Dr. Andal Ammisetti, with a distinguished career spanning 25 years, has had the privilege of teaching at various prestigious management colleges and renowned B-schools. She is specialized in Marketing Management, and also possesses a PG Diploma in Personnel Management. Her academic achievements are remarkable, being both a university topper for an MBA program and an institute topper for a PG diploma. Over the years, she taught at different Marketing Electives and also general management subjects like Business Strategy, Business Ethics and Effective Communication. She was always a sought after faculty with high student feedback scores. She also presented research papers at both national and international seminars, published insightful articles and case studies, and provided guidance to numerous students for projects and internships. Dr. Andal has also played a pivotal role in curriculum development and has had the honor of heading management departments at various esteemed institutions. Dr. Andal Ammisetti's pioneering Ph.D. research, which focused on the determinants of internet store loyalty, was considered a novel study at the time, making a significant contribution to the field. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has organized international conferences and served as a valuable resource person for workshops, facilitating the dissemination of knowledge. Her role as a consultant to startups underscores her commitment to applying her insights and experience to support entrepreneurial endeavors.

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EThames Degree College

Can you please tell us about your educational background and professional experience in the field of education?

I'm a seasoned educator with a distinguished career spanning 25 years, and have had the privilege of teaching at various prestigious management colleges and renowned B-schools like IBS Hyderabad, IMT Hyderabad, and King Saud University, where I taught and mentored thousands of MBA students. I graduated as the topper from Andhra University during my MBA and as an institute topper for my PG Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations. My Ph.D. on Online Retailing titled Determinants of Internet Store Loyalty, was considered novel study at that time. As a management faculty I presented cases and research articles at national and international seminars and also organized conferences, workshops, and Faculty Development Programs.With diverse experience, I've guided projects and consulted for businesses and social initiatives. This practical corporate exposure uniquely positions me to offer valuable insights to students and professionals.

What motivated you to join Ethames Degree College as the principal?

I was motivated to join Ethames Degree College as the principal because of the visionary leadership of Ethames Chairman. Sri Kali Prasad, the esteemed Chairman of EThames College, brings over 35 years of unparalleled expertise in professional services, notably spending 23 years at EY in diverse leadership roles. His commitment to providing students with practical insights and life skills resonated with my educational philosophy. Furthermore, the talented individuals in leadership positions at the institution and their association with additional programs like offering courses through Harvard and Coursera added to the appeal. These factors collectively made it an exciting opportunity for me to contribute my expertise and be part of an institution that is committed to providing holistic education and fostering a nurturing environment for its students."

How do you plan to enhance the academic and extracurricular offerings of the college in the next five years?

As the principal, I am committed to maintaining our current practices while prioritizing consistent improvement across various aspects of the college. Building on our existing industry ties and nurturing new collaborations will remain a cornerstone, ensuring our students gain practical insights through internships and real-world projects. Faculty development will remain a continuous endeavor, enabling our educators to stay updated on the latest teaching methodologies. Student support services will be maintained and improved, quality assurance will be constant, research and innovation will be encouraged, and our alumni network will continue to be strengthened for mentorship and industry insights. This commitment to consistency and incremental enhancement will be central to our pursuit of providing a top-notch educational experience.

What strategies do you have in mind to promote a culture of research and innovation among students and faculty members?

To promote a culture of research and innovation among students and faculty members, several strategies will be implemented: Mentorship Programs: Create mentorship programs where experienced faculty members guide and mentor students in their research endeavors. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between different departments and disciplines to foster a multidisciplinary approach to research. Publication Support: Provide support for publishing research findings in reputable journals and presenting at conferences, incentivizing and recognizing faculty and student contributions. Innovation Competitions: Organize innovation and research competitions to spark creativity and problem-solving among students. Guest Lectures and Workshops: Invite renowned researchers and experts to deliver guest lectures and conduct workshops to expose students and faculty to cutting-edge research. Incentives for Publications: Offer incentives such as awards, or promotions for faculty members who publish research articles or books. Research Symposia: Organize regular research symposia and conferences where students and faculty can present their research findings to peers and the academic community. Collaboration with Industry: Forge partnerships with industries to facilitate collaborative research projects that address real-world challenges. By implementing these strategies, we can create an environment where both students and faculty are encouraged to engage in research and innovation, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the institution and the broader academic community.

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How do you ensure that the curriculum for BBA and B.Com stays relevant and updated to meet industry demands?

Ensuring the relevance and currency of the BBA and B.Com curricula is a priority. We employ several strategies to achieve this: Industry Feedback: Regularly seek input from industry experts, professionals, and alumni to understand their evolving needs and expectations and include new courses to address industry demands. Market Research: Conduct market research to identify emerging trends and skills required in the job market. Internships and Experiential Learning: Encourage students to engage in internships, cooperative programs, and real-world projects, which provide practical insights and connections with industry. Faculty Development: Support faculty members in staying current with industry developments through workshops, training, and research opportunities. Advisory Boards: Establish advisory boards comprising industry leaders who can provide guidance on curriculum relevance and development. Cross-disciplinary Learning: Promote cross-disciplinary learning by offering courses that combine business and technology, ensuring students are well-prepared for dynamic industries. By consistently implementing these strategies, we ensure that our BBA and B.Com programs remain responsive to industry demands and produce graduates equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the professional world. 

What steps are being taken to integrate practical and industry-oriented learning into the academic programs?

To integrate practical and industry-oriented learning into our academic programs, we are taking the following steps: Internship Programs: We offer structured internship programs that allow students to gain real-world experience with industry partners. These internships provide hands-on learning and the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge. Leadership series and Workshops: We regularly invite leaders from various fields to deliver guest lectures and conduct workshops. This exposes students to the latest industry trends and insights. Case Studies: We use industry-specific case studies to illustrate theoretical concepts and help students understand how they are applied in practice. Mentorship Programs: Faculty and industry professionals provide mentorship to students, guiding them on career choices, skill development, and industry best practices. Experiential Learning: We encourage experiential learning through field trips, simulations, and interactive projects, enabling students to gain practical skills. By implementing these measures, we aim to create a learning environment that equips our students with the practical skills and industry knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen professions.

What measures are being taken to support students in their career development and placement opportunities after graduation?

We have implemented a comprehensive set of measures to support students in their career development and placement opportunities after graduation: Career Counseling Services: Our dedicated career counseling services provide personalized guidance on career choices, skill development, and goal setting. Resume Building Workshops: We offer workshops to help students create compelling resumes and cover letters that showcase their strengths and experiences. Interview Preparation: We conduct interview preparation sessions to equip students with effective interview techniques and communication skills. Job Placement Assistance: Our career services team actively connects with potential employers, facilitating job placement opportunities and internships. Internship Programs: Structured internships provide students with practical experience and valuable industry connections that can lead to job opportunities. Industry Networking: We organize networking events and career fairs where students can interact with industry professionals, explore career options, and secure job leads. Alumni Network: Our strong alumni network offers mentorship, job referrals, and industry insights to recent graduates. Soft Skills Development: We emphasize soft skills training, including communication, teamwork, and leadership, to enhance students' employability. Entrepreneurship Support: For students interested in entrepreneurship, we offer guidance to help them start their own businesses. These measures collectively ensure that our students are well-prepared and have the necessary support to embark on successful career paths after graduation.

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What initiatives does the college undertake to encourage students to participate in community service and social responsibility activities?

The college is committed to promoting community service and social responsibility among students through various initiatives: Service Learning Programs: We integrate service learning into the curriculum, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to address community needs. Volunteer Opportunities: We provide information and opportunities for students to engage in volunteer work with local organizations and nonprofits. Student Clubs and Societies: We support student-led clubs and societies dedicated to community service and social responsibility. Community Projects: Students are encouraged to initiate and participate in community projects that address relevant social issues. Collaborations with NGOs: We collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on projects and internships that focus on social impact. Awareness Campaigns: We organize awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars on social issues to educate students about their responsibilities. Social Entrepreneurship: We support students interested in social entrepreneurship, guiding them to develop projects with a social mission. Awards and Recognition: Outstanding community service contributions are recognized and celebrated through awards and honors. These initiatives instill a sense of social responsibility, empathy, and active citizenship in our students, motivating them to make positive contributions to their communities and the broader society.

How do you ensure that the college maintains a strong alumni network that supports the current students and the institution as a whole?

To maintain a strong alumni network that actively supports current students and the institution, we employ the following strategies: Alumni Engagement Programs: Regular alumni engagement events, reunions, and networking opportunities are organized to keep former students connected to the college. Mentorship Programs: Alumni are encouraged to participate in mentorship programs, providing guidance and career advice to current students. Guest Lectures and Workshops: Alumni are invited to deliver guest lectures and conduct workshops, sharing their professional insights and experiences with current students. Job Placement Assistance: Alumni often assist in job placement by referring current students for job openings in their organizations. Alumni Awards: Recognition through alumni awards and honors motivates graduates to stay engaged and give back to the college. Alumni Communication: Regular newsletters and communications keep alumni informed about college developments and opportunities to get involved. Social Media and Online Platforms: We maintain active social media and online platforms for alumni to connect, share experiences, and engage with the college community. Feedback and Surveys: Alumni feedback is sought to continually improve the college's programs and services. These strategies foster a sense of belonging and pride among alumni, encouraging their active involvement and support for both current students and the institution.