Dr. Naga Bharath Kumar is the Assistant Professor at Vignan Institute Of Information and Technology. He has 15 years of experience working in the teaching field. He holds a Ph.D. degree from Sri Krishna Devaraya University, Anantapur ‘HRD Practices In LIC Of India – With Special Reference To Kadapa Division’.

Vignan institute of information and technology

Being a Faculty of the MBA Department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

I have been taking classes in different subjects including Business Communication, Entrepreneurship Development, Managerial Economics, Human Resource Management, Training And Development, Management And organization, Production And Operations Management, Financial Accounting For Managers, Financial Institutions Markets And Services. I guide students’ learning, facilitate discussions, grade assignments, and provide academic support.

How do you establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty?

Knowing their stories if you don’t know ‘who’ they are and ‘where’ they come from, any relationship is entirely academic. Creating activities or lessons that let every child shine would be great but of course, isn’t always sustainable/ practical. What is accessible, however, is to intentionally create these kinds of opportunities throughout the year. Some students love to draw while others are social butterflies. Some love to speak publically while others thrive working behind the scenes on critical projects. Students don’t always have to be in these preferred ‘sweet spots,’ but they should have ongoing opportunities to show their talents and genius.

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make it industry-oriented?

Bringing a practical and industry-oriented approach to subjects is crucial for preparing students to excel in real-world scenarios. Here are some strategies I employ: Case Studies and Real-World Examples: I Incorporate case studies, real-world examples, and anecdotes from relevant industries into lessons. This helps students connect theoretical concepts with practical applications and understand how concepts are used in different contexts. Guest Speakers and Industry Experts: I Invite guest speakers from relevant industries to share their experiences, insights, and challenges with students. This provides a direct link between the classroom and the real world. Project-Based Learning: I assign projects that require students to apply theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems. These projects could be based on real industry challenges or scenarios, allowing students to develop practical skills while working on tangible outcomes. Internships and Work Placements: I collaborate with local businesses or organizations to provide students with internship opportunities. Hands-on experience in real work environments can bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practices. Field Trips and Industry Visits: I organize field trips to relevant workplaces, factories, labs, or industry events. This gives students the chance to see firsthand how concepts are applied in real-world settings. Stay Updated Yourself: I keep myself informed about the latest trends, advancements, and challenges in relevant industries. This enables me to provide up-to-date and relevant information to my students. By implementing these strategies, create a classroom environment that not only imparts theoretical knowledge but also equips students with the practical skills and mindset needed to thrive in the industry.

What valuable advice would you like to give the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

We design a curriculum that aligns with industry standards and trends and ensure that the courses offered provide a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. We offer courses specifically focused on developing key skills relevant to the field. These courses might cover technical skills, communication skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. We incorporate project-based learning into the curriculum. Assign projects that require students to apply theoretical concepts to solve real-world problems. This helps develop problem-solving, research, and hands-on skills. We facilitate internships, co-op programs, or work placements in collaboration with industry partners. This provides students with practical work experience and exposes them to real industry practices. We organize guest lectures by industry professionals who can share insights, experiences, and practical knowledge. This exposes students to real-world perspectives and helps them understand the industry better. We conduct workshops and training sessions on specific skills such as communication, time management, project management, and technical tools relevant to the field. We offer programs that focus on personal and professional development, including resume building, interview skills, networking, and job search strategies. We also incorporate capstone projects that allow students to apply their cumulative knowledge and skills to address complex challenges. Capstone projects often serve as a bridge between academia and the real world.

Check Vignan Institute of Information and Technology Courses & Fees

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often does it get updated to make it beneficial for the students? 

We regularly update the curriculum, aligning it with industry trends and incorporating valuable feedback from professionals.

What are your views on the placements and higher education of the students from your department or how does your department prepare students for higher education? 

The approach a department takes to prepare students for higher education and placements can vary widely based on factors such as the department’s philosophy, resources, and field of study. However, here are some common strategies that our department employs: Curriculum Design: We design their curriculum to provide a strong foundation in the subject matter while also incorporating practical skills and real-world applications. This can help students not only excel academically but also be better prepared for the demands of higher education or the workforce. Research Opportunities: We offer research opportunities for students to engage in projects, experiments, or studies related to their field. This can enhance students’ critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and research skills, which are valuable for both higher education and future careers. Industry Partnerships: We collaborate with industries and organizations that can expose students to real-world challenges and scenarios. This can include internships, co-op programs, or projects with external partners, which can enhance students’ practical knowledge and make them more appealing to potential employers or higher education institutions. Career Services: We offer dedicated career services that guide resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies. These services can assist students in securing internships, placements, or jobs after graduation. Networking Opportunities: We organize seminars, workshops, conferences, and guest lectures by experts in the field. These events can help students connect with professionals, researchers, and scholars, allowing them to expand their knowledge and build valuable connections for their future pursuits. We hire academic advisors who can play a crucial role in helping students chart their academic and career paths. They can provide personalized advice based on student’s goals and strengths.

How do you help your student cope with the competition being so high in the outside world? 

Individual mentoring, personal growth focus, and resilience-building help students thrive in a competitive world.

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges? 

Business competitions, guest lectures, and industry visits expose students to real-world challenges and enhance their skills.

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education in your department? 

Swift adaptation to technology and industry relevance can be challenging, addressed through faculty development and innovation