About

Prof. Dr. M. Aravendan

Professor, Leather Design (BDes)

Chennai Campus

About

Prof. Dr. M. Aravendan

faculty-1

aravendan.muthusamy@nift.ac.in
Head Continuing Education, Diploma & Bridge Programme

LinkedIn Profile

About

Prof. Dr. M. Aravendan is a Professor of Design in the Department of Leather Design at NIFT Chennai and serves as Head of Continuing Education, Diploma and Bridge Programmes at NIFT Headquarters. He brings over three decades of professional experience in design, technology, management, leather and footwear industries, and design education. His expertise includes footwear and leather product design, material studies, design ergonomics, footwear CAD, inclusive design, luxury and lifestyle product design, fashion marketing & merchandising, design management, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property rights.

His research interests include sustainable, inclusive and user-centric design, ergonomics, footwear design and technology, leather and leather alternatives, fashion supply chain, visual merchandising, fashion branding, craft cluster development, and fashion entrepreneurship. He has published and presented research papers in international journals, conferences and professional forums and guides doctoral and postgraduate research at NIFT. His contributions include curriculum development, industry-oriented training, continuing education, skill development, and government-sponsored livelihood projects.

Prof. Dr. Aravendan contributes to academic-industry collaboration through expert committees, boards of studies, standards committees, and skill-sector initiatives. He has served as a nominee or expert for DPIIT, IPR-GIR, BIS, NSDC-LSSC, Anna University, CSIR-CLRI, FDDI and KILT. He mentors students, researchers, entrepreneurs, artisans, and emerging design professionals.

Educational Qualifications: Post Doctoral

Completed PhD in Management from School of Management Studies, Pondicherry Central University, Puducherry, in 2017. Thesis title: “Development and Comparison of Hybrid Genetic Algorithms for Network Design Problem in Closed Loop Supply Chain.”

Completed:
Master of Technology (M.Tech.) in Footwear Science & Engineering from A.C. College of Technology (AC Tech) & CLRI, Anna University, Chennai, in 1994.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business from SDE, University of Pondicherry, Puducherry, in 2009.
Master of Business Law (MBL) from DDE, National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, in 2014.

Completed Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Leather Technology from A.C. College of Technology (AC Tech) & CLRI, Anna University, Chennai, in 1992.

2026, Executive Certificate Programme on Entrepreneurship, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A).
2009, Six Sigma – Green Belt Certification, Benchmark Six Sigma, New Delhi.
2007, Certificate in Import-Export Management, MSME-Development Institute, Chennai.
2006, Certificate in 3D Studio Max, CSC Computer Education, Chennai.
2006, Diploma in Adobe Publishing, CSC Computer Education, Chennai.
2003, Certificate in Shoemaster-CAD-2D Pattern Engineering, FDDI CAD Centre, Chennai.

A. Peer-Reviewed International Journal Publications

1. Muthusamy, A., & Panneerselvam, R. (2014). Literature review on network design problems in closed and reverse supply chains. Intelligent Information Management, 6, 104–117. https://doi.org/10.4236/iim.2014.63012

2. Muthusamy, A., & Panneerselvam, R. (2014). An integrated multi-echelon model for a sustainable closed-loop supply chain network design. Intelligent Information Management, 6, 257–279. https://doi.org/10.4236/iim.2014.66025

3. Muthusamy, A., & Panneerselvam, R. (2015). Development and comparison of hybrid genetic algorithms for network design problem in closed loop supply chain. Intelligent Information Management, 7, 313–338. https://doi.org/10.4236/iim.2015.76025

4. Muthusamy, A., & Panneerselvam, R. (2016). Application of hybrid genetic algorithm for CLSC network design problem in fashion footwear industry—A case study approach. Journal of Service Science and Management, 9, 195–210. https://doi.org/10.4236/jssm.2016.93024

5. Muthusamy, A., & Panneerselvam, R. (2016). Implementation of hybrid genetic algorithm for CLSC network design problem—A case study on fashion leather goods industry. American Journal of Operations Research, 6, 300–316. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajor.2016.64029

6. Prasad, N., & Muthusamy, A. (2023). A review on sustainable product design, marketing strategies and conscious consumption of bamboo lifestyle products. Intelligent Information Management, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.4236/iim.2023.153005

7. Laiker, A., & Muthusamy, A. (2023). Impacts of transparency and traceability on fashion supply chain system. Intelligent Information Management, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.4236/iim.2023.153006

8. Sonkar, A. P., & Muthusamy, A. (2023). A review on apparel fashion trends, visual merchandising and fashion branding. Intelligent Information Management, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.4236/iim.2023.153007

9. Prasad, N., & Muthusamy, A. (2023). Conscious consumption of bamboo lifestyle products—Sustainability perspectives. European Journal of Business and Management Research, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.24018/ejbmr.2023.8.3.1979

10. Sonkar, A. P., & Muthusamy, A. (2023). Impact of fashion trends on visual merchandising for promoting fashion apparel brands. Journal of Service Science and Management, 16(4). https://doi.org/10.4236/jssm.2023.164025

B. Springer Conference Proceedings / Book Chapters

11. Daga, H., Ojha, K., Patil, V., & Muthusamy, A. (2026). Ergonomically designed chest binders for transgender men/trans-men community. In Proceedings of the International Conference HWWE 2024, Volume 2. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-92-1194-4_6

12. Maheshkumar, S., & Muthusamy, A. (2026). A study on the adaptive clothing solutions for elderly women. In Proceedings of the International Conference HWWE 2024, Volume 2. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-92-1194-4_7

13. Prasad, N., & Muthusamy, A. (2026). Ergonomic issues affecting the sustainability of bamboo lifestyle products. In Proceedings of the International Conference HWWE 2024, Volume 2. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-92-1194-4_18

C. Other Research Papers

15. Vinnarasi Geetha, & Muthusamy, A. (2021). Challenges and implementation of innovative initiatives during COVID-19 for the welfare of children with disabilities. TISS-Journal for Disability Studies and Research (TJDSR), June–December 2021.

16. Sumathi, A., Muthusamy, A., & Shanthi, R. (2021). Non-accessibility of resources and treatment facilities for the people with disabilities in rural and semi-urban areas and the remedial measures. TISS-Journal for Disability Studies and Research (TJDSR), June–December 2021.

17. Muthusamy, A. (2020). Design and technology education for the footwear & leather products industries—Present trends, challenges & future directions. Paper presented at the International Symposium of Leather Research Industry Get-Together (LERIG 2020), CSIR-CLRI, Chennai, January 28, 2020.

18. Muthusamy, A. (2019). Role and services of NIFT for footwear & leather product industries. Paper presented at the seminar on “Product Development for Design & Fashion Forecast,” organized by South Indian Shoe Manufacturers Association (SISMA) in collaboration with NIFT, Ambur Trade Centre, March 28, 2019.

19. Florina, V. B., & Muthusamy, A. (2017). Innovative and built-in surface techniques on leather for value-added products. Paper presented at the XXXIV IULTCS 2017 International Leather Congress, “Science and Technology for Sustainability of Leather,” ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, February 5–8, 2017.

20. Yadav, Y., & Muthusamy, A. (2017). Development of innovative surface designs on leather for lifestyle products. Paper presented at the XXXIV IULTCS 2017 International Leather Congress, “Science and Technology for Sustainability of Leather,” ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, February 5–8, 2017.

21. Wadhwa, A., Sachan, P., Kumari, S., & Muthusamy, A. (2017). Rejuvenation of traditional leather crafts with innovative surface design interventions—A case study approach. Paper presented at the XXXIV IULTCS 2017 International Leather Congress, “Science and Technology for Sustainability of Leather,” ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, February 5–8, 2017.

22. Dhingra, H., & Muthusamy, A. (2017). Surface design techniques and embellishments for sustainable leather products. Paper presented at the XXXIV IULTCS 2017 International Leather Congress, “Science and Technology for Sustainability of Leather,” ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, February 5–8, 2017.

23. Muthusamy, A. (2016). An empirical study on the consumers’ brand preferences towards international footwear brands in India. Paper presented at the UITIC 19th International Technical Footwear Congress, “Future Footwear Factory,” ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, February 3–5, 2016.

24. Jha, P., & Muthusamy, A. (2016). Ergonomic design considerations to develop suitable footwear for pregnant women. Paper presented at the UITIC 19th International Technical Footwear Congress, “Future Footwear Factory,” ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, February 3–5, 2016. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1357.2883.

25. Verma, R. K., & Muthusamy, A. (2016). “The Expressive Bloom” – A footwear design research project. Paper presented at the UITIC 19th International Technical Footwear Congress, “Future Footwear Factory,” ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, February 3–5, 2016. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3716.5843.

26. Kumar, A., & Muthusamy, A. (2016). “The Breathing Shoes” – A footwear design research project. Paper presented at the UITIC 19th International Technical Footwear Congress, “Future Footwear Factory,” ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, February 3–5, 2016.

27. Florina, V. B., Kancharla, K., Muthusamy, A., & Dharman, R. (2016). Up-cycled 3D printed leather footwear. Paper presented at the UITIC 19th International Technical Footwear Congress, “Future Footwear Factory,” ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, February 3–5, 2016.

28. Naveen Raj, & Muthusamy, A. (2016). “Switch in Fraction” – A footwear design research project. Paper presented at the UITIC 19th International Technical Footwear Congress, “Future Footwear Factory,” ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, February 3–5, 2016.

29. Borgohain, K., Raroliya, A., Kumar, A., Muthusamy, A., & Karmakar, S. (2013). Designing a multi-utility and adjustable high heel footwear: An ergonomic strategy. Paper presented at HWWE 2013 International Conference on Ergonomics and Human Factors, Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, December 2013.

30. Muthusamy, A. (2011). How to become a good entrepreneur with production base in the international markets? Paper presented at the National Seminar on Entrepreneurship Development for Handicrafts Sector, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, Hotel Chandra Park, Chennai, May 28, 2011.

31. Muthusamy, A. (2011). How to become a good entrepreneur with a production base in the domestic market? Paper presented at the National Seminar on Entrepreneurship Development for Handicrafts Sector, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, Hotel Chandra Park, Chennai, May 26, 2011.

32. Muthusamy, A. (2009). Protection, infringement and commercialisation of trade secrets with case studies. Paper presented at the National Seminar on IP Preparedness for the Leather Industry, organised by MSME & GIIP, Hotel Dee Cee Manor, Chennai, March 24, 2009.

33. Muthusamy, A. (2009). Protection, infringement and commercialisation of geographical indications with case studies. Paper presented at the National Seminar on IP Preparedness for the Leather Industry, organised by MSME & GIIP, Hotel Dee Cee Manor, Chennai, March 23, 2009.

A. Notable academic and professional achievements include the following:

1. Development and implementation of curriculum and syllabi for Leather Design and Fashion & Lifestyle Accessories and related programmes at NIFT.

2. Leadership of the Leather Design and Fashion & Lifestyle Accessories departments at NIFT Kolkata and NIFT Chennai as Centre Coordinator

3. Served as Chairperson – Leather Design, NIFT Headquarters, from 2017–2020.

4. Served as Unit In-Charge, IPR Cell, NIFT Headquarters, from 2015–2020.
Contributed to intellectual property processing, filing, registration and protection created by NIFT personnel across the NIFT Campuses as per the NIFT IPR Policy.

5. Served as Link Chairperson – Foundation Programme, NIFT Headquarters, from 2023 to 2024.

6. Servings as the Head-CEP, Diploma & Bridge programmes, NIFT Headquarters, from 2024 onwards

1. 2018 – Product Knowledge, Fashion Trends & Selling Techniques for Footwear Retailers, Raymond Stores, India – Project Coordinator, Chennai

2. 2017–2018 – Footwear Design & Production Technology (FDPT), Continuing Education Programme, NIFT Chennai – Programme Coordinator, Chennai

3. 2016 – SITAR Phase-IV National Camp, NIFT Chennai, Department of Higher Secondary Education, Government of Kerala – Project Coordinator, Chennai

4. 2014 – Diagnostic Study of Jan Shikshan Sansthan of Tamil Nadu, MHRD-NLMA-JSS, NIFT Headquarters – Project Implementation Team Member, Chennai

5. 2011–2012 – CAD for Footwear, TAHDCO, Government of Tamil Nadu – Programme Coordinator, Chennai

6. 2007–2008 – Design, Product and Package Development & Standardisation for Livelihood Products of SHGs in Tsunami-Affected Districts of Tamil Nadu, Directorate of Town Panchayat, Government of Tamil Nadu – Project Coordinator, Chennai

7. 2006 – EDP on Jute Diversified Products, NCJD – Project Coordinator, Chennai

8. 2006 – Design Development on Jute Fashion Fabrics & Lifestyle Products, NCJD – Project Coordinator, Chennai

9. 2005–2006 – Designing, Styling & Fashion Trends in Footwear, Women Development Corporation, Government of Tamil Nadu – Project Coordinator, Chennai

10. 2005–2006 – Fashion Trends on Leather Goods, Women Development Corporation, Government of Tamil Nadu – Project Coordinator, Chennai

11. 2005 – Design and Development of Dismantling Stall for Rural Bazaar, DRDA, Government of Tamil Nadu – Project Coordinator & Design Consultant, Chennai

12. 2004 - Design and Skill Development Training for the Packaging and Product Promotion of the Herbal Products Irula Tribes - Project Co-Coordinator, Chennai