The Higher Education Review

The current entrepreneurial and corporate landscape is perceptibly characterized by rapid change and fierce competition and demands qualified professionals who ensure the continual scalability of their businesses. This need has also catalyzed a transformation in the teaching methodologies of business schools urging them to create leaders who can add value to business, society, and the global economy.

But, in the bustling domain of business education, the only organizations that stand out are defined by their commitment to the holistic development of students, along with a proven track record of academic prowess, industry-oriented curricula, and endeavors to inculcate innovation and social responsibility in students. Standing as a bellwether of such trailblazers is Aurora Business School, a one-of-a-kind institution renowned for its distinctive pedagogy focused on Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) courses.

Aurora Business School was established in 2005 in Hyderabad as an extended arm of the Aurora Group of Institutions. Considered one of the leading educational chains in South India, Aurora Group has carved a niche through its ventures that offer best-in-class undergraduate and postgraduate professional courses in multiple disciplines, including science, engineering, commerce, law, pharmacy, and architecture.

Driven under the aegis of Dr. Raghu N. Prabhakar, the Director and a commendable education luminary, Aurora Business School has been proactive in preserving the heritage of such a formidable consortium and has evolved to be the beacon of transformative education and visionary leadership, facilitating a vibrant learning environment, learner-friendly campus and infrastructure, a well-connected alumni network, and personal as well as professional development - all with a cost-effective fee structure.

The Defining Factors
Approved by AICTE, Aurora Business School offers a two-year full-time PGDM program with 16 major specializations, encompassing finance, marketing, HR, operations, supply chain, rural management, and hospital management, out of which the students can opt for four courses.

However, the key differentiator lies in the business School’s interactive and experiential learning approach and the skilled faculty who share the college’s vision. “Exclusively sourced from industry, our faculty hold extensive experience, international expertise, and necessary AICTE qualifications,” specifies Dr. Raghu. According to him, they ensure effective integration of interactive components into every course, which adds around 50 percent of weight to the overall evaluation of a learner.

Aurora Business School is also marked by its unwavering pursuit of continuous evolution, relearning, innovation, and knowledge dissemination. Operated on advanced systems and a quarter model, the institution regularly updates its curriculum and teaching learning processes to keep the aspirants current and relevant.

Fathoming the diminishing self-reflection and penmanship skills among today’s students, the institution has deployed an initiative named the ‘student reflection system’, in which the students are mandated to submit handwritten assignments for each completed chapter.

Additionally, the students are mentored and evaluated on their active participation in case study presentations, group discussions, seminars, conferences, research projects, and field work. The course of independent study, 8-week internships, industry visits, and lectures from industry veterans and the Business School alumni further enable the students to secure not just marks but also firsthand exposure to the job realities.

Besides, the MoUs of the Business School with reputed organizations, complimented by its strategic location within the proximity of eminent media, services, and IT companies, facilitates stronger academic and industry collaborations, resulting in an enhanced learning experience. “We also arrange international study tours to four countries within a two-year program, in turn providing a competitive advantage,” adds Dr. Raghu.

Aurora Business School is widely acknowledged for its placement procedures and consistently impressive placement record. Keeping the interests of the students at the heart of its activities, the college prioritizes soft skills enhancement through a comprehensive recruitment training model, equipping students to weather the uncertainties of the professional world. Notably, the college goes above and beyond to rekindle the spirits of innovation and entrepreneurship.

For instance, recently, the School obtained authorization for the Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Venture Development (IEV) program, under which it has partnered with T-Hub, a government-led facility for entrepreneurs, to empower the students to seamlessly transition their ideas into sustainable ventures.

Added Advantages
The campus at Aurora Business School is designed not just to enhance academic skills but also to accelerate the all-round development of the students. Be it one-month-long induction programs for the new students, yoga sessions, sports, or various co-curricular and extra-curricular clubs, the School always strives towards promoting the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the students, which, as per Dr. Raghu, plays a pivotal role in increasing the happiness quotient of the learners.

Considering the financial constraints of middle-class students, the institution supports them through multiple scholarships and financial assistance, upholding equal accessibility to quality education.

”Aurora Business School is also marked by its unwavering pursuit of continuous evolution, relearning, innovation, and knowledge dissemination”

Dr. Raghu views the students not just as job seekers but as job creators, and walking the talk, Aurora Business School is steadfast in developing such personas. Owing to its excellence, the School has also received eminent recognition from popular media companies.

The institution is currently in the process of expanding its courses to embrace technological-blended learning, with AI being its primary focus, further fueling the School’s vision of becoming a global leader in management education with humane values to serve the emerging needs of society.

Dr. Raghu N. Prabhakar, Director
With a PhD in management studies, two MBAs, and an M.Phil., Dr. Raghu possesses an illustrious professional journey spanning various academic, administrative, and leadership roles. Besides spearheading Aurora Business School, he has also been instrumental in contributing to research, which is exemplified in the publication and presentation of his articles in various national and international journals and national seminars. His areas of research cover different domains, including healthcare, business management, women's empowerment, and entrepreneurship.