One of the fundamental objectives of any educational institution and more of higher education is not only to disseminate knowledge but also to create it, which is possible only through research. Research denotes forms of scholarly inquiry that leads to various intellectual outputs.
The relevance of academic research needs no further emphasis as John Slaughter, President of Occidental College in US had said ‘research is to teaching as sin is to confession, unless you participate in the former, you have little to say in the latter’. In Finland even school teachers undertake small research / survey activities at their own level so as to lend credence to their teaching in the class room. This is basically ‘pedagogical’ in nature to add value to their teaching. The ‘discipline based’ approach to research is generally theoretical which may or may not find its place in application. It is the ‘applied’ research that industries clamour for and turn towards the academia for it. Yet another form is called ‘Inductive Research’ which is based on pure observations though academicians are yet to accept it. Since research is an aptitude based activity calling for high degree of perseverance and determination on the part of the researcher, it would be ideal to leave it to him as to what form of research to undertake. Research is delving into the past, observing the present and visualizing the future and with all these three activities, a scholar goes about in creating a body of knowledge useful not only to him but to the whole society at large. Teachers in institutions of higher learning have little or no choice in undertaking this as an essential activity and earn the coveted doctoral honours not only from career point of view, (Publish or Perish concept) but also from dissemination of value based knowledge to the students, point of view. No student should come out of an educational institution with an outdated knowledge into a fast changing, highly demanding and competitive employment market.
Research promotes inquisitiveness, it drives innovation, it propels self motivation, it leads to inner satisfaction, it teaches you to push against odds and finally it results in acquiring tremendous amount of self confidence. One needs a lot of motivation and inspiration to undertake research and logically conclude it. But taking up Ph D is not the sole prerogative of select few only as is generally believed. Anybody with enthusiasm coupled with analytical ability which is topped up with strong will to achieve can take up research. Then there is always a helping hand in the form of peers and guides in a university set up. Access to a well stocked library and internet will make the activity more interesting and rewarding. Tendency to remain satisfied with ‘status quo’ should be curbed to start with.
Research and Ph D at the end of it leave a person with a very high sense of fulfillment and accomplishment and capable of motivating and inspiring others. Perhaps it is the only academic activity which beats all age barriers.
The Icfai University, Nagaland is introducing Ph D in Management discipline from the year 2014-15 onwards and is adequately prepared to encourage the willing participants.
Dr Resenmenla Longchar
Member secretary (Research Board)
ICFAI University, Nagaland
