The PIM embarking on a quest to introduce new facets of management for the country to meet the current and future developmental trends, has joined with the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES), University of Canberra, to design the Master of Business Administration in International Trade and Logistics Program (MBA-IT&L). International Trade and Logistics, in fact is a key area in the modern economy in which there is a growing need to enhance competency standards at both corporate and individual levels. The curriculum of this MBA program involves the key elements of International Trade and Logistics with a view to providing the requisite knowledge and skills while addressing the broad regulatory needs of the sector.
The program will, inter alia, focus on the following four key areas of study, namely.,

• International Trade and Business
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Methods and Practices
• International Customs and Commercial Law
• Classification and Valuation of Merchandise

The MBA (IT&L) program was inaugurated at the PIM on May 3, 2010. Dr. Ajantha S Dharmasiri, Consultant, PIM, welcomed the first batch of students selected for the program, and said that this would be a truly transformational experience for them,  both in their professional and personal fronts if they persevere to meet the objectives of the course. In fact, he said that there’s a lot to do if the students are to realize the best possible outcomes.  He insisted that the proper mindset of learning based on the tripod of CR & A, namely, comprehension of the key aspects of the modules, reflection on what has been learnt, and finally, the application of what has been  learnt, would ultimately determine the value to oneself as well as to his/her company.

Dr. Uditha Liyanage enlightened the candidates on comprehension – ability aspects of learning. The second aspect he referred to as MMR, Monday Morning Relevance. This process, he said, goes beyond mere awareness. Herein he stressed the difference between one who has an MBA, and one who is an MBA. 

Dr. Uditha Liyanage, Director, PIM, congratulating the students for being successful at the highly competitive selection process, said that for the next two years they will need to complete 25 credit-units, which would include 16 course-units, 3 electives, and a comprehensive examination to ascertain their capability of integrating the knowledge gathered. Dr. Liyanage, in fact, referred to the program the students need to follow could be described as both intensive and extensive, as well as rigorous. Referring to the aspects of learning and application of what is learnt, he mentioned two acid-tests, one should apply at the end of each session, namely, to ask whether “I comprehended it”. The answer to this loaded question is to find out one’s ability to re-express in his/her own words independently, the essence of what has been learnt.  The second question is to find out one’s ability to apply what is comprehended and express  independently, which he referred to as MMR, Monday-morning-relevance. This process tantamount to going beyond mere awareness. Herein he stressed the difference between one who has an MBA, and one who is an MBA. The real challenge is to be an MBA.

Prof. Gunapala Nanayakkara, Founder Director, PIM, and Senior Professor of Management Studies, said that “Our  success will be defined by achievements in the country, and more specifically in the field of education”. 

Professor Gunapala Nanayakkara, the founder Director of PIM, Senior Professor of Management Studies, and Managing Director, PIM International Centre, UAE, addressing the distinguished gathering stated that those who have selected this course of study, would aim at specializing in international trade and logistics and also think of sharpening their careers or starting a new career. Looking at the universities Professor Nanayakkara remarked that we are committed to promoting what is required for our country, and our requirements have been well defined during the last few months, after a bitter history of thirty years. It is, therefore, the ideal time to provide the most important link between our national economy and the external world. Today’s theme is economic development and it is hoped that it will run as the main theme defining the functions of ministries and related agencies both in the public and private sectors, as well as the contributions of the NGOs and foreign embassies in Sri Lanka towards its realization. Our success will be defined by achievements in the country, and more specifically in the field of education. In fact economic development occupies the centre-stage in all the country’s efforts towards accelerating the country’s economy. This endeavour is not easy as our economy is closely linked to foreign trade. Especially after a barely recovered recession, the country is still affected by a negative trade-balance, and our debt-servicing responsibilities have been witnessing a continuous upward trend. Further, our productivity is not being managed, and we are facing unfriendly trading partners  in many predominated market sectors. Any recovery in the economic sphere will be difficult. The nation, has therefore, been put into test, and unless all our efforts  are pooled towards resolving this difficult task we will miss another chance of recovery. In the education front many changes are to be considered, and one important  proposal that needs to be considered by the government is internationalizing education and higher education. There will also be a national-debate with the involvement of all stakeholders regarding the formulation of a national education policy. In this context Professor Nanayakkara appreciated the role played by Australia in the development of education of the country, in the past twenty years. He indicated that the time is ripe now for the Sri Lankan Universities to invite, policy-wise, foreign universities to operate from Sri Lanka. In this regard, he appreciated the pioneering role of the University of Canberra, in deciding to affiliate with the PIM in commencing two programs, including the newly introduced MBA (L&IT), without waiting for policy decisions and inducements. Nevertheless, a policy framework is a ‘must’ for the country, especially in the sphere of education.

In this context Professor Nanayakkara alluded to the references made in the annual  report of the Central Bank, 2009, stated that the report has recognized what has been said  about our achievements and our vision for an expanded international education reform package for Sri Lanka. The first batch of students for the new program being the pioneers may not have all the benefits, and Professor Nanayakkara prophesied that “in the years to come there would be large numbers in the subsequent programs to follow you”. He advocated that only an open mind will open opportunities for the future, and  expected that those who follow this program would study trade, customs, negotiations, and venture to do business in other cultures, wherein cross-cultural negotiations, cross cultural understanding would stand in good stead. Professor Nanayakkara wished that the new program would initiate a new wave of thinking, which would ultimately pave the way to save, promote and facilitate in the country’s march towards progress in the international frontiers.

Adjunct Professor Steve Halloway, Dean of Studies, Centre for Customs and Excise Studies, University of Canberra, encouraged a 360 degree approach to learning, expecting to involve the active participation of all relevant stakeholders.

Adjunct Professor Steve Holloway, Dean of Studies, Centre for Customs and Excise Studies, , University of Canberra, said that the experiences gained by organizing joint programs of this nature would stand to benefit immensely, as the approach is reciprocal, each party learning from the other. He wished the new batch of students the very best in their learning journey. He, thereafter, outlined on the status of excise and customs studies. Professor Holloway further stated that the programs of the CCES, have been certified and accredited by the world customs organization, and therefore, the students who follow this course are part of a program which is very much world  class, both in terms of its content and its application. He also appreciated the partnership with the PIM in conducting this specific course of study, as the PIM is preeminent in its specialties. In view of the successful conducting of the MCA program, he was confident that the new program would also be successful in reaching international standards, and would, for certain, be a benchmark  for those who are involved in industry. He, therefore, stated that “we have not only the theory involved in international trade and logistics, but also the aspect of application, to make the program finely blended”. He encouraged a 360 degree approach to learning, which would involve the active participation of all relevant stakeholders in the running of the program.

 
The Guest of Honor, HE Kathy Klugman, Australian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, opined that this program would be a stepping stone for Sri Lanka to forge ahead more particularly in economic and social spheres.

The Guest of Honour, HE Kathy Klugman, Australian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, expressed her appreciation in her involvement in inaugurating this special program, facilitated by the partnership between Australia and Sri Lanka, and more particularly between the CCES, University of Canberra and the PIM. HE Klugman said that this program would be a stepping stone for Sri Lanka to forge ahead more particularly in  economic and social spheres. She stressed the importance of economic success in achieving national reconciliation and national rebuilding. The participants offering this new MBA program would, for certain, play a vital role in taking the country forward in a business well as development sense.

 
Mr. Stephen Muller, Off-shore Academic Program Manager,  CCES, University of Canberra, also addressed the distinguished gathering

According to her, looking at the program from an international point of view, this course would promote advocates for free international  trade. The course would also provide a wonderful foundation for the new and different challenges that lie ahead for Sri Lankan private sector. One important challenge would be deeper involvement with the international community, and the understanding of the benefits of globalization.  

Dr. Ajantha S Dharmasiri, Consultant, PIM, compered the program.

Mr. Stephen Muller, Off-shore Academic Program Manager, Centre for Customs and Excise Studies, University of Canberra, also addressed the distinguished gathering. Dr. Ajantha S Dharmasiri compered the program.

 
A section of the candidates who were selected for the Master of Business Administration in International Trade and Logistics Program (MBA-IT & L)