SLIM launches ‘Certificate in Services Marketing’ for first time in Sri Lanka

The pioneer in the field of marketing and the best innovator in marketing education in Sri Lanka, SLIM, launched the latest addition to their educational product portfolio, ‘Certificate in Services Marketing – CSM’, recently at the Kingsbury with a large gathering from the corporate sector. The launch event was graced by Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Director General/CEO Buddhika Hewawasam and SLIM President Pradeep Edward.

Considering the demand and the requirement in the market for Services Marketing, SLIM proudly took the initiative to introduce the first Certificate course specialised in Services Marketing as a professional qualification to Sri Lanka. Certificate in Services Marketing is designed to introduce the changing nature of services marketing environment, concepts and strategies unique to the services industry and provide skills to manage services efficiently and effectively. It is ideal for those who are working in or managing service organisations and those who are dealing with internal or external customers in any organisation. It is also designed for organisations who wish to enhance their customer value chain and anyone who aspires to be a marketer to acquire both conceptual and practical knowledge of services marketing.

Being conducted for a duration of three months, this program will be delivered with a blended focus on academic and professional orientation, along with case studies. Approximately 50% of it will emphasise on theoretical concepts while the remaining will focus on professional practices with project-based learning. This program assumes that candidates are keen to pursue Services Marketing knowledge with or without a preliminary marketing knowledge. Students who enrol for this program can complete the course at SLIM Business School in Colombo and Kandy. 

Buddhika Hewawasam shared his experience from the hospitality sector and stated that Marketing is a basic requirement in an individual, while Service is the differentiator which can create excellence.

SLIM President Pradeep Edward, the CEO of Lanka Hospital Diagnostics said, “SLIM has introduced the CSM program after comprehensive market research, since it shows a massive demand for Services Marketing. Well qualified resource persons, including practicing marketers and persons who hold senior positions in top corporates, will lead the program. Students will be able to understand the full extent of Services Marketing as practised in the local and international arena. Being a SLIM Student, they can also participate in student committees in national level events such as Brand Excellence, Effie, NASCO and also become a member of the SLIM Toastmaster Club.” 

CEO/Executive Director Sanath Senanayake noted that the CSM syllabus, text books and course content were prepared to suit the current industry requirements; “The program is crafted with the right blend of case studies, assignments and examination. It has been produced according to the industry requirements in order to create well qualified and knowledgeable service marketers who can adapt to any situation.” 

SLIM is the national body for marketing in Sri Lanka and has been promoting marketing excellence and elevating the status of marketing since 1970. SLIM’s effort towards enhancing and continuously developing marketing education in Sri Lanka and its commitment towards the profession has always facilitated the empowerment of the youth and the marketing sector of the country.