Dr. Phijik Battula has been working as the Associate Professor and Head of Information Technology Department at Vignan's Institute of Management and Technology for Women, Hyderabad, Telangana for the last 2 years. He has done M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from JNTU of Hyderabad and PhD from Osmania University Hyderabad as part of his education. His areas of research interests are Computer Networks, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing and Blockchain Technology. Throughout his career, he has worked with numerous Hyderabad based institutions including Vignan’s Institute of Technology and Aeronautical Engineering Deshmukhi as an Associate Professor, Senior Assistant Professor and Head of CSE Department followed by St Mary’s College of Engineering and Technology as an Assistant Professor and Holy Mary’s Institute of Technology and Science of Bogaram as an Assistant Professor.

Throughout his career, he has organized various events including workshops on AWS, Ethical Hacking and Blockchain Technology, guided many UG level projects and acted as a Convener for many Faculty Development Programs. Lastly, he has done many Certifications from Coursera including on Blockchain Basics, Classical Cryptosystems and Core Concepts, Decentralized Applications (Dapps) and Smart Contracts. He is also a proud member of professional bodies like ISTE, IAENG and SDIWC.

Vignan’s Institute of Management and Technology for Women

What special practices have you observed in your 19 years of work experience that contribute to the growth of an institution?

In my 19 years of amazing experience with the dynamic and challenging world of education, I have observed that several practices and factors contribute to the growth and excellence of an institution. First and foremost, an institute's approach to provide a holistic education to young and ambitious youths by integrating theoretical knowledge with its practical applications differentiate it from others. 

Apart from this, an institution’s strong focus on developing industry-relevant skills in students to ensure that they are well-prepared for the dynamic professional landscape makes it a best place for young minds to pursue their dreams.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies and incorporate the same into the curriculum of Vignan?

I strongly believe that staying updated about the latest trends and technologies of the outside market is very crucial as far as the domain of Information Technology is concerned. Hence our college has developed a continuous learning framework for faculty members and we also encourage them to attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to upgrade their skills and teaching pedagogies. Additionally, our curriculum undergoes regular revisions to incorporate emerging technologies in the form of value-added programs, to ensure that students graduate with up-to-date knowledge and skills.

What are some of the biggest challenges which the IT sector is having these days and how do you address them as a HOD?

The major challenges for the IT sector these days are definitely the rapidly evolving technological advancements, cybersecurity threats, and demand for specialized skills. Hence, as the Head of IT Department at Vignan, I address these hurdles by fostering a culture of research and innovation on campus, collaborating with industry experts as and when needed, and integrating cybersecurity and specialized skill development programs into our college's curriculum.

How do you provide required practical exposure and internships to students of Vignan?

Our institution has established strong partnerships with leading industries and well-known academic colleges to provide much needed practical exposure and internships to our students. Another benefit of these collaborations is that we can easily organize events such as workshops and guest lectures to facilitate direct interaction opportunities with experts to our young minds. All in all, the kind of relationship we do have with companies not only helps us to enhance students' practical knowledge but also acts as a bridge between academia and industry, and ensures our curriculum aligns with industry needs.

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What kinds of infrastructure facilities does Vignan have for effective delivery of IT courses?

Our Vignan College offers state-of-the-art infrastructural facilities to students pursuing IT courses with us. And to be more specific, we do have well-equipped computer labs, a dedicated research and development center with high-speed internet connectivity, and a comprehensive library with a vast collection of IT-related literature and resources.

How do you provide an innovative learning atmosphere to students of your department?

For me, encouraging an innovative teaching-learning environment on campus is a top priority. Hence we provide enough windows to our students to engage themselves in research projects, hackathons, and other events. Apart from this, we regularly organize industry interaction sessions by inviting professionals to share their experiences and insights and inspire students to think creatively.

In your opinion, how would the future of the IT sector be in the coming years both domestically and internationally?

While there is a little doubt in the fact that Computer Science and Engineering is a top choice of students these days, still the scope of Information Technology is and will remain significant both domestically and internationally in coming years. Also, with the increasing integration of IT in various industries, there is a growing demand for IT professionals. Hence we have designed the curriculum of our college to equip students with versatile skills and make them valuable assets in a variety of sectors.

Being the IT Department Head at Vignan, what is your vision for the institution in coming years?

As the IT Department Head at Vignan, my vision for the institution in the coming years is centered around fostering a culture of innovation and research among our IT students. I propose the establishment of an Incubation Center dedicated to supporting and nurturing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our students. This center will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and collaboration, providing a platform for students to turn their ideas into viable projects and startups.