SLIM commences new MBA intake from Bucks Uni, UK

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) is providing an opportunity for professionals and marketers to obtain an MBA qualification from the Buckinghamshire New University in UK.

The University first launched its MBA programme in 1989 and is conducted in a number of countries besides the UK.

Explaining the affiliation between SLIM and the Buckinghamshire New University, SLIM President Tilan Wijeyesekera said that the state-funded British university now has a studentship of around 10,000. “The MBA qualification we are promoting is parallel to what you get anywhere in the UK,” he stressed.

Outlining the highlights of the SLIM Bucks MBA, SLIM Chief Executive Officer/ Executive Director Sanath Senanayake said that the duration of the program is 18 months during which time the students are guided by local and foreign lecturers. There will be independent modules and flexible timetables ensuring convenient schedules. Discussion forums will be a key feature. The MBA certificate will be the same that is awarded to an internal student in the UK.

At the last subject review undertaken by the UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in 2001, the Buckinghamshire New University’s Business School recorded a high score gaining a total 22/24 points in recognition of the excellent teaching quality delivered in the field of Business and Management.

The University claims that its MBA takes one beyond basic management principles and aims to develop creative and strategic leaders for the future. The MBA research project provides an exciting opportunity to hone one’s project management and consultancy skills.

The programme has been designed for those who are in employment and thus the taught element of the coursework can be completed in just over one year. This is then followed by the dissertation (Stage 3) of the programme.

The University adds that its MBA graduates have found exciting opportunities in a variety of areas, including Marketing, IT, pharmaceuticals, risk management and finance etc; working for large organisations such as Marks & Spencer, British Airways and the National Health Services in UK.

Providence Business Services CEO Shahed Naseem who completed the MBA programme last year is all praise for it. “The BUCKS MBA with its fast moving andscape has definitely enhanced my knowledge to successfully achieve the challenges in the corporate world,” he said. “The course surely helped me in better managing my organisation plus my professional and personal path to success. If SLIM and BUCKS would not have provided such a flexible and accommodating schedule, I would not have been able to balance my busy work life with this program.”

Describing enrolling for the BUCKS University MBA programme as one of the most challenging experiences, NovEx Pharmaceuticals Limited/Health Care Sri Lanka General Manager, Pradeep Edward said that the support from the local lecturers and the UK faculty with the once-a-week classroom teaching was just right for his busy schedule. “The experience has been challenging and proved to me that learning is indeed lifelong and we are never too old or too busy to do it.”