sipilsandbox.undip.ac.id – The Civil Engineering Doctoral Program of Universitas Diponegoro has graduated a doctoral student with a perfect grade, he is Dr. Joko Purnomo, ST., M.Sc. The exam was held on 2023 June 12th in the theatre, teleconference, and smart classroom of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Diponegoro with the team of examiners Prof. Ir. M. Agung Wibowo, M.M., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Chairperson/Examiner); Ilham Nurhuda, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. (Secretary of Session/Examiner); Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Tudjono, M.S. (Examiner); Prof. Ir. Djwantoro Hardjito, M.Eng., Ph.D. (External Examiner); Prof. Dr. Ir. A.M. Ade Listono, M. Eng. (External Examiner), and also attended by family and colleagues.
Dr. Joko Purnomo, ST., M.Sc. who is a lecturer in the Civil Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning, Universitas Kristen Petra entered as a doctoral student at Universitas Diponegoro in August 2020. Promoted by Prof. Dr. Ir. Han Ay Lie, M.Eng. and Prof. Dr. Ir. Buntara S. Gan, P.E. as a co-promoter, he completed his doctoral studies for 2 years and 10 months with the title “Development of Bond Models Between Concrete and CFRP Using Rigid Body Spring Models“.
The research of Dr. Joko Purnomo, ST., M.Sc. focuses on developing numerical models using Matlab. The program is used to model specimens in experimental tests. The calibration process is carried out to test the validity of the program. Once tested, the program is used in parametric studies. Until he finished his studies, the programs created were divided into two parts, namely the analysis program and the post-processing program. Meanwhile, the pre-processing program still uses the help of a third program. In the future, he plans to combine and develop these programs to become an integrated and comprehensive program that can be used to support subsequent research.
This research cannot be separated from the obstacles encountered during its implementation, as stated by Dr. Joko Purnomo, ST., M.Sc: ”The research method or model that I use is a model that was only developed in Japan. Thus, the main literature related to the model is in Japanese. It is a challenge to understand the model in a language I do not speak.” He also said that the process of running the model must be repeated to get the appropriate results in the calibration process. Each model can exhibit unexpected behavior so the process requires dedicated thought and time. During the experimental activities, problems were also encountered related to the procurement of materials which required time and various reviews and schedule adjustments.
“There are many ways that can be taken to complete studies on time. In my experience, there are three agendas that can be carried out in order to complete the study on time. First, take concrete steps in facing the exam stages. One of the potential obstacles for students is the principle of perfectionism in preparing manuscripts. Perfection is a good idea, but without concrete steps, this principle can become an obstacle for us to move forward within the time constraints that exist. Second, schedule routine guidance with the Promoter and Co-Promoter teams. Routine meetings from 2 weeks to 4 weeks is the next rule of thumb. Third, set the target objective of the publication requirements. Ideally, target publication goals have been determined and submitted during the Doctoral Proposal Examination so that they have an overview of the publication provisions, including the format of writing and the deadline for writing manuscripts, “replied Dr. Joko Purnomo, ST., M.Sc. when asked about tips for completing doctoral studies on time.
For Undip students and prospective Doctor of Civil Engineering students, he suggested making academic targets, scheduling regular consultations, and taking advantage of weekly seminar forums. The study program has provided guidelines for the ideal time to take each stage of the exam. Following these ideal guidelines can help you graduate on time. According to him, the ideal schedule for routine consultations in doctoral studies is at least once every 2 weeks to 4 weeks so that the material discussed is quite significant without being discouraged because it takes too long. Furthermore, it is also supported by sharing ideas with fellow students in weekly seminar forum activities and also taking advantage of certain opportunities for lecturers involved in seminars so that new ideas about novelty in our research can develop. Having a personal discussion partner is also a very important factor in developing research ideas.
This is in line with the statement of Prof. Dr. Ir. Buntara S. Gan, P.E. as the co-promoter, that from the start as a doctoral student at UNDIP, Dr. Joko Purnomo, ST., M.Sc. already has a research proposal concept with a clear direction according to his ability in programming. In addition, he is also able to use his time well and effectively to stay passionate about his research, so that he is successful in writing publications and dissertations at the same time.
The graduation of Dr. Joko Purnomo, ST., M.Sc. added to the long list of Diponegoro University students who graduated on time (less than three years) and with satisfactory results. Of course, this is also an achievement that is achieved jointly by the students and the university, so that Universitas Diponegoro can graduate qualified alumni and then take part in their respective professional fields.
