PIM offers top MPA degree for private and public sectors

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam

Q: In a general context, what is the MPA degree offered by IPM about?

A: The MPA degree offered by PIM is based on a needs assessment of the transversal knowledge requirements of executive level officers of all sectors. The course content flows from the public and private sector paradigm which has developed promotion as its principal function. The delivery system is adopted by employing techniques by blending learning and combining distance education with the traditional ‘face to face’ method.

Q: Where the MPA degree is be made available?

A: The MPA degree is delivered to the other peripheries particularly to Jaffna, Trincomalee and Vavuniya at the moment. For the 2013-2015 intake we will be extending the reach to Kandy, Badulla and Matara. We decided on this since we saw difficulties faced by people in that area to have access to the opportunity of going through the formal course of training.

Q: For whom is the MPA degree?

A: If you look at the content of the course, it is all about concepts of developments, macro economics, cross-cutting and planning. Based on that, this is common for candidates from the private sector, public sector and those working with and for NGOs.

Q: It’s a degree catering to three audiences, how do you justify that?

A: This program is important for public servants as they are involved in policy making, but it is also important for those in the private sector who has to deal with strategic issues. Understanding public policies are of the essence when it comes to strategic planning in the private sector.

Many people come to PIM for the MBA degree due to its high reputation. That is good; however it is for younger people who are in the operational system. When you come up the ladder to make strategic decisions you need to understand the government policy as you are working in the environment.

The Government takes decisions with regard to exchange rate, interest rate, credit policies, taxes and import duties to name a few. You have to be able to predict the government policies as ultimately the investment decision depends on that. That is why we say that this program is of value to not only public servants but greatly to those in the private sector.

It is also highly relevant for NGOs as they deal with gender, poverty, environment issues and many other regards as they have to conceptualise those matters and not just have random projects here and there. One should be able to understand the social, political, and economic environment in which some of these projects are implemented and this course gives them the handle.

We at PIM are interested in the private and the NGO sector participating in this degree as it would provide the opportunity of cross fertilisation of ideas. Ultimately development comes through a process of private-public partnership. So it also gives an opportunity of networking with top profiles in the public and private sectors as it is very senior people who attend this program.

Q: How has the curriculum being developed to cater to persons from the private sector?

A: We have modules that are directly involved with the private sector such as management information systems, managing organisations, leadership and change, project management and evaluation, human resource management, development planning, and these are just a few.

Q: What are the possible career upgrades a candidate from the private sector can get from the MPA?

A: The most important element here is knowledge. In the private sector, fortunately they don’t go by the titles but by the knowledge they have. Opting for this degree, you will be able to display superior knowledge and leadership qualities to your colleagues. If they are going merely for the title, then an MBA looks attractive.

We are planning to change the MPA name to MDM which stands for Master of Development Management. Top ranks of the private sector will have to learn to recognise this content. We are trying to educate the private sector people on the value of this course. What you study in an MBA is important if you want to be involved in functions, but if you want to expand that further, the MPA degree we offer is what you should go for. If you opt of the MPA, you will certainly be equipped with knowledge that you can flaunt.

Q: The MPA offers innovative methods of delivery, how so?

A: While more systems have been adapted to conduct this program, we use video conferencing to deliver lectures. Recognising that lectures form only 20% of the learning management system, we put a lot of emphasis in the group learning session and for this we have even setup group learning centres in Jaffna, Trincomalee and Vavuniya and the same will be done in Kandy Matara and Badulla for the new intake.

The developed resource material will be given on a CD whereas the materials will be made available online allowing students to download for study. To ensure that they are thorough with the subject matter, before a lecture commences, a 45 minute Multiple Choice Question paper will be given for which 10% of the marks will be carried to the final grade.

We encourage participatory methods were we get the student to engage with the lecturers, stimulate the discussion and allow participants to discuss with each other. We also split the students into groups of five where each subgroup is given a question based on the study of the period. The question will have to be addressed by combining theoretical knowledge with workplace experience. A report will have to be produced and uploaded on the web and each member will have to present his or her contribution individually.

Q: Who are involved in the lecture panel of the MPA?

A: Our lecture panel for the MPA includes renowned industry experts and academics. To name a few, besides myself, our panel of lecturers comprise Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, Dr. Richard W.A. Vokes, Dr. Wickrema Weerasooria, W.A. Wijewardana, and Prof. Uditha Liyanage. The list is long, but these are few personalities who will be facilitating the MPA and as you can see they are all top profiles of the private and public sector of Sri Lanka.

Q: What is the structure outline of the MPA?

A: The course is offered at Rs 290,000 for 27 months and can be paid in three yearly instalments. The first three months are dedicated to a comprehensively designed Learning Skills Program where we emphasise on language, communication styles, writing skills and the developing listening skills. Looking at the program delivery structure, classes will be conducted on three Saturdays every month for 27 months.

Q: Any changes in the ways of doing things in the new intake?

A: We are trying to get a mentor for every single student to help them in all their projects and assignments to ensure they are guided proper and ensure that they get the maximum learning from the degree. It is a costly affair for us in terms of money and time, but we choose to extend this benefit to our PIM students so that they can gain a different learning experience altogether. We will encourage interaction through Skype as well to facilitate this.