Since its inception in 1986, the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) continues its journey to be “THE Business School for the New World” while becoming the centre of management excellence in Asia and beyond.
As the pioneer of postgraduate education in Sri Lanka, PIM offers one of the most meticulously crafted Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme in Sri Lanka, setting the bar for academic excellence. Accordingly, MBA is the core degree programme of the Institute, the duration of which is two years. Organised into eight academic terms during this two-year period, PIM MBA offers over 700 hours of classroom interaction, consultation on research, skills development, directed study and residential workshops.
Global CEO Magazine recently spoke with Dr Asanga Ranasinghe, Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Management, about their MBA programme.
Q: How does the PIM MBA programme incorporate innovative approaches to prepare students for the dynamic business environment?
The PIM MBA is meticulously designed to equip students with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and attitude to be ‘the best above the rest’. The curriculum is structured and designed in congruence with the evolving world around eighteen core courses, and a choice of elective courses from a wide range of subject areas. Learning partners are directed to research and skills development projects in each required course, leading to a well-conceived final project in the second year of study. Thus, the PIM MBA is designed to provide a hands-on experience through a curriculum that incorporates both core business disciplines such as organisational behaviour, managerial finance, business analytics and leadership in organisations. Additionally, the students have a vast range of elective courses that covers emerging, interdisciplinary and industry-specific electives such as business psychology, strategic corporate sustainability, business intelligence, cross-cultural management and etc.
Q: How do the research expertise and accomplishments of the faculty and students contribute to the success of the PIM MBA programme?
The PIM research portfolio of intellectual findings includes contributions from faculty and students. Accordingly, the Institution prides itself on its distinguished faculty, whose expertise and accomplishments are central to the academic excellence of the MBA programme. The faculty includes renowned scholars and industry leaders who bring a wealth of practical experience and academic competence to the classroom. Their work is frequently published in leading academic journals and at conferences, and they are actively involved in cutting-edge research projects that address contemporary business issues. The impact of intellectual contributions to business and society is further improved by sharing of knowledge through research conferences, doctoral seminars and working with foreign universities. This includes the Sri Lankan Journal of Management (SLJM), the Institute’s flagship academic journal with over decades of academic publications.
The research projects carried out at the PIM focus on both applied research and social research. Applied research projects are directed to addressing the issues in organisations. Social research projects focus on knowledge creation and this knowledge is disseminated through scholarly publications. MBA students are required to select one research project from five options. MBA students have to select one research project from five options, namely Management Research Project (MRP), Management Skills Research Project (MSRP), Management Case Study Research Project (MCRP), Entrepreneurship Skills Research Project (ESRP) and Management Field Research Project (MSRP). Of these, MRPs and MCRPs focus on social research and the others focus on applied research. Priorities for this research are based on their impact on the industry which is determined by the demand among the students. The majority of the students select MFRPs which directly address the issues in the industry.
Moreover, the institution fosters a robust research culture that encourages students to undertake rigorous research as part of their second-year of the MBA curriculum. Students are guided through this process by experienced faculty advisors who provide personalised supervision. The institution offers a range of resources, such as the fully equipped library, information technology centre and organising workshops on research methodologies, to help students develop their research skills. Through these efforts, PIM ensures that students contribute meaningfully to the body of knowledge in their respective fields. It also enhances students’ critical thinking abilities and prepares them for leadership roles in academia and industry, where evidence-based decision-making is vital.
Q: How does the PIM MBA equip students with the skills and connections necessary for career success?
PIM MBA programme is designed with a strong emphasis on career development, equipping students with the skills and connections essential for success in their professional journeys. Accordingly, students benefit from a comprehensive collection of services, including collaborative opportunities, networking, professional development, industry engagement, one-to-one mentoring and a contemporary learning environment, all aimed at refining their professional profiles and job search strategies.
The strength of the PIM alumni network is another key asset. Our graduates have achieved notable success in their careers, occupying influential positions in top-tier companies in both Sri Lanka and across the globe. With a membership of over 4000 members, the achievements of the PIM alumni bear witness to the profound impact of the MBA programme, as they continue to contribute actively in every sphere of business, industry, and broader society. PIM Graduates are expected to join the PIM Alumni Association as the Association provides opportunities for all PIM graduates to meet, learn, socialise, and network. The PIM Alumni Association is active in providing its members with opportunities for continuing education, and it is a forum for the PIM graduates to develop their professional careers.
The programme also facilitates peer-to-peer interactions through aspects such as the residential workshop and collaborative assignments, as well as student segments such as the PIM Open Mic event and other student engagement projects.
Q: What are the unique features of the PIM MBA programme that set it apart from others?
The PIM MBA program stands out in the landscape of business education in Sri Lanka due to its distinctive elements that blend global perspectives with local relevance, ensuring a holistic and impactful learning experience. One of the unique features is our emphasis on integrating Sri Lankan business practices and cultural insights with international business models, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of both local and global markets.
PIM liaises with the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council (QAAC) of the University Grants Commission and the Centre for Quality Assurance (IQAU) of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura as well as with international accreditation bodies, to ensure the improvement at the quality of the MBA programme. Accordingly, PIM is currently in the process of obtaining the South Asian Quality Assurance System (SAQS) accreditation through the Association of Management Development Institutions in South Asia.
Thus, through the value drivers of teaching and learning, research and publications, collaborations and partnerships and capacity building and leadership development, PIM aims to deliver the most competitive MBA to its learning partners. We extend a warm invitation for you to join the PIM MBA, the pinnacle of academic excellence, where tradition meets innovation and knowledge transcends boundaries.
