Dr. M.R.S. Suryanarayana Reddy is currently serving as the Dean of Admissions and Brand Building and an Associate Professor in the MBA Department at KG Reddy College Of Engineering And Technology. He boasts an enriching 15-year career in academia, where he has excelled in various roles and responsibilities. He has demonstrated proficiency in admissions, business operations, marketing, and teaching, making him a well-rounded professional in the learning space.

Apart from his role as Dean, Dr. Reddy has also served as the Dean of Entrepreneurial Leadership and Brand Building, showcasing his versatility in leadership positions. As the SPOC (Single Point of Contact) for Brand Building and Ed Tech Administration for the entire college, he designed and implemented customized digital strategies, revamped the college's website, and managed various marketing initiatives. In his previous roles as Assistant Professor and Training Officer, Dr. Reddy actively contributed to the development of the curriculum, designed and delivered training programmes, and managed the end-to-end hiring and training of L&D specialists.

Dr. Reddy is a life member of the National Human Resource Development (NHRD), Indian Society for Training and Development (ISTD), the National Institute of Personal Management (NIPM), and a fellow member of the All India Management Association (AIMA). His passion for research and academic contribution is evident through his publications and paper presentations at both national and international conferences. With over 14 articles published in esteemed journals, he has significantly contributed to the body of knowledge in management studies.

KG Reddy College Of Engineering And Technology

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

At KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology, we are offering two cutting-edge programmes in computer science for the academic years 2020 to 2023 - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. These emerging areas have become crucial in the modern world, and we are proud to provide our students with the opportunity to excel in these fields. Our courses in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are designed to equip students with the in-depth knowledge and practical skills needed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market. Led by experienced faculty members who are experts in these domains, our courses emphasize hands-on projects and real-world data sets to ensure students gain practical experience and industry-relevant skills. By focusing on these emerging technologies, we aim to prepare our students to be at the forefront of innovation and ready to tackle the challenges of an AI-driven world. We believe that these programmes will not only offer students a fulfilling career but also empower them to contribute to the advancement of AI and ML globally.

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

The programme at KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology is an excellent choice for students due to its unique features. The college places a strong emphasis on extracurricular and co-curricular activities, with each year giving importance to academics as follows: first year - 70%, second year - 60%, third year - 50%, and final year - 40%. This progressive approach allows students to adapt and grow academically while also fostering holistic development and essential soft skills.

To prepare students for the industry, certification courses are offered by industry experts, providing practical knowledge and real-world insights. The involvement of industry personalities as adjunct faculty enriches the learning experience and ensures that students receive industry-relevant training. Additionally, the college's Centers of Excellence facilitate cutting-edge research and offer valuable resources to students.

With strong industry partnerships, students gain access to internships and placements, enhancing their career readiness.

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

At KG Reddy College, we offer a programme that stands out from the rest due to its unique features. While the core curriculum might be similar to other colleges, we introduce two special courses right from the first semester that make a significant difference. The first course is 'Design Thinking for Sustainable Development' where we encourage our students to step out of the classroom and visit nearby communities. By interacting with people from different walks of life, they gain valuable insights into real-world challenges.

The second course is 'Innovation for Entrepreneurship.' Through this course, we motivate them to explore innovative ideas and develop entrepreneurial ventures. Students are given the opportunity to express their problem statements and propose solutions that have the potential to become viable business opportunities. These unique courses not only enrich our students' learning experiences but also instil a sense of social responsibility and innovative thinking.

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

The programme at KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology prepares students for the future by emphasizing problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and decision-making skills. Through a well-designed curriculum and real-world experiences, students develop the necessary abilities to face future challenges with confidence. The programme ensures students are future-ready and adaptable to evolving demands, making them valuable contributors to society and their respective industries.

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

To ensure that our faculty is well-equipped to deliver this programme effectively to the students, we have taken several steps. As emerging areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning may not have been part of their academic backgrounds, we have established collaborations with reputable institutions like IITs, IISC, and renowned MNCCs. This allows our faculty to undergo specialized training and obtain certifications from these institutions.

Moreover, we encourage our faculty members to pursue online courses from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Mptel. By doing so, they can stay updated with the latest advancements in their respective fields and enhance their knowledge and expertise.

Internally, we have also established the Centre for Engineering Education Development (CEED). This center focuses on pedagogical tools and methodologies to improve teaching techniques and foster student interest and curiosity in the classroom. Through workshops, seminars, and faculty development programmes conducted by CEED, our faculty members gain valuable insights into effective teaching strategies.

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

To build a strong industry connection with our programme, we understand the dynamic nature of the industry and stay updated with its evolving requirements. We proactively identify new domain areas with high market demand and tailor our curriculum accordingly. We regularly invite industry experts and professionals for ideation sessions, certification programmes, case lectures, and expert lectures. These interactions provide valuable insights into the latest trends, technologies, and challenges faced by the industry. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, we ensure that our students receive relevant and up-to-date knowledge, making them industry-ready.

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

While implementing our programmes into our curriculum, we did face some challenges. One of the main challenges was the diverse academic backgrounds of our students. Unlike premier institutions that admit students with high ranks, our college caters to students with varying ranks, ranging from 20,000 to 40,000. This diversity in academic performance also reflected varying levels of interest and motivation among the students.

However, we recognised that rather than attributing this diversity to a difference in IQ levels, it was essential to focus on igniting interest and passion for the subjects. To address this challenge, we decided to give more priority to the co-curricular aspect of the programme. By incorporating extracurricular activities and real-world experiences, we aimed to cultivate interest and enthusiasm among the students for their existing courses.

By emphasizing practical learning, industry exposure, and the application of engineering solutions to real-life problems, we strived to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills.

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

Through our programme at KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology, students are engaged in a wide range of projects that have real-world significance. We collaborate with several companies, NGOs, and other organizations to identify real-time problems they are facing. These problem statements are then distributed to our students through the Project Review Committee (PRC). Our students take on these challenging projects and work diligently to provide innovative solutions. The projects cover diverse areas such as technology, social issues, environmental concerns, and industry-specific challenges. By addressing these real-life problems, our students gain valuable practical experience and learn to apply their engineering skills to create impactful solutions.

One remarkable outcome of this initiative is that we have filed 19 patents for the innovative solutions our students have developed in response to the industry's problem statements. By working on real-world challenges, they gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in finding viable solutions and learn to think creatively and innovatively.

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

The course at KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology offers several benefits and diverse career options. In the third year, students have the freedom to choose from three tracks - entrepreneurship, higher education, and employment. The entrepreneurship track equips students with skills to start their ventures, while the higher education track prepares them for postgraduate studies and research. Those opting for the employment track are industry-ready. This choice-based credit system empowers students to pursue their interests and strengths, promoting a unique brand. Graduates have opportunities to become successful entrepreneurs, pursue advanced studies, or secure jobs in various sectors. This diverse approach ensures that students are well-prepared to make informed career choices, contributing to their industries and offering valuable assets to the workforce.