Comprehension
Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow.
A2Z is a state-funded leading engineering college in the country, renowned for its teaching and placements. Now, A2Z aspires to be a global leader in research as well. A2Z has, therefore, decided to push for better quality research from its newly recruited faculty members. In the past, a few faculty members were confirmed because of their exceptional teaching feedback even though their research output was below par. Currently, the Dean, in consultation with the academic council, has included the quality of research as a mandatory requirement along with teaching excellence for the confirmation of the newly recruited faculty members. (The academic council comprises of the senior faculty members from different departments.)
Initially, newly recruited faculty members are put on a probation for three years. Either they are confirmed or their probation is extended or their services are terminated, based on teaching and research contributions. Once confirmed, their job is secure along with other additional perquisites.
Aparna joined the social sciences department of A2Z two years back. She is amongst the many faculty members, recruited after the new norms for confirmation were introduced. She completed her doctorate from a reputed university in the USA, with a significant research contribution. However, after joining A2Z, Aparna got deeply involved in social outreach as COVID-19 was spreading. Though her social outreach has given her immense satisfaction, she has nothing to show against research contributions; further, it has impacted her teaching effectiveness. Her confirmation is due in a year.
A2Z is a state-funded leading engineering college in the country, renowned for its teaching and placements. Now, A2Z aspires to be a global leader in research as well. A2Z has, therefore, decided to push for better quality research from its newly recruited faculty members. In the past, a few faculty members were confirmed because of their exceptional teaching feedback even though their research output was below par. Currently, the Dean, in consultation with the academic council, has included the quality of research as a mandatory requirement along with teaching excellence for the confirmation of the newly recruited faculty members. (The academic council comprises of the senior faculty members from different departments.)
Initially, newly recruited faculty members are put on a probation for three years. Either they are confirmed or their probation is extended or their services are terminated, based on teaching and research contributions. Once confirmed, their job is secure along with other additional perquisites.
Aparna joined the social sciences department of A2Z two years back. She is amongst the many faculty members, recruited after the new norms for confirmation were introduced. She completed her doctorate from a reputed university in the USA, with a significant research contribution. However, after joining A2Z, Aparna got deeply involved in social outreach as COVID-19 was spreading. Though her social outreach has given her immense satisfaction, she has nothing to show against research contributions; further, it has impacted her teaching effectiveness. Her confirmation is due in a year.
Question: 1
The Dean, during the annual appraisal of Aparna, realizes that her research contribution needs considerable investment of time and efforts. He is concerned that her performance could set a wrong precedent for the new faculty recruits. The dean wants to communicate to the new faculty recruits that research contribution is critical.
Which of the following actions will BEST help the Dean in achieving the objective, while being fair to Aparna?
The Dean, during the annual appraisal of Aparna, realizes that her research contribution needs considerable investment of time and efforts. He is concerned that her performance could set a wrong precedent for the new faculty recruits. The dean wants to communicate to the new faculty recruits that research contribution is critical.
Which of the following actions will BEST help the Dean in achieving the objective, while being fair to Aparna?
Which of the following actions will BEST help the Dean in achieving the objective, while being fair to Aparna?
Updated On: Aug 9, 2024
- Extend Aparna’s probation period by an additional year, while reminding her about the research and teaching contributions needed for confirmation
- Appreciate Aparna’s social outreach, but advise her to focus on research and teaching contributions as they are essential for confirmation
- Increase her teaching and research requirements, while extending her probation period by two years
- Suggest Aparna to start looking for a new job in the time available to her
- Exhort Aparna to suspend her social outreach activities till the end of her probation, and to focus on research and teaching instead
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The correct answer is option (B):Appreciate Aparna’s social outreach, but advise her to focus on research and teaching contributions as they are essential for confirmation
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Question: 2
One year on, Aparna continues with her social work. Gradually, she gets closer to the end of her probation and she has not much to show against her teaching and research contributions. However, her social work has been widely appreciated by the local media. The Chief Minister of the state wants Aparna to take a larger role in social outreach and assist the government. The Dean is afraid that not confirming Aparna might prompt her to leave the institution, sending a wrong signal to the outside world. However, he also wants to send a message to the newly joined faculty members that teaching and research contributions are essential for confirmation.
Which of the following actions by the Dean is the MOST sustainable given the circumstances?
One year on, Aparna continues with her social work. Gradually, she gets closer to the end of her probation and she has not much to show against her teaching and research contributions. However, her social work has been widely appreciated by the local media. The Chief Minister of the state wants Aparna to take a larger role in social outreach and assist the government. The Dean is afraid that not confirming Aparna might prompt her to leave the institution, sending a wrong signal to the outside world. However, he also wants to send a message to the newly joined faculty members that teaching and research contributions are essential for confirmation.
Which of the following actions by the Dean is the MOST sustainable given the circumstances?
Which of the following actions by the Dean is the MOST sustainable given the circumstances?
Updated On: Aug 9, 2024
- Offer Aparna a five-year contractual position after which she has to leave irrespective of her contributions
- Offer to create a non-teaching position of outreach officer for Aparna, but terminate her from the teaching position
- Extend Aparna’s probation by three years, and tell her that she would have to leave if her research and teaching do not improve in that period
- Confirm Aparna, but freeze her increments and promotions until her research contributions are as per the expected standards
- Declare that Aparna’s extraordinary achievement deserves to be treated exceptionally, and confirm her
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The correct answer is option (C):Extend Aparna’s probation by three years, and tell her that she would have to leave if her research and teaching do not improve in that period
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Question: 3
A few months later, Aparna, during an interview with the local media, inadvertently expresses her fear that she might be let go by A2Z because she has not met its teaching and research requirements. Consequently, the academic council urges the Dean to review the faculty confirmation policy. The Dean, however, believes that any change in the policy will be a setback to the institute’s aspirations of becoming a global leader in research.
Which of the following actions by the Dean will be the MOST appropriate, given the circumstances?
A few months later, Aparna, during an interview with the local media, inadvertently expresses her fear that she might be let go by A2Z because she has not met its teaching and research requirements. Consequently, the academic council urges the Dean to review the faculty confirmation policy. The Dean, however, believes that any change in the policy will be a setback to the institute’s aspirations of becoming a global leader in research.
Which of the following actions by the Dean will be the MOST appropriate, given the circumstances?
Which of the following actions by the Dean will be the MOST appropriate, given the circumstances?
Updated On: Aug 9, 2024
- Confirm Aparna, but ask her to issue a public statement, acknowledging the importance A2Z gives to research contributions
- Tell Aparna that she is being let go for insulting the college on a public platform
- Confirm Aparna, but make it clear that her future promotions will be tied to her research contribution and teaching feedback
- Convey to Aparna that the institute is eager to retain her; however, emphasize that she should focus on research to get confirmed
- Give an interview to a local newspaper and share Aparna’s lack of research and poor teaching feedback
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct answer is option (D):Convey to Aparna that the institute is eager to retain her; however, emphasize that she should focus on research to get confirmed
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Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
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THE FAIR ISLE METHOD: Fair Isle knitting is a traditional technique that involves using two or more colours of yarn in a single row to create intricate patterns and designs. This method requires careful tension management to ensure even stitches and prevent puckering. To begin, select your colours and cast on the desired number of stitches. As you knit, alternate between colours every few stitches, carrying the unused yarn along the back of the work. Mastering the Fair Isle technique allows you to create stunning visual effects in garments, accessories, and home textiles.
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