Dr. Sandeep H. Wankhade is the Associate Prof and Head, Department of Production Engineering at AISSMS College of Engineering, Pune, Maharashtra. He is nurtured with a rich blend in four major areas of Academics, Administration, Research and Innovation. He has completed BE, ME and Ph.D. and is currently pursuing his Post-doctorate research in ‘Efficacy of TRIZ tools on the creativity of an individual’. He has rich work experience working in the industrial domain for 2 years and has been active in academics for 22 years and 1-year full-time international research being, involved in Training and active Consultancies. He has organized 30+ training programs in the last 3 years by National and International eminent speakers at State and university levels for Industry professionals and academicians through grants. He has delivered 90 odd sessions on Innovations through TRIZ, Industry 4.0, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Project Selection, Creative Imagination Development, Critical Thinking, Creative Pedagogy, etc.

AISSMS College of Engineering

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

"In a nutshell, the key factor is comprehensive student development”

I have been always very passionate about teaching, I joined academia after 2 yrs of Industrial experience. At that time, it was merely conducting Lectures and practicals. My later realize is that teaching is important, but being instrumental and responsible for the nurturing and holistic development of the students is equally important. As a result, I got involved in many activities that cover both the professional and personal aspects of student development. May it be the responsibility of Hostel, Department Library, Professional Students chapter, Training and Placements, Industrial visits, guiding students to participate in National and International level competition, etc. These endeavours have brought me an opportunity to work as IQAC coordinator, NBA Coordinator and Central coordinator for Faculty Training, Foreign Collaboration, and many more.

What is your philosophy of leadership?

“Be compassionate and empathize with my Faculty members and empower them”

Being a Leader is a great responsibility. That too at an Institute which is a pioneer in quality education and the top amongst preferences in the eyes of stakeholders. My Philosophy is simple. I try to be compassionate and empathize with my Faculty members and empower them to experiment in Teaching Learning development. Naturally, there are some immovable ethical boundaries within which one can enjoy liberty. Showing trust in the abilities of an individual is the basis of success. In my view, my responsibilities do not end with the welfare of students but extend to the welfare of faculty and staff as well. 

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What can an inbound student gain from studying here in your Department?

“An opportunity to gain industry exposure through ‘Sandwich Pattern”

The education system in India has transcended from ‘What to learn?’ to ‘How to learn?’ with the advent of the New Education Policy 2020. My Department is altogether different. 

  • The education system in India has transcended from ‘What to learn?’ to ‘How to learn?’ with the advent of the New Education Policy 2020. My Department is altogether different. 
  • This program follows the Sandwich pattern, making it unique. In this, the students have to undergo Industry Inplant Training for 2 whole semesters. 
  • The result is that they gain valuable experience during their one year in the industry. Sandwich courses provide students with the opportunity to gain significant exposure.
  • Another advantage of this sandwich training is that the students enter the industry at a very tender age and hence enjoy good mentoring at a grass-root level. They also get an Industry mentor whose guidance is available throughout professional life. 
  • During Sandwich training, they are expected to behave like professionals and subconsciously assimilate managerial qualities and capabilities within their personalities. 

How does the curriculum of AISSMS College of Engineering ensure the best practice of industry?

“Promoting self-learning and techno-managerial training”

As mentioned, our program is having a sandwich pattern, the curriculum further has the advantage of self-study subjects. To bring students out of the structure of spoon-feeding, it is essential to make them study by themselves. We have several electives catering to the specific learning requirements of students. While the students are in industries during sandwich training, they have two subjects which are to be prepared by themselves. This imbibes the habit of lifelong learning. We call our students “Techno-Managers”. Technical managers are often promoted to their positions of leadership by climbing the corporate ladder. This is a practical move considering that business decisions today increasingly hinge on the nuanced details of the underlying technology.

What do you think your responsibilities to the Institute and the students are?

“Providing quality education to our students as stated in our Vision”

Teaching is one of the noblest professions but being an Industrial Engineer, I must be practical enough. I can contribute to achieve the thoughtful Vision and Mission of the Institute, only if I am able to sell my students (get a decent job in the profession of their choice). As you know, the famous definition of Leader by Prof Warren Bennis states that the Leader has the capacity to translate vision into reality. I have been doing my best to ensure the students receive a quality education as stated in our Vision of the Institute by the able Trustees. 

What do you think should be the Institute’s top priority over the next 10 years?

“The Institute’s top priority should be to adapt with time and technology”

AISSMS COE’s Principal and Management members have very good foresight and hence we have adopted the new technology in Teaching and changed few UG and PG courses appropriately. The UG/PG programs are modified to the latest technology demand of the Industry such as Computer Engineering Post Graduate course is changed to Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Electronics Engineering Department changed its PG program from Microwave Engineering to VLSI and Embedded Systems and now to IoT. Hence, we can’t teach what is the solution, rather we need to teach to generate the solutions innovatively. 

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What has been your vision for the Department? 

“Creating responsible technocrats in partnership with industry”

Based on the Vision of the Institute, we derived the Vision of the Department of Production Engineering as ‘To produce responsible technocrats with Industry participation’. This vision is all-inclusive because the participation with industries makes us state-of-the-art. Over the period of time, we have nurtured relations with more than 200 industries. With the participation of the industry, we have made sure that the needs of the industry are met.