OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:

1) To identify various aspects of academic management of the university.

2) To make an analysis of the functioning of academic management.

3) To find out academic problems of the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh.

4) To suggest remedial measures to overcome academic problems of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh.

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY:

Population and Sample of the Study:

A population refers to any collection of a specified group of human beings or of non human entities.⁷In the present study the target population is the teachers and the students from almost all faculties of AMU randomly. A sample is any number of persons selected to represented the population according to some rule or plan.⁸ The ideal sample is large enough to serve as an adequate representation of the population about which the researcher wishes to generalize and small enough to be selected economically.⁹In the present study the sample consists of 65 teachers and 177 students of AMU.

RESEARCH TOOLS USED:

In the present study, the opinionnaires (One for Teachers and One for Students) used are developed by the investigators. The main purpose of both the opinionnaires was to collect information regarding the academic problems of the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. The respondents were requested to respond on the opinionnaires so that general trends and academic problems of Aligarh Muslim University could be studied and an analysis may be possible to understand the loopholes in the management process to overcome the academic problems. The statements were to be rated on a 3 point scale viz., Agree (A) is used, undecided (U) and disagree (D).The respondents were required to tick mark (Ö) on the response that was most appropriate to indicate their opinion.

To make the opinionnaires valid and reliable for the study, they were given to the experts of Education and the Experts of Psychology. And finally, 16 out of 26 statements were selected for the opinionnaire meant for the teachers. 18 Out of 30 statements were selected for the opinionnaire meant for the students.

DATA COLLECTION:

Data consists of facts, figures, any relevant material that serves for basic study and analysis.¹⁰ In order to collect data for the present study, the investigator himself approached the respondents to collect relevant data about academic problems of Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh. The respondents were asked to go through the general instructions given on the front page before filling up the opinionnaires. After that the opinionnaires were collected from the respondents.

STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES USED:

Item Wise Analysis on the Basis of Average (Mean) and Percentages calculated from the responses of Teachers and the Students.

Findings and Suggestions (on the basis of Analysis of Data and its interpretations)

Table 1-Item wise responses of Teachers in terms of percentage

No. of Items	(%)
No. of Items	Agree	Undecided	Disagree
1	55.39	7.69	36.92
2	46.15	4.62	49.23
3	86.15	1.54	12.31
4	66.15	12.31	21.54
5	15.39	18.46	66.15
6	95.38	4.62	00.00
7.	70.77	9.23	20.00
8	24.62	6.15	69.23
9	52.31	30.77	33.85
10	35.38	30.77	33.85
11	50.77	18.46	30.77
12	73.84	12.35	13.85
13	47.69	35.39	16.92
14	66.16	16.92	16.92
15	69.23	9.23	21.54
16	61.54	15.38	23.08

Major findings based on the item analysis of the responses given by teachers (Table1)

Item 1: E-Learning Facilities are Available for the Teachers.

Since 55.39% respondents say that e-learning facilities are available for the teachers and 36.92% say that e-learning facilities are not available for the teachers. 7.69% are undecided. It shows that e-learning facilities are available for the teachers. But, the investigators have observed that e-learning facilities for the teachers are not sufficient. Teachers should be provided better e-learning facilities so that they may update their knowledge.

Item2. The Course Content of the Subjects is Regularly Updated to Meet the Emerging Needs of Students/Society.

Since 46.15% respondents say that the course content is regularly updated to meet the emerging needs of students/society and 49.23% respondents disagree, only 4.62% respondents are undecided. Therefore nothing can be said confidently about the regular updating of the course content of the subjects to meet the emerging needs of student/society. But, investigators have observed that in Aligarh Muslim University, the updating of the course content is the need of the hour. Course content should be regularly updated to meet the individual as well as social needs.

Item 3: Regular Refresher Courses are organized in the University.

86.15% respondents are of the opinion that regular refresher courses are organized in the university and only 12.31% respondents say that regular refresher courses are not organized in the university only 1.54% respondents are undecided. It shows that the regular refresher courses are organized in the university.

Item 4: The Teacher Should not be appointed as Guest Faculty

66.10% respondents say that the teachers should not be appointed as guest faculty and 21.54% respondents say that the teachers can be appointed as guest faculty, 12.31% respondents are undecided. It shows that the teachers should not be appointed as guest faculty as far as possible. The investigators’ opinion is that the teachers should be appointed through a selection committee on regular pay scales.

Item No. 5: Pay / Honorarium to Guest Faculty is Adequate.

15.39% respondents say that pay to guest faculty is enough and 66.15% respondents say that pay to guest faculty is not enough and 18.46% respondents are undecided. It shows that, pay of guest faculties is not adequate. It is therefore, suggested that the practice of appointing guest faculty should be discontinued and regular appointment of teachers should be made on approve pay-scales.

Item No. 6: Selection Committee for the Teachers Should be Held in Time.

Almost all (95.38%) respondents say that selection committee for the teachers should be held in time. Only 4.62% are undecided. The investigators’ have also observed that selection committees are not held in time, which is one of the major reasons for the shortage of teachers. Therefore it should be given due attention by the university administration.

Item No. 7: The Students Attend the Classes Regularly.

70.77% respondents say that the students attend the classes regularly and 20% say that the students do not attend the classes regularly. 9.23% are undecided. The percentage of Agreed responses 70.77% clearly highlighted the fact that the students attend the classes regularly. But the investigators have observed that the some students attend the classes for the sake of attendance only and not for the sake of getting knowledge. Since teachers are the reservoirs of knowledge, therefore the students should attend the classes regularly so that they can benefit from the vast experiences of the teachers.

Item No. 8: There is no Bunking Tradition in the University.

24.62% respondents say that there is no bunking tradition in the university whereas 69.23% say that there is a bunking tradition in the university. 6.15% are undecided. It shows that there is a bunking tradition in the university. But, the investigators have observed that the bunking tradition is not in all the departments of the university. In Education Department there is no bunking tradition. The university must develop remedial measures to stop bunking which severely affects the teaching –learning atmosphere.

Item 9: The Faculty as Well the Committee for Advanced Studies and Research Meetings are Held as Per Ordinances.

52.31% respondents say that the Faculty as well as the Committee for Advance Studies and Research meetings are held as per ordinances and 16.92% says that the Faculty as well as Committee for Advance Studies and Research meetings are not held as per ordinances, and 30.77% are undecided.

Item 10: Proposals Made by the Departments are given due Consideration by the University Administration.

35.38% respondents say that proposals made by the departments are given due consideration by the university administration and 33.85% say that proposals made by the departments are not given due consideration by the university administration. 30.77% are undecided. As the percentage on three points scale i.e. agree, disagree and undecided is more or less same, nothing can be said confidently.

Item 11: Funds are Available to Participate in National/International Seminars /Conferences.

50.77% respondents say that funds are available to participate in national/international seminars/ conferences and 30.77% say that funds are not available to participate in national/international seminars. 18.46 are undecided. It clearly shows that funds are available in the university to participate in national/international seminars. But the investigators have observed that the fund given to teachers for the purpose is not sufficient and the process of getting fund is much time consuming. University administration should provide sufficient funds to teachers in time to participate in national/international seminar/conferences.

Item 12: Meetings of Board of studies are held to make development plans for the department.

Since the majority (73.84%) of respondents says that meetings of Board of Studies are held to make developmental plans for the department and 13.85% say that meetings of Board of Studies are not held to make developmental plans. 12.31% are undecided. It shows that the meetings of Board of Studies are held to make departmental plans for the department.

Item 13: Meetings of the Academic Council are held regularly.

47.69% respondents say that meetings of the Academic Council are held regularly and only 16.92% say that meetings of the Academic Council are not held regularly. 35.39% are undecided. It shows that meetings of the academic council are held regularly.

Item 14: There is a lack of coordination among various administrative machineries.

66.16% respondents say that there is a lack of coordination among various administrative machineries and 16.92% say that there is no problem as such.16.92% are undecided. It shows that there is a lack of coordination among various administrative machineries. It is one of the major problems and this problem leads to many other problems. It is suggested that the university administration should pay due consideration to overcome this problem.

Item 15: Orientation Programmes and Refresher Courses, Organized by Academic Staff College, are Helpful in Improving the Quality of Education.

69.23% respondents say that orientation programmes and refresher courses, organized by Academic Staff College are helpful in improving the quality of education and 21.54% say that these orientation programmes are not helpful in improving the quality of education.9.23% are undecided. It shows that orientation programmes and refresher courses, organized by ASCs are helpful in improving the quality of education.

Item 16: Academic Council is Helpful in Improving the Academic the Academic Standard of the University.

61.54% respondents say that Academic Council is helpful in improving the academic standard of the university and 23.08% say that academic Council is not helpful in improving the academic standard of the university and 15.38% are undecided. Therefore, it can be concluded that Academic council is helpful in improving the academic standard of the university.

Table – 2 Item wise responses of Students in terms of percentage

No. of Items	(%)
No. of Items	Agree	Undecided	Disagree
1	71.43	15.58	12.99
2	64.94	16.88	18.18
3	48.05	18.18	33.77
4	63.64	14.29	22.07
5	70.13	10.39	19.48
6	20.78	16.88	62.34
7.	36.36	15.58	48.06
8	27.27	10.39	62.34
9	77.93	5.19	16.88
10	64.94	10.39	24.67
11	36.36	18.18	45.46
12	59.74	10.39	29.87
13	50.65	22.08	27.27
14	84.42	9.09	6.49
15	48.05	14.29	37.66
16	59.74	23.38	16.88
17	40.26	22.08	37.66
18	66.23	12.99	20.78

Major findings based on the item analysis of the responses given by Students (Table 2)

Item 1: The Teachers Generate Interest in the concerned Subject

71.43% respondents say that the teachers generate interest in the concerned subject, while 12.99% say that the teachers do not generate interest in the concerned subject. 15.58% are undecided. It can be concluded that the teachers generate interest in the concerned subjects.

Item 2: Teacher is Accessible out of the Class for Students Guidance and Help.

64.94% respondents say that teacher is accessible out of the class for students’ guidance and help and 18.18% say that teacher is not accessible out of the class for students’ guidance and help. 16.88% are undecided. It shows that teachers are accessible for students’ guidance and help

Item 3: Total syllabus is taught in the Class Properly.

54.55% respondents say that the total syllabus is taught in the class properly, and 27.27% say that the total syllabus is not taught in the class properly .18.18% are undecided. It shows that total syllabus is taught in the class properly.

Item 4: Reference Books are Available to the Students.

63.64% of respondents say that reference books are available to students and 22.07% say that reference books are not available to students. 14.29% are undecided. It shows that reference books are available to students in the central library as well as in the seminar libraries of the different departments of the University. It is suggested that the latest standard reference books should be made available in the seminar libraries of the universities where they are not available.

Item 5: The Teacher Regularly Takes the Assigned Classes.

70.13% respondents say that the teacher regularly takes the assigned classes, while 19.48% say that the teacher does not regularly take the assigned classes .10.39% are undecided. It shows that the teachers regularly take the assigned classes.

Item 6: Students Visit the Industries, Laboratories, Banks, Colleges and Universities, etc for Practical Knowledge and First Hand Experience.

20.78% respondents say that students visit the industries, laboratories, banks, colleges and universities for practical knowledge and 62.34% say that students do not visit these working places for practical knowledge. 16.88% are undecided. It shows that students do not visit the industries, laboratories, banks, colleges, and other universities etc for practical knowledge. It is therefore suggested that university should provide the opportunities and facilities for visiting working places to supplement the theoretical knowledge of the students.

Item 7: The Course Content is Relevant to the Real Life Situation.

36.36% respondents say that the course content is relevant to the real life situation while 48.06% say that the course content is not relevant to the real life situation. 15.58% are undecided. It shows that the course content is not relevant to the real life situation. It is suggested that the syllabi should be revised from time to time to make it need based.

Item 8: Examinations are the True Test of Knowledge.

27.27% respondents say that examinations are the true test of knowledge while 62.34% say that examinations are not the true test of knowledge. 10.39% are undecided. It clearly shows that examinations are not the true test of knowledge. Therefore, it is the demand of the situation that university should ponder over it seriously.

Item 9: The Pattern of Examination Needs Change.

77.93% respondents say that the examination system needs change and 16.88% say that the pattern of Examination does not need change. 5.19% are undecided. Therefore, it can be concluded that the system of examination needs change.

Item 10: The Central Library is Sufficient Enough for Students.

6494% respondents say that the central library is sufficient enough for the students while 24.67% disagree. 10.39% are undecided. It shows that the central library is sufficient enough for the students. But the investigators have observed that there is a need of building more reading-rooms.

Item 11: A Proper Coaching and Guidance Centre is Available in the University.

36.36% respondents say that a proper Coaching and Guidance Centre is available in the university and 45.46% say that a proper Coaching and Guidance Centre is not available in the university. 18.18% respondents are undecided. It shows that a proper Coaching and Guidance Centre is not available in the university. But the investigators have observed that university has a well equipped Coaching and Guidance Centre. But the services of more trained counselors are required.

Item 12: Proper Medical Facilities are Available for University Students.

59.74% respondents say that proper medical facilities are available for the students and 29.87% say that proper medical facilities are not available for the students. 10.39% are undecided. It shows that proper medical facilities are available for the students. But the investigators have observed that there is a need of better medical facilities. It is suggested that monthly medical camp for medical check-up of the students should be organized in halls of residences.

Item 13: The Students Work Mostly Remain Pending in the University Offices.

50.65% respondents say that the students work mostly remain pending in the university offices and 27.27% say that the students work does not remain pending in the university offices. 22.08% are undecided. On the basis of, responses it can be concluded that the students work, mostly; remain pending in the university offices.

Item 14: Teachers Need Training in Teaching Methodologies.

84.42% respondents say that teachers need training in teaching methodology while 6.49% say that teachers do not need training in teaching methodologies. 9.09% are undecided. It shows that teachers need training in teaching methodologies.

Item 15: Students are Encouraged to Participate in the Co-Curricular Activities.

48.05% respondents say that students are encouraged to participate in the co-curricular activities. 37.66% say that students are not encouraged to participate in the co-curricular activates. 14.29% are undecided. It shows that students are encouraged to participate in the co-curricular activities. But the investigators have observed that students are not encouraged in all the departments to participate in co-curricular activities. Therefore, it is suggested that all the departments should encourage their students to participate in the co-curricular activities which is the integral part of holistic-education.

Item 16: The Chairpersons of the Departments are Available in the Offices to Solve the Students Grievances.

59.74% respondents say that the Chairpersons of the department are available in the office to solve the students’ grievances and 16.88% say that the Chairpersons are not available. 23.38% are undecided. It shows that the Chairpersons of the department are available in the office to solve the students’ grievances.

Item 17: The Provosts of the Halls Provide Good Reading Room Facilities.

40.26% respondents say that the provosts of the halls provide good Reading Room facilities and are undecided. Respondents are not very clear in giving responses to the Problem. But the investigators have observed that there is a dearth of good books in the reading rooms. During the period of the examination, the reading rooms are insufficient to accommodate all the students. Provosts of the halls should try to solve this problem with the help of university administration.

Item 18: Students Face Problems in Meeting University Officers to Deal With Their Problems.

66.23% respondents say that students face problem in meeting university officers to deal with their problems and 20.78% say that students do not face problems in meeting university officers to deal with their problems. 12.99% are undecided. It shows that students face problems in meeting university officers to deal with their problems. Investigators have observed that there is not a proper mechanism for solving the problems. Therefore, it is suggested that there should be a proper mechanism.

REFERENCES:

1. Nizami, K.A (1995), History of the Aligarh Muslim University, Vol 1^st (1920-1945). Idarah-i-Adbiyat-it-Delhi. P.1

2. Ahmad, A (2006) Sir Syed on Education, Aligarh, Publications Division, pp.33-51.

3. Maheshwari, A. (2001) Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh -Perfect Past and Precarious Present; New Delhi, UBS Publishers and Distributors Ltd.

4. Kakorwi, S.A, (1988) Morison’s History of the M.A.O College Aligarh. Lucknow Markaz-i-Adab-i-urdu.

5. Mohammad S(1969),Sir Syed Ahmad khan-A political Biography,Meerut,Meenakshi Prakashan, P.128

6. Ali, B.S (1999) Leader Reassessed (Life and work of Sir Syed Ahmad khan), Mysore, Sultan Shaheed Education Trust Publication.

7. Koul, L. (2010), Methodology of Educational Research (IV Ed) New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House, pp206-207.

8. Singh, A.K (2008), Tests, Measurements and Research Methods in Behavioural Sciences, New Delhi, Bharti Bhawan Publishers, pp.340-343.

9. Best.J.W and Kahn, J.V (2007) Research in Education, New Delhi, Prentice Hall of India, pp18-19.

10. Tatke J. (2007) Research Methodology, Pune, Published by Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, pp.120-122.

Received on 12.07.2011

Accepted on 28.08.2011