‘Witnessing the growth, success of my students is incredibly rewarding,’ says Professor 

Dr. Akanchha Singh, an Assistant Professor at School of Management Sciences (SOMS), Apeejay Stya University (ASU), always wanted to make a meaningful impact on society through education and research. “Academics has given me the privilege of imparting knowledge and nurturing the next generation of students. By sharing my expertise and mentoring aspiring scholars, I can contribute to their personal and intellectual growth, preparing them to tackle complex challenges and make a positive difference in their lives and in the world,” emphasises Dr. Singh, who has recently joined the University and is exploring the vibrant academic environment there while focusing on continuous learning and professional development.

For Dr. Singh, the subject of Human Resource Management is very close to her heart. “My interest in this particular field stems from a combination of academic pursuits and practical experiences. During my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, I was drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of HR, which combines elements of psychology, sociology, and business management. This multidimensional approach fascinated me and made me realise the significant impact HR has on individuals, organisations, and society as a whole,” she adds.

In the Know Your Faculty interview series, Dr. Singh talks about her achievements as a professor and why continuous learning is important for educators to remain effective and relevant in an ever-changing education landscape. Read edited excerpts:

How would you describe your teaching style?

My teaching style revolves around creating a student-centric, interactive, and inclusive learning environment. By encouraging active engagement, application of knowledge, and continuous improvement, I empower students with the skills and mindset necessary for lifelong learning and success in their academic and professional pursuits. Moreover, I also emphasise on experiential learning so that student can apply learned knowledge and skills to solve industry problems.

Are there any specific goals or objectives you have for the upcoming academic session/semester at Apeejay?

Developing critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities are crucial for students’ future success. Using active learning strategies like case studies and real-world examples, helps in enhancing students’ analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. My goal is to develop among students a broader perspective, critical thinking skill, and the ability to approach challenges with creativity and innovation. Technology can greatly enhance the learning experience while facilitating effective communication. I aim to incorporate innovative teaching ways leveraging digital tools into my classes to promote interactive learning, facilitate student collaboration, and provide additional resources for self-study. This may include online learning platforms, multimedia materials, and virtual simulations, among other possibilities.

Can you share any memorable or inspiring experiences you’ve had as a professor?

I remember once I assigned some topics for presentation to my students as a part of experiential learning. One of my students came to me and said that she will not be able to give the presentation because of glossophobia. I counselled and mentored her at that time, motivated her to give her best and to not to think about anything else. Eventually, she ended up giving a wonderful presentation. So, there I felt the power of being a professor. As a professor, I feel very empowered because I am in such a position where I can bring some changes in the lives of students. I feel very happy when I find myself adding some value to their lives. Witnessing the growth and success of my students is incredibly rewarding. I have had the privilege of seeing students who initially struggled with a subject or lacked confidence, but gradually overcame their challenges and excelled academically. It is immensely inspiring to see their transformation, knowing that I played a part in their journey. These success stories serve as a reminder of the positive impact education can have on an individual’s life. These conversations have provided opportunities for mentorship and support, and have allowed me to make a positive impact beyond the academic realm. Seeing students find comfort, encouragement, and inspiration through these connections is deeply fulfilling.

What are some of your favorite books or articles related to the subject you teach?

I have a specialisation in HR. So, if I talk about some favorite books of mine, these include “Human Resource Management” by Gary Dessler, “The Essential HR Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource for Any Manager or HR Professional,” by Sharon Armstrong, “Strategic Human Resource Management” by Jeffrey A. Mello, HR from the Outside In: Six Competencies for the Future of Human Resources by Dave Ulrich, Jon Younger, Wayne Brockbank, Mike Ulrich. I also refer to some journals for getting knowledge about the research which is currently going on in the area of HR. Some of the journals are Human Resource Management Journal, Journal of Management, Personnel Psychology, etc. 

What are some common misconceptions students have about this subject?

Some students may believe that Human Resource Management (HRM)lacks analytical rigour and is focused solely on interpersonal skills. However, modern HRM increasingly relies on data-driven approaches, utilising HR analytics and metrics to make informed decisions. HR professionals analyse workforce trends, conduct surveys, and use data to enhance talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organisational performance. So, students need to gain a comprehensive understanding of HRM, breaking through these misconceptions, to fully appreciate the strategic significance and multifaceted nature of the field.

You have won the ‘Best Research Paper Award’ for ‘A study on the impact of Covid – 19 pandemic on Aviation and Tourism industry in India?’ Tell us about your experience of working on this topic? 

I have worked on this paper at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic when almost every sector of the economy was adversely affected. The aviation and tourism sector were no exceptions. That was the time of complete lockdown when we were all confined to our homes. At that time, just to invest my time and energy into some productive tasks, I investigated COVID-19’s effects on the aviation and tourism business, focusing on any potential shocks that may be communicated from the aviation and tourism sector to the other sectors of the industry and how it responded to volatility.  The paradigm developed in this study may be utilised to comprehend how COVID-19’s effect can appear in the aviation and tourist industries. The outcomes of the paper were eye-opening which led me to earn the “Best Research Paper” award while further motivating me to look more deeper in the area.

Continuous learning is important for educators. Your take on this.

Continuous learning allows educators to expand their knowledge base, refine their skills, and develop new competencies. It enables them to stay abreast of the latest research, pedagogical approaches, and technological advancements relevant to their subject area. This ongoing professional growth enhances their ability to deliver high-quality education and provide students with the best possible learning experiences. The field of education is constantly evolving. New teaching methodologies, technological tools, and learning theories emerge regularly. By engaging in continuous learning, educators can adapt to these changes and integrate innovative strategies into their teaching practices. This adaptability ensures that educators remain effective and relevant in an ever-changing education landscape.

 How do you see yourself growing in Apeejay? Any achievements so far?

I joined Apeejay Stya University a couple of months back. Apeejay provides a vibrant academic environment that encourages continuous learning and professional development. I see myself actively engaging in research and scholarly activities, attending conferences and workshops, and collaborating with colleagues to stay updated with the latest advancements in my field. By continuously expanding my knowledge and expertise, I aspire to contribute to the academic community and enhance my effectiveness as an educator. In terms of achievements so far, I have successfully designed and delivered courses, received positive feedback from students regarding my teaching effectiveness, and mentored students/scholars in their Ph.D./research projects. These achievements serve as stepping stones for my growth as an Assistant Professor at Apeejay, and motivate me to continue striving for excellence in teaching, research, and overall contribution to the institution.

Any other achievement you wish to add

I am excited to announce that I have successfully defended my Ph.D. viva, marking the culmination of years of dedicated research and hard work because of the support provided by management, Dean SOMS, and my fellow colleagues. The vibrant academic community at Apeejay University encourages collaboration, intellectual discussions, and knowledge sharing, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual growth, which motivates me further in nurturing students’ academic potential and guiding them toward success. I am impressed by the research culture at Apeejay University, where faculty members are encouraged and supported in pursuing research grants, collaborations, and publications, fostering a spirit of intellectual curiosity and academic excellence.