SLIM postgraduate diploma program moves forward

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) has just completed a fruitful second intake of the Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing (PGDip) course, after a successful re-launch campaign where the relevant syllabuses, textbooks and subjects have been revised to outfit the current industry requirements in shaping a true ‘glocal’ marketer.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing is a unique program of study which offers prospective students and practitioners of marketing an opportunity to learn and apply sound theoretical concepts to their day-to-day business scenarios.

It is a 24-month part time program which will give students marketing competencies from the operational level to the synthesis level. At this level, the students are expected to apply subject knowledge and technical skills obtained throughout the entire course of study and further fuse research and analysis for strategic decision making in the existing business and marketing framework.

According to SLIM President Tilan Wijeyesekera, the course has grown tremendously gaining acceptance and popularity from potential marketers and also the educational and business community of Sri Lanka. The course has been structured covering different levels.

At operational level, there are five course units included in the program – discovering marketing essentials, exploring consumer behaviour, economic and legal impact, and developing effective communications. These concepts are further elaborated through an individual integrated assignment which cover literature reviews, desk-research and field studies. At managerial level, the students are provided with a detailed understanding about the marketer’s tools. Detailed insights into synergising marketing communications, finance for effective marketing, managing sales and distribution and driving brands for results are taught, together with the application of theory into practical circumstances through field and other assignments.

The strategic level concepts are provided through the subjects of advanced management competencies, strategic marketing for sustainability, managing global dynamics and strategic marketing planning.

At synthesis level, students are expected to apply subject knowledge and technical skills obtained throughout the entire course of study and further consolidated through research for strategic decision subject to analyse and research on the prevailing business and marketing environment.