Professor Prabhudev Konana teaches the Introduction to Information Technology Management (MIS 301H) course. He is known by students as the Apple enthusiast who gives brilliant lectures in MIS 301H, but Professor Konana has a lot more to offer than all of the IT knowledge he brings to class. Professor Konana is passionate about researching the value of social networks, global sourcing, and business value of IT. He uses a global mindset, as well as his own personal experience, to investigate the changing conditions of society in the realms of both technology and sociocultural trends.
Professor Konana has received numerous accolades and awards for both his teaching and his research, but he attributes his success to “how well [his students] do in their lives.” He loves to teach but also to learn from his students. He believes his students are going to be better than he is, which changes his teaching mindset. Each day, he looks forward to learning from his students’ questions and feedback, while he teaches.
Growing up in India and traveling to the United States to obtain his degrees from The University of Arizona, Professor Konana has a very interesting dual perspective on life. What brought him to the point of being an influential figure here at The University of Texas is the opportunities and struggles he has faced throughout different stages of his life. He loves to talk about history and culture and how they have shaped his world. His advice to his students is to never be satisfied. “If you are satisfied with something, then you will never pursue anything else. There has to always be some emptiness and there should always be some desire.”
Professor Konana loves meeting with his students and chatting about anything from technology to global social issues. His office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00pm – 4:30pm in CBA 5.244, or by appointment. Not sure what to talk about? Here are some great questions to help you get a great conversation going.
- What is your outlook on the American Dream and has that changed since you left India for the United States?
- How do I deal with differing opinions on religion and politics?
- Tell me about the book you are writing.
- Who are your heroes?
- What do you wish you knew when you were my age?
- What do you look for in a good book?