Dr. Sudhakar Dattoba Bhoite – A Visionary and Trailblazing Educator in Computer Science Education and Research

Dr. Sudhakar Dattoba Bhoite, Dean, School of Computer Science and Applications, Chhatrapati Shahu Institute of Business Education and Research

I am Dr. Sudhakar Dattoba Bhoite. I started my academic journey as a lecturer in computer science, then became a senior lecturer, then a reader (Associate Professor), and I am currently heading as Dean  School of Computer Science and Applications at Chhatrapati Shahu Institute of Business Education and Research (popularly known as CSIBER School of Management) in Kolhapur, MS, India.

As an academician, I started my career way back in 1991 as teaching Computer Science and IT at postgraduate level (i.e. MCM, MCA, M.Sc. CS, and MSc Cyber Security), MBA (Business Analytics), M.Com., and PGDCA, and I played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of tech and corporate professionals.
 
What are your areas of expertise?
 
My area of specialization covers an impressive range of interests, as mentioned below.
 
1. Database Technology: This field deals with designing, managing, and optimizing databases. In-depth exploration of topics like relational databases, SQL databases, and database administration.
2. Data Warehousing: This is a blend of technologies that involves extraction, capturing, collecting, storing, and organizing large volumes of data from various sources. It’s essential for business intelligence and decision-making. Concepts like ETL (Extraction, Transformation, Loading) processes and data modeling play a significant role in this arena.
3. Data Mining: Data mining focuses on discovering patterns, trends, knowledge and insights from large datasets. Techniques include clustering, classification, regression, and association rule mining. It’s valuable for predictive analytics and understanding hidden relationships.
4. Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking: This is one of the new emerging disciplines in ICT that are critical in today’s digital landscape. Cyber security aims to protect systems, networks, and data from threats and attacks. Ethical hacking involves the authorized testing of security vulnerabilities to strengthen defenses in an IT infrastructure.
 
 
Could you tell us about your educational qualifications and professional journey?
 
I did my first PG MCA (after B.Sc.), then M.Phil., then MBA, and Ph.D.
 
I enjoy and feel happy, while encouraging and guiding students toward pursuing higher education, which has been an incredible journey going on for more than 28 years continuously. Let me share some insights about the programs I mentioned in my qualification:
 
1. MCA (Master of Computer Applications): This PG degree focuses on computer science and applications. It covers programming, software development, and database management. Graduates often work as software engineers or system analysts.
2. M.Phil. (Master of Philosophy): An M.Phil. is a research-oriented postgraduate degree. It involves in-depth study and research in a specific field. It’s a stepping stone toward a Ph.D. I have so far successfully guided 20+ M.Phil. students.
3. MBA (Master of Business Administration): An MBA provides a strong foundation in business management. It covers areas like finance, marketing, and organizational behavior. Graduates often pursue leadership roles in various industries. I have so far guided 30+ MBA students successfully.
4. Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy): A Ph.D. is the highest academic degree. It involves original research, contributing new knowledge to a specific field. Ph.D. holders often work in academia, research, or specialized roles. I am a recognized Ph.D. guide in Computer Science and Technology at Shivaji University (Dept of Computer Science), Kolhapur, MS, India. Successfully, one student has been awarded a Ph.D., and two more students are pursuing a Ph.D. under my guidance.
 
 
What inspired you to pursue a career as an academician?
 
I can share some basic motivations that inspired me to become an academician:
 
1. Passion for Learning and Sharing Knowledge: Unlike many academicians, I am driven by a genuine love for learning and a desire to impart knowledge to others. I find fulfillment in researching, teaching, and mentoring students.
2. Intellectual Curiosity: Academia provides an environment where curiosity is encouraged and allows me to research and explore new ideas, theories, and concepts, contributing to the advancement of the field of ICT and management education.
3. Impact and Influence: As an academician, I had the opportunity to shape minds, influence future professionals, and contribute to societal progress. Thus, their work can impact policy, technology, and culture at the state and national levels.
 
 
Could you tell us your teaching philosophy?
 
I always stuck to and applied a few teaching philosophies that inspired me to embrace them:
1. Student-Centered Approach: This helped me prioritize the needs and growth of students. Understand their diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and abilities. Adapt teaching methods to engage and support each learner.
2. Active learning, which I use to encourage participation, critical thinking, and problem-solving among the student community, Create an interactive classroom where students collaborate, discuss, and apply knowledge actively.
3. Clear Communication: This has enabled me to always explain concepts clearly, using relatable examples. Foster an open dialogue, listen actively, and provide constructive feedback. Effective communication builds trust and understanding among young and dynamic learners.
4. Passion and Enthusiasm: Due to both of these, I was able to transmit my passion for the subject matter. Inspire curiosity and a love for learning, and be genuinely excited about what we teach.
5. Lifelong Learning: Its model of continuous learning. It helped me stay updated on research, trends, and best practices in industries. Encourage students to embrace lifelong learning as well for their well-being.
6. Assessment for Growth: The use of assessments has helped me not only to evaluate but also to guide improvement, provide timely feedback, and help students recognize their progress.
 
 
Could you tell us about any one of your most significant research findings or projects?
 
I was able to reach the conclusion that research in Database Management Systems (DBMS) and Data Warehousing involves exploring innovative solutions, optimizing performance, and ensuring data quality. With reference to my research, there are more than 42 thousand followers on Research Gate.
 
 
Could you share with us any awards or recognitions that you have received?
 
It made me true of a teacher, a researcher, a trainer, a lifelong learner, and ultimately a human being by awarding me as:
 
It’s truly commendable to be recognized for my contributions and achievements. A brief summary of the awards so far I received:
 
1. National Award of Excellence Winner (Dec 2016): Being recognized as one of the “Best Teachers” in India by the Global Research Council of India is a remarkable achievement. My dedication to higher education and excellence has clearly made an impact.
2. National Iconic Personality Award (June 2019): Receiving this award from GOAL (the Global Organization for Academic Leadership) in New Delhi is a testament to my influence and positive impact on society. My iconic status reflects my brief and outstanding contributions in the fields of higher education, ICT, and management science.
3. Best Researcher Award (Nov 2019): The VDGOOD Technology International Scientist Awards acknowledged my exceptional research work in engineering, science, and medicine. My commitment to advancing knowledge reflects commendable control in delivering knowledge to the day’s learners.
 
Being socially impulsive, I actively participated in flood relief activities during 2018 and other times in Kolhapur district and nearby areas, distributing food packets for affected people, distributing study material for schoolchildren, and arranging health check-up camps. 
 
As a hard-core teacher, I believe in the overall development of students through regularly arranging campus recruitment drives, interviews, aptitude tests, organized seminars, and guest lectures. We also arranged industry-institutional meets, alumni meets, and organized an information technology festival, software demos, quiz contests, and extracurricular activities.
 
Creating awareness among UG students for higher studies like MBA, MCA, MSc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. over the last 25 years by delivering career guidance seminars and talks in the western part of Maharashtra state and the northern part of Karnataka state.
 
1. Successfully Guided for Projects: 750 MCA, 75 MCM, 130 DCM, 150 MBA, 310 PGDCA students, and 20 M.Phil. Students have completed M.Phil. Successfully. Three Ph.D. students are undergoing their Ph.D. research in computer science and applications, and six M.Phil. students are doing their research work currently. Three students are under guidance, and work is in progress.
2. Total Work Experience: Includes more than 28 years of PG teaching plus 4 years of technical support in the field of information technology (computer applications, management, and research).
3. Research work:

A minor research project is awarded under the ‘Financial Assistance’ to the PG Teachers By University Grants Commission (UGC), (WRO), Pune, India (in the year 1998–2001).

A major research project under the “College With Potential for Excellence (CPE)” scheme of UGC, New Delhi, was recently completed successfully in 2010.
4. Research Publication: Publications in Research National and International Journals, Conference Proceedings, and Abstracts: More than 42 Papers/Published.
5. National-level workshops were conducted for two research scholars and two state-level students.
6. Workshops Attended: A total of 10 workshops were conducted.
7. Conferences/ workshops Organized: 3 national, 2 international
8. On the editorial boards of various international research journals
9. Ph.D. Guide-ship
10. Books Published: A total of 4 books were published, plus one international conference proceedings.