On 4 February 2026, the Department of BBA at PES University organized an immersive and highly impactful HR‑focused Studyathon titled “THE HR 360 – Analyze, Engage, Act”. Held at PESU52 from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, the event was conducted under the banner of the HR Club, People’s Partner, and offered students a comprehensive, simulation‑based experience of real‑world human resource management.
Bringing together structure, strategy, and corporate‑style decision‑making, the Studyathon stood out as one of the most engaging HR events hosted by the department.
A Holistic, Hands‑On Learning Experience
The Studyathon was designed to take participants beyond theory and into realistic, time‑bound HR scenarios. Beginning with an orientation and conceptual briefing, the day progressed through interactive simulations, role‑play activities, and multi‑stage decision‑making challenges that mirrored authentic HR responsibilities.
Students worked in teams, navigating the complexities of:
- Recruitment and candidate evaluation
- Employee engagement challenges
- Workplace conflicts
- Organizational change
- Crisis management under pressure
The structure ensured that participants practiced teamwork, communication, analytical thinking, and leadership — all core competencies for future HR professionals.
Round 1: Chaos Controller
The first round, Chaos Controller, challenged teams to analyze and respond to fast-changing workplace dilemmas. Each group operated like a full HR unit with designated roles such as Leader, Analyst, Communicator, Observer, and Runner.
The round featured four stations:
- Decode the Workplace: Interpreting workplace scenarios through emoji cues and defining the HR issue in a single, crisp solution statement.
- Hire or Fire?: Evaluating fictional candidate profiles, selecting hires, rejecting others, and justifying decisions within tight time limits.
This round tested participants’ composure, analytical clarity, and ability to provide actionable HR solutions.
Round 2: The 9–5 Dilemma
The second round brought deeper, people-centric challenges, simulating real organizational dilemmas involving:
- Inclusivity
- Hierarchy
- Workplace pressure
- Favouritism
- Informal networking advantages
Teams had five minutes to formulate their responses, followed by 1.5‑minute presentations—with mandatory participation from every member. Creativity, practicality, clarity, and teamwork played key roles. Many teams presented through engaging role plays, making the learning both lively and realistic.
Round 3: Pressure Point
The final and most intense round, Pressure Point, evaluated adaptability and strategic thinking under evolving conditions.
It unfolded in three phases:
Phase 1 – Workforce Strategy Simulation
Teams received a company profile and employee list with limited insights. They made layoff decisions, recorded justifications, and revised choices as new updates were announced.
Phase 2 – Resume Building
Each participant independently crafted a resume for a hypothetical new hire to fill the gaps left after layoffs.
Phase 3 – Board Meeting
Students defended their decisions before faculty members acting as board directors, responding to follow‑up questions to demonstrate their understanding of workforce strategy.
Event Highlights
- Real-time HR simulations and role plays
- Exposure to end-to-end HR functions
- High‑pressure decision-making challenges
- Emphasis on teamwork, leadership, and clarity of communication
- Expert evaluation with constructive feedback
- Strong student engagement through a well-timed, experiential format
Participation and Recognition
The Studyathon saw active participation from students across BBA sections.
- Winners of the event were:
- Advait Kurup
- Adithya Ravishankar
- Aarthi Rajnish Kamath
- Aryan Dewan
- Datha Suneel Venna
Organizing Team
The event was well managed by the People’s Partner Club Heads:
- K Uditha Sahiti
- Charisma Sunkara
Students handled responsibilities including planning, logistics, registration, crisis simulation, anchoring, photography, media coverage, and report writing.
Key Learnings for Students
Participants walked away with:
- Practical understanding of HR functions and corporate behavior
- Improved decision-making abilities under time constraints
- Strengthened communication, teamwork, and leadership skills
- Greater adaptability in dealing with workplace challenges
- Increased confidence and readiness for HR roles
Conclusion
“THE HR 360 – Analyze, Engage, Act” succeeded in providing a deeply immersive and impactful learning experience. Thoughtfully designed and expertly executed, the Studyathon combined competitive intensity with real-world HR exposure, making it one of the most memorable and educational events conducted by the HR Club at PES University.
