are the building blocks of themes, and they capture the essence of the data segments.
  3. Searching for Themes:
    • In this phase, researchers examine the codes to identify significant broader patterns of meaning. Themes are constructed by grouping related codes and data extracts. This phase often involves the creation of thematic maps to visualize relationships between codes and themes.
  4. Reviewing Themes:
    • Themes are then reviewed and refined to ensure they accurately represent the data. This involves checking if the themes work in relation to the coded extracts and the entire dataset. Themes may be split, combined, or discarded during this phase.
  5. Defining and Naming Themes:
    • Each theme is then clearly defined and named, which involves formulating a concise description that captures the essence of the theme. Researchers develop a detailed analysis for each theme, describing its scope and the specific data it encompasses.
  6. Producing the Report:
    • The final phase involves weaving together the themes into a coherent narrative. This report includes compelling data extracts that provide evidence for the themes and illustrates the story the data tells.

Applications of Thematic Analysis

Thematic analysis can be applied in various contexts and for multiple purposes:

  1. Understanding Experiences:
    • It helps in understanding the experiences and perspectives of individuals or groups by identifying common themes in their narratives. For instance, it can be used to explore patient experiences in healthcare settings.
  2. Developing Interventions:
    • Themes identified through thematic analysis can inform the development of interventions. For example, themes related to barriers and facilitators in smoking cessation can guide the creation of targeted public health interventions.
  3. Policy Development:
    • By identifying recurring themes in public opinion or stakeholder feedback, thematic analysis can inform policy development and decision-making.
  4. Market Research:
    • In market research, thematic analysis can help understand consumer preferences and behaviors, thereby guiding product development and marketing strategies.

Advantages of Thematic Analysis

  • Flexibility: It is a highly adaptable method that can be used across various research questions and types of data.
  • Richness of Data: It provides a detailed and nuanced understanding of the data, allowing for in-depth analysis.
  • Accessibility: The approach is relatively easy to learn and apply, making it accessible to novice researchers.

Challenges and Limitations

  • Subjectivity: The analysis can be influenced by the researcherโ€™s biases and perspectives, which might affect the interpretation of the data.
  • Complexity: Handling large datasets can be overwhelming, and ensuring the reliability and validity of the themes requires meticulous work.
  • Time-Consuming: The process is often time-intensive, requiring a significant amount of effort to thoroughly analyze the data.

Enhancing Rigor in Thematic Analysis

To enhance the rigor of thematic analysis, researchers can adopt the following strategies:

  • Triangulation: Using multiple data sources or analytical perspectives to cross-verify the findings.
  • Peer Review: Engaging other researchers to review and critique the themes and interpretations.
  • Member Checking: Returning to the participants to validate the findings and ensure the accuracy of the themes.

Conclusion

Thematic analysis is a powerful qualitative research technique that allows researchers to uncover the underlying themes within data. Through a systematic process, it provides deep insights into various phenomena, making it an invaluable tool in multiple research fields. Despite its challenges, the benefits of thematic analysis in providing rich, detailed, and nuanced understanding make it a widely adopted and respected method in qualitative research.

References

Agarwal, S., & Sharma, S. N. (2014). Universal Design to Ensure Equitable Society.ย International Journal of Engineering and Technical Research (IJETR),ย 1.

Dana, R. H. (1968). Thematic techniques and clinical practice.ย Journal of Projective Techniques and Personality Assessment,ย 32(3), 204-214.

Dehalwar, K. Mastering Qualitative Data Analysis and Report Writing: A Guide for Researchers.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Exploring the Distinctions between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods.ย Think India Journal,ย 27(1), 7-15.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023).ย Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies. Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Palmer, C. L. (2004). Thematic research collections.ย A companion to digital humanities, 348-365.

Smith, D. A. (2016). Online interactive thematic mapping: Applications and techniques for socio-economic research.ย Computers, Environment and Urban Systems,ย 57, 106-117.

Thomas, J., & Harden, A. (2008). Methods for the thematic synthesis of qualitative research in systematic reviews.ย BMC medical research methodology,ย 8, 1-10.

Grounded Theory Research: Unveiling the Underlying Structures of Human Experience

Daily writing prompt
What quality do you value most in a friend?

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Grounded theory research is a qualitative methodology that aims to generate or discover a theory through the collection and analysis of data. Unlike traditional research methods that begin with a hypothesis, grounded theory starts with data collection and uses it to develop theories grounded in real-world observations. This approach is particularly valuable in social sciences, where understanding complex human behaviors and interactions is essential.

Origins and Evolution

Grounded theory was developed in the 1960s by sociologists Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss. Their seminal work, The Discovery of Grounded Theory (1967), introduced a new approach to qualitative research that emphasized the generation of theory from data. This was a departure from the traditional positivist approach, which often tested existing theories through quantitative methods.

Over the decades, grounded theory has evolved, with Glaser and Strauss eventually diverging in their approaches. Glaser’s approach remains more aligned with the original inductive methodology, while Strauss, along with Juliet Corbin, introduced a more structured and systematic method of coding and analyzing data, as detailed in their book Basics of Qualitative Research.

Core Principles

Grounded theory is built on several core principles:

  1. Theoretical Sensitivity: Researchers must be open to understanding the subtleties and nuances in the data, allowing theories to emerge naturally without preconceived notions.
  2. Simultaneous Data Collection and Analysis: Data collection and analysis occur concurrently, allowing for constant comparison and theory refinement throughout the research process.
  3. Coding: This involves breaking down data into discrete parts, closely examining and comparing these parts, and grouping them into categories. Strauss and Corbin’s approach includes three types of coding: open, axial, and selective.
  4. Memo-Writing: Researchers write memos throughout the research process to document their thoughts, hypotheses, and theoretical ideas, aiding in the development and refinement of the emerging theory.
  5. Theoretical Sampling: Data collection is guided by the emerging theory, with researchers seeking out new data to fill gaps and refine categories until theoretical saturation is achieved.
  6. Constant Comparison: Each piece of data is compared with others to identify patterns and variations, ensuring the theory is deeply rooted in the data.

Conducting Grounded Theory Research

  1. Initial Data Collection: Researchers begin by collecting data through various qualitative methods, such as interviews, observations, and document analysis. The goal is to gather rich, detailed information about the phenomenon under study.
  2. Open Coding: During this initial phase, researchers break down the data into smaller parts, labeling and categorizing each segment. This process helps identify initial patterns and themes.
  3. Axial Coding: Here, researchers focus on reassembling the data by identifying relationships between categories. This involves linking subcategories to main categories, often through a process of identifying causal conditions, contexts, strategies, and consequences.
  4. Selective Coding: Researchers integrate and refine the categories to develop a coherent theory. This final phase involves selecting the core category around which the other categories are organized, refining relationships, and validating the theory against the data.
  5. Theoretical Saturation: Researchers continue collecting and analyzing data until no new information or categories emerge. This indicates that the theory is well-developed and grounded in the data.

Applications and Impact

Grounded theory has been widely used across various fields, including sociology, psychology, education, nursing, and business. Its flexibility and inductive nature make it particularly useful for exploring new or complex phenomena where existing theories may not adequately explain the data.

For example, in healthcare, grounded theory has been used to understand patient experiences, the dynamics of healthcare teams, and the development of health policies. In education, it has helped uncover the processes of learning and teaching, student motivation, and curriculum development.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its strengths, grounded theory is not without its challenges and criticisms. Some researchers argue that the method can be too subjective, as the researcherโ€™s interpretations play a significant role in data analysis. Others point out that the iterative nature of data collection and analysis can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Additionally, the divergence in methodologies between Glaser and Strauss has led to debates about the “correct” way to conduct grounded theory research. Researchers must navigate these differing approaches and determine which best fits their study’s goals and context.

Conclusion

Grounded theory research offers a robust framework for generating theories that are deeply rooted in empirical data. Its emphasis on inductive reasoning and iterative analysis allows researchers to uncover the underlying structures of human experience and behavior. While it presents certain challenges, its flexibility and depth make it an invaluable tool in the qualitative research arsenal. By remaining grounded in the data, researchers can develop theories that offer meaningful insights and contribute to a deeper understanding of complex social phenomena.

References

Breckenridge, J., & Jones, D. (2009). Demystifying theoretical sampling in grounded theory research.ย Grounded Theory Review,ย 8(2).

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023).ย Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies. Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Dougherty, D. (2017). Grounded theory research methods.ย The Blackwell companion to organizations, 849-866.

Dunne, C. (2011). The place of the literature review in grounded theory research.ย International journal of social research methodology,ย 14(2), 111-124.

Holton, J. A. (2008). Grounded theory as a general research methodology.ย The grounded theory review,ย 7(2), 67-93.

McGhee, G., Marland, G. R., & Atkinson, J. (2007). Grounded theory research: literature reviewing and reflexivity.ย Journal of advanced nursing,ย 60(3), 334-342.

Oktay, J. S. (2012).ย Grounded theory. Oxford University Press.

Sharma, S. N., & Adeoye, M. A. (2024).ย New Perspectives on Transformative Leadership in Education. EduPedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Research Onion: Understanding the Layers of Research Methodology

Daily writing prompt
What do you do to be involved in the community?

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Research is a fundamental aspect of academia and industry, serving as a cornerstone for innovation, knowledge development, and problem-solving. To conduct effective research, researchers often employ a structured approach known as the Research Onion. The Research Onion metaphorically represents the layers of research methodology, each layer building upon the previous one to uncover deeper insights and understanding. Let’s delve into the layers of the Research Onion to understand its significance and application in the research process.

The research onion, developed by Saunders et al. in 2007, is a widely used model that illustrates the stages involved in designing a research methodology. This model is particularly useful for students and researchers who need to create an organized methodology for their dissertation or research project. The onion’s layers represent different stages of the research process, each building upon the previous one to ensure a comprehensive approach to data collection and analysis.

  1. Philosophical Assumptions: At the core of the Research Onion lay philosophical assumptions that guide the researcher’s worldview and approach to the study. These assumptions may be positivist, interpretivist, or critical in nature, shaping the researcher’s choice of research methods and data collection techniques.
  2. Research Approach: Building upon philosophical assumptions, the research approach determines the overall strategy for conducting the study. It could be deductive, inductive, or abductive, outlining how the researcher moves from theory to data and vice versa.
  3. Strategies: The next layer involves the selection of research strategies, such as experiments, surveys, case studies, or interviews. These strategies dictate how data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted to answer the research questions effectively.
  4. Choices: Within the strategies layer, researchers make specific choices regarding sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods. These choices are crucial in ensuring the research is rigorous, valid, and reliable.
  5. Time Horizon: Time horizon refers to the temporal scope of the study, whether it is cross-sectional or longitudinal. This layer addresses the duration of the research project and the implications of time on data collection and analysis.
  6. Data Collection: The outermost layer of the Research Onion deals with the practical aspects of collecting data through surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments. This layer brings the research process full circle, from conceptualization to empirical evidence.

By understanding and applying the layers of the Research Onion, researchers can navigate the complexities of the research process systematically. Each layer contributes to the overall quality and credibility of the study, ensuring that research findings are robust and actionable.

The research onion is a visual representation of the steps involved in developing a research strategy. It consists of six main layers that are interconnected and influence each other. Each layer represents a specific stage in the research process, from the broadest philosophical considerations to the most detailed practical decisions about data collection and analysis.

Layers of the Research Onion

  1. Research Philosophy: This layer defines the set of principles that guide the research. It encompasses the researcher’s worldview or stance and is often categorized into positivism and interpretivism. Positivism assumes that knowledge is independent of the subject being studied, while interpretivism claims that individual observers have their own perception and understanding of reality.
  2. Approach: This layer involves choosing an appropriate research approach. The two main approaches are deductive and inductive. Deductive research starts with a specific hypothesis based on the literature review and aims to test it in various contexts. Inductive research begins with observations and uses them to develop a new theory.
  3. Strategy: The research strategy is the plan for how the research will be conducted. This can include action research, experimental research, interviews, surveys, case study research, or a systematic literature review. The strategy is chosen based on the data required for the research and the purpose of the study.
  4. Choices of Methods: This layer involves selecting the methods to be used in the research. The options include mono-method, mixed method, and multi-method. Mono-method involves using only one method, while mixed method combines two or more methods, often including both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Multi-method involves using a wide range of methods.
  5. Time Horizons: This layer refers to the time frame of the research. It can be either cross-sectional or longitudinal. Cross-sectional data is collected at a single point in time, while longitudinal data is collected over a period of time.
  6. Data Collection and Analysis: This is the final layer of the research onion, where the researcher decides on the techniques and procedures for collecting and analyzing data. This includes choosing between primary and secondary data, qualitative and quantitative data, and selecting specific data collection methods and analysis techniques.

The Benefits of the Research Onion

The research onion provides several benefits to researchers. It helps create a systematic approach to designing a research methodology, ensuring that all aspects of the research are considered. It also promotes a holistic understanding of the research process, encouraging researchers to think critically about their methodology and how it relates to the broader research goals. Additionally, the research onion is adaptable to various research contexts and can be applied to different types of research projects.

Conclusion

The research onion is a valuable tool for researchers, providing a structured approach to designing a research methodology. By understanding the different layers of the onion, researchers can ensure that their methodology is comprehensive, well-planned, and effective in achieving their research goals.

In conclusion, the Research Onion serves as a comprehensive framework for designing, executing, and interpreting research in a structured and methodical manner. By peeling back each layer of the Research Onion, researchers can uncover valuable insights, contribute to knowledge advancement, and make informed decisions based on empirical evidence.

References

Alturki, R. (2021). Research onion for smart IoT-enabled mobile applications. Scientific programming2021, 1-9.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies. Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Exploring the Distinctions between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. Think India Journal27(1), 7-15.

Lanzotti, V. (2006). The analysis of onion and garlic. Journal of chromatography A1112(1-2), 3-22.

Mardiana, S. (2020). Modifying research onion for information systems research. Solid State Technology63(4), 5304-5313.

Melnikovas, A. (2018). Towards an Explicit Research Methodology: Adapting Research Onion Model for Futures Studies. Journal of futures Studies23(2).

Sharma, S. N., Dehalwar, K., Kumar, G., & Vyas, S. (2023). Redefining Peri-urban Urban Areas. Thematics Journal of Geography12(3), 7-13.

Sharma, S. N. (2020). A Review of Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana. Think India Journal23(1), 26-32.

What are Different Types of Data

Daily writing prompt
What are your favorite emojis?

By Kavita Dehalwar

Research involves collecting various types of data to investigate hypotheses, answer questions, and evaluate outcomes. The choice of data type largely depends on the research question, the methodology, and the field of study. Here are some common types of data used in research:

1. Quantitative Data

Quantitative data is numerical and can be measured and quantified. This type of data is often used in scientific, economic, and administrative research. It allows for statistical analysis and can be displayed in graphs, tables, or charts. Examples include population counts, test scores, or time duration.

2. Qualitative Data

Qualitative data is descriptive and is used to capture concepts, opinions, or experiences. This type of data can be collected through interviews, observations, or textual analysis and is common in social sciences and humanities. It provides depth and detail through direct quotes and summaries. Examples include interview transcripts, field notes, or videos.

3. Primary Data

Primary data is data collected firsthand by the researcher for the specific purpose of their study. It is original and can be both qualitative and quantitative. Methods of collecting primary data include surveys, experiments, and direct observations.

4. Secondary Data

Secondary data refers to data that was collected by someone else for a different purpose but is being utilized by a researcher for a new study. This can include data from previous research studies, governmental records, historical documents, and statistical databases.

5. Categorical Data

Categorical data represents characteristics and can be divided into groups or categories. It is often non-numerical and includes types such as binary data (e.g., gender, yes/no answers), nominal data (e.g., types of fruit), or ordinal data (e.g., rankings or scales).

6. Continuous Data

Continuous data can take any value within a given range and is often used in technical and scientific research. Measurements like height, weight, and temperature are examples of continuous data.

7. Time-Series Data

Time-series data consists of sequences of values or events obtained over repeated time intervals. This type of data is used extensively in economics, meteorology, and finance to analyze trends over time. Examples include stock prices, weather data, and economic indicators.

8. Cross-Sectional Data

Cross-sectional data is collected at a single point in time or over a short period and represents a snapshot of a particular phenomenon. This type of data is commonly used in economics and social sciences to analyze a population at a specific point in time.

9. Longitudinal Data

Longitudinal data, or panel data, is collected over long periods and can be used to observe changes over time. This data type is crucial in medical, social, and psychological studies to evaluate changes in the same subjects over extended periods.

Photo by ThisIsEngineering on Pexels.com

10. Big Data

Big data refers to extremely large data sets that may be complex, multi-dimensional, unstructured, or structured. Big data is characterized by the three V’s: volume, velocity, and variety, and requires special techniques and technologies for analysis. It’s used in fields like genomics, meteorology, and business analytics.

Each type of data has its strengths and limitations and choosing the right type is essential for obtaining valid and reliable results. Researchers must consider their research objectives and available methods to decide the most appropriate type of data for their studies.

References

Dehalwar, K. Mastering Qualitative Data Analysis and Report Writing: A Guide for Researchers.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Exploring the Distinctions between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods.ย Think India Journal,ย 27(1), 7-15.

Flowerdew, R., & Green, M. (1994). Areal interpolation and types of data.ย Spatial analysis and GIS,ย 121, 145.

Greenhalgh, T. (1997). How to read a paper: Statistics for the non-statistician. I: Different types of data need different statistical tests.ย Bmj,ย 315(7104), 364-366.

Jolliffe, I. T. (2002).ย Principal component analysis for special types of dataย (pp. 338-372). Springer New York.

Phillips, P. P., & Stawarski, C. A. (2008).ย Data collection: Planning for and collecting all types of data. John Wiley & Sons.

Sharma, S. N., Dehalwar, K., & Singh, J. (2023). Cellular Automata Model for Smart Urban Growth Management.

Understanding Scientometric Analysis: Applications and Implications

Daily writing prompt
How do you unwind after a demanding day?

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

In the era of big data and information explosion, scientometric analysis emerges as a powerful tool to evaluate and map the landscape of scientific research. This methodological approach involves the quantitative study of science, technology, and innovation, focusing primarily on the analysis of publications, patents, and other forms of scholarly literature. By leveraging data-driven techniques, scientometrics aids in understanding the development, distribution, and impact of research activities across various disciplines.

What is Scientometric Analysis?

Scientometric analysis refers to the study of the quantitative aspects of science as a communication process. The field applies statistical and computational methods to analyze scientific literature, aiming to uncover trends, patterns, and network interactions among researchers, institutions, and countries. Common metrics used in scientometrics include citation counts, h-index, impact factors, and co-authorship networks.

Applications of Scientometric Analysis

  1. Research Evaluation: Scientometrics provides tools for assessing the impact and quality of research outputs. Universities, funding agencies, and policymakers use these metrics to make informed decisions regarding funding allocations, tenure appointments, and strategic planning.
  2. Trend Analysis: By examining publication and citation patterns, scientometrics helps identify emerging fields and trends in scientific research. This insight is crucial for researchers and institutions aiming to stay at the forefront of innovation.
  3. Collaboration Networks: Analysis of co-authorship and citation networks offers valuable information about the collaboration patterns within and across disciplines. This can highlight influential researchers and key collaborative groups.
  4. Policy and Strategic Planning: Government and organizational leaders use scientometric analysis to shape science policy and research strategies. Insights gained from such analyses can guide the allocation of resources and efforts towards areas with the greatest potential impact.

Challenges in Scientometric Analysis

Despite its usefulness, scientometric analysis faces several challenges:

  • Data Quality and Accessibility: The reliability of scientometric studies depends heavily on the quality and completeness of the data. Issues such as publication biases and limited access to full datasets can affect the accuracy of analysis.
  • Overemphasis on Metrics: There is a risk of placing too much emphasis on quantitative metrics like citation counts, which may not fully capture the scientific value of research. This can lead to skewed perceptions and decisions.
  • Interdisciplinary Research: Quantifying the impact of interdisciplinary research is complex due to the diverse nature of such studies. Standard metrics may not adequately reflect their value or impact.

Future Directions

As scientometric techniques continue to evolve, integration with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning is likely. These advancements could enhance the ability to process and analyze large datasets, providing deeper insights and more accurate predictions. Additionally, there is a growing call for more nuanced metrics that can account for the quality and societal impact of research, beyond traditional citation analysis.

Conclusion

Scientometric analysis stands as a cornerstone in understanding the dynamics of scientific research. While it offers significant insights, it is crucial to approach its findings with an understanding of its limitations and the context of the data used. As the field advances, a balanced view that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative assessments will be essential for harnessing the full potential of scientometric insights in shaping the future of scientific inquiry.

References

Chen, C., Hu, Z., Liu, S., & Tseng, H. (2012). Emerging trends in regenerative medicine: a scientometric analysis in CiteSpace.ย Expert opinion on biological therapy,ย 12(5), 593-608.

Darko, A., Chan, A. P., Huo, X., & Owusu-Manu, D. G. (2019). A scientometric analysis and visualization of global green building research.ย Building and Environment,ย 149, 501-511.

Heilig, L., & VoรŸ, S. (2014). A scientometric analysis of cloud computing literature.ย IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing,ย 2(3), 266-278.

Mooghali, A., Alijani, R., Karami, N., & Khasseh, A. A. (2011). Scientometric analysis of the scientometric literature.ย International Journal of Information Science and Management (IJISM),ย 9(1), 19-31.

Ramy, A., Floody, J., Ragab, M. A., & Arisha, A. (2018). A scientometric analysis of Knowledge Management Research and Practice literature: 2003โ€“2015.ย Knowledge Management Research & Practice,ย 16(1), 66-77.

Understanding Meta-Analysis: A Comprehensive Research Technique

Daily writing prompt
Jot down the first thing that comes to your mind.

By Kavita Dehalwar

Meta-analysis is a statistical technique used for combining the findings from independent studies to identify patterns, discrepancies, and overall effects. This paper provides a thorough review of the meta-analysis method, including its methodology, applications, advantages, and limitations. By synthesizing data across multiple studies, meta-analysis increases statistical power and improves estimates of effect size, offering robust insights that are often more reliable than those derived from individual studies.

Introduction

Meta-analysis has become a pivotal research tool in various fields including medicine, psychology, education, and social sciences. It addresses the problem of limited sample sizes and inconsistent findings across studies by aggregating results to draw more generalized conclusions. This paper explores the fundamental principles of meta-analysis, its procedural steps, and the importance of addressing heterogeneity and publication bias in research synthesis.

Methodology of Meta-Analysis

  1. Literature Search and Study Selection:
    • Detailed description of systematic search strategies to identify relevant studies.
    • Criteria for inclusion and exclusion of studies, focusing on study design, quality, and relevance.
  2. Data Extraction and Coding:
    • Procedures for extracting necessary data from selected studies.
    • Coding strategies for categorical and continuous variables.
  3. Statistical Analysis:
    • Explanation of effect size computation, such as odds ratios, risk ratios, and standardized mean differences.
    • Techniques for aggregating effect sizes, including fixed-effects and random-effects models.
    • Assessment of heterogeneity using statistics like Iยฒ and Q-test.
    • Exploration of potential moderators through subgroup analysis or meta-regression.
  4. Assessment of Publication Bias:
    • Methods for detecting publication bias, such as funnel plots and Egger’s test.

Applications of Meta-Analysis

  • Medical Sciences: Enhancing evidence-based medicine by combining results from clinical trials.
  • Social Sciences: Addressing broad questions about human behavior by synthesizing research findings.
  • Environmental Studies: Evaluating the impact of interventions on environmental outcomes.

Advantages of Meta-Analysis

  • Increased Power and Precision: Ability to detect effects that individual studies may not.
  • Resolution of Controversies: Capability to reconcile conflicting results from different studies.
  • Policy Making: Providing evidence that can guide decision-making processes.

Limitations and Challenges

  • Variability in Study Quality: Impact of including studies of varying quality on the overall analysis.
  • Heterogeneity: Challenges posed by variations in study populations, settings, and designs.
  • Publication Bias: The tendency of publishing only studies with positive findings affecting the meta-analysis outcome.

Case Study

A detailed case study on a meta-analysis conducted in the field of cardiovascular research, illustrating the process and impact of this technique in advancing understanding of drug efficacy.

Conclusion

Meta-analysis serves as a powerful tool that can enhance understanding and inform practice across various disciplines. While it presents certain challenges, its ability to synthesize large bodies of research and provide high-level evidence supports its continued use and development. Future research should focus on improving methodologies for handling data diversity and enhancing transparency in the meta-analysis process.

References

Borenstein, M., Hedges, L. V., Higgins, J. P., & Rothstein, H. R. (2021).ย Introduction to meta-analysis. John Wiley & Sons.

Crits-Christoph, P. (1992). A Meta-analysis.ย American journal of Psychiatry,ย 149, 151-158.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Exploring the Distinctions between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods.ย Think India Journal,ย 27(1), 7-15.

Field, A. P., & Gillett, R. (2010). How to do a metaโ€analysis.ย British Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology,ย 63(3), 665-694.

Guzzo, R. A., Jackson, S. E., & Katzell, R. A. (1987). Meta-analysis analysis.ย Research in organizational behavior,ย 9(1), 407-442.

Hedges, L. V., & Tipton, E. (2010). Meta-analysis.ย Handbook of Behavioral Medicine: Methods and Applications, 909-921.

Hunter, J. E., & Schmidt, F. L. (1982). Meta-analysis. Inย Advances in educational and psychological testing: Theory and applicationsย (pp. 157-183). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.

Sharma, S. N. Techniques of Meta-Analysis for Unlocking Knowledge.

Introduction to Delphi Research Technique

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Delphi research is a methodical and structured communication technique, originally developed as a systematic, interactive forecasting method which relies on a panel of experts. The Delphi method is widely used in various research fields including health, education, and social sciences, aiming to achieve convergence of opinion on a specific real-world issue. The essence of the method lies in a series of rounds of questionnaires sent to a panel of selected experts. Responses are collected and aggregated after each round, and anonymized results are shared with the panel until consensus is reached, or the returns diminish marginally.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting Delphi Research

Step 1: Define the Problem and Research Questions

The first step in Delphi research is to clearly define the problem and establish specific research questions that need answering. This involves identifying the key issues at hand and formulating questions that are specific, measurable, and suitable for expert interrogation. It is crucial that the problem is framed in a way that harnesses the expertsโ€™ knowledge effectively.

Step 2: Choose a Facilitator

A neutral facilitator, often a researcher, is responsible for designing the study, choosing participants, distributing questionnaires, and synthesizing the responses. The facilitator must possess good communication skills and be capable of summarizing information in an unbiased manner.

Step 3: Select the Panel of Experts

The quality of the Delphi study heavily depends on the panel selected. Experts should be chosen based on their knowledge, experience, and expertise related to the topic. The panel size can vary but typically ranges from 10 to 50 members. Diversity in panel composition can enrich the results, bringing in multiple perspectives.

Step 4: Develop and Send the First Round Questionnaire

The initial questionnaire should gather basic information on the issue and understand the perspectives of the experts. Open-ended questions are useful at this stage to capture a wide range of ideas and insights. The questionnaire should be clear and concise to avoid misinterpretation.

Step 5: Analyze Responses

After the first round, responses are collected and analyzed. The facilitator plays a key role in summarizing these responses, identifying areas of agreement and divergence. This summary is crucial as it forms the basis for subsequent rounds.

Step 6: Iterative Rounds

Based on the summary of the first round, subsequent questionnaires are crafted to delve deeper into the topic, focusing on areas where consensus was not achieved. These rounds are more structured and often use scaled questions to measure the level of agreement or the ranking of priorities. The process is repeated, with each round refining and narrowing down the scope of inquiry based on the latest set of responses.

Step 7: Reach Consensus

The Delphi process continues until a consensus is reached or when additional rounds no longer provide significant changes in responses. It’s important to define what constitutes a “consensus” in the context of the study, which can be a certain percentage agreement among the experts.

Step 8: Report the Findings

The final step involves compiling the findings into a comprehensive report that outlines the consensus achieved, differences in opinions, the methodology used, and the implications of the findings. The report should be clear and detailed to allow for further academic scrutiny or practical application.

Tips for Effective Delphi Research

  • Preparation is Key: Spend adequate time designing the study and formulating the questionnaire.
  • Maintain Anonymity: Anonymity helps prevent the dominance of certain opinions and reduces the bandwagon effect.
  • Feedback: Regular and clear feedback between rounds helps inform the experts of the group’s progress and encourages thoughtful responses.
  • Patience and Persistence: Delphi studies can be time-consuming, and maintaining engagement from all participants throughout the rounds can be challenging but is crucial for the richness of the data.

Conclusion

Delphi research is a powerful tool for harnessing expert opinion and fostering a deep understanding of complex issues. By following a structured and systematic process, researchers can effectively manage the complexities of group communications and make informed predictions or decisions in their fields of study.

References

Balasubramanian, R., & Agarwal, D. (2012). Delphi technique–a review. International Journal of Public Health Dentistry3(2), 16-26.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies. Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Green, R. A. (2014). The Delphi technique in educational research. Sage Open4(2), 2158244014529773.

Hasson, F., Keeney, S., & McKenna, H. (2000). Research guidelines for the Delphi survey technique. Journal of advanced nursing32(4), 1008-1015.

Hasson, F., & Keeney, S. (2011). Enhancing rigour in the Delphi technique research. Technological forecasting and social change78(9), 1695-1704.

Jain, Sarika, Kavita Dehalwar, and Shashikant Nishant Sharma. “Explanation of Delphi research method and expert opinion surveys.”ย Think Indiaย 27, no. 4 (2024): 37-48.

Keeney, S., Hasson, F., & McKenna, H. P. (2001). A critical review of the Delphi technique as a research methodology for nursing.ย International journal of nursing studies,ย 38(2), 195-200.

Ogbeifun, E., Agwa-Ejon, J., Mbohwa, C., & Pretorius, J. H. (2016). The Delphi technique: A credible research methodology.

Williams, P. L., & Webb, C. (1994). The Delphi technique: a methodological discussion. Journal of advanced nursing19(1), 180-186.

Different Types of Survey Methods

Daily writing prompt
If you could be a character from a book or film, who would you be? Why?

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Survey methods are essential tools for researchers to gather data from individuals about their opinions, behaviors, attitudes, and demographics. There are various survey methods, each with its strengths and weaknesses, suitable for different research contexts. Here are some common survey methods:

Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com
  1. Questionnaires: Questionnaires are written sets of questions administered to respondents, who provide written answers. They can be distributed in person, via mail, email, or online platforms. Questionnaires are cost-effective, allow for anonymity, and can reach a large audience. However, they may suffer from low response rates and respondent bias.
  2. Interviews: Interviews involve direct interaction between the researcher and the respondent. They can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured. Structured interviews follow a predetermined set of questions, while semi-structured and unstructured interviews allow for more flexibility and follow-up questions. Interviews are useful for gathering in-depth qualitative data but can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
  3. Telephone Surveys: Telephone surveys involve contacting respondents by phone and asking them a series of questions. They can reach a diverse sample and have higher response rates compared to mail surveys. However, they are becoming less common due to declining landline usage and the increasing use of mobile phones, which are more challenging to survey.
  4. Online Surveys: Online surveys are conducted over the internet through email invitations, website pop-ups, or social media platforms. They are cost-effective, allow for easy data collection and analysis, and can reach a large and diverse audience. However, they may suffer from selection bias, as respondents need access to the internet, and there is a risk of fraudulent responses.
  5. Face-to-Face Surveys: Face-to-face surveys involve interviewing respondents in person, either at their homes, in public places, or through intercepts. They allow for high response rates, clarification of questions, and observation of non-verbal cues. However, they can be costly and time-consuming, and respondents may feel uncomfortable disclosing sensitive information in person.
  6. Mixed-Methods Surveys: Mixed-methods surveys combine quantitative and qualitative approaches to gather comprehensive data. For example, a survey might include closed-ended questions for quantitative analysis and open-ended questions for qualitative insights. Mixed-methods surveys provide a more complete understanding of the research topic but require careful planning and analysis.

When selecting a survey method, researchers should consider factors such as the research objectives, target population, budget, timeline, and resources available. Additionally, researchers must ensure ethical considerations, such as obtaining informed consent, protecting respondent privacy, and minimizing bias, throughout the survey process.

References

Bethlehem, J. (2009).ย Applied survey methods: A statistical perspective. John Wiley & Sons.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023).ย Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies. Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Exploring the Distinctions between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods.ย Think India Journal,ย 27(1), 7-15.

Dehalwar, V., Kalam, A., Kolhe, M. L., & Zayegh, A. (2016, October). Review of machine to machine communication in smart grid. Inย 2016 International Conference on Smart Grid and Clean Energy Technologies (ICSGCE)ย (pp. 134-139). IEEE.

Fowler Jr, F. J. (2013).ย Survey research methods. Sage publications.

Moser, C. A., & Kalton, G. (2017).ย Survey methods in social investigation. Routledge.

Reang, R., Dehalwar, V., & Pateriya, R. K. (2024, February). Deep Learning Techniques for Automatic Text Summarization: A Review. Inย 2024 IEEE International Students’ Conference on Electrical, Electronics and Computer Science (SCEECS)ย (pp. 1-6). IEEE.

Schwarz, N., Groves, R. M., & Schuman, H. (1998). Survey methods.ย The handbook of social psychology,ย 1, 143-179.

Mastering Qualitative Data Analysis and Report Writing: A Guide for Researchers

Daily writing prompt
What job would you do for free?

By Kavita Dehalwar

Qualitative research methods have gained prominence in academia and industry alike for their ability to provide rich insights into complex phenomena. However, mastering qualitative data analysis and report writing can be challenging for novice researchers. In this article, we will explore the essential steps in teaching qualitative research methods and report writing to help researchers effectively analyze data and communicate their findings.

Understanding Qualitative Data Analysis: Qualitative data analysis involves a systematic approach to interpreting textual or visual data to uncover patterns, themes, and meanings. Unlike quantitative methods that focus on numerical data and statistical analysis, qualitative analysis emphasizes understanding the context, perspectives, and experiences of participants. Here are key steps in qualitative data analysis:

  1. Data Preparation: Organize and transcribe raw data such as interviews, focus group discussions, or observations. This step ensures data are ready for analysis and facilitates easy access during the process.
  2. Familiarization: Immersing oneself in the data by reading and re-reading transcripts or viewing recordings helps researchers gain familiarity with the content and identify initial patterns or themes.
  3. Coding: Coding involves systematically labeling segments of data with descriptive or interpretive tags. Researchers use codes to categorize data based on commonalities, differences, or recurring concepts.
  4. Theme Development: Once coding is complete, researchers identify overarching themes or patterns within the coded data. Themes represent meaningful clusters of codes that capture key aspects of the research topic.
  5. Interpretation: Researchers interpret the identified themes by examining their significance in relation to the research questions or objectives. This involves exploring relationships between themes, considering contextual factors, and generating explanations or theories.

Teaching Qualitative Data Analysis: Teaching qualitative data analysis requires a combination of theoretical understanding and practical skills development. Here are some strategies for effective instruction:

  1. Theory and Concepts: Begin by introducing students to the fundamental principles of qualitative research, including its philosophical underpinnings, epistemological assumptions, and methodological approaches. Help students understand the rationale behind qualitative data analysis and its suitability for exploring complex social phenomena.
  2. Hands-on Practice: Provide opportunities for students to engage in hands-on data analysis exercises using real or simulated data sets. Encourage them to practice coding, identifying themes, and interpreting findings under guided supervision.
  3. Software Training: Familiarize students with qualitative data analysis software such as NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or MAXQDA. Demonstrate how these tools can streamline the coding process, facilitate data organization, and support collaborative analysis.
  4. Peer Collaboration: Promote peer collaboration and discussion among students to facilitate knowledge sharing, peer feedback, and collective sense-making. Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups to analyze data collaboratively and compare their interpretations.

Report Writing: Effective report writing is essential for communicating qualitative research findings in a clear, coherent, and compelling manner. Here are key elements of a well-written qualitative research report:

  1. Introduction: Provide a concise overview of the research topic, objectives, and methodology. Clearly articulate the research questions or hypotheses guiding the study and justify the use of qualitative methods.
  2. Literature Review: Situate the study within the existing literature by reviewing relevant theoretical frameworks, prior research findings, and conceptual debates. Identify gaps or unresolved issues that the current study aims to address.
  3. Methodology: Describe the research design, data collection methods, and sampling strategy in detail. Explain how data were analyzed, including the coding process, software used (if applicable), and criteria for theme development.
  4. Findings: Present the key findings of the study, organized around the identified themes or patterns. Use quotes, excerpts, or visual representations to illustrate and support each theme. Provide rich descriptive detail and contextual information to enhance understanding.
  5. Discussion: Interpret the findings in relation to the research questions and theoretical framework. Discuss the implications of the findings for theory, practice, or policy, and consider any limitations or challenges encountered during the study.
  6. Conclusion: Summarize the main findings, reiterate the significance of the study, and suggest directions for future research. Reflect on the broader implications of the research and its contribution to knowledge in the field.

Conclusion: Teaching qualitative research methods and report writing requires a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills development, and hands-on experience. By following a systematic approach to qualitative data analysis and report writing, researchers can effectively uncover insights, generate new knowledge, and communicate their findings to diverse audiences. With proper guidance and support, novice researchers can master the art of qualitative inquiry and make meaningful contributions to their respective fields of study.

References

Christensen, L. B., Johnson, B., Turner, L. A., & Christensen, L. B. (2011). Research methods, design, and analysis.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023).ย Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies. Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Exploring the Distinctions between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods.ย Think India Journal,ย 27(1), 7-15.

Lancaster, G. (2007).ย Research methods in management. Routledge.

Patten, M. L. (2016).ย Understanding research methods: An overview of the essentials. Routledge.

Sevilla, C. G. (1992).ย Research methods. Rex Bookstore, Inc..

Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2023). Council of Planning for Promoting Planning Education and Planning Professionals.ย Journal of Planning Education and Research,ย 43(4), 748-749.

Terrell, S. R. (2012). Mixed-methods research methodologies.ย Qualitative report,ย 17(1), 254-280.

Williams, C. (2007). Research methods.ย Journal of Business & Economics Research (JBER),ย 5(3).

Understanding the Distinction: Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

Bloganuary writing prompt
If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be?

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Research is a fundamental component of advancing knowledge and understanding various phenomena. In the realm of research, two primary methodologies, quantitative and qualitative, serve distinct purposes and contribute uniquely to the exploration of diverse topics. This article aims to delve into the differences between quantitative and qualitative research, highlighting their characteristics, methodologies, and the advantages they bring to the research process.

Quantitative Research:

Quantitative research is a systematic, empirical investigation that employs statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques to collect and analyze numerical data. This method aims to quantify relationships, patterns, and trends within a population or sample. Key characteristics of quantitative research include:

  1. Objective Measurement: Quantitative research relies on objective measurement and numerical data. Researchers use structured instruments such as surveys, questionnaires, or experiments to gather information.
  2. Statistical Analysis: Data collected in quantitative research is subjected to statistical analysis. This involves the use of mathematical models to identify patterns, correlations, and trends in the data.
  3. Large Sample Sizes: Quantitative studies often involve large sample sizes to ensure the generalizability of findings to a broader population.
  4. Replicability: The emphasis on numerical data and statistical analysis allows for the replication of studies by other researchers to validate or challenge the initial findings.

Quantitative research is particularly valuable in fields such as psychology, economics, and public health where numerical data can provide precise insights into patterns and trends.

Qualitative Research:

Qualitative research, on the other hand, focuses on exploring and understanding the complexities of human experiences, behaviors, and social phenomena through non-numerical data. This method aims to uncover the underlying meanings, motivations, and cultural contexts associated with a particular subject. Key characteristics of qualitative research include:

  1. In-depth Exploration: Qualitative research emphasizes in-depth exploration and understanding of the subject matter. Researchers use methods like interviews, focus groups, and participant observation to gather rich, descriptive data.
  2. Subjectivity and Context: Qualitative research acknowledges the subjective nature of human experiences and considers the influence of context on behaviors and perceptions.
  3. Emergent Design: Unlike the rigid structure of quantitative research, qualitative studies often have an emergent design, allowing researchers to adapt their approach based on ongoing analysis and findings.
  4. Small Sample Sizes: Qualitative studies typically involve smaller sample sizes, allowing for a detailed examination of individual cases.

Qualitative research is particularly valuable in fields such as anthropology, sociology, and psychology where a deep understanding of human behavior and social phenomena is essential.

Comparative Analysis:

While both methodologies contribute valuable insights to the research landscape, they have distinct strengths and limitations. Quantitative research provides objective, generalizable data suitable for statistical analysis and hypothesis testing. In contrast, qualitative research offers a nuanced understanding of complex human phenomena, capturing the depth and context often missed by quantitative methods.

Below is a comparative table highlighting the key differences between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies:

AspectQuantitative ResearchQualitative Research
Data TypeNumerical data (quantifiable and measurable)Non-numerical data (textual, visual, narrative)
ObjectiveObjectively measures relationships, patterns, and trendsSubjectively explores meanings, motivations, and contexts
MethodologyStructured and standardized instruments (surveys, experiments)Unstructured and flexible methods (interviews, focus groups, observation)
Sample SizeLarge sample sizes for generalizabilitySmall sample sizes for in-depth exploration
Statistical AnalysisExtensive use of statistical analysis for patterns and correlationsLimited or no statistical analysis; emphasis on interpretation
ReplicabilityHighly replicable due to standardized methods and statistical rigorLimited replicability; context-dependent findings
PurposeTesting hypotheses, making predictions, establishing causationExploring complex phenomena, understanding context and meaning
ValidityHigh internal and external validity due to controlled environmentsHigh ecological validity, capturing real-world contexts
FlexibilityRigidity in research design and data collection proceduresFlexibility in research design, allowing for emergent insights
Research SettingsOften conducted in controlled settings (labs, surveys)Conducted in natural settings (fieldwork, real-world contexts)
Common FieldsPsychology, economics, public healthSociology, anthropology, psychology, humanities
Data RepresentationCharts, graphs, statistical tablesQuotes, narratives, themes, visual representations
Ethical ConsiderationsFocus on confidentiality, informed consent, and protection of participantsEmphasis on participant voices, ethical considerations in interpretation

This table provides a concise overview of the main distinctions between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. It’s important to note that researchers often choose a methodology based on the nature of their research questions and objectives, and a combination of both methods (mixed methods) is increasingly common in contemporary research practice.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the choice between quantitative and qualitative research depends on the research question, objectives, and the nature of the phenomena under investigation. Researchers often employ a mixed-methods approach, combining both methodologies to gain a comprehensive understanding of their research topic. The dynamic interplay between quantitative and qualitative research continues to shape our understanding of diverse disciplines, fostering a holistic approach to knowledge generation and advancement.

References

Clark, V. L. P., Creswell, J. W., Green, D. O. N., & Shope, R. J. (2008). Mixing quantitative and qualitative approaches.ย Handbook of emergent methods,ย 363, 363-387.

Cook, T. D., & Reichardt, C. S. (Eds.). (1979).ย Qualitative and quantitative methods in evaluation researchย (Vol. 1). Beverly Hills, CA: Sage publications.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies.

Dehalwar, K., & Singh, J. (2015). A Critical Evaluation of the main Causes of Water Management Problems in Indian Urban Areas.ย International Research Journal of Environment Sciences. 4,ย 8.

Gerring, J. (2017). Qualitative methods.ย Annual review of political science,ย 20, 15-36.

McEvoy, P., & Richards, D. (2006). A critical realist rationale for using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods.ย Journal of research in nursing,ย 11(1), 66-78.

Punch, K. F. (2008). Quantitative and qualitative approaches.ย The Sociology of Healthcare: A Reader for Health Professionals, 51.

Roessner, D. (2000). Quantitative and qualitative methods and measures in the evaluation of research.ย Research Evaluation,ย 9(2), 125-132.

Sechrest, L., & Sidani, S. (1995). Quantitative and qualitative methods:: Is There an Alternative?.ย Evaluation and program planning,ย 18(1), 77-87.

Sharma, S. N., Chatterjee, S., & Dehalwar, K. (2023). Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme: Challenges and Opportunities.ย Think India Journal,ย 26(1), 7-15.

Sharma, S. N. (2016). Introduction to Sociology.ย New Perspectives in Sociology and Allied Fields, 1.

Sharma, S. N. Techniques of Meta-Analysis for Unlocking Knowledge.

Sharma, S. N. (2015). Introduction to Sociology.ย Journal for Studies in Management and Planning,ย 1(8), 32-36.

Watzlawik, M., & Born, A. (Eds.). (2007).ย Capturing identity: Quantitative and qualitative methods. University Press of America.

Yousefi Nooraie, R., Sale, J. E., Marin, A., & Ross, L. E. (2020). Social network analysis: An example of fusion between quantitative and qualitative methods.ย Journal of Mixed Methods Research,ย 14(1), 110-124.

Guidelines for Writing Articles on Track2Training Portal

By Track2Traing Editorial Team

Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com

Introduction: Writing articles for the Track2Training portal is an excellent opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. To ensure a smooth and efficient publication process, please follow these guidelines.

1. Length and Format: Articles should be comprehensive, with a minimum length of 500 words. Ensure that your article is well-organized, using headings and sub-headings for clarity and improved readability.

2. Author Information: Include your full name in bold italics just below the article title. Additionally, provide your affiliation to give readers context about your background.

3. Submission and Review Process: Submission of quality articles will be followed by a review process. If the reviewer approves the article, it will be published within 7 days of submission.

4. Originality and Plagiarism: All submissions must be original work. Avoid plagiarism by properly citing sources. Use your own words to convey information and cite any external content appropriately.

5. Theme or Topic: Stick to one theme or topic per article. This ensures clarity and allows readers to focus on a specific subject. Each author is allowed a maximum of four articles per month.

6. Use of Images: Enhance the attractiveness of your article by including royalty-free images. Images should be relevant to the content and sourced appropriately.

7. References: Include at least five references at the end of your article. Use APA or MLA format for citations. This adds credibility to your work and allows readers to explore further.

Sample References (APA Format):

  1. Last Name, F. M. (Year). Title of the Article. Title of the Journal, Volume(Issue), Page Range. DOI or URL
  2. Last Name, F. M., & Last Name, F. M. (Year). Book Title. Publisher.
  3. Last Name, F. M., Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of the Chapter. In Book Title (pp. Pages). Publisher.
  4. Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the Report. Publisher. URL
  5. Last Name, F. M. (Year). Title of the Conference Paper. In Proceedings of the Conference Name (pp. Pages). DOI or URL

Conclusion: Writing for Track2Training is an opportunity to contribute valuable insights to the community. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth submission and publication process, ultimately sharing your expertise with a wider audience. We look forward to your contributions!

Send your write-up to contact@track2training.com

What is Focus Group Discussion Research Technique

Bloganuary writing prompt
Think back on your most memorable road trip.

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Focus Group Discussion (FGD) is a qualitative research technique that plays a crucial role in exploring and understanding complex social phenomena. This method brings together a small, diverse group of participants to discuss a specific topic under the guidance of a skilled moderator. Through open and dynamic interaction, FGDs provide researchers with rich insights into participants’ perspectives, attitudes, and experiences.

Key Components of Focus Group Discussions:

  1. Participants:
    • FGDs typically involve 6 to 12 participants who share common characteristics relevant to the research question. Participants are selected to ensure diversity in opinions and experiences.
  2. Moderator:
    • A skilled moderator facilitates the discussion, guiding participants through the conversation while encouraging openness. Moderators use a predetermined set of open-ended questions to explore various aspects of the research topic.
  3. Focus Group Guide:
    • A carefully crafted set of questions, known as a focus group guide, serves as the backbone of the discussion. These questions are open-ended, allowing participants to express their thoughts freely.
  4. Setting:
    • FGDs are conducted in a conducive environment that promotes open communication. The setting should be comfortable, neutral, and free from distractions to encourage participants to share their thoughts openly.
  5. Recording:
    • Sessions are often recorded, either through audio or video, to capture the richness of the discussion. This allows researchers to revisit and analyze the data more thoroughly.

The Focus Group Discussion Process:

  1. Introduction:
    • The session begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the purpose of the discussion. Participants are encouraged to express their opinions freely, creating a comfortable atmosphere.
  2. Warm-up Questions:
    • To ease participants into the discussion, moderators start with broad and non-threatening questions. This helps build rapport and sets the tone for more in-depth exploration.
  3. Main Discussion:
    • The moderator guides the conversation using the focus group guide, allowing participants to express their thoughts and react to each other’s comments. This interactive process often leads to the emergence of shared understandings and diverse perspectives.
  4. Probing and Clarification:
    • Moderators use probing techniques to delve deeper into participants’ responses, seeking clarification and encouraging a more detailed exploration of ideas. This helps uncover nuanced insights.
  5. Closing:
    • The session concludes with a summary of key points and a debriefing with participants. This provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on the discussion and ask any final questions.

Advantages of Focus Group Discussions:

  1. Rich Data:
    • FGDs generate in-depth qualitative data, capturing the complexity and nuances of participants’ perspectives.
  2. Group Dynamics:
    • Interactions within the group can reveal social dynamics, shared beliefs, and divergent opinions that may not surface in individual interviews.
  3. Real-time Insights:
    • The dynamic nature of FGDs allows researchers to capture real-time reactions and responses, providing a more authentic understanding of participants’ perspectives.
  4. Exploratory Nature:
    • FGDs are particularly useful in the early stages of research when exploring new topics or generating hypotheses.
  5. Cost-Effective:
    • Compared to one-on-one interviews, FGDs can be a more cost-effective way to gather insights from multiple participants simultaneously.

Challenges and Considerations:

  1. Group Influence:
    • Group dynamics may lead to conformity or hesitation in expressing dissenting opinions. Skilled moderation is crucial to mitigate these effects.
  2. Moderator Bias:
    • Moderators must be aware of their biases and strive to maintain neutrality to ensure the discussion remains participant-driven.
  3. Data Analysis Complexity:
    • Analyzing FGD data can be complex due to the multitude of perspectives. Thorough analysis involves identifying patterns, themes, and divergent viewpoints.
  4. Generalization Limitations:
    • Findings from FGDs are often context-specific and may not be easily generalized to larger populations. Therefore, researchers should complement FGDs with other research methods for a more comprehensive understanding.

In conclusion, Focus Group Discussions are a powerful qualitative research technique that provides valuable insights into the social, cultural, and behavioral dimensions of a research question. When conducted with careful planning, skilled moderation, and thoughtful analysis, FGDs contribute significantly to the depth and richness of qualitative research. Researchers across various disciplines continue to embrace this method as an essential tool in unraveling the complexities of human experience and perception.

References

Bohnsack, R. (2004). Group discussion and focus groups.ย A companion to qualitative research, 214-221.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies.

Dehalwar, K., & Singh, J. (2015). A Critical Evaluation of the main Causes of Water Management Problems in Indian Urban Areas.ย International Research Journal of Environment Sciences. 4,ย 8.

Hennink, M. M. (2013).ย Focus group discussions. Oxford University Press.

Moretti, F., van Vliet, L., Bensing, J., Deledda, G., Mazzi, M., Rimondini, M., … & Fletcher, I. (2011). A standardized approach to qualitative content analysis of focus group discussions from different countries.ย Patient education and counseling,ย 82(3), 420-428.

O. Nyumba, T., Wilson, K., Derrick, C. J., & Mukherjee, N. (2018). The use of focus group discussion methodology: Insights from two decades of application in conservation.ย Methods in Ecology and evolution,ย 9(1), 20-32.

Sharma, S. N., Chatterjee, S., & Dehalwar, K. (2023). Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme: Challenges and Opportunities.ย Think India Journal,ย 26(1), 7-15.

Wong, L. P. (2008). Focus group discussion: a tool for health and medical research.ย Singapore Med J,ย 49(3), 256-60.

The Power of Meta-Analysis in Research

Daily writing prompt
What is your mission?

By Kavita Dehalwar

Meta-analysis, a statistical technique that combines and synthesizes data from multiple independent studies, has become a cornerstone in scientific research. By aggregating findings from various studies on a specific topic, meta-analysis provides a more comprehensive and robust understanding of the subject matter. This article explores the concept of meta-analysis, its methodology, advantages, and limitations, emphasizing its crucial role in advancing research across diverse disciplines.

Understanding Meta-Analysis:

Meta-analysis involves the systematic review and quantitative synthesis of data from multiple studies. The primary goal is to pool data to draw more accurate and reliable conclusions than those possible from individual studies alone. This approach helps researchers overcome limitations associated with small sample sizes, variability in study designs, and potential publication biases.

Key Components of Meta-Analysis:

  1. Literature Review: Conducting a thorough literature review is the first step in meta-analysis. Researchers identify relevant studies, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the existing body of work on the chosen topic.
  2. Study Selection Criteria: Establishing clear inclusion and exclusion criteria is crucial to ensure the selected studies are comparable and relevant to the research question. This step helps maintain the integrity of the meta-analysis.
  3. Data Extraction: Data from each included study are systematically extracted. This involves collecting information on study design, participant characteristics, interventions or exposures, outcomes, and statistical results.
  4. Effect Size Calculation: The effect size quantifies the magnitude of the relationship between variables or the intervention’s impact. Common effect size measures include odds ratios, risk ratios, and standardized mean differences.
  5. Statistical Analysis: Meta-analysis employs statistical techniques to combine the results of individual studies. Weighting is applied to account for study size, and heterogeneity tests assess the variability between studies.

Advantages of Meta-Analysis:

  1. Increased Statistical Power: Meta-analysis enhances statistical power by combining data from multiple studies, allowing researchers to detect smaller effect sizes that may be overlooked in individual studies.
  2. Generalizability: Pooling data from diverse studies increases the generalizability of findings, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the research question across different populations and contexts.
  3. Identifying Patterns and Trends: Meta-analysis enables the identification of patterns or trends that may not be evident in individual studies, offering a more holistic view of the research landscape.
  4. Resolution of Inconsistencies: Conflicting findings in individual studies can be reconciled through meta-analysis. By exploring sources of heterogeneity, researchers can identify factors contributing to discrepancies and refine their interpretations.

Limitations of Meta-Analysis:

  1. Publication Bias: Meta-analyses are susceptible to publication bias, as studies with significant or positive results are more likely to be published. This bias can distort the overall findings and affect the validity of the meta-analysis.
  2. Heterogeneity: Variability in study designs, participant characteristics, and methodologies can contribute to heterogeneity, challenging the synthesis of results. Researchers must carefully assess and address heterogeneity in their analyses.
  3. Quality of Included Studies: Meta-analyses are only as robust as the studies included. If the quality of the individual studies is low, the overall meta-analysis may be compromised.

Conclusion:

Meta-analysis stands as a powerful tool in the researcher’s arsenal, offering a methodical and quantitative approach to synthesizing evidence from diverse studies. While it has its limitations, when conducted rigorously, meta-analysis provides a valuable means of drawing more reliable conclusions and advancing our understanding of complex phenomena across various disciplines. As research methodologies continue to evolve, meta-analysis remains a key player in the pursuit of knowledge and scientific progress.

References

Dehalwar, K., & Singh, J. (2015). A Critical Evaluation of the main Causes of Water Management Problems in Indian Urban Areas.ย International Research Journal of Environment Sciences. 4,ย 8.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies.

Sharma, S. N. (2019). Review of most used urban growth models.ย International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET),ย 10(3), 397-405.

Sharma, S. N. Techniques of Meta-Analysis for Unlocking Knowledge.

An Introduction to Ethnographic Research Methodology

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Ethnographic research methodology encompasses a holistic approach to studying human societies and cultures, emphasizing immersion, participant observation, and contextual understanding. The following key steps and considerations are integral to conducting ethnographic research:

1. Selecting the Research Site:

  • Selection Criteria: Identifying a community or setting that aligns with the research objectives and offers ample opportunities for participant observation and data collection.
  • Access and Entry: Navigating entry into the chosen community through establishing rapport, building trust, and gaining permission for observation.

2. Immersion and Participant Observation:

  • Long-term Engagement: Spending an extended period within the community to comprehend its social dynamics, rituals, and everyday life.
  • Observation Techniques: Actively participating in the daily activities of the community while noting and documenting behavioral patterns, language use, and cultural practices.

3. Establishing Relationships and Conducting Interviews:

  • Building Trust: Cultivating meaningful relationships with community members to facilitate open and candid discussions.
  • Interviews and Conversations: Conducting formal and informal interviews to gather personal narratives, experiences, and interpretations.

4. Data Collection and Analysis:

  • Multifaceted Data Sources: Utilizing a variety of sources, including field notes, audiovisual recordings, and artifacts, to capture the complexity of the community’s culture.
  • Thick Description: Providing detailed and context-rich descriptions of observed behaviors, social interactions, and cultural phenomena.

5. Interpretation and Representation:

  • Cultural Interpretation: Analyzing the collected data to discern cultural norms, values, and belief systems within the community.
  • Ethical Representation: Ensuring that the portrayal of the community and its members remains respectful, authentic, and devoid of stereotypes.

6. Ongoing Reflexivity and Iterative Process:

  • Reflexive Practice: Continuously reflecting on the researcher’s positionality, biases, and the impact of their presence on the community.
  • Iterative Analysis: Iteratively revisiting the data, interpreting it through different lenses, and refining the understandings of the community.

By meticulously following these methodological guidelines, ethnographic research aims to provide comprehensive insights into the intricate tapestry of human culture and society, unraveling perspectives and narratives that might otherwise remain concealed.

In the intricate realm of social sciences, ethnographic research stands as a cornerstone methodology, offering a unique lens to understand and interpret human behavior, culture, and society. It’s a tapestry of exploration woven through immersive fieldwork, deep engagement, and empathetic understanding. Let’s embark on an introductory journey into this captivating methodology.

Understanding Ethnography:

At its core, ethnography is more than a research method; it’s an approach that seeks to comprehend the complexities of human experiences within their natural settings. Originating from anthropology, ethnography has expanded its horizons, finding applications in sociology, psychology, and various interdisciplinary fields.

Immersion and Participant Observation:

Central to ethnography is the practice of participant observation, where researchers immerse themselves in the community or culture under study. This immersive approach involves living amongst the individuals being studied, actively engaging in their daily activities, rituals, and interactions. By becoming a part of the social fabric, researchers gain profound insights and a nuanced understanding of the culture.

Data Collection and Tools:

Ethnographic research relies on a rich array of qualitative data collection methods. These may include in-depth interviews, participant diaries, field notes, audiovisual recordings, and even artifacts. The data collected isnโ€™t limited to what is said but also encompasses non-verbal cues, routines, traditions, and the broader context of social interactions.

Reflexivity and Subjectivity:

Ethnographers acknowledge their subjectivity and positionality in the research process. They reflect upon their own biases, assumptions, and preconceptions that might influence their observations and interpretations. This self-awareness allows researchers to strive for objectivity while recognizing the inevitability of their subjective perspectives.

Analysis and Interpretation:

Analyzing ethnographic data is a nuanced and iterative process. Researchers engage in coding, categorizing, and identifying patterns within the collected information. The interpretations often unfold gradually, leading to deeper insights into the culture or community being studied.

Ethical Considerations:

Ethnographers navigate a complex ethical terrain. Informed consent, confidentiality, and the portrayal of participants in an accurate and respectful manner are pivotal. Ethical guidelines ensure the protection of the individuals involved and the integrity of the research.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Ethnographic research isnโ€™t without challenges. Time constraints, access to communities, and the researcherโ€™s potential insider-outsider status within a culture can pose hurdles. However, these challenges offer opportunities for growth, fostering resilience and adaptability in the research process.

The Evolving Landscape:

In a rapidly changing world, ethnography adapts. Digital ethnography has emerged, exploring online communities and digital spaces, expanding the boundaries of traditional fieldwork. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaborations have enriched ethnographic studies, bringing together diverse perspectives and methodologies.

Conclusion:

Ethnographic research methodology embodies the art of understanding societies and cultures from within. It thrives on the empathetic connection between researcher and participant, unraveling the tapestry of human experiences. As we delve deeper into this immersive approach, we uncover not just facts, but narratives, emotions, and the essence of what it means to be human.

References

Ouroussoff, A. (2020). What is an ethnographic study?. In Inside Organizations (pp. 35-58). Routledge.

Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2023). โ€ชEthnographic Study of Equity in Planning – Case of Slums of Ranchiโ€ฌhttps://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=ucXErnEAAAAJ&citation_for_view=ucXErnEAAAAJ:_FxGoFyzp5QC

Wright, C. (2014). School processesโ€”an ethnographic study. In gender and ethnicity in schools (pp. 191-215). Routledge.

Benefits of Open Access Publication Database ScienceOPEN

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

ScienceOpen is an open-access research networking platform that aims to foster collaboration and visibility in the scientific community. Please note that the features and benefits of platforms like ScienceOpen may evolve over time, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information on their website or other reliable sources. Here are some potential benefits associated with ScienceOpen:

  1. Open Access Content: ScienceOpen provides access to a wide range of open-access scholarly content, including articles, conference proceedings, and other academic materials. Open access promotes the free dissemination of knowledge and facilitates collaboration among researchers.
  2. Interdisciplinary Research: The platform is designed to break down disciplinary silos by covering a broad spectrum of research areas. This can encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing researchers from different fields to discover and engage with each other’s work.
  3. Discoverability and Visibility: Researchers can enhance the visibility of their work by sharing and promoting their publications on ScienceOpen. The platform provides tools for researchers to create profiles, showcase their publications, and connect with other researchers, potentially increasing the impact of their research.
  4. Post-Publication Peer Review: ScienceOpen supports post-publication peer review, enabling researchers to contribute comments, reviews, and discussions on published articles. This transparent and collaborative review process can provide additional insights and perspectives on the research.
  5. Research Networking: The platform facilitates networking among researchers by allowing them to connect with peers, follow their work, and stay updated on the latest research in their fields of interest. Building a professional network is crucial for collaboration and staying informed about advancements in specific areas.
  6. Altmetrics and Impact Tracking: ScienceOpen provides metrics to help researchers track the impact of their work. This includes traditional citation metrics as well as alternative metrics (altmetrics) that consider the broader influence of research through social media, online discussions, and other channels.
  7. Integration with ORCID: ScienceOpen integrates with ORCID, a persistent digital identifier for researchers. This integration helps ensure proper attribution of research contributions and enhances the credibility and accuracy of researchers’ profiles.
  8. Custom Collections and Projects: Researchers and institutions can create custom collections or projects on ScienceOpen to curate and organize research content. This feature allows for the creation of thematic collections, making it easier for users to discover relevant research within specific topics.

For Publishers

ScienceOpen offers content hosting, context building and marketing services for publishers. See our tailored offerings

For Institutions

ScienceOpen offers state-of-the-art technology and a range of solutions and services

For Researchers

Make an impact and build your research profile in the open with ScienceOpen

It’s important to verify the current features and benefits of ScienceOpen by visiting their official website or contacting them directly, as the platform may have introduced new functionalities or undergone changes since my last update.

References

Aspesi, C., & Brand, A. (2020). In pursuit of open science, open access is not enough.ย Science,ย 368(6491), 574-577.

Burgelman, J. C., Pascu, C., Szkuta, K., Von Schomberg, R., Karalopoulos, A., Repanas, K., & Schouppe, M. (2019). Open science, open data, and open scholarship: European policies to make science fit for the twenty-first century.ย Frontiers in big data,ย 2, 43.

Gonzรกlez, A. G. (2005). Open science: open source licenses in scientific research.ย NCJL & Tech.,ย 7, 321.

Sharma, S. N. (2023). Understanding Citations: A Crucial Element of Academic Writing.

Stodden, V. C. (2011). Trust your science? Open your data and code.

Understanding Citations: A Crucial Element of Academic Writing

By: Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Citations play a fundamental role in academic writing by acknowledging the sources of information, ideas, and concepts that contribute to a scholarly work. They not only give credit to the original authors but also provide evidence to support the arguments and claims made within the text. Proper citation is an ethical practice that helps in maintaining academic integrity, avoiding plagiarism, and allowing readers to verify the information presented.

Purpose of Citations

Citations serve several important purposes within academic writing:

1. Giving Credit:

Citations acknowledge the intellectual property and ideas of others, showing respect for their efforts and contributions to the field.

2. Validating Arguments:

Citations provide evidence to substantiate claims and arguments made in a paper. They enhance the credibility and reliability of the work.

3. Avoiding Plagiarism:

Proper citation ensures that the writer is not presenting someone else’s work as their own. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense that can have severe consequences.

4. Facilitating Replication and Verification:

Citations allow readers to locate and refer to the original sources, promoting transparency, replication of research, and further development of knowledge.

Types of Citations

There are various citation styles, each with its own set of rules and formats. Common citation styles include:

1. APA (American Psychological Association):

Frequently used in the social sciences, the APA style emphasizes the author-date format, where the author’s name is followed by the publication date.

2. MLA (Modern Language Association):

Commonly used in humanities, the MLA style focuses on the author-page format, including the author’s last name and the page number.

3. Chicago Manual of Style:

This style is flexible and widely used across various disciplines. It offers two citation systems: notes and bibliography, and author-date.

4. Harvard Referencing:

The Harvard style uses author-date citations in the text and a reference list at the end of the document, listing sources alphabetically.

5. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers):

Predominantly used in technical fields, IEEE style uses numerical citations in square brackets to denote sources.

Proper Citation Format

Regardless of the citation style, a standard citation typically includes:

  1. Author(s): The individual or group responsible for the work.
  2. Title of the Work: The name of the book, article, or source being cited.
  3. Publication Information: Details about where and when the work was published.
  4. Publisher: The organization or entity responsible for producing and distributing the work.
  5. Publication Date: The date when the work was published.
  6. Page Numbers: If applicable, the specific pages referred to.

Tips for Effective Citation Usage

Citing sources accurately and consistently is a critical aspect of academic writing that demonstrates a high level of scholarship and integrity. Here are expanded tips to help you master the art of effective citation usage:

1. Understand the Style: Familiarize Yourself with the Specific Citation Style Required for Your Academic Field

Different academic fields and disciplines often have their preferred citation styles. These styles can vary in terms of formatting, in-text citation rules, and the way references are listed. Make sure to grasp the intricacies of the style mandated by your field of study. This understanding will ensure that your citations align with the expectations of your audience and the academic community.

2. Use Citation Management Tools: Employ Citation Management Software to Organize and Format Your Citations Correctly

Utilize citation management tools like Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley, or RefWorks to streamline the citation process. These software applications help you manage references, create bibliographies, and automatically format citations according to the chosen style. They save time and ensure accuracy by reducing the risk of manual errors in citation formatting.

3. Check for Accuracy: Double-Check All Citations for Accuracy in Names, Dates, and Formatting

Accuracy is paramount in citations. Before finalizing your document, meticulously review each citation for correct author names, publication dates, titles, and other details. Ensure that the formatting adheres to the style guidelines precisely. Accuracy not only avoids misunderstandings but also establishes the credibility and professionalism of your work.

4. Be Consistent: Maintain Consistency in Your Chosen Citation Style Throughout the Document

Consistency is key to presenting a cohesive and well-organized academic paper. Choose a citation style suitable for your discipline and stick to it consistently throughout your work. Uniformity in citation style and formatting ensures that your paper appears polished and professional, enhancing readability and understanding for your readers.

5. Paraphrase and Quote Appropriately: When Using Someone Else’s Ideas or Words, Ensure Proper Paraphrasing or Quotation, Accompanied by Appropriate Citations

When integrating ideas or direct quotations from other sources into your work, practice proper paraphrasing and quoting techniques. Paraphrase when you want to convey an idea in your own words, giving credit through appropriate citations. Use quotation marks and cite the source when directly quoting someone. Always cite these sources accurately to avoid plagiarism and acknowledge the intellectual contributions of others.

By following these tips and mastering the skill of effective citation usage, you will not only maintain the academic integrity of your work but also enhance the clarity and credibility of your writing. Remember, proper citations are a mark of a thorough and responsible scholar, contributing to the advancement of knowledge within your academic community.

In conclusion, proper citation is an integral aspect of academic writing, showcasing respect for intellectual property, providing evidence for arguments, and upholding ethical standards. Understanding the different citation styles and applying them accurately is vital for maintaining academic integrity and contributing to the advancement of knowledge within various disciplines.

References

Abrams, David S., Ufuk Akcigit, and Jillian Popadak. “Understanding the link between patent value and citations: Creative destruction or defensive disruption.” NBER Working Paper 19647 (2013).

Calero-Medina, Clara, and Ed CM Noyons. “Combining mapping and citation network analysis for a better understanding of the scientific development: The case of the absorptive capacity field.” Journal of Informetrics 2.4 (2008): 272-279.

McDonald, John D. “Understanding journal usage: A statistical analysis of citation and use.” Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 58.1 (2007): 39-50.

Mollรฉri, Jefferson Seide, Kai Petersen, and Emilia Mendes. “Towards understanding the relation between citations and research quality in software engineering studies.” Scientometrics 117 (2018): 1453-1478.

Sharma, Shashikant Nishant, ed. New perspectives in sociology and allied fields. EduPedia Publications (P) Ltd, 2016.

Irrigation Analysis and Trends in Telangana State

Guduri Kailasam

Dept. of Economics, Osmania University, Hyderabad 

Abstract

Telangana’s irrigation is based on two large rivers, the Godavari and Krishna, which have a combined allocation of 1266.94 TMC (967.94 TMC and 299 TMC, respectively) of guaranteed water and 500 TMC of surplus water in each river. Nine Major Irrigation Projects that have been finished have increased the state’s irrigation potential by 21.32 lakh acres. A comprehensive irrigation development strategy has been devised by the Telangana government in order to provide irrigation facilities for around 125 lakh acres of land throughout the state. The government has also launched a number of initiatives and developed a six-pronged strategy for the expedited completion of outstanding irrigation projects. One of the most significant connections between irrigation and agriculture. It increases productivity and shields farmers from unfavourable monsoons, guaranteed irrigation is essential for crop production and farmer incomes. Additionally, guaranteed irrigation can preserve groundwater levels and increase water usage efficiency. India is the second-most populous country in the world and has an agriculture-based economy. Agriculture output supports India’s food requirement and accounts for 17% of its GDP. A crucial element in the development of agriculture is irrigation. Irrigation is currently neither in a suitable state nor does is there a progressive strategy. The government must take the appropriate action to improve irrigation system effectiveness in order to fully enhance water demand for rich crop patterns.

Keywords: Agriculture, Irrigation, Telangana, Trends 

Introduction

Irrigation development in Telangana

According to the Socio-Economic Outlook 2023, during the 2014-15 to 2022-23 period, the Telangana government spent Rs 1.61 lakh crore on irrigation projects in the State, resulting in an increase of the Gross Irrigated Area (GIA) from 62.48 lakh acres in 2014-15 to 135 lakh acres in 2021-22, an increase of 117 percent. 26,885 crore has been proposed for the Irrigation Department for the 2023-24 fiscal. The Telangana government is determined to provide irrigation to 1 crore 25 lakh acres.

The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project or KLIP is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Bhupalpally, Telangana, India. The confluence of the Pranhita and Godavari rivers is the site of the largest multi-stage lift irrigation project in the world as of right now. Vidyasagar Rao Dindi Lift Irrigation Scheme for his enormous contribution to irrigation in Telangana. He fought for safe drinking water in the fluoride-affected Nalgonda district and provided water to the arid lands in the Telangana region.

Nizam Sagar is the oldest dam in the state of Telangana. This place is located at about 145 km north-west of the state capital Hyderabad and 81 km from Nizamabad District.

The Nizamsagar dam was built in 1923 by Mir Osman Ali Khan, the then-ruler of the royal Hyderabad. The correct answer is Wells. In Telangana throughout the past ten years, wells have mostly served as the source of irrigation. About 75% of Telangana’s net irrigated area is served by bore wells and other wells. Over time, irrigation beneath the ponds has decreased while increasing beneath the canals. In the State, Rangareddy has the largest percentage of well-irrigated land (95%) followed by the districts of Medak and Karimnagar. In India, canals are the secondary source of irrigation after wells and tube wells. Large plains, excellent soils, and enduring rivers are features of the territories that are being irrigated by the canals. Most of North India’s plains are irrigated by canals.

Review of Literature 

Sanjukumar (2015) attempted to understand that irrigation is the essential input for increasing

agricultural output, therefore, the development of irrigation has been a key approach in the development of farm sector in the country. In this work, he examined various forms of irrigation and their effects on agriculture. India’s farming is mostly reliant on the monsoon season. Additionally, this study provided information on how to manage irrigation for important Indian crops such rice, wheat, maize, pulses, and oilseeds.

Narayana and Narayanan Nair (1983) emphasized on assessment of the impact of irrigation on

agricultural output in Kerala and also to identify the main constraints on the development of irrigation. Researchers discovered that while winter and summer crops are not affected by irrigation, autumn crops are somewhat stabilised and yields are improved. Poor irrigation water management is to blame for the lack of any significant effects of irrigation on agricultural productivity. Numerous additional studies that have demonstrated that an increase in irrigation infrastructure will result in an improvement in productivity per worker and per unit of capital do not support the conclusion drawn.

Data and methodology

This study is completely based on secondary sources of data. The Department of Agriculture and Irrigation(TS), Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Hyderabad, various Socio-Economic outlooks, Statistical yearbooks, Agriculture census, and Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India publications were the sources for the secondary data. The study’s analytical section has used growth rates.

Telangana is newly formed 29th state of India, situated in the central stretch of the Indian Peninsula on the Deccan Plateau. Geographically, the state is situated in a semi-arid region with a climate that is primarily hot and dry. The state is drained by the two significant rivers, the Godavari and the Krishna, as well as a number of smaller rivers, including the Manjira, the Bhima, and the Musi. The southwest monsoons cause Telangana’s annual average precipitation to range between 900 and 1500 mm in the north and 700 to 900 mm in the south.Agriculture in the state is a proverbial bet in the monsoons since rainfall is unpredictable and inconsistent.

Historically, during the period of Kakatiyaโ€™s tank irrigation has developed hugely like big lakes Ramappa,Pakhal, Laknavaram and many others. . The area irrigated by canals and wells was later expanded throughout the planning phase by building new projects and canals. Some of the outstanding accomplishments made by the Nizam during his rule are Mir Alam, Hussain Sagar, Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar, and the Nizamsgar projects, among others. But following the Green Revolution for two decades, well irrigation has increased significantly, especially due to private investment.

Water for irrigation can be obtained from a variety of sources, including groundwater (from springs or wells), surface water (from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), or unconventional sources like treated wastewater, desalinated water, drainage water, or fog collection. spate irrigation, also known as floodwater harvesting, is a particular type of surface water irrigation. The moisture stored in the soil will be used thereafter to grow crops. Spate irrigation areas are in particular located in semi-arid or arid, mountainous regions. Rainwater harvesting is typically not regarded as a kind of irrigation, although floodwater harvesting is a recognized irrigation technique. Rainwater harvesting is the gathering and concentration of runoff water from roofs or vacant land. 90% of the world’s wastewater production goes untreated, leading to widespread water pollution, particularly in low-income nations. Untreated wastewater is increasingly being used as an irrigation water source in agriculture. Cities are appealing to farmers because they offer lucrative marketplaces for fresh food. Farmers frequently have no choice but to utilise water contaminated with urban waste, including sewage, to water their crops because agriculture must compete for increasingly limited water resources with industry and municipal consumers. Using water contaminated with pathogens in this way poses serious health risks, especially if consumers consume fresh vegetables that have been irrigated with contaminated water.

Table 1: Percentage of Net Area Irrigated by Source of Irrigation from 2008-09 to 2015-16

S.No.YearNet AreaIrrigated(lakh Ha.)% of Canal%Tank%Wells
12008-0918.2811.5513.0372.09
22009-1014.939.183.8284.33
32010-1120.0415.7611.8769.63
42011-1219.8516.379.2271.69
52012-1317.745.078.9183.77
62013-1422.8912.6710.0574.83
72014-1517.2610.085.6281.87
82015-16(K)13.133.438.3886.37

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Hyderabad. K= Kharif

The net area watered by well grew from 72.09 percent in 2008-09 to 86.37% in 2015-16(K), indicating a decline in public irrigation investment. Increased well irrigation causes groundwater supplies to be depleted and also requires greater private investment, which raises the cost of farming. While tank irrigation also dropped over the time, the area watered by canals climbed from 11.55 percent in 2008-09 to 12.68 percent in 2013-14 and decreased to 10.08% in 2014-15. In 2008โ€“09, the tankโ€™s net irrigated area made up 13.03% of the overall net irrigated area, however, it rapidly shrunk throughout the course of the year.

Status of groundwater development

In the State, groundwater-based irrigation was a reliable source of water during the late 19th-century monsoon drought years. The early 1980s drilling technology advancements in hard rock regions led to an increase in groundwater irrigation that eventually surpassed tank and canal irrigations (Pingale, G., 2011). Most of the state’s well irrigation systems are operated by individual farmers who have spent money on digging dug wells, dug cumbre wells, or bore/tube wells (bw/tw), installing pump sets, and constructing pipelines to their fields. These farmers only benefit from free power, which the previous administration has been giving them twice daily since 2004 (Pingale, G., 2011). As of January 1, 2018, the current administration is providing 24 hours of free, high-quality power to agricultural pump sets (PD, Telangana State Government, 2018). Currently, the state has 24.2 lakh connections for pump sets (The Hindu, 20 March 2020). COVID-19 for many benefits to some, extracting 8084 mcm of groundwater for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use.

Table 2 : Trends in Cropping Intensity

S. NoDistrict1997-982002-032007-082012-13
1Mahabubnagar1.081.081.071.11
2Rangareddy1.091.081.131.11
3Hyderabad
4Medak1.181.241.221.24
5Nizamabad1.491.471.621.66
6Adilabad1.051.031.091.08
7Karimnagar1.421.381.581.45
8Warangal1.301.231.311.32
9Khammam1.071.061.111.13
10Nalgonda1.241.161.291.23
11Telangana1.691.201.421.19

Note: 1) Cropping intensity is the ratio of gross cultivated area to net area sown 2)1997-98 refers to the average of 1996-1997, 1997-98 and1998-99. 2002-03 refers to           the average       of         2001- 02,2002-03 and 2003-04.2007-08 refers    to  average of 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09. 2012-13 refers to representaverage of 2011-12, 2012-13, and 2013-14.

Source: Computed from data collected from Statistical Abstract of Andhra Pradesh and Agricultural Statistics at a Glance, Government of India of various years

                Table 3 : Trends in Intensity of Irrigation(In percentage)

S.NoDistrict1997-982002-032007-082012-13
1Mahabubnagar0.200.180.250.29
2Rangareddy0.220.220.260.30
3Hyderabad
4Medak0.280.260.330.32
5Nizamabad0.590.64o.650.61
6Adilabad0.010.150.140.15
7Karimnagar0.660.670.790.75
8Warangal0.590.600.660.63
9Khammam0.410.360.440.43
10Nalgonda0.390.330.490.43
11Telangana0.220.360.490.42

Note: 1) Intensity of irrigation is the percentage of net area irrigated to net area sown. 2)1997-98 refers to average of 1996-1997, 1997-98 and1998-99.

2002-03 refers to average of 2001-02, 2002-03 and2003-04.

2007-08 refers to represent average of 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09.

2012-13 refers to represent average of 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14.

Source: Computed from data collected from Statistical Abstract of Andhra Pradesh and Agricultural Statistics at aGlance, Government of India of various years

Conclusion

The growth of irrigation infrastructure benefits the State’s rural economy, especially the agricultural sector. It is evident from the research above that irrigation has been more important in the growth of the agricultural industry in Telangana state. It is obvious that irrigation facilities have grown over time, but additional facilities will need to be added in the future. We find that well irrigation, one of the dominant methods of irrigation in recent decades, has negative effects on groundwater levels and requires greater private investment, which drives up the cost of farming. However, irrigation in tanks and canals exhibited a decreasing tendency at that time. Additionally, irrigation encourages increased land use, causing a change in crop pattern in favour of new and improved crop types, commercial crops, and cropping intensity. Since agriculture is the foundation for all other types of growth, the state must develop its agricultural sector. In agricultural development, irrigation in the form of soil moisture plays a prominent role. thus, role. Therefore, irrigation is a key component in the growth of agricultural in the State.

Reference

Ashok Mitra (1965): โ€œLevel of Regional Development in Indiaโ€, paper published in edited Book, Regional Planning in Indiaโ€, Edited by Mahesh Chand and Vinay Kumar Puri, Allied Publishers, New Delhi

Bhatt J.S. (1972): โ€œRegional Planning in Indiaโ€, Statistical Publishing Society, Calcutta.

Bhullar, D.S. (1998): โ€œRegional Economic Disparities and Area Planningโ€, ABD Publishers, Jaipur.

Baran Paul (1973): โ€œOn the Political Economy of Backwardnessโ€ โ€˜in A N. Agrawal and

S.P. Singh (Editors) Economics of Under Development, Oxford University Press 1973 Pg. no75.

Deshpande, R. S., & Narayanamurthy, A. (2001). Role of irrigation in agricultural performance: Revisited.

Dhawan, B. D., & Datta, H. S. (1992). Impact of irrigation on multiple cropping. Economic and Political Weekly, A15-A18.

Government of India (2001): Economic Survey:2000-2001, Ministry of Finance Economic Division, New Delhi, p 152

Mathur A (1983): โ€œRegional Development and Income Disparities in India: A Sectoral Analysis, EconomicDevelopment & Cultural Changeโ€ Vol. No.3 April, Page. No, 475505.

Nath V (1970): โ€œRegional Development in India Planningโ€, Economic and Political Weekly, Jan 1970, pg no, 242-260

Sanjukumar, M. (2015). Irrigation and development of Indian agriculture: A systematic study. InternationalMultidisciplinary Research Journal, 2321-5488

Vaeshney, R., 1995, Modern Methods of Irrigation. Geo journal. Vol.35.

Verma, N., 1990, Irrigation Change and Agriculture Development. New Delhi: Uppal Publication.

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The Role of Students in the Telangana Movement โ€“A Study of Hyderabad District

C. Yadagiri

Research Scholar, Department of Political Science

Osmania Univesity

Hyderabad

Abstract:

The important significance of the student movement in the Separate Telangana campaign is evident. The individuals had a significant role in elevating the prominence of the demand for the establishment of Telangana State, particularly through intellectual engagements such as dialogues, workshops, seminars, and public gatherings organized by esteemed academic institutions like Kakatiya and Osmania universities. Several student organizations, namely TRSV, ABVP, NSUI, PDSU, AISF, and Dalith Student Organization, collectively demonstrated their solidarity with the Telangana agitation. The students showcased their solidarity by establishing a student Joint Action Committee (JAC) at Kakatiya University on November 17, 2009. They expressed their endorsement of KCR, the leader of TRS, who was undertaking a hunger strike in pursuit of a particular objective.

The active engagement of students can be ascribed to their enduring consciousness of the Telangana cause, which has been deeply instilled in them since their early years. Their profound comprehension and unwavering dedication rendered them the fundamental support system of the revolution. This article discusses the significance of the student movements that became instruments in the formation of Telangana State. 

Keywords: Telangana campaigb, student organizations, unwavering dedication, student movements, separate state etc. 

Introduction

The student movement that emerged during the Separate Telangana movement in Telangana was undoubtedly a very influential and impactful social movement in the regionโ€”approximately twelve years after the establishment of Andhra Pradesh, the populace of Telangana commenced articulating their discontentment with the governing authorities, asserting their desire for the fulfilment of the pledged assurances. The origins of this struggle can be traced back to the formative years of post-colonial India. The first indications became apparent through the non-Mulki agitation in 1952, which was succeeded by what might be regarded as the third wave manifested in the second non-Mulki agitation in 1956, and the year 1969 witnessed a notable escalation in the persistent pursuit of establishing an independent state of Telangana, also called the agitation. The sequence above of agitations serves as a testament to the enduring and ingrained aspiration of the Telangana populace to establish a separate state.

Notably, the movement’s inception can be traced back to December 6, 1968, when a group of students from Vivek Vardhini College in Hyderabad initiated a parade. Regrettably, the procession encountered instances of violent aggression from individuals enlisted by proponents of integration, as well as from law enforcement personnel. In light of these occurrences, protests were orchestrated in Khammam and Warangal. The momentum of the campaign experienced a sustained increase, disseminating to several regions inside Telangana, encompassing Nizamabad. This historical time holds great significance in the annals of Telangana’s history and is commonly known as the “Black Day,” symbolizing the arduous trials and tribulations encountered throughout the movement.

On January 8, 1969, an individual named Ravindranath commenced an indefinite hunger strike in the Khammam region, aiming to advocate for the safeguarding of Telangana. The precise underlying factors driving his activities remain ambiguous. However, this was initially a protest confined to a certain geographical area. Nevertheless, as the strike persisted, it acquired more support and momentum. On the fifth day of the hunger strike, students in Khammam resorted to increasingly extreme measures, including the vandalization of government offices and the deliberate ignition of road transportation corporation (RTC) buses. The action above resulted in the intensification of the crisis and garnered increased focus on the underlying issue.

In a display of solidarity with their counterparts in Khammam, students in Warangal also orchestrated protests, augmenting the movement’s scope and influence. This occurrence exemplifies how seemingly minor actions may ignite substantial social and political movements.

The emergency meeting held on January 12, 1969, by the Osmania University Student Union was to evaluate the current protests occurring in several regions. During the discussion, the union conveyed profound discontentment with the political leadership in the region. The individuals in question demonstrated a courageous act by formally requesting the resignation of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and nine cabinet ministers from Telangana. Demonstrating unwavering determination, the students proclaimed that unless the government acceded to these stipulations, they would commence an indeterminate cessation of activities on January 15, 1969. The issuance of this request signified a notable intensification in their position. This development also underscores the progression of student demands, which have expanded in terms of both quantity and breadth as compared to the first requests presented by the all-party Telangana leaders. The statement highlights the growing intensity and resolve exhibited by the students in their endeavour to establish an independent state for Telangana.

On January 15, 1969, as per their prior declaration, students in the twin towns of Hyderabad and Secunderabad abstained from attending their academic sessions. A meeting was convened at the Nizam College grounds, where individuals assembled. It became apparent that the student body might be divided into two distinct factions: one arguing for implementing safeguards for Telangana, and the other supporting the creation of an independent state of Telangana under the guidance of Mallikarjun. The Student Union persisted with their protest and expanded the scope of their academic boycott. He issued a directive to gather all students at Nizam College on the following day at 11 a.m. During the deliberations, it became evident that the faction advocating for establishing a distinct Telangana state held a dominant position regarding popular backing.

After the conference’s conclusion, Mallikarjun, the President of the Osmania University Students Association, led a student rally from the Nizam College grounds to the Abids Circle. Despite the substantial police deployment, there were sporadic occurrences of students engaging in the act of hurling stones at municipal buses. Regrettably, these events resulted in the unfortunate loss of two lives. Two individuals, Sriram Chandra and Dasthagir, aged twenty-five and ten, respectively, lost their lives as a result of police gunfire during their attempt to interrupt a felicitation ceremony honouring the Home Minister Jalagam Vengal Rao in his town of Khammam. Furthermore, in a separate occurrence at Secunderabad, an individual named Ravinder, aged eighteen, tragically perished due to the escalating turmoil inside the satyagraha movement. The instances above underscore the heightened intensity and profound seriousness of the circumstances that characterized the Telangana Movement of 1969.

Mallikarjun, the leader of the Osmania University Student Union, made a notable declaration, asserting that their protest would last until establishing an independent Telangana state. The declaration above emphasized the student movement’s unwavering determination and resolute nature. It is noteworthy to acknowledge that throughout that period, there existed murmurs and conjectures regarding the potential involvement of specific politicians in orchestrating and exerting influence over the actions undertaken by student union officials, however discreetly. This observation implies the presence of political manoeuvring and strategic planning within the context of the movement. In light of the intensifying circumstances, Chief Minister Sri. Brahmananda Reddy, confronted with an expanding array of requests and persistent acts of aggression, implemented a resolute measure. The closure of all educational institutions until January 27, 1969, was officially announced. The purpose of this action was presumably to alleviate tensions and offer temporary relief from the intensifying protests and rallies.

After a ruling by the High Court, students in Khammam district commenced a protest to advocate for enforcing a 2:1 ratio in all public services, encompassing autonomous entities such as the State Electricity Board. Furthermore, they advocated for prolonging the timeframe for implementing protective measures. The political leaders of the Telangana region have shown a lack of responsiveness towards the concerns stated by student leaders despite their sincere endeavours to address the difficulties above. The absence of timely and effective communication likely contributed to the increasing dissatisfaction among the student body.

Following this, a General Body meeting of the Osmania University Students Union occurred on January 12, commencing at 10 a.m. at Nizam College. Several distinguished student leaders were invited to participate in deliberations around the Telangana safeguards. During this discussion, two divergent perspectives became apparent: one faction calling for the establishment of an independent Telangana state and another advocating for the preservation of an integrated Andhra Pradesh, accompanied by the execution of robust protective measures for the inhabitants of Telangana. The split was observed among the students, wherein certain individuals advocated for establishing an independent state. In contrast, others advocated for the integration of Andhra Pradesh with comprehensive protective measures, constituting a significant juncture in the campaign. The statement above elucidated the intricate nature and wide-ranging perspectives of the Telangana Movement.

The collective arguing for the proficient implementation of protective measures was popularly known as “safeguards,” whilst individuals firmly dedicated to establishing an independent Telangana state were labelled as “separatists.” To streamline and coordinate their endeavours, the safeguardists decided to function inside the framework of the Osmania University Student Organization. Conversely, the separatists established an independent entity known as Telangana Students.

The divergence in approach and strategy ultimately resulted in the forming of an Action Committee that garnered significant support inside the Telangana region. Both factions commenced arranging gatherings autonomously and instigated public displays of protest starting from January 15, 1969 onwards. Regrettably, the divide above and divergent methodologies culminated in a confrontation between the two antagonistic factions on January 18, 1969. The occurrence above highlights the profound emotional intensity and intricate diversity of perspectives in the Telangana Movement.

The Second Phase of Telangana Movement Between 1990-2009

In 1991, two notable organizations, namely the Telangana Student Front and the Telangana Liberation Student Organization, were founded within the premises of Osmania University. These groups were instrumental in advocating for the cause of Telangana. The establishment of the Kakatiya Unit of the Telangana Students Front in 1992 strengthened the presence and impact of the movement within the university.

In August 1993, Osmania University organized a significant event in the form of a national symposium on small states. The conference was started by Surendra Mohan, followed by an address presented by Justice Madav Reddy to the delegates. The seminar served as a forum for delegates from different regions of the nation to convene and partake in deliberations about the notion of tiny states, encompassing debates on the ambitions of Telangana for autonomous statehood.

The Forum for Freedom of Expression, including journalists and writers, exerted considerable influence in championing the Telangana cause throughout 1996. The individual responsible for the article’s composition can be identified as a co-founder of the forum, suggesting the active participation of diverse societal factions within the movement. The resurrection of the movement was exemplified by a significant event that occurred in Warangal on November 1, 1996, at the Telangana Praja Samiti conference. The gathering garnered participation from many delegates, exceeding five thousand, representing various regions within Telangana, thereby underscoring the extensive backing for the cause above.

Subsequently, a notable convention took place in Hyderabad on December 1, 1996. Subsequently, a sequence of conferences, group assemblies, and public congregations took place in diverse locations throughout Telangana, encompassing Godavarikhani, Karimnagar, Siddipet, Jangabn, Aler, Ghanapur, Nizamabad, Khammam, Nalgonda, the historic city of Hyderabad, and Bhongir. The Bhongir meeting, specifically, demonstrated a pivotal moment. Gaddar, a highly acclaimed balladeer known for his revolutionary contributions, was the distinguished guest of honour. He appealed to the populace to initiate a wholly nonviolent campaign to attain the objective of establishing an autonomous territory. This assertion by a prominent figure further strengthened and unified the movement.

The demand for the formation of the state of Telangana continued to exist even with the quelling of the 1969 movement. The persistent desire for separate statehood in Telangana was motivated by a perceived sense of unfairness, injustice, and humiliation felt by the local population and personnel hailing from the region. The grievances arose due to various factors, including the Gentlemen’s Agreement, breaches of the six-point formula, allocation of budgetary reserves, and the exploitation of irrigation water from the Godavari and Krishna rivers. In light of these persistent concerns, several institutions and platforms emerged during the latter half of the 20th century to spearhead the campaign for establishing Telangana as a separate state. The organizations that were involved in the movement for the formation of Telangana were Telangana Mahasabha, Telangana Janasabha, Telangana Students Organizations, Telangana Teachers Forum, Telangana Intellectuals Forum, Telangana Information Centre, and Telangana Study Forum. These groups endeavoured to tackle many challenges and promote the establishment of Telangana as an independent state.

The demand for a distinct Telangana region experienced a resurgence during the 1980s and 1990s, notably during the governance of the Telugu Desam Party. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) formation in 2001 emerged as a notable achievement in the pursuit of Telangana statehood.

From the mid-2000s onwards, numerous organizations emerged to advance the pursuit of statehood for Telangana. Notable organizations that emerged during this period include the Telangana Vidyavanthula Vedika (2006), Telangana Ikya Karyacharana Committee (2006), and Telangana Dhoom Dham (2007), with several other cultural organizations. These organizations were instrumental in galvanizing and mobilizing the popular campaign for Telangana, irrespective of political alignments or party loyalties. A significant occurrence during this period was the establishment of the political Joint Action Committee in 2010. This committee convened many political bodies, including TRS, BJP, CPI(ML), and other groups. The retraction of the declaration regarding the formation process of Telangana by P. Chidambaram, the Union Home Minister, prompted the organization’s founding. The occurrence above highlighted the unwavering commitment and cohesive collaboration exhibited by diverse factions in their endeavour to establish Telangana as a separate state.

The demand for establishing an independent Telangana state has been motivated by two key factors: the aspiration for the region’s socio-economic progress and the preservation of its inhabitants’ dignity. Notwithstanding a multitude of obstacles, encompassing elusive commitments, repressive tactics, and Machiavellian machinations, the movement has persistently garnered traction. The pressure above has been applied to both the Central and State Governments. The influence of the political environment has also been a significant factor in shaping the course of the movement. The demand for a separate state in Telangana has been consistently advocated by its residents. At the same time, political parties have frequently used this matter for electoral advantages in national and local elections. Nevertheless, after the attainment of electoral triumph, governing parties have occasionally modified their position, resulting in disenchantment among the general public.

The desire to establish Telangana State has had intermittent phases of renewal. Following a period of being marginalized until 1995, the revival of the cause was initiated through intellectual-led talks, workshops, seminars, and public gatherings held at esteemed universities such as Kakatiya University and Osmania University. The state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also incorporated the issue of state formation into its electoral program in 1999. Notably, in 2000, many new states, namely Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand, were established. The Telangana State formation problem experienced a notable surge in June 2001, coinciding with the establishment of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), a newly formed political organization under the leadership of Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao. The resignation of Rao from his MLA seat within the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) constituted a significant milestone in the trajectory of the movement.

The Third Phase of Telangana Movement Between 2009-2014

The toll inflicted upon the younger generation during the Telangana movement serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s profound and enduring desire for self-governance. Between the years 2010 and 2012, a notable number of young individuals, as reported by activists, tragically ended their lives, with a subset of sixteen individuals turning to self-immolation. The sacrifice made by the individuals in question can be interpreted as an emotional appeal for increased political control and autonomy on behalf of the inhabitants of Telangana. As per the findings of the Telangana Amaraveerula Kutumbala Vedika, a platform dedicated to the families of Telangana martyrs, a significant number of 904 suicides were reported in Andhra Pradesh over the period spanning from November 2009 to February 2013. A shared demand for the establishment of the state of Telangana characterized these incidents.

The Telangana movement serves as a symbol of the Indian endeavour for both economic and cultural self-governance. The movement resembles other social and political movements originating from Osmania University. The institution facilitated the convergence of many demographic groups through its extensive educational initiatives, affording them an opportunity to express their ambitions. Osmania University emerged as the focal point of the Telangana agitation. The school served as a platform for the mobilization of demonstrations by organizations such as the Telangana Students Front (TSF) and Telangana Liberation Students Organization (TELSO), which effectively amplified the voices pushing for the autonomy of Telangana both within and outside its premises.

Formation of Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC/JAC)

In response to the prevailing circumstances, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) demanded a further general strike to be held on December 24, 2009. The primary objective of this strike was to strategically impede the functioning of the regional economy, thereby garnering attention towards the pressing need to establish an independent Telangana state.

In light of the burgeoning movement, a Joint Action Committee (JAC) was established, comprising individuals affiliated with prominent political parties who endorsed the notion of an independent Telangana. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that there were documented instances of substantial disparity among the Joint Action Committee (JAC) constituents about their perspectives on an independent Telangana. This observation suggests that even among proponents of separation, divergent viewpoints and approaches existed regarding the means to further their objective.

Students Joint Action Committee

Padayatras (foot marches) were planned across Telangana by students from several universities, such as Osmania, Kakatiya, Telangana, Palamuru, and Nallagonda (MG). The Student Joint Action Committee (JAC) divided into two factions, each undertaking padayatras in distinct regions, namely South and North Telangana. The series of marches reached its culmination with concluding meetings at the Kakatiya University and Osmania University, respectively. It is worth noting that the success of these padayatras was not constrained by political philosophy. The residents of Telangana, in conjunction with their elected officials at the district level, demonstrated their unwavering support, irrespective of their political alignments. The extensive commitment and solidarity within the Telangana movement are highlighted by the unity and support exhibited by several parts of society.

Undoubtedly, students have played a pivotal role in spearheading the Telangana movement. Apart from the TRSV (Telangana Rashtra Samithi Vidyarthi), various other student organizations, including ABVP, NSUI, PDSU, AISF, and Dalit Student Organization, supported the Telangana cause. On November 17, 2009, a significant event occurred at Kakatiya University, whereby a considerable assembly of student organizations met. The gathering above resulted in the establishment a Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprised of students. Subsequently, on November 23, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) was extended an invitation by K. Chandrashekar Rao, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader, to support his ongoing hunger strike. This exemplifies the collective dedication to the cause.

The profound and ingrained understanding of the underlying factors among the student population originates from their early years of development. From an early age, they have been shaped by the principles of the movement. Upon the advent of the Tuition Reimbursement Scheme (TRS) in 2001, many university students were still undergoing their secondary education. The enduring influence of TRS’s objectives left a profound impression on their worldview as they matured with a deeply ingrained understanding of these principles. During instances of ambiguity or difficulty within the context of the agitation, the students have assumed a pivotal role in offering transparency and steering the movement towards the appropriate trajectory. The Telangana movement has greatly benefited from their active participation and unwavering commitment.

Students in the Telangana region have conducted several activities. During the hunger strike, these students, primarily from Osmania University, engaged in peaceful forms of protest like sit-ins, road blockades, public gatherings, and other forms of agitation within the framework of a democratic system. However, the police responded to these actions with a disproportionate use of force, injuring numerous students. The campus was secured by a police/military presence, which involved the placement of barbed wire barriers and interrupting water and power supplies to the university’s hostels. In addition, they have encountered instances of termination and the use of force by law enforcement personnel on the university grounds. The government issued a proclamation granting holidays to the students and mandated their evacuation from their respective schools. In this circumstance, a student named Srikantha Chary, pursuing a degree in physiotherapy, tragically resorted to taking his own life due to the ongoing unrest. In the occurrences above, the students who tragically took their own lives expressed their support for the cause of “Jai Telangana.” These incidents subsequently served as catalysts for a significant increase in student suicides, with over 600 reported cases occurring throughout various regions of Telangana.

The makeup and scope of the Telangana Movement saw a notable transformation during its second phase. This period was instigated by a group of intellectuals: professors, lawyers, employees, cultural and literary activists, and diverse caste organizations. In contrast to the previous stage, which mostly focused on urban areas, this subsequent phase transformed a widespread movement that included rural and geographically isolated regions.

Notably, the movement has exhibited exceptional durability, persisting for over twenty years during its second phase. Women have become prominent contributors to the continuing movement and have even been subjected to arrests by the state government due to their support for the establishment of a separate Telangana state. It is worth mentioning that the police have selectively focused their attention on students hailing from Osmania and Kakatiya Universities, encompassing individuals of both genders. Osmania University continues to be a  site of ongoing conflicts and law enforcement interventions. The pursuit of Telangana statehood continues unabated, displaying unwavering determination.

The Telangana movement has significantly impacted Osmania University (OU). Due to establishing a joint action committee by students residing in more than twenty-four hostels, the institution was obligated to implement the closure of its residential facilities. The aforementioned collaborative endeavour exemplifies the profound level of dedication within the student population. As a symbolic act of solidarity with Telangana, certain students have taken the initiative to modify their vehicle registration numbers, replacing the AP (Andhra Pradesh) code with TG (Telangana). This action demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the cause. 

The enthusiasm displayed by the students has not only reinvigorated previously inactive pro-Telangana employees’ unions across several government ministries, but it has also breathed new life into the TRS, which was earlier encountering difficulties. The active involvement of students in the Telangana cause has not only revitalized the movement but has also had significant consequences for the political environment, notably for the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS).

The instances above in 2009 and 2010 illustrate the confrontations and conflicts between law enforcement personnel and students affiliated with Osmania University amidst the Telangana movement. The Telangana movement witnessed the emergence of the Osmania University Joint Action Committee (OU JAC) in 2009, comprising multiple student unions affiliated with Osmania University. Nevertheless, the law enforcement authorities exhibited a severe reaction towards these demonstrations organized by the students. On February 14, 2010, an incident of severe police aggression occurred, allegedly orchestrated by Stephen Ravindra. During the incident above, the law enforcement authorities inadvertently caused damage to the lighting infrastructure within the premises of the Arts College, resulting in an unfortunate situation where the dormitory students were left without illumination. This event is one of the most intense encounters between law enforcement and student individuals.

The incident resulted in notable ramifications, as a minimum of 30 pupils incurred injuries necessitating hospitalization. Six of the individuals who sustained injuries comprised women who experienced notably serious injuries. The Human Rights Commission purportedly opposed these attacks, shedding light on police conduct in the Telangana agitation. These occurrences highlight the profound character of the movement and the difficulties encountered by the student activists in their pursuit of Telangana statehood.

On February 21, 2011, a noteworthy occurrence occurred when 16 female students from Osmania, Kakatiya, and Mahatma Gandhi Universities exhibited remarkable perseverance and drive. The individuals successfully navigated over all obstacles established by law enforcement, ultimately achieving their objective of attending the scheduled event, commonly referred to as the “Assembly Muttadi.” The aforementioned courageous action exemplified the unwavering dedication of these youthful females to assert their voices and engage in the Telangana movement. The activities undertaken by individuals exemplified the enduring determination and bravery that were symbolic of the Telangana statehood struggle.

After the valiant efforts undertaken by the group of 16 girls, the ensuing occurrences were characterized by additional instances of conflict with law enforcement authorities. The individuals in question were apprehended near the Assembly. During the Million March Program, an individual named Keerthi, a student hailing from Khammam, was apprehended and subsequently detained for 14 days. Following her release, Keerthi remained actively engaged in the movement, employing her artistic abilities in singing and dancing to advance the objectives of the cause.

MLAs and ministers from Telangana have collectively tendered their resignations as a powerful demonstration of unity and dissent, urging prompt action to effectuate the division of Andhra Pradesh. Furthermore, individuals supportive of the Telangana cause and students affiliated with Osmania University engaged in a confrontation with Nagam Janardhan Reddy, a prominent Telugu Desam Party leader at the time. The individual experienced physical force, resulting in being forcefully brought down, followed by repeated strikes and kicks, until eventually finding an opportunity to flee the scene using a motorcycle. These occurrences highlight the heightened level of passion and enthusiasm exhibited by the movement during this specific timeframe.

Students in Telangana Agitation

The Telangana agitation has had a lasting impact on the region’s political landscape, particularly in student activism and radicalism. The custom above, which had a surge in popularity throughout the 1970s and continued to endure subsequently, was subsequently revitalized with heightened intensity.

It is imperative to acknowledge that the genesis of the distinct Telangana movement may be attributed to a student demonstration. At its inception, the call for a distinct state was not a direct request but rather a reaction to the government’s inability to effectively enforce protective measures, specifically in job and educational prospects, as stipulated in the Gentleman’s Agreement established during the merger of 1956. Notably, the movement’s commencement occurred without support from any political party or established politician assuming a leadership role. Indeed, officials from this particular region, including individuals affiliated with the Congress party, such as legislators and ministers, were compelled to participate in the movement after that. The statement above highlights the inherent characteristics of the Telangana movement, namely its origin at the grassroots level and its impetus led by students.

The Telangana agitation is noteworthy for being one of the most militant and protracted movements in the region’s history. The protest, which students from Osmania University predominantly spearheaded, resulted in a prolonged disruption of the entire educational system, encompassing schools as well. Regrettably, the unrest led to a substantial fatality count among the student population, with an estimated 370 students perishing. Notably, the agitation also contributed to reinforcing the interpersonal connections between educators and learners. During the movement, both factions found common ground in their objectives, with notable figures such as former Vice-Chancellor Mr. Ravada Satyanarayana and then Vice-Chancellor Mr. Narotham Reddy publicly endorsing the protest. They even engaged in satyagraha, a kind of nonviolent resistance, in collaboration with the students on campus.

Despite the dedicated endeavours, the movement eventually did not attain its principal goal of forming an independent state of Telangana. The result above engendered a lasting disillusionment among the student population, who perceived themselves as being taken advantage of by politically motivated and self-interested individuals seeking to further their partisan objectives. The sentiment above continues to persist within the student population until now.

However, the agitation had an enduring effect on the student community, rejuvenating their pride and affiliation with Osmania University. Hence, any internal or external occurrence that influenced the university’s standing became closely intertwined with the broader position of the Telangana region within the state of Andhra Pradesh. The people of Telangana have attributed a newfound and noteworthy significance to several matters, including state grants allocated to the institution, admissions, academic appointments, and administrative appointments, among others. The enduring impact of the agitation continues to influence the viewpoint of the residents in the region for subsequent generations.

References:

  1. Altbach, Philip, G. {July 1965), Students Politics in Developing Countries, American, Review, p.55. 
  2. Altbach, Philip, G. India and the World Crisis, in Altbach, RG (ed), Op.cit.,p.ll. 
  3. Altbach, Philip, G.(1970), A Select Bibliography on Student Politics and Higher Education, Harvard Center for International Affairs, London, pp.24-6. 
  4. Anjaiah. M. (1999), Pressure Group politics -A Study of Students’ Organizations in Andhra Pradesh, Since 70s,(Ph.D., Thesis Unpublished), Department of Political  Science.  
  5. Di Bona, Joseph (1971), Change and Conflict in die Indian University, Lalvani, Bombay, p.l51. 
  6. Lipset, S.M, and Altbach, PG (eds), (1969), Students in Revolt, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, p.521. 
  7. Mehata, Prayag (1979), Indian Youth, Somaiya Publication, Bombay,p.71 โ€“ 83
  8. Sharma, Dev, Campuses and Youth -in Turmoil: A perspective, in Prayang, Mehatha, Op.cit,p79 โ€“ 80 
  9. Singhal, Sushila (1977), Academic Leadership and Student-Unrest, Newmen, New Delhi.p.157. 
  10. The Statesman, December 9, 1969. 
  11. Vishwa Yuvak Kendra (1973), The Dyanarnic of student    Agitations,    Somaiya    Publications, Bombay,p.3.
  12. Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Politics in the Name of Womenโ€™s Reservation. Contemporary Voice of Dalit, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/2455328X241262562

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Enhancing Safety Analysis with Surrogate Methods: A Focus on Uncontrolled Traffic Intersections

Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Enhancing safety analysis at uncontrolled traffic intersections is a critical endeavor, and surrogate methods provide a transformative approach to achieve this goal. Uncontrolled traffic intersections, lacking conventional traffic control mechanisms, often present heightened safety risks. Surrogate safety analysis methods offer an innovative way to overcome the challenges posed by the absence of historical crash data. By utilizing surrogate measures like vehicle trajectories, speeds, and accelerations, these methods allow for a proactive assessment of potential safety risks. Instead of relying solely on past accident records, surrogate safety analysis leverages real-time or simulated data to predict conflict points and hazardous events, enabling timely and targeted safety interventions. This forward-looking methodology holds immense promise in improving safety outcomes at uncontrolled intersections, ultimately contributing to a safer and more efficient road network.

Uncontrolled traffic intersections pose a significant challenge for traffic engineers and planners in ensuring safety for road users. These intersections, lacking traffic signals or stop signs, require advanced analytical approaches to comprehend and mitigate potential safety risks effectively. One such promising approach is the use of surrogate safety analysis methods, which offer a proactive means to identify potential safety concerns and implement appropriate countermeasures.

Understanding the Challenge

Uncontrolled traffic intersections, often found in suburban or rural areas, demand a careful examination of vehicle interactions to predict and mitigate potential collisions. The absence of traffic control devices necessitates a thorough analysis of driver behavior, traffic flow patterns, and geometric design to assess safety implications accurately.

Traditional safety analyses rely heavily on historical crash data, making it challenging to predict and prevent accidents in areas with minimal crash records. Surrogate safety analysis methods address this limitation by utilizing real-time or simulated traffic data to predict potential safety issues and recommend appropriate safety enhancements.

The Surrogate Safety Analysis Method

The surrogate safety analysis method involves utilizing surrogate measures, such as vehicle trajectories, speeds, accelerations, and lane positions, to estimate the likelihood of safety-critical events. These surrogate measures act as proxies for actual safety outcomes, providing insights into potential conflicts or risky situations without relying on historical crash data.

Key Components and Techniques

  1. Conflict Analysis: Surrogate safety analysis focuses on identifying conflicts or near-miss events, providing crucial insights into potentially hazardous scenarios. By analyzing vehicle trajectories and behaviors, engineers can pinpoint locations and patterns where conflicts are likely to occur.
  2. Microscopic Simulation: Utilizing microsimulation models allows for the generation of a virtual representation of traffic behavior at uncontrolled intersections. This enables a comprehensive analysis of various parameters, such as traffic density, vehicle speed, and maneuvering patterns, aiding in predicting potential conflict points.
  3. Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs): SPIs are quantitative measures derived from surrogate measures that provide a structured approach to assess safety. Common SPIs include time to collision (TTC), post-encroachment time (PET), and speed profiles. Analyzing these indicators helps in identifying critical areas and evaluating the effectiveness of safety interventions.

Advantages of Surrogate Safety Analysis

  • Proactive Safety Assessment: Surrogate methods enable a proactive safety assessment by predicting potential safety concerns before accidents occur, allowing for timely interventions and proactive planning. Surrogate methods play a pivotal role in enabling a proactive safety assessment of intersections. By utilizing surrogate measures like Time-to-Collision (TTC) and Post-Encroachment Time (PET), potential safety concerns can be predicted before actual accidents occur. This predictive capability allows traffic engineers and safety experts to take timely interventions and plan proactive measures to mitigate identified risks. This proactive approach significantly contributes to improving overall traffic safety by addressing issues before they escalate into serious accidents.
  • Cost-Effective Analysis: Unlike traditional safety analyses that heavily rely on crash data collection and analysis, surrogate methods are cost-effective as they leverage readily available real-time or simulated data. Surrogate safety analysis presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional safety analyses that heavily rely on crash data collection and analysis. The reliance on readily available real-time or simulated data means that there is no need for extensive and expensive crash data collection efforts. This translates to cost savings in terms of data acquisition, processing, and analysis. Moreover, the efficient utilization of existing data sources enhances the overall cost-effectiveness of implementing safety improvements at intersections.
  • Enhanced Decision-Making: By providing a deeper understanding of conflict points and risk factors, surrogate safety analysis supports informed decision-making for implementing targeted safety improvements. Surrogate safety analysis provides a deeper and more nuanced understanding of conflict points, risk factors, and potential safety hazards at an intersection. This enhanced understanding empowers decision-makers, including traffic engineers, urban planners, and policymakers, to make well-informed and evidence-based decisions regarding safety improvements. By identifying critical areas and conflicts, decision-makers can strategically allocate resources and implement targeted countermeasures, such as geometric improvements, traffic signal optimizations, or signage enhancements. Informed decision-making based on surrogate safety analysis helps optimize safety interventions and maximize their effectiveness in reducing accidents and improving overall traffic safety.

Implementing Surrogate Safety Analysis for Uncontrolled Intersections

  1. Data Collection and Analysis: Gather real-time or simulated traffic data, including vehicle trajectories, speeds, and lane positions. Analyze this data to identify patterns and potential conflict points. To comprehensively understand traffic dynamics at an intersection, a thorough data collection process is essential. Real-time or simulated traffic data should be gathered, encompassing various parameters like vehicle trajectories, speeds, and lane positions. This data can be obtained through advanced traffic monitoring systems, such as video cameras, sensors embedded in the road, or connected vehicle technologies. The collected data is then subjected to rigorous analysis using statistical and data analytics techniques to identify patterns, trends, and potential conflict points within the intersection.
  2. Surrogate Measure Identification: Choose appropriate surrogate measures (e.g., TTC, PET) relevant to the intersection type and traffic conditions to estimate safety performance. In order to gauge the safety performance at the intersection, appropriate surrogate measures need to be identified. Surrogate measures serve as proxies for actual safety outcomes and are crucial for evaluating the safety of a given intersection under different traffic conditions. Common surrogate measures include Time-to-Collision (TTC), Post-Encroachment Time (PET), and others that are relevant to the intersection type and the prevailing traffic conditions. These measures provide valuable insights into potential conflicts and near-miss events.
  3. Conflict Identification and Countermeasures: Utilize surrogate measures to identify conflicts and critical areas within the intersection. Implement appropriate countermeasures such as geometric improvements, signage enhancements, or traffic calming measures. Leveraging the identified surrogate measures, conflicts and critical areas within the intersection can be pinpointed. Conflicts are instances where the surrogate measures suggest a heightened risk of a collision or unsafe traffic interactions. Through a thorough analysis of these conflicts, specific critical areas within the intersection can be identified. To enhance safety and mitigate conflicts, appropriate countermeasures should be implemented. These countermeasures could encompass a range of strategies, including geometric improvements to the intersection layout, optimizing lane configurations, enhancing visibility through improved signage and lighting, employing traffic calming measures such as speed bumps or roundabouts, or implementing intelligent traffic signal control systems. These interventions aim to create a safer environment by reducing conflict points and minimizing the risk of accidents. Ultimately, this holistic approach involving data collection, surrogate measure identification, and conflict analysis coupled with targeted countermeasures is essential for enhancing intersection safety and optimizing traffic flow. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of these measures are crucial to ensure sustained safety improvements at the intersection.

Conclusion

The adoption of surrogate safety analysis methods represents a significant leap forward in improving safety at uncontrolled traffic intersections. By relying on real-time or simulated data, traffic engineers can predict potential conflicts and hazardous scenarios, enabling the implementation of proactive safety measures. Embracing this approach is crucial for achieving a safer and more efficient transportation network, ultimately saving lives and reducing the overall societal cost of traffic accidents. In summary, surrogate safety analysis offers a proactive and cost-effective approach to evaluating and enhancing traffic safety at intersections. It enables the prediction of safety concerns, optimizes resource allocation, and supports well-informed decision-making, all of which are critical aspects for creating safer road environments and reducing the likelihood and severity of accidents.

References

Mohamed, M. G., & Saunier, N. (2013). Motion prediction methods for surrogate safety analysis.ย Transportation research record,ย 2386(1), 168-178.

Sharma, S. N. (2019). Review of most used urban growth models. Inย International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET)ย (Vol. 10, Issue 3, pp. 397โ€“405). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.8169002

Sharma, S. N., & Singh, D. (2023). Understanding mid-block traffic analysis: A crucial tool for road safety.ย Think India Journal,ย 26(3), 5โ€“9. https://www.thinkindiaquarterly.org/index.php/think-india/article/view/20406

Singh, D., & Das, P. (2023). A review on surrogate safety measures in safety evaluation and analysis. Inย Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference of Transportation Research Group of Indiaย (pp. 113โ€“129). Springer Nature Singapore.

Singh, D. (2023). Surrogate safety evaluation at uncontrolled intersection in non-Lane base traffic conditions. European Transport93, 1โ€“16. https://doi.org/10.48295/et.2023.93.11

Recent Trends of ICT in Indian Higher Education System: An Analytical Study

Mohd Mushtaq

Research Scholar

Department of Education and Training

Maulana Azad National Urdu University Hyderabad-32

Abstract:

With the fastest eras of information communication technology, Education requires an innovative methods and strategies of teaching learning process. The relationship between technology and education at all levels is bi-directional. According to NEP 2020, Digital India Campaign is helping to make over the whole nation into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. While education will play a critical role in this transformation.  ICT play an important role in the improvement of educational processes and outcomes. The present study is to explore the recent trends of ICT and role of ICT in Indian higher education system. Finding of the study revealed that the usage of ICT in education will increase the interest, motivation, excitement and learning capacity among students during the teaching learning process. ICT enhance the learner interest, gives flexibility to the students, enhance motivation, give freedom to the students, increases the learner potentials and capabilities etc. Some resources of educational technology such as smart devices, digital cameras, social media platform, software applications and better facilities of internet.  Further found that when we have best resources according to the recent trends of ICT and facilities for the implementation of information communication technology, the teaching process will be skilful and reached at higher standard and students will gain more and more knowledge. Education through ICT is very effective and successful such as through the interactions between students and teachers, peer groups and course materials etc. 

Keyword: Information Communication Technology, Recent trends, teaching learning process, Role of ICT, Indian education system.

INTRODUCTION

Education is critical in modifying an individual’s behaviour to meet the demands of the present situation. As a result, it has a significant impact on societal change. Due to the rising of population emergence of information technology and education is also going bi-directional. Hence education play a vital role in changing the society as well as the modification of behaviour of an individual. For the betterment of education innovative technology are applied in e- learning to enhance the quality education.  Online learning is the combination of tool which we can use through the websites. In online learning students can obtain knowledge from a website, it is considered a more flexible learning strategy. They can download appropriate learning materials, as well as use the mail system and a variety of social media sites where teachers and students can interact and learn by sharing their perspectives. Emergence of Innovative applications of computer in the teaching learning process increasing day by day and it includes e- learning, computer learning, network-based learning, intranet based and internet-based learning and also includes many strategies of learning such as; text, video, animations, audio, and virtual /pure online environment. ICT, stands for “information and communication technology,” was first used in 1992. Science, technology, and engineering use ICT as a discipline and management technique to manage information, its use, and involvement with socioeconomic and cultural issues. In the current situation, ICT tools are usually overlooked. The traditional educational system was insufficient to hold a student’s attention in the developed world and in the age of modern science. The present methods also struggle to fulfil the needs of learning among students. Predictable processes of teaching and learning which brought knowledge as bits, it includes memorizing theories, justifications, facts and principles that do not achieve teaching objectives. For effective teaching learning process, new and innovative strategies must be personalised to increase the interest of the students. Technology plays a vital role in teaching learning process. At current time development of technology is very useful for teaching learning process. Educational technology is made up of two words education and technology. Education is the process of attaining and imparting knowledge, skill and attitudes. Technology denotes approaches as well as technical devices. Technology is the techniques of science and methods of obtaining new knowledge related to technology and others field such as, arts, science and specifically professional courses. National Council for Educational Research and Training defined that educational technology as the means of three different things includes with progress, application and evaluation the first thing is strategies/techniques, second is system and the third one is aids to improve overall teaching leaning process. In present scenario of education, e-learning is the most recent kind of ICT applied to improve and accelerate teaching and learning. It is a well-known fact that ICT has entered every aspect of life and that education has spread to practically every country in the world. E-learning offers a variety of applications and accessibility to students seven days a week, 24 hours a day so that anybody can participate in class at any time and from any location using a variety of communication methods. E-learning in India has modified the evolving characteristics of instructional materials and created new educational opportunities. ICT is a type of technology that makes it possible to conduct information-based activities. These include obtaining information, processing data, and gathering, processing, and displaying data. Communication and cooperation are especially critical in these efforts. It has evolved into ICT, or information and communication technology. As a result, an online teacher makes up for the absence of a physical classroom by creating a friendly atmosphere where all students feel at ease taking part in online lessons. By offering flexible locations, class schedules, and the world’s best content, it considerably aids in the migration of our lives into the digital world. 

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Goyal, and Bhagat (2010) Factor that affect information and communication technology usage: A case study in Management Education. In this study survey based research was conducted under 458 respondent 57 teacher and 401 students from different background. The finding of the study show that both students and teachers gave significant importance to pedagogy and ICT is very effective in teaching learning process for teacher as well as students. Usage of information communication technology in teaching learning process gives flexibility to the students, engaging students, better relationship between teacher and students, students and peer group and increase students motivation, students interest, enhance capability of students and freedom to students.  Some pedagogical factors are relevant for the effective usage of ICT such as, usage of technology in daily routine, development of ICT day to day life,  some technological device like reliability of ICT, IT and data security etc.

Amit Mahajan and Dhirendra Sharma (2012) conducted a study on Strengths Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats analysis of information communication technology infrastructure and services in Jammu University. In this study the researcher revealed that the university have a better ICT infrastructure and services for the students. ICT services play an important role in teaching learning process with the experts of technology it  increase the student’s opportunity, identify the weakness of students as well as researcher and give greater chance for improving the research work. Result of the study show that most of the institution want a better facilities in ICT for teaching learning process and same as it is University of Jammu have better facility and want to developed institution in information communication technology.

Ulka Toro and Millind Joshi (2012) conducted a study on information Communication Technology Review of Literature from the Period 2004-2011. In this study the researcher found that ICT play a vital role in teaching learning process at higher education level. Around the world emergence of technology increasingly day by day and moving it into the digital society. ICT is being more important in 21 century among teaching learning process.  ICT help in improving the weaknesses and strength of the student at higher education. Finding of the study revealed that the new information communication technology tools have basic produced significant transformation in industry, agriculture, education, medicines, engineering and others fields. The new teaching approaches involve the use of audio-visual, computer and telematics tools on the part of lecturers.

Syed Noor-Ul-Amin (2013) a study on an effective use of information and communication technology for education and learning by worldwide knowledge. The purpose of this study is to explore the usage of technology in teaching learning process. In past few years the usage of information communication technology is changed. The higher education system is highly influence by information communication technology and quality of education for improving the quality of education and application of ICT. In this study the researcher explore that the ICT not effected on learner styles but also effects on teachers way of teaching. It enables students centered learning and increase the overall significance of ICT in education as well as teaching learning process. In this study the researcher identify and assess significant strategies in national as well as international research and effective use of ICT for education with respect to the teaching learning process,  Quality of ICT and accessibility of education  ICT and learning motivation, ICT and learning environment, and ICT to enhance the educational performance. The researcher further found that ICT can show a very less significant role in overall development of teaching learning quality and students oriented learning modules in recent education system. Usage of ICT is very helpful in teaching learning process which enhanced the teaching strategies.

Ishtiaq etal. (2017) conducted a study on the effects of information and communication technology on the studentsโ€™ academic achievement and retention in chemistry. Experimental methods were used for the study. In this study 50 students of 9th class belonging to the Kohsar Public School and College Latamber Karak under sample random sampling were selected. The study is based on equalling groups that is based on pre-test and post-test. Mean average, standard deviation, and t-test were used for analysing the data through statistical analysis.  In this study the researcher found that the Information communication technology have positively effect on students’ academic performance and retention and ICT was found more effective, interesting and motivating for the students as well as teacher. 

Mushtaq Ahmed Patel (2020) conducted a study on Open Educational Resource a teaching-learning tool in the times of covid-19 in India. In this study the researcher found that open educational resource is an innovative approach in teaching learning process. OER help the students as well as teacher for accessing the material easily and without time being. The teacher and student can access the material through some electronic devices such as, computer, mobile phone, desktop, smart phone and tablets etc. The researcher further found that that individuals are making isolated efforts with few unorganized governments and non-government agencies efforts. 

Mushtaq and Banwaree Lal (2022) conducted a study on Blended Mode of education and its relevance in teaching learning process. In this study the researcher try to find out the emergence of technology in teaching learning process. The main objectives of the study is to explore the  features, key benefits of blended learning, role of teacher and students in blended learning environment and infrastructure required for blended learning classroom. Result of the study reveals that blended learning is the combination of learning where students learn through offline mode (physical presence) with online instruments in teaching learning process.  Blended learning is more effective, interesting and motivated for the students as well as teachers and enhance the learning potentials, remove the relationship gap between teacher and students and give freedom to the students. The implementation of blended learning requires better infrastructure, good trained teachers, experts, and a better system of technology for the effective and interesting teaching learning process. And further found that face to face teaching learning process with the use of online instruments such as projectors, smart board, laptop, desktop, and some software application increase the learners and teacher capabilities, interest, motivation, learning potential, problem solving skills, creativity, cognitive power and practice of the learners in teaching learning process.

OBJECTIVES

1. To study the Role of ICT in Indian higher education system.

2. To study the recent trends of ICT in Indian higher education system.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the role of ICT in Indian higher education system?

2. What is the recent trends of ICT in Indian education system?

METHODOLOGY

        In this study Qualitative methods of research was used to analyze the role of ICT in Indian higher education system and recent trends of ICT in Indian education system for the study. 

ROLE OF ICT IN INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

ICT plays a significant role in teaching learning process, strategies of Information Communication Technology in administration, role of ICT in research, ICT as a Change agent in Society and role of ICT changing in Higher education.  In day today life Information communication Technology play an important role in the overall educational process encompassing from endeavor to the application of technology in handling key issues of access, fairness, administration, effectiveness, teaching process, techniques or strategies, quality, research and development. Information Communication Technology gives insight to the students and teachers for the development of education and its plays important role to make effective teaching learning process at higher education level. Use of ICT in higher education give establishing a forceful edge by contribute to improve the service among staff and students, enhanced learning process among students and increase experience towards teachers in teaching learning process and research also. ICT plays a significant role in administration of educational institutions for the usage of prevailing resources and  make easy administration tasks such as, student administration, staff administration, general administration by removing the work load  of paper and exchange the physical conservation of record keeping to electronic maintenance of records which helps in easy recovery  of any material of students, staff and general with in a section of seconds can access the essential information and knowledge. Combination of ICT in higher education increases the excellence of research work and more number of students enrolled in the research work in the different fields. Information communication technology enables the connections throughout the world in all disciplines and make social networking. It saves time, money and struggle to the researchers in their research studies. Information communication technology is most essential for computing and analyses of data in quantitative works. Some software of ICT is beneficial for analyzing and interpretation of data such as, excel, SPSS, statistical techniques for social science, online analyzing calculators etc. usage of information communication technology is beneficial for the researcher where the researcher scholar identify the literature reviews making objectives hypothesis and methodology in research work and using ICT in an appropriate situations. The advancement of higher education in India combined with the need to stand and be competitive in an international situation needs a good decisions to be taken rapidly and effectively.  This  has  increased  the  opportunity  and  difficulties  of administration,  thus  making  it  essential  to  implement  different  approaches  of  higher  education administration. The increasing student population in higher education accelerated the necessity of for information communication technology to process, recover and store data and information in a quick basic and particular patterns. The attentions of electronic administration in higher education is on the establishments of an actual electronic administration by taking care of prevailing resources in the form of economically. The concept of traditional classroom moving from black board, notebook, pencils to an online education such as; computer software, internet, some apps of teaching and learning. Besides that the ICT change the teacher centered approach into student centric approach and the duty of teacher is coach, counselor, mentor and knowledge provider and the teaching learning process provide real time problem solving methods, intellectual reasoning and creative thinking also.

HIGHER EDUCATION: The students of under-graduation, graduation, MPhil, PhD and post doctorial belonging to the different colleges, and universities are falling in higher education. Different curriculum and co curriculum covering different disciplines like science, arts, medical, non-medical, commerce, computer science, social science, engineering, mathematics culture and humanities. The government of India take an initiates in the form of SWAYAM that is providing MOOCs courses with certificate at the completion of course.

RECENT TRENDS OF ICT IN INDIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM

         The global usage of internet has increased the demand for spreading of educational programmes. The highest advantage of using ICT tools is that it reduces carbon footprint. Usage of ICT tools allows e learning to take place in virtual learning environment. Online tools and mobile phones are very effective to promote learning.  Todayโ€™s learners are tech understanding. In order to make learning interesting mobile phones can be used by learners to explore. From young age learners need to be taught the safety measures to be taken during natural disasters. Initially this can be taught with the help of mobile phones where primary learners can learn about the safety measure through mobile phones. With the help of mobile phone students can watch cartoons based on natural disaster. This will help the students to understand the concept easily and with the help of mobile phones leaners can get access to information. Artificial intelligence is the current trend in education. Teaching artificial intelligence at school is very important. Schools should focus on three areas first the learners should learn with Artificial intelligence that is they need to know how to use them, secondly, they should learn about artificial intelligence this will enlighten them on the techniques and technologies involved in artificial intelligence. This will bring awareness to know its impact on human lives. Especially in building up of values and skills for life. It has the potential to transform education therefore it is essential to include artificial intelligence in education to meet the goals of sustainable development. With the help of artificial intelligence, it is possible to promote equitable quality education and it provides opportunities for lifelong learning. In recent trends of education blended learning plays an important role in teaching learning process. Blended means mixed up of traditional as well as virtual classroom where teachers and students presence are compulsory. Teacher imparts education via traditional classroom with the use of information communication technology such as, power point slides, pdf, videos, Google classroom, Google zoom, Google meet, Edmodo applications and some gamification applications. After Covid pandemic in higher education university grant commission recommended to the institutions 40% syllabus should be taught in online mode and 60% syllabus through offline mode.  

           Technology is a significant element in studentsโ€™ education as well as teacher training programmes. Through digital media platform students have access knowledge and information without any restrictions. ICT is essential to pre-service teacher education programs in the twenty-first century. Without adequate ICT expertise, it is impossible for a teacher to perform in their classroom, hence it cannot be considered to be complete.  In day-to-day life, attention is also located on diverse educational philosophy and educational practice based on the various that developing requirements of our society. These theories and practises suggest that teacher education has also experienced alterations. It makes wisdom that new technology must be merged into the teacher education. Along with having strong perception towards teaching skills, teachers also need to have the correct attitudes and values. The minimum requirements of any training programme are that it should assist the learner in obtaining the fundamental abilities and aptitudes of a successful teacher. Inter- disciplinary approaches, correspondence courses, orientation courses, and other innovative developments in education are currently popular especially for teacher and students also. Other methods used in education include team teaching, programmed instruction, micro teaching, and simulations teaching are beneficial for the learner. Action research is now used in classroom during teaching learning process and teacher education as well. ICT assists as a portal to the informational world and aids in keeping students as well teacher up to date. It promotes knowledge, skill, learning aptitudes, potential, research aptitudes, online course teacher and student relationship, skilled based course and learning strategies also. Some beneficial approaches for students and teachers are as under;

  1. E- Learning
  2. Online/ virtual learning
  3. Blended learning
  4. Mobile learning
  5. Artificial intelligence
  6. Open and distance education
  7. Learner centred environment
  8. Learning management system

                Technology is nowadays being used in the classroom by Indian higher education. Technology includes some online approaches during teaching learning for the effectiveness of teaching learning process. Such approaches are laptops, LCD projectors, desktops, Smart classrooms, online video lectures, conferences, workshop, seminar, research webinar and memory sticks. ICT is beneficial for the teacher in teaching learning process. Because teachers are the only ones who can give pupils a bright future. Some of the recent trends are as under;

  1. Mobile Learning. With the emergence of technology the combining of software and hardware are generate new advances “Smart Phone” that is the essential tools in day to day life. A smart phone have advanced fixed technology in the field of industrial and telecommunications. Mobile devices with internet connectivity and computational power are projected to soon replace personal computers as the official appliance in classrooms.
  1. Cloud computing. Applications are increasingly moving away from independent desktops and laptops and onto server farms that can be accessed online. This trend will result in the availability of less expensive information appliances that do not need the size or processing capacity of a PC, which will have significant implications for educational systems. Providing interconnectivity to access data stored in the “cloud” will be the challenge.
  2. One-to-One computing.  Around the world, the tradition of classroom environment is to provide knowledge and information from the teacher to students and the application of information communication technology. In this setting of classroom students can learn through individual devices such as mobile phone, individual laptop/desktop, tablet etc. classrooms should prepare for the universal availability of personal learning devices.
  3. Universal learning. With the development of technology required strong network connection and better infrastructure for teaching learning process all over the world. Information communication technology gives great opportunity to the students for obtaining knowledge without time constrain, gives flexibility to students for accessing  their knowledge from anywhere and at any time. This trend of ICT requires a rethinking on traditional classroom environment
  4. Gaming. According to the Horizon Report, a current survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project revealed that the excessive playing of online games are found in youth or young peoples and this types of activities can-not benefitted for the health. Most of the young people are interconnected with the society through games
  5. Personalized learning. Education systems are increasingly day by day and exploring the use of technology for better understanding among studentโ€™s knowledge.

                Some Current trend in Information Technology are as under, SWAYAM (Study Web of Active-learning for Youth Aspiring minds) Learning Management System, MOOCs, Robotics, Open Educational Resource, Cooperative Learning Strategies (CLS), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning etc. Integration of technology in present situation plays a vital role in our education system as well as outside the educational background. But, education will be able to plays its role more effectively by making the individuals creative, innovative and efficient. Educational technology can immensely contribute to the qualitative as well as quantitative improvement of education.

CONCLUSION 

This study examine that the recent trends of information communication technology and role of ICT in Indian higher education system. ICT plays a vital role in the school education as well as higher education system in India.  During Covid pandemic all the formal education system was unfortunately stopped, meanwhile ICT was started day by day and spread over the world. ICT can immensely contribute to the qualitative as well as quantitative improvement of education.According to National Policy on Education 2020 technology will be benefitted for the students as well as teacher. Technology integration play an important role in teaching learning process. Some recent trends of ICT such as; Learning Management System, MOOCs, Robert, Cooperative Learning Strategies, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Moodle, Open Educational Resource, Online Assessment and Portfolio, Smart classroom, Electronic Devices, and some software application are Google meet, Google classroom, Zoom, WebEx, Study Blue Flashcards, Schoology, Quiz, Teacher Kit, Animoto, Socrative, Seesaw, Tether, FoxFi, Too Noisy, Answer Garden, Slido etc. Finding of the study revealed  that usage of technology such as projectors, smart boards, laptops, desktop computers, and some software applications makes learning convenient and enhanced learner and teacher capabilities, interest, motivation, and learning potential as well as problem-solving abilities, creativity, and cognitive ability. If the proper infrastructure would be available with the recent trends of technology in Indian higher education system and trained teachers in information technology then the educational standard will be high.

REFERENCES

Amit Mahajan, Dhirendra Sharma (2012). A Technical SWOT Analysis of ICT Facilities: Jammu University, Jammu, India. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering. 2(12): 128-139.

Goyal, Ela; Seema Purohit and Manju Bhagat. 2010. โ€˜Factors that affect information and communication technology usage: A case study in managementโ€™. Education journal of information technology management, 21 (4) 38-57.

Hussain, I,. Suleman, Q,.  Naseer ud din, M,. & Shafique ,F. (2017) Effects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Studentsโ€™ Academic Achievement and Retention in Chemistry at Secondary Level. Journal of Education and Educational Development. 4(1)73-93.

Mushtaq. M,. & Meena B,. L. (2022) Blended Mode of education and its relevance in teaching learning process. Post Covid Education Scenario in India. G.H.G. Khalsa Colleges, Gurusar Sadhar Twenty first century publications Patiala. 73-78.

NEP (2020). New Education Policy. Ministry of Human Resource Development Government of India. Retrieved from www.education.in

Patel. I. Mushtaq (2020) the OER โ€“ a teaching-learning tool in the times of covid-19 in India. Global and Lokal Distance Education- GLOKALde, October 2020, Vol 6 (2), https://www.glokalde.com/pdf/issues/18/Volume6Number2.pdf#page=91

Syed Noor-Ul-Amin (2013) An Effective use of ICT for Education and Learning by Drawing on Worldwide Knowledge, Research, and Experience: ICT as a Change Agent for Education, Department Of Education, University Of Kashmir, , 2(4), 38-45, 

Ulka Toro and Millind Joshi (2012).ICT in Higher Education: Review of Literature from the Period 2004-2011.International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology. 3(1):20-23.

UNESCO (2002). Information and Communication Technologies in Teacher Education, A Planning Guide. Paris: UNESCO.

A Review on the Impact of Online Job Portals on Employee Performance

Ahjaz Ahmed*

Ph. D Research scholar, Department of Management,

Maulana Azad National Urdu University Hyderabad.

Abstract:

The development of technology in the digital age has had a huge impact on many aspects of our life, including how we find and keep jobs. The introduction of internet job portals has completely changed the way people hunt for jobs by giving them a platform to communicate with businesses. This article examines and assesses the effect of online job portals on worker performance, highlighting the benefits and potential pitfalls of this cutting-edge job search strategy. Now that technology is prevalent everywhere, everything is made simple. Every aspect of human life has been impacted by technology. Thanks to online job portals, where applications are only a click away and hundreds of positions are always open, finding a job has gotten easier nowadays. Job portals offer all varieties of jobs, and the majority of them are free, which increases their popularity in the labour market. Employees hired using online job portals perform as well as those hired through more conventional means. Online job portals are more practical, affordable, time-saving, and accessible. Job portal features like filter, sort by, and generate your resume now are improving the effectiveness of employment portals, something that was previously impossible because it took more time, was less effective, required more personnel, and was less transparent. This study is based on a review of comparable studies to determine the effect of online job portals on employee performance. According to a review of several research studies, online job portals have a favorable effect on employee performance, demonstrating the importance of technology in modern life and how it makes life more efficient and time-saving.

 Keywords: Online Job Portal, Technology, Recruitment, Employee, Performance

Introduction

The recruitment process now fully depends upon technology because as the job seekers are increasing and at the sametime getting a job is becoming more complex. The recruitment process is to place a candidate at the right position according to his skills and experience. In this time, all the recruitment process is being carried out using technology and internet. Technology has changed the way we live our life, we think, we spend our time, we use gadgets and devices etc.basically our life has changed drastically due to technology. In the same way, the recruitment process has changed, and it has become easier, effective, and cost efficient which has changed the scenario of recruitment totally. Today, a variety of networking websites, such as Nakuri.com, Monster.com, Shine.com, Fresher’s World, Times Jobs, LinkedIn, Free Jobs Alerts, etc., are used to find qualified candidates for employment. These websites have emerged as significant sources of good personnel for both employees and organizations. Online job portals have a significant impact on employee performance in several ways, making workers more productive because they provide the right guidance regarding market demand for skills, popular job categories, and compensation packages that have an effect on workers’ performance.  This study is based on the impact of online job portals on employee performance in which related studies have been reviewed to know the impact. From the review of various research papers, it is found that the positive impact of online job portals on employee performance which shows the technology is playing a vital in human life and more technology is making life easy and effective and saving the precious time. E-recruitment is a method that handles the full hiring process, from beginning to end, including posting job ads, receiving resumes, and choosing the best candidate for the job based on their qualifications. It functions effectively and efficiently. The ability to attract quality candidates (in terms of abilities, attitude, knowledge, and aptitudes) for the company is aided by the use of the internet.

Literature review 

Recruitment

Edwin B. Flippo (1984) It studied that Recruitment is the main duty of the human resource department. Finding, enticing, screening, reducing the field, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and onboarding employees are all steps in the process. “Recruitment is the process of seeking out potential employees and encouraging them to submit applications for positions within the firm.”

Parry & Wilson (2009) Determine that “recruitment encompasses those processes and actions conducted by the organization with the primary goal of identifying and recruiting potential personnel.” The size of the recruitment team of a company might vary depending on the size of the organization. In smaller businesses, a recruiting manager, however, is frequently in charge of recruiting. Many organizations outsource their hiring needs, but some merely use advertisements, job Portals to identify candidates for open positions. To improve and streamline the hiring process, many businesses employ hiring software nowadays.

The basis of a successful recruitment process is an organization-specific sourcing model that aims to find the best applicant for the ideal role at the ideal moment. It is a methodical process for enlisting outstanding individuals who can super business expansion. The five main stages of an all-encompassing hiring process might differ from company to firm depending on the business vertical, organizational structure, size, operational style, and selection procedure

E-Recruitment Process

E-Recruitment is the rage right now and represents the newest trends in hiring. The use of technology or web-based solutions to facilitate the hiring process is also referred to as “online recruitment.” The resource may be an employment website like naukri.com, the company’s official website, or its own intranet. The internet is being used by both large and small businesses as a source of hiring.

โ€œE-recruiting is using the internet to recruit through Job portals, corporate websites, specialized websites or onlineadvertisementโ€, Galanaki (2002).

The organization’s e-recruitment initiatives and e-recruitment process have an impact on the structure, effectiveness, and efficiency of the organization’s recruiting process. The HR division oversees the diversity of the workforce with regard to culture, time zones, specializations, benefits, and salary. Secondary data was collected for this study. According to this study, employers seem to more concerned about hiring a qualified, quality-oriented candidate over one who is more concerned with price. Third parties, such as headhunters and recruiting agencies, actively participate in the online hiring process. E-recruitment improves efficiency and efficacy of the hiring process. Particular internet recruitment techniques contribute to organizational advancements and improve organizational recruiting performance. Fred and Kinange (2016).Most of the organizations in Pakistan were using both e-recruitment and traditional recruitment sources. It also revealed that the IT based organizations are not completely relying on e-recruitment. The study also indicated that majority of respondent organizations use e-recruitment for filling the top positions Nasreem et al. (2016)

Online Job Portals

Job portals are a straightforward but useful tool. They make room for both companies and employees and make it simpler to access a wide range of employment in various industries and skill levels. They also lower fees for middlemen and headhunters as well as the costs of job matching. Job websites have improved employment access for all people. Before they existed, informal networks and social contacts dominated the job-seeking landscape. Social network job searches typically favor well-connected individuals, further entrenching already-existing inequities. This implicit prejudice in access to both official and informal jobs can be lessened by ensuring equal access to online job platforms. The Covid-19 pandemic, which harmed every industry area, had an effect on every firm in the world. In April to May 2021, there were around 22.7 million job losses, according to research by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy. As the life is being normal, so the hiring process in India has surged apparently, especially last August has witnessed 89 percent increase and hiring for specific roles has grown as well specially in IT sector. According to estimates, the largest employment portals fill more than 80% of job advertisements. In that time job portals play a vital role in recruitment process.

Employee Performance

A worker’s performance is defined as how well they carry out their duties and finish vital tasks. It emphasizes the value, quality, and effectiveness of their output. How valuable each individual is to the business depends on their performance. For a business, each person represents a significant investment, therefore the return that Employee contributions must be substantial. Employee performance is influenced by a variety of variables that have an effect on their lives, such as pay, benefits, the workplace culture, bonuses, and admiration.

Impact on Employee Performance

Employee satisfaction is influenced by a variety of factors, including management expectations, coworkers, personal issues, and company culture. Companies must take the initiative to ensure that their staff members are pleased by learning what they need and giving them the resources, they need to improve their talents.

In comparison to individuals who do not use the Internet, the data shows that job searchers who have registered with job portals are about 6% more likely to be employed and that their reservation earnings are 1300 rupees higher (a 10% increase above the mean). Additionally, we discover that employed individuals who are registered with portals have actual incomes that are 13% greater than those who are not. On the other hand, employees who rely more on social networks for support have slightly lower employment possibilities and lower associated salaries. The impact and role of job portals is vital in the life employee which enables them to perform well and make future bright.

Advantages for Employee Performance

1. Increased Access to Opportunities: Online job boards have democratized the labour market by removing distance restrictions. Job searchers have more options for obtaining work that match their talents and career goals because they can look at opportunities outside of their immediate area. Improved job matching and more job satisfaction may result from this expanded access.2. Efficiency and Speed: Sending paper applications and waiting for responses was the usual way of looking for work. This procedure has been streamlined by online job portals, which let applicants submit applications in a matter of minutes for several vacancies. This effectiveness shortens the time between searching for a job and getting hired, resulting in smoother transitions and perhaps fewer spells of unemployment.

3. Customized Job Search: Job portals frequently provide search filters that let job seekers focus their search based on particular factors like industry, region, amount of experience, and job type. This personalization enables job seekers to identify positions that closely match their tastes and skill sets, improving the fit between the employee and the employment role.

4. Access to Information: Job portals frequently provide search filters that let job seekers focus their search based on particular factors like industry, region, amount of experience, and job type. This personalization enables job seekers to identify positions that closely match their tastes and skill sets, improving the fit between the employee and the employment role.

5. Skill Development: Candidates frequently need to improve their digital literacy abilities in order to succeed in the digital application process. The ability to use online platforms, build compelling profiles, and submit digital applications might help a job candidate develop skills beyond the current job search, potentially enhancing their overall digital competency.

Potential Drawbacks

1. Competition and Oversaturation: Because it’s so simple to apply for jobs online, more people are doing so, which has boosted competitiveness and the number of applications that businesses receive. This may lead to oversaturation, which will make it difficult for individual applications to stand out and may aggravate job seekers.

2. Lack of Personalization: Online apps might not have the same level of personalization that can be found in more conventional techniques, including networking events or in-person encounters. The candidate’s capacity to demonstrate their soft talents and leave a lasting impression on employers may be hampered by this impersonal character.

3. Limited Visibility for Non-Digital Roles: While online job portals are useful for office- and digital-based roles, they might not be as useful for jobs that call for specialized or hands-on abilities. There may not be as much representation for certain occupations on internet platforms, such as manual labour or the creative arts

4. Quality of Listings: It’s possible for some job portals to host listings that are unreliable, deceptive, or even fraudulent. To make sure that the positions they apply for are genuine and in line with their expectations, job searchers should use prudence and practice due diligence.

Conclusion

E-recruitment is another term for online recruiting. In our country, reputable employment portals like monster.com, nakuri.com, shine.com, and numerous networking sites are accessible to help employers and employees with the hiring and selection procedures. The procedure is quite easy to understand for both the person and the business. E-recruitment has several advantages, including the capacity to move more rapidly, convenience of use, reduced administrative costs and manpower, and increased competency on the part of the company and personnel. For those who are directly or indirectly involved in the e-recruitment process and who are employed as HR personnel within the company, this study is highly helpful. A flawless answer is required for everything in the fast-paced, accuracy-focused world of today. In a similar vein, the recruitment process has become more efficient and time-saving thanks to the employment of highly sophisticated technologies. According to the study, job portals have a beneficial effect on employee performance since they make it simple to grow in your career and find decent jobs with competitive pay. The job platform also offers expert coaching and knowledge of potential future career paths. Undoubtedly, the concept of job portals has gained popularity as a preferred means of recruitment for both job seekers and employers, but its efficiency and ability to meet job seekers’ expectations is what will make it the ideal platform for recruiting.

References

Ahlawat, R., & Sangeeta E-recruitment: Transforming trends of recruitment in Human resource management, Global journal of Engineering Science and Research Management, 3(1), 21โ€“25. (2016).

Amusan, D.G., Oyediran, M.O., Development of efficient e-recruitment system for university staff in Nigeria,Circulation in computer science, 1(1), 10-14. (2016). International Journal of Management, Technology And Engineering Volume 8, Issue XI, NOVEMBER/2018 ISSN NO : 2249-7455 Page No:1564

Anand. J., Chitra Devi, S., Literature review on e-recruitment and its perceived benefits: A walk towards paperless HR, International journal of applied research,2(11), 528-531. (2016).

Chauhan. D., Chaturvedi. L., Efficacy of j1ob portals and social media on organizational business, international journal of advanced research in management and social sciences, 2(7), 170-181. (2013).

Edwin B Flippo (1984) personnel management, sixth edition-Hill International Edition, Management series.

Faliagka, E., Tsakalidis, A., & Tzimas, G. An investigated e-recruitment system for automated personality mining and applicant ranking, internet research, 22(5),551-568. (2012).

Fred and Kinange (2016). International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)

Galanaki. E (2002) “The decision to recruit online: a descriptive study”, Career Development International vol. 7 No 7. 4, pp 243-251. http://doi.org/10.1108/13620430210431325.

Mansourvar, M., Mohd Yasin, B. N., Development of a job web portal to improve education quality, Internetional journal of computer theory and engineering, 6(1), 43-46. (2014).

Nasreem, S., Hussan, M., & Khan, T.A. effectiveness of e-recruitment in small and medium enterprises of IT industry of lahore (Pakistan), Pakistan Economic and Social Review, 54(1), 143โ€“164. (2016)

Nasreen, Sidra, et al. โ€œeffectiveness of e-recruitment in small and medium enterprises of it industry of Lahore (Pakistan).โ€ Pakistan Economic and Social Review, vol. 54, no. 1, 2016, pp. 143โ€“64. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26616703. Accessed 12 Oct. 2022.

Parry, E. and Wilson, H. (2009), Factors Influencing the adoption of online recruitment. Personnel Review.

Rakholiya, N.& Gupta, C. A study on the Applicantโ€™ s Perception towards E-recruitment, International MultidisciplinaryJournal of Applied Research, 1(1), 50โ€“53. (2013)

Ramaabaanu, R. & Saranya, M. Importance and problems of e-recruitment, international journal of research, 1(9), 445-450. (2014) International Journal of Management, Technology and Engineering Volume 8, Issue XI, NOVEMBER/2018 ISSN NO: 2249- 7455 Page No:1566

Rani. R., E-recruitment and its impact upon on job seekers: A contemporary approach, IJARIIE,2(4), 335-339. (2016).

Sherkar, A. A Study on Use of E- Resources in Recruitment and Selection Process in 5 Star Hotels, Atithya: A Journal ofHospitality,1(1),15-19. (2015).

Sylva, H., & Mol, S.T. E-recruitment: A study into applicant perceptions of an online application system, internationaljournal of selection and assessment,17(3),311-323. (2009).

Healing Arts: Exploring Artistic Resonanceย in John Greenโ€™sย The Fault in our Stars

Mrs. L. P. Priyankaย M.A., M.Phil., NET

Assitant Professor

Department of English

Jayaraj Annapackiam College for Women (Autonomous), Periyakulam

Abstract:

Art has long been recognized as a powerful tool for emotional expression, empathy, and personal growth. The concept of healing arts encompasses a diverse range of expressive mediums, each playing a distinct role in the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals. This research article delves into the multifaceted dimensions of arts as a therapeutic medium through an analysis of John Greenโ€™s acclaimed novel The Fault in Our Stars,with a particular focus on literature, music, games, and poetry. By analyzing how these forms of artistic engagement contribute to the charactersโ€™ emotional healing. This study aims to shed light on the inherent therapeutic qualities of literature  and other arrs and its potential to provide solace and guidance.

Keywords: Healing arts, literature, games, poetry, therapeutic medium, emotional healing, John Green, The Fault in Our Stars.

Healing Arts: Exploring Artistic Resonance in John Greenโ€™s The Fault in our Stars

Art has its beginning in the caves of stone-age man. From then on it has become a vital ingredient of life. It is mostly defined as a process of deliberately arranging items with symbolic significance. As a result, it influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions and intellect. In art, one can find a diverse range of human activities, creation and modes of expression. Art in its various forms includes music, literature, film, photography, sculpture and paintings.  Healing is often an intricate process, and the utilization of various artistic mediums can significantly impact the emotional trajectories of individuals. John Greenโ€™s The Fault in Our Stars has garnered widespread acclaim for its profound portrayal of young love amidst the challenges of terminal illness. Green intertwines literature, music, games, and poetry to underscore the importance of the healing in navigating the complexities of life, love, and loss. This paper explores how the novel exemplifies the healing arts, demonstrating how literature  and varied art can play a therapeutic role in the lives of both fictional characters and real-world readers.

Expressing oneself through various media such as art and literature has been a desire of mankind since the beginning of time. Literature has the unique ability to transport readers into alternate worlds, allowing them to experience a range of emotions and perspectives. Nobody can imagine a life without art. Artists express their emotional world through art and spectators or readers let this world pass through the realm of their sensuality. It is the sphere of feelings and sentiments of a person arising from his direct experience. Emotions in art are special. There are many pros and cons in the feelings of everyday life. In real life feelings and emotions come in a variety of shades, from negative to positive.

Emotions in art have social impact, they are very similar to the feelings of every humans.Through feelings art reaches the inner world of a human being, inspiring him and making him humane, and moulding his personality. Art can go to the extent of solving pedagogical and psychological problems. In addition, art acts as a psychotherapeutic therapeutic tool for the soul, which is capable of relieving psychological and spiritual distress. 

As an art form, literature has been used to express mankindโ€™s deepest emotions and observations, most profound thinking and firm beliefs. Literature encompasses many genres such as drama, poetry, and novels. While both physical arts and literature are a form of self-expression, each also represents a profession. When the world of arts and literature is explored, mankindโ€™s fascination for self-expression can be discovered.

Literature is a work of art in words. It is a writing that carries strong and lasting value through beauty or emotional power. Literature expresses the writersโ€™ thoughts, hopes and fears. Writings become literature only when well written and are of lasting interest to people of many societies and different generations. Literature is a powerful weapon to change the world with its human ideas and emotions expressed through words.

Art has tremendous healing power. Mankind is very much accustomed to spiritual and physical healing through prayer. Concrete experiences of such healing were innumerable through the healing touch of Jesus Christ. Music too is known to bring emotional balance relieving one in distress. Music is the most accessible and most researched medium of art of healing, relieving one of anxiety. Creative writing and reading of literature too are healers in a broad sense.

The healing power of literature has been recognized throughout history, from ancient myths to modern novels. By immersing themselves in the lives of fictional characters, readers can gain insight into their own emotions and struggles. Most people resort to reading as a means of escape from reality. Further, the world seen through books creates awareness and realization of oneโ€™s faults when one is caught up in the mean world. In Greenโ€™s novel, protagonists Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters navigate the challenges of cancer, mortality, and young love. Their emotional journeys serve as a lens through which readers can explore their own feelings of grief, fear, and hope. Both Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters are fond of reading books. Hazel reads her favourite novel โ€˜An Imperial Afflictionโ€™ by Peter Van Houten. Augustus reads โ€˜The Price of Dawnโ€™, a brilliant novelization of his favourite video game.

 Hazel describes the book as her personal Bible, because it accurately matches her own experience. She finds relief through โ€˜An Imperial Afflictionโ€™. She says that she loves this book for its honesty. Anna, the main character of โ€˜An Imperial Afflictionโ€™, is a young girl with cancer who does not want to let this fact define her entire life. This parallels Hazelโ€™s situation and causes Hazel to find empathy and connection in the book. Hazel finds this book as a touchstone to her life. She tries to deal with pain honestly and directly and also finds comfort in it.  She recommends โ€˜An Imperial Afflictionโ€™ to Augustus. She tells him that the book accurately reflects the reality of death. One dies in the midst of their life, in the midst of a conversation. But I want to know what happens to everyone else. Both of them are very curious to know about what happens to the characters at the end of the novel. This curiosity made them travel to Amsterdam to meet the author Peter Van Houten. Hazel reads books not to escape from reality but to escape from the eyes of the society that views herself as a cancer patient and not as a human being. Hazel believes and lives in reality. She has no illusions about her health. She comes to a better understanding of life through the novel โ€˜An Imperial Afflictionโ€™. Even though it is a fictional work it has a genuine value in her life. Hazel finds this novel a pain-reliever.

Augustus tends to deal with his pain through humour and sacrifices himself in a video game. He lends Hazel a copy of โ€˜The Price of Dawnโ€™, a book based on his favourite video game.  Hazel reads the book and then purchases the first two sequels of โ€˜The Price of Dawnโ€™. In human company Hazel feels the sense of otherness. While shopping with her friend Kaitlyn in a mall she realizes how Kaitlyn sees her as a cancer patient. Hazel says that social interactions were depressing because it was so obvious that everyone she talked to for the rest of her life would feel awkward and uncomfortable around her. So just to escape from Kaitlynโ€™s eyes Hazel begins to read the sequel to โ€˜The Price of Dawnโ€™. 

Coming to Augustus and his friend Isaac, video game serves as an escape mechanism. Their interest in the game originates from their need to escape from pain. When Isaacโ€™s girlfriend Monica deserts him, he cries in distress. Just to escape from that hard reality he resorts to playing video game. It is also a kind of healing for him.

 Augustus takes his game-playing seriously. When Hazel questions him as to why he has saved some hostages in the game instead of himself, he says, โ€œAll salvation is temporary, I bought them a minute. Maybe thatโ€™s the minute that buys them an hour, which is the hour that buys them a year. No oneโ€™s gonna buy them forever, Hazel Grace, but my life bought them a minute. And thatโ€™s not nothingโ€ (59). The whole life-or-death situation inherent in video games is close to that of Augustus. Like the hostages in the game, he recognizes that he and his fellow cancer kids are working with a limited amount of time, and anytime gained is very valuable and precious. When Augusts is worried about his fear of oblivion, he indulges in playing a video game and feels comforted.

Peter Van Houten, the author of โ€˜An Imperial Afflictionโ€™, is an alcoholic. When Hazel and Augustus meet him at his house in Amsterdam, he is abrasive and drunk. He never reads his fansโ€™ mails. All these are because he has lost his daughter Anna to cancer. After the death of Anna, he became bad tempered and alcoholic and was unable to cope with her loss. He became a writer because of his daughter. Meeting Hazel, he is reminded of Anna and thatโ€™s why he behaves in a cruel manner. He refuses to answer most of Hazelโ€™s questions and he is very mean to them. To prove himself an intellectual genius, he replies cryptically, citing the paradox of Zenoโ€™s tortoise. Zeno, a pre-Socratic philosopher was the first person in history to show that the concept of infinity is problematical. Van Houten saysZenoโ€™s tortoise paradox is renowned for its paradoxical nature. Suppose that you are racing against a tortoise and the tortoise is ahead of you by ten yards. As you run, the tortoise may have moved one yard, and as you make up the distance, the tortoise will move a further distance, and this cycle continues indefinitely. You may be faster than the tortoise, but you will never catch it, you will only reduce its lead. You may simply run past the tortoise without considering the mechanics involved. The question of how to do this becomes extremely complicated. Nobody really figured it out until Cantor showed that some infinity is bigger than others.

Therefore, it shows that fast runners are not always winners. To escape from the present situation, Van Houten takes out his grief on others. Van Houten uses his intellect to escape from the reality. The idea of Zenoโ€™s paradox comes later in the novel, providing Hazel and Augustus a way to understand the time they spent together. Although Van Houten does not provide the answers to the end of the novel, he does provide Hazel a way to imagine her relationship with Augustus. Hazel is happy for her small infinity with Augustus Waters.

            Hazelโ€™s attending poetry classes and reading poetry are a proof that art is really healing. Poetry, through heavy use of imagery and word association, quickly conveys emotions. Poetry is something everyone can love, and it is a great art that can be part of our life. Poems with powerful images can help us retain them in memory and relish them as intellectual treat. Poems speak to us in many ways. A poem helps one express what cannot be said in other forms of writing, to suggest an experience, idea, or feeling. 

A concrete example is seen in John Keats, the Romantic poet, when threatened by consumption which ran in the family and which had already carried off his brother Tom expressed his fear of death through โ€œWhen I have fears that I may cease to beโ€ (Lall 3), a prophesying of his early death in Shakespearean form. His โ€˜Ode to a Nightingaleโ€™ is a song of death and despair. It contains the premonition of his premature death: โ€œMy heart aches, and a drowsy numbness pains / my sense, as though of hemlock I had drunkโ€ (Lall 153). Through his expression of feelings, fear and pain he achieves psychological healing.                                               

            In the novel, Hazel attends a poetry class at MCC, their community college. When Augustus asks her about her interest, she says that she is interested in reading, โ€œfrom, like, hideous romance to pretentious fiction to poetryโ€ (33). At once Augustus yells saying, โ€œHazel Grace, you are the only teenager in America who prefers reading poetry to writing itโ€ (33). Most people love to write poetry in order to express their feelings, but Hazel is fond of reading poetry. She feels very peaceful while reading poetry.

 During the flight Hazel reads the long poem Howl by Allen Ginsberg, which she is reading for her poetry class. The title Howl indicates protest, cry for all exploitation, repression and subjugation. In Howl, Ginsberg describes the desperation, the suffering and persecution of a group of outcastes who are seeking transcendent reality. They love narcotic things because they want to forget their pain. They have repulsion towards life and attraction towards death. Hazel tells Augustus, โ€œThe guys in this poem take even more drugs than I doโ€ (152).

            How much poetry means to Hazel is seen in her having poems in memory. Augustus asks Hazel to recite a poem from her memory, and Hazel recites a part of T.S. Eliotโ€™s poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. At Oranjee Augusts requests Hazel to recite the final lines of the Prufrock  poem. She tells how it ends, โ€œWe have lingered in the chambers of the sea / By sea-girls wreathe with seaweed red and brown / Till human voices wake us, and we drownโ€ (164). The poem reminds her of her own situation. This poem speaks about awareness, water and drowning. Drowning is a clear reference to death by water which Hazel fears.

 After returning from Anne Frankโ€™s house, Hazel recites the poem Thirteen ways of looking at a Blackbird by Wallace Stevens. She recites the fifth stanza of the poem: โ€œI do not know which to prefer, / The beauty of inflections / Or the beauty of innuendos, / The blackbird whistling /Or just afterโ€ (204). While Hazel and Gus are waiting for the ambulance to arrive, Gus asks her to read something, so she recites William Carlos Williamโ€™s The Red Wheelbarrow until the ambulance arrives. She also makes some modification to the poem to describe Gus:

so much depends 

upon

a red wheel 

barrow

glazed with rain 

water

beside the white

chickens. (246-247)

This poem is an example of a true imagist poem. Red wheelbarrow is important to the farmer and she compares Gus to the wheelbarrow, meaning metaphorically that Gus is equally important to her. Here, she is the white chicken. The form of the poem itself is very symbolic. The wheelbarrow is red to show its power at the farm, and the chickens are white to show their purity. The wheelbarrow is covered with rain water. 

 The lines which Hazel adds to the poem are โ€œAnd so much depends, upon a blue sky cut open by the branches of the trees above. So much depends upon the transparent G-tube erupting from the gut of blue-lipped boy. So much depends upon this observer of the universeโ€ (247). Here, she tries to tell about the pitiable situation of Gus. His survival depends upon the observer of the universe that is God. It is in Godโ€™s hand to save him.

Towards the end of the novel, after Gusโ€™s funeral, Hazel recalls the lines, โ€œSo dawn goes down to day, / Nothing gold can stayโ€ (278) from the poem Nothing Gold can Stay by Robert Frost. This line symbolizes the idea that all the good and beautiful things in life eventually fade away. Nothing good can last. It shows the cycle of life and death. Hazel also thinks that even if death doesnโ€™t get in the way, the kind of love that she and Augustus share could never last. Hazelโ€™s love for books and poetry in general represents a certain escapism, not wanting to harm or affect other people and so retreating into the world of authors, fiction and poetry for comfort and kinship. Thus she finds healing through literature.

Music as a mechanism for relief is seen in the novel. Music has much significance in human life and people listen to music for different reasons and at different times. Intimate relation to music is one pretty way to make one feel happy or excited. There are many types of music like pop, rock, jazz, classical etc . . In addition to providing entertainment it can purify the mind and give positive energy. Music makes one relaxed and influences oneโ€™s mental health significantly. Music, through stimulation can abolish pain, and calm the neural activity in the brain. 

Van Houten is seen relieved from frustration by listening to Swedish rap music. In the early days most wrappers in Sweden rapped in English. Afasi and Filthy was a Swedish hip hop dou from Uppsala, Sweden. Peter Van Houten is a fan of the group and plays โ€˜Bomfalleraโ€™ when Hazel and Augustus meet him. When Hazel asks him to answer her questions, he suddenly brings up Zenoโ€™s paradox of tortoise and quickly connects the theory to Swedish hip hop. When Augustus says that they donโ€™t speak Swedish, at once Van Houten tells: 

Well, of course you donโ€™t. Neither do I. Who the hell speaks Swedish? The important thing is not whatever nonsense the voices are saying, but the voices are feeling. Surely you know that there are only two emotions, love and fear, and that Afasi och Filthy navigate between them with the kind of facility that one simply does not find in hip-hop music outside Sweden. Shall I play it for u again? (188)

Augustus asks if Van Houten is playing some kind of performance on them, to which Van Houten replies that if they cannot hear Afasi and Filthyโ€™s bravadic response to fear, then his work is not for them. He purposely plays the sound track, because he is frustrated by the presence of Hazel and Augustus Waters. To relieve himself from the frustration he plays the Swedish hip-hop rap music.

            To Hazel, like all entertainment the reality television show offers an escape from real life problems. She regularly watches โ€œAmericaโ€™s Next Top Model marathonโ€ (6), a reality show. This show grabs the attention of Hazel even though she is a brilliant young reader too.

Augustusโ€™s house is decked out with inspirational quotes. On every single surface of the house, there are encouraging and inspirational phrases. When Hazel goes to Augustusโ€™s house for the first time, she notices:

โ€œA wooden plaque in the entryway was engraved in a cursive with the words Home Is Where the Heart Is, and the entire house turned out to be festooned in such observations. Good Friends Are Hard to Find and Impossible to Forget read an illustration above the coatrack. True Love Is Born from Hard Times promised a needlepointed pillow in their antique-furnished living room.โ€ (26)

Augustus, on seeing Hazel reading them tells that his parents call them encouragements. Encouragements are a tangible form of comfort. Even though Hazel and Augustus may not agree with them, they know that to some extent it provides comfort and hope to Augustusโ€™s parents. When Augustus dies, Hazel mentions a great quote in his eulogy which she found very comforting: โ€œWithout pain, we couldnโ€™t know joyโ€ (272), because she knows that it will mean a lot to his parents. 

            John Greenโ€™s The Fault in Our Stars beautifully illustrates how the healing arts, encompassing literature, music, games, and poetry, enrich the human experience by providing avenues for emotional expression, connection, and personal growth. As individuals navigate lifeโ€™s challenges, these artistic mediums offer pathways toward healing, resilience, and a deeper understanding of oneself and others. As literature continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the human experience, it is essential to recognize and appreciate its potential to facilitate healing and transformation. Each character heals himself or herself by relying on an art such as reading a novel, reciting a poem, playing video game, listening to music, writing and encouragements. The concept of healing is thus intrinsically connected with some form of an art.

Works Cited

 Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. India: Penguin Books, 2012. Print.

Lall, Ramji. John Keats: An Evaluation of His Poetry. New Delhi: Rama Brothers, 1995. Print.

The Life Of Tribal In India

There is a different life existing, distinct from urban cities and villages mostly in the dense forests and hilly areas usually termed as a tribal community. Have you ever wondered what would their life look like? Let’s find out
In today’s culture, the term “tribal” is often used to describe a region’s indigenous population. Tribal people are the native inhabitants of the area and go by a variety of names on every continent. A fun fact is there are more than 550 Indian tribes present in this region that have lived there for a very long period. Every community is unique in some way that sets it apart from the other tribes. One thing unites all of these communities: they are cut off around the world.
Their major occupations are agriculture, food gathering, and hunting. They practice shift cultivation, clearing patches of forest and burning them to cultivate their crops like paddy, corn, etc.; though they cook their food and eat, as they are not accustomed to using species or oil in their cooking. Their diet also contains forest fruits, vegetables, roots, and tubers. These people have a distinctive dancing style, music, and theater in addition to a rich cultural legacy. Everyone in this culture is required to receive a tattoo on some region of their body at a specific age or a special event. Furthermore, they have separate traditions, cultures, lifestyles, beliefs, foods, dialects, customs, and a whole distinct outlook on life. They are both immensely dynamic and culturally rich. They illustrate the cultural diversity of Indian ancestry.

IJR – Open Access Journal

International Journal of Research (IJR)ย aims to enhance the study of economic issues such as open economy macroeconomics, international factor movements and business, exchange rate movements and determination, international trade theories, trade policy, FDI, international capital flows, external debt, regional trade agreements, foreign aid, international trade organizations, world economic programs, impacts of globalization, global capital markets, global economic integration and cooperation, global economic inequality, intellectual property rights, optimum currency areas, and other timely and concerned global or international issues.

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

IJR also welcomes scholarly contributions from officials with government agencies, international agencies, and non-governmental organizations.ย Current issue of the journal is available at https://ijrjournal.com/index.php/ijr

IJR – Research Journal

International Journal of Research (IJR)ย is an Open Acess, peer reviewed, international online publishing journal, which aims to provide a platform for the exchange of information covering all aspects of science, technology, and public policy including technicism, appropriate technology, microbiology, environmental studies, materials science and so on. Articles presenting original research in the field are expected for publishing in this journal.ย 

Photo by Startup Stock Photos on Pexels.com

IJRย provides a forum for sharing timely and up-to-date publication of scientific research and review articles. The journal publishes original full-length research papers in all areas related to corporate governance, human resource management, strategic management, entrepreneurship, marketing, e-business, services, information technology management, production & operations management, financial management, decision analysis, management research methods and managerial economics, etc. SJBM aims to enhance the dissemination of knowledge across the business and management community.ย 

Send papers for publication to ijr@ijrjournal.com

LINKAGE

We all have studied in our junior standards about cell. Cell is the the structural and functional unit of life, from them the origin of life takes place. The cell contains a nucleus which contains th genetic material for the survival of the organism DNA. DNA contains the chromosomes. There are .any several genes present on the chromosomes. As the chromosomes are the carriers of heredity they have the tendency to be inherited together, such genes are called linked genes. The tendency of two or more genes present on the same chromosomes that are inherited together is known as linkage. This phenomenon was discovered in plants by Bateson and Punnett and in animals by T.H. Morgan.

MORGAN EXPERIMENT

Morgan used Drosophila melanogaster for his experiments. He carried out many dihybrid cross experiment on drosophila melanogaster to study genes that are sex linked; for example, he and his group crossed yellow-bodied, white eyed female to the wild type with brown-bodied, red eyed males and intercrossed their F1 progeny. He observed that the two genes did not segregate independently of each other and F2 ratio deviated very significantly from 9:3:3:1 ratio. Morgan and his group knew that the genes are located on X chromosome and stated that when when two genes in a dihybrid cross are situated on the same chromosomes then the proportion of the parental combination is much higher than non parental type. This occurs due to physical association or linkage of the two genes, he also found out when genes are grouped on the same chromosomes some genes are strongly linked and some are loosely linked.

COMPLETE LINKAGE

The linked genes which are closely located on the chromosome do not separate and inherited together are called completely linked genes and the inheritance is called complete linkage.

INCOMPLETE LINKAGE

When the linked genes which are loosely located on the same chromosome and have chances of seperation by crossing over are called as incompletely linked and their inheritance is called as incomplete linkage.

Pollution causes blindness

Air pollution is a global malice. It destabilzes the climate, punishes our lungs and now according to a new study could possibly affect our eye sight or might make you blind.

The research was published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, it analysed 115,000 participants over 14 years. At the start of the study in 2006, these people have no eye problems but in the latest medical examination , 1,286 of them reported A.M.D (Age related Macular Degeneration). It is the leading cause of blindness among the people aged 50+ in rich nations. There are 200 million people living with this condition.

There appears to be a link between A.M.D and air pollution. People exposed to fine particulate matter are more vulnerable to A.M.D, nearly 8% vulnerable and this isn’t from industry level exposure. Even relatively low level of air pollution could be triggering A.M.D.

Effect on eye sight

The eyes have particularly high flow of blood. This leaves them vulnerable fine particles that flow through the body. It’s important to note that this study is observational. It cannot categorically establish a link between air pollution and A.M.D. However there has been similar study elsewhere with the same results. And the link between smoking and A.M.D has always been known.

The threat from air pollution has always been clear, but new studies are revealing more dimensions of this threat.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution contributes to 7 Million deaths annually. This leaves us with another cause of concern, toxic air could leave you blind.

Volcanic emissions may have made oxygen in climate

During a new investigation of 2.5-billion-year-old Australian rocks, scientists have tracked down those volcanic emissions may have animated populace floods of marine microorganisms, making the initial puffs of oxygen into the air.

This would change existing accounts of Earth’s initial environment, which expected that most changes in the early climate were constrained by geologic or substance measures. The discoveries of the investigation were distributed in the diary ‘Procedures of the National Academy of Sciences’

However, centered around Earth’s initial history, the exploration additionally has suggestions for extra-earthbound life and even environmental change. The investigation was driven by the University of Washington, the University of Michigan and different establishments.

“What has begun to end up being undeniable in the previous few decades is there really are a lot of associations between the strong, non-living Earth and the development of life,” said first creator Jana Meixnerova, a UW doctoral understudy in Earth and space sciences. “However, what are the particular associations that worked with the development of life on Earth as far as we might be concerned, addressed Meixnerova.

In its most punctual days, Earth had no oxygen in its air and scarcely any, oxygen breathing lifeforms. Earth’s air turned out to be for all time oxygen-rich with regards to 2.4 billion years prior, likely after a blast of lifeforms that photosynthesise, changing carbon dioxide and water into oxygen. In any case, in 2007, co-creator Ariel Anbar at Arizona State University dissected rocks from the

Mount McRae Shale in Western Australia, detailing a transient whiff of oxygen around 50 to 100 million years before it turned into a super durable installation in the climate. Later examination has affirmed other, prior, transient oxygen spikes, yet hasn’t clarified their ascent and fall.

In the new investigation, specialists at the University of Michigan, driven by co-relating creator Joel Blum, broke down similar old rocks for the focus and number of neutrons in the component mercury, radiated by volcanic ejections Large volcanic emissions impact mercury gas into the upper climate, where today it circles for a little while prior to pouring out onto Earth’s surface.

The new investigation showed a spike in mercury two or three million years before the brief ascent in oxygen “adequately sure, in the stone beneath the transient spike in oxygen, we discovered proof of mercury, both in its bounty and isotopes, that would most sensibly be clarified by volcanic ejections into the environment,” said co-creator Roger Buick, a UW teacher of Earth and Space Sciences.

Where there were volcanic outflows, the creators contemplated, there probably been Laval and volcanic debris fields. Also, those supplement rich rocks would have endured in the breeze and downpour, delivering phosphorus into streams that could treat close by seaside regions, permitting oxygen creating cyanobacteria and other single-celled lifeforms to prosper. “There are different supplements that tweak natural action on short timescales, however phosphorus is the one that is generally significant on long timescales, Meixnerova said. Today, phosphorus is abundant in natural materials and in horticultural manure. However, in extremely old occasions, enduring of volcanic rocks would have been the primary hotspot for this scant asset.

“During enduring under the Archaean air, the new basaltic stone would have gradually disintegrated, delivering the fundamental full scale supplement phosphorus into the streams, Meixnerova added.

“That would have taken care of organisms that were living in the shallow seaside zones and set off expanded natural usefulness that would have made, as a result, and oxygen spike, Meixnerova clarified.

The exact area of those volcanoes and magma fields is obscure, however huge magma fields of about the right age exist in cutting edge India, Canada and somewhere else, Buick said “Our examination proposes that for these transient whiffs of oxygen, the prompt trigger was an expansion in oxygen creation, as opposed to an abatement in oxygen utilization by rocks or other non-living cycles,” Buick said “It’s significant on the grounds that the presence of oxygen in the climate is key – it’s the greatest driver for the advancement of huge, complex life,” Buick added.

Eventually, analysts said the investigation proposes what a planet’s geography may mean for any life developing on its surface, an agreement that guides in recognizing liveable exoplanets, or planets outside our close planetary system, in the quest for life in the universe.

Why do Insectivorous plants exist?

If you find insectivorous plants strange and fascinating then this blog is for you.

What are insectivorous plants?

Insectivorous plants are those plants that derive some nutrients by trapping and consuming animals, mainly insects.

Categories of being insectivorous

There are essential two things that a plant has to do to be considered insectivorous:-

  1. Ability to take nutrients from dead prey:- a plant should have the ability to trap the prey and absorb nutrients from it. Those prey is usually insects or small vertebrates like, salamanders. It is not enough for the plant just to have defenses that can kill an animal that’s trying to snack on it. It also has to get it’s animal’s nutrients.
  2. At least have one adaption:- the plant need to have one adaption that actively lures in, catches, or digests it’s prey.

Doing at least one of these things and absorbing the nutrients for it’s benefit make it a insectivorous plant.

Plant traps

Over millions of years and across hundreds of species, plants have developed five different types of traps, most of them are from different times. And traps can be passive, if prey just fall into them and can’t escape, or active, if plant actually moves to catch its prey.

  1. Pitcher plant:- pitfall traps are the standard and passive trap used by plants like pitcher plants. Prey lands on the plants slippery surface and slides down into a pool of digestive juices.
  2. Sundews:- these are flypaper traps in which the prey become stuck in a sticky substance that is produced by the plant leaves. These traps can be passive as well as active. Sundews have sticky moving tentacles that react to contract with prey.
  3. Venus fly trap:- these are snap traps which are active, using rapid modified leave
  4. Bladderworts: they have bladder-suction. This creates little negative pressure vacuum inside their traps, which, when triggered by prey, pop open and suck the victim inside before snapping close.
  5. Lobster-pot trap:- they passive traps that force prey to move towards the plant’s digestive organ by having little inward pointing hairs that keep prey from moving backward out of the trap.
Venus fly trap
Lobster-pot trap
Bladderworts
Sundew
Pitcher plant

All of these unrelated plants have not only developed the same kinds of traps but it looks like they have also developed that same molecular mechanism for digesting their prey.

Reason of existence

It goes back to idea of convergent evolution. All these different insectivorous plants are responding to similar environmental pressure:-

  1. Found in open sunny places that have moist but nutrients – poor – acidic soil. Many of them live in bogs and fens.
  2. In these kind of habitat where nitrogen and phosphorus is not present in the soil, the plant tend to developed two kinds of leaves one for normal photosynthesis and one that are modified onto their particular type of trap.
  3. This results them to invest more in modified leaves than normal photosynthesis leaves as they have to live in a place with enough sunlight as well as to trap preys

Insectivorous plants can stop paying carnivorous temporally once they’re put in nutrients rich soil and if they don’t get enough sunlight and water.

Insectivorous plants are pretty rare and they are only found in certain kinds of habitats, they are just less likely to fossilize than other kinds of plants that are more widespread.

Are you a Smartphone Zombie?

Few days back i saw a question on a site asking “I want to put my phone aside and study, but i’m not able to do it? Is there any I can get rid of it?”

Well we can say that we all faced this phase where we get too much addicted to Mobile phone and couldn’t keep it aside and focus on other works. A research recently released the details of a study which told us where in the world was the biggest Smartphone penetration:-

  1. South Korea
  2. Australia
  3. Israel
  4. U.S
  5. Spain
  6. U.K

But this doesn’t mean that people in this countries are using mobile phones all the time. Based on a 2016 study led by Statistica, it does look like people in those countries might fall into the category of smartphone zombies. The study also said that

  • Brazilian spend the most hours on average connected to a smartphone as 4 hr 48 mins per day.
  • Chinese spend the most hours on average 3 hours 3 mins
  • Followed by U.S 2 hours 37 mins
  • Italy 2 hours 34 mins
  • Spain 2 hours 11 mins
  • South Korea 2 hours 10 mins

One thing range true for all countries in the study, and that was the fact time spent on a smartphone for the average person was up quite a lot from 2012 to 2016.

It’s not totally people’s fault that we are addicted to the smartphones. We have this exciting thing in our pocket that flashes, beeps and invites us to use it. NPR in 2018 talked about this manipulative object we carry around with us, that is just so irresistible. The story mentions Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov, and what we know as Pavlov’s dog. The psychologist one day realised that when his dog heard a bell or a buzzer, he knew it was feeding time, thereby associate with a sound to eating, which led to the dog drooling and looking excited.

Modern psychologist tells us this is what is happening to us when we hear a beep or a ding inside our pocket; we become excitable, like Pavlov’s dog. Our reward is coming, and we get a hit of dopamine and we want more. We check our phone on average every 15 mins and that make the tech use psychological tricks to keep us checking in.

All the time spent checking in may affect our sleep, our relationship, our work, or even all the creative things we might do to have a flourishing existence. Psychologist tend to agree we should be checking in less, and tech producers need to start thinking about creating less powerful digital drugs. But that isn’t easy because as most people now need those beeps and likes, and need to feel that they are not missing out on something.

Experts even states that putting your phone down, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as craving, restlessness, irritability or difficulty in concentrating. So from now on you might turn off notifications, have a plan for the day and stick to it, take off the apps you really don’t need as that might lead to a kind of app surfing. In general, not many people are against these technologies, but we should be focusing on what we might call device quality time, educating ourselves and being productive and creative.

Researchers are coming closer to being able to record your dreams.

Source: Google

We are living in odd times. Scientists are making significant progress on recording people’s dreams, and they’re a lot closer than you might believe.

Moran Cerf, an Israeli neurologist at Northwestern University, researches decision-making processes in both awake and sleeping humans. Cerf said he is putting electrodes on the brains of persons undergoing brain surgery as part of his research to “listen to activity of specific brain cells.” This allows him to get a sense of what individuals are thinking. “We may assume you dreamed about your mother and father,” said Cerf, a Tel Aviv University alumnus. “However, we’re not sure what your mother was wearing.”

Those visuals may get clearer in the near future. Kyoto University’s Yukiyasu Kamitani is a Japanese researcher. Using a gadget that detects brain activity, he has already begun reconstructing images from a waking person’s mind. He wants to use the same technology to record his dreams.

And scientists don’t need to go into your skull to figure out what’s going on. You’re paralysed during REM sleep, so you can’t act out your dreams. When you dream about running away from a dinosaur, though, your brain still sends electrical signals to your legs instructing them to move.

“Nerve impulses are still travelling to those muscles,” said Daniel Oldis, a lucid dream researcher at the University of Texas who collaborated with David M. Schnyer, an American neuroscientist. These signals are being measured by Oldis and Schnyer. They’re also looking at the signals in people’s lips and throats to see what they’re saying in their dreams.

So, when will you be able to witness your fantasies come true? This will most likely happen in stages. According to Cerf, you could have a device that tells you what you dreamed about in a general sense in a few months to a year. You’ll probably have to wait decades for a true dream cinema.

Naturally, this poses a slew of concerns. Will you be able to peek into other people’s dreams? Will businesses begin to place advertisements into our dreams in the near future?