Anurag University, HOD, MBA: Dr. Vishnu Vandana Vemuri Interview

Dr. Vishnu Vandana Vemuri is the Head, & Associate Professor and Convener, Entrepreneurship Development Cell at Anurag University. She holds a Ph.D. in Management degree from Osmania University and has over 18 publications in national and international journals. She has over 18 years of experience. She has received research fund grants from DST and UGC. She is the Member, Hyderabad Management Association and a certified Mentor from BYST & UK Guilds and trainer of Basic Entrepreneurship Course by National Entrepreneurship Network, Wadhwani Foundation.

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/dept. which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

We are offering an MBA Business Analytics program which has hands-on Project work every alternate term, so the students are industry ready by the time they complete their 2 years program. This is a unique feature where students will work in a real time project during their 2nd, 4th and 6th terms on the courses they studied in the program.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt for?

The program not only has courses that are mostly in demand now, but also has courses that encourage students to learn Metacognition and thinking skills. Courses like systems thinking, Aesthetics and Design thinking make the students become better problem solvers and decision makers and adapt to changing environments. The program is a value for money with CXOs from organizations teaching the courses that give them learning from the experts.

What will you say are the “best practices” in the course you’re offering?

Alternate term projects, Courses on thinking and Metacognition, team based learning, enterprise based learning, learning from the industry experts.

What are some valuable insights of the program that you are offering at your institute/ dept.?

Learning from the experts at CXO level. Practice-oriented learning instead of theoretical learning.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

The program is an industry immersive program with guidance from Professors of Practice from Industry, alternate projects with industry exposure, and team based application of managerial concepts that enable them to be decision makers and problem solvers.

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How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

Developed the competency repertoire that is required by the industry, and developed learning interventions that will enable students to develop these competencies through active engaging.

How do you tend to build an industry connected with this program? 

The program has projects in alternate terms where students and faculty have to connect with industry and identify the skills that are required and the technologies that have to be applied. This keeps the school relevant and updated with the industry requirements. 

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program in your curriculum?

As this is a new initiation, it required a huge amount of industry interaction, identifying and recruiting CXO level persons with the relevant skills. 

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

The MBA program, which has recently commenced, is gearing up for a dynamic range of projects set to launch in the next term. While it's still early in the program, we've laid the groundwork for a diverse array of project opportunities that align with the core objectives of our MBA curriculum. These projects serve as a bridge between theory and practice, offering students the chance to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. In the upcoming term, students can anticipate engaging in various project categories, including strategic consulting for local businesses, market research, entrepreneurship, and sustainability initiatives, to name a few. This diversity ensures that students gain exposure to different industries, from technology to healthcare and beyond, facilitating a well-rounded education. These projects will be instrumental in honing essential skills and deepening their understanding of the business landscape. As the program advances, we look forward to these projects becoming a cornerstone of their MBA journey, equipping them for success in their future roles as business leaders.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

Our MBA program offers numerous benefits and a wide array of career prospects to our students. By honing their skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making, graduates are well-equipped for roles such as data analysts, data scientists, and management consultants. These professionals play vital roles in deriving insights and shaping business strategies. However, the program's value extends beyond these specific roles. It equips students with highly transferable skills that make them versatile and adaptable in various industries like finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology. In essence, pursuing our MBA program opens doors to a multitude of opportunities, allowing graduates to pursue their passions in the business world.