SLIM launches online course for PCM

Monday, 2 December 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Sarah Hannan Thursday 28 November was a significant day for the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) as it launched its knowledge hub, making the Preliminary Certificate in Marketing (PCM) course available online. Spearheading the marketing fraternity, SLIM also unveiled its very own definition in marketing at the launch held at Hilton Colombo Residencies on the same day.

SLIM partnered with Etisalat Sri Lanka in this online project as the service provider and marking this monumental event a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed and exchanged between SLIM President Gamika De Silva and Etisalat Sri Lanka Chief Commercial Officer Robert Lee while SLIM Vice President Dhanesh R. Jayathilaka and SLIM EXCO member and Project Chairperson for PCM Online Charitha Jayasingha attested the MoU. The educational resources which come in the form of interactive sessions are composed as presentations and are mainly for students who wish to pursue a marketing career, junior marketers who require a basic marketing qualification, middle-level marketers who need theoretical input on marketing and for working adults who wish to gain knowledge in marketing.

“The idea of online education is growing in popularity due to some significant advantages. As online courses can indeed be learnt from home, it eliminates the cost of commuting and is particularly useful for working adults. Students will also be able to study at their convenience,” SLIM President Gamika De Silva noted. PCM Introduced in 1988, PCM is one of the most recognised short marketing courses conducted in Sri Lanka and the product has achieved wide acceptance due to regular reviews and changes in the course content to be in line with current marketing trends. The PCM program includes modules such as marketing concept, marketing environment, consumer behaviour, marketing research, segmentation, targeting and positioning, the marketing mix, product planning and development, pricing, distribution, marketing communications/promotions, developing the marketing plan and information technology for marketing. Students are evaluated through a written practical assignment as well as a final examination. In order to pass the examination, a student will have to be successful both at the assignment and the examination. The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) founded in 1970, has created a professional educational career path in marketing commencing from the entry level, preliminary certificate in marketing going right up to MBA covering a gamut of disciplines in marketing such as brand, sales pharmaceutical and insurance.