<p>Purpose Statement &ndash; Professor of Practice, NICMAR</p>
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<p>The position of Professor of Practice at NICMAR University is conceived as a strategic bridge between academic excellence and industry leadership. The purpose of this role is to integrate deep professional experience with structured academic learning, thereby strengthening the institution&rsquo;s commitment to producing industry-ready, ethically grounded, and innovation-driven professionals in construction, real estate, infrastructure, and project management.</p>
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<p>At its core, the Professor of Practice brings real-world expertise into the academic environment. While traditional pedagogy builds conceptual foundations, the complexity of contemporary projects&mdash;defined by technological disruption, sustainability imperatives, regulatory frameworks, risk management challenges, and stakeholder coordination&mdash;demands experiential insight. This role ensures that students understand not only what to do, but how and why decisions are made in dynamic, high-stakes professional settings.</p>
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<p>A key purpose is to enhance practice-oriented learning. Through case-based teaching, simulation exercises, live industry assignments, field immersion, and project-based evaluation, the Professor of Practice translates professional knowledge into structured academic engagement. Exposure to real project scenarios&mdash;covering cost control, time management, contract administration, safety protocols, digital tools such as BIM, ESG compliance, and sustainable development practices&mdash;enables students to develop applied competence alongside theoretical clarity.</p>
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<p>The role also serves as a catalyst for curriculum enrichment. As industries evolve rapidly with advancements in digital construction technologies, artificial intelligence, data analytics, green building systems, and integrated project delivery methods, academic programs must remain agile and forward-looking. The Professor of Practice contributes to curriculum design and periodic revision, ensuring alignment with current industry standards, global benchmarks, and emerging skill requirements.</p>
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<p>Mentorship forms another critical dimension of purpose. Beyond technical proficiency, successful professionals require leadership ability, ethical judgment, communication skills, resilience, and collaborative mindset. By sharing lived experiences&mdash;including strategic decision-making, crisis handling, negotiation, and organizational leadership&mdash;the Professor of Practice guides students toward professional maturity. This mentorship supports career planning, industry exposure, internship opportunities, and long-term professional development.</p>
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<p>Additionally, the position strengthens institutional&ndash;industry collaboration. By leveraging professional networks, the Professor of Practice facilitates partnerships for research, consultancy, executive training, knowledge forums, and innovation initiatives. Such engagement enhances the institution&rsquo;s visibility, credibility, and impact, while creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem where academic research informs practice and industry challenges inspire scholarly inquiry.</p>
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<p>Importantly, the role embodies the principle of responsible nation-building. Infrastructure and construction sectors play a decisive role in economic growth, urban transformation, and sustainable development. By shaping competent and ethically committed professionals, the Professor of Practice contributes indirectly yet significantly to national progress.</p>
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<p>In essence, the purpose of the Professor of Practice at NICMAR is to harmonize theory with action, knowledge with experience, and education with impact. It is a leadership role that transforms classrooms into incubators of professional excellence, ensuring that graduates are not only employable but capable of driving innovation, sustainability, and integrity within the industries they serve.</p>