Reinventing the Human Capital with Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka
View(s):
Mr. P.G. Tennakoon Chief Executive Officer - CIPM
Human Resource Management has emerged as a distinct discipline; on the same playing field as Medicine, Law or Engineering.
Recognizing this emergence, the Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (IPM) made its debut in 1959; by a small team of professionals with the objective of developing and promoting the profession of professional management. The institute was subsequently incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1976, and its name was amended by Act No. 31 of 2018 as the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka.
With an enriched history which dates back to over 60 years since its establishment, CIPM as a professional institute is affiliated with the Asia Pacific Federation of Human Resource Management and World Federation of People Management Association. CIPM is the most recognized professional body in the island acting as the pioneer when it comes to trend setting in the HRM profession through its vast range of HRM related programs and examinations. The vision, mission, values and objectives of the institute focus on setting the highest standards and achieving the best results when it comes to professional standards in HR Management.
Undoubtedly, CIPM plays a significant role in the development of the Human Resource Management profession in Sri Lanka through its study programs, research studies, conferences, seminars, HR consultancy programmes and professional examinations. Adding on to the discussion, Chief Executive Officer P.G. Tennakoon shared his individual insight.
What is CIPM’s vision
and mission?
CIPM started off with a humble beginning, by a few professionals. After 60 years, the brand has expanded into the status which it currently holds; both locally and internationally. The efforts taken throughout the decades have been fueled by the Vision of being the Guiding Force and Global Leader in Developing and Managing Human Capital.
The Mission statement says Developing Innovative Practices for Unleashing Human Potential and Values been decorated based on Courage (Being Different, Creative, Innovative), Integrity (Ethical, Honest and sincere in all dealings), Passion (Inner drive for world-class service excellence) and Mastery (Being proficient in what we do).
What are the courses available at CIPM?
A plethora of courses are available for students of definitive age limits; starting from school leavers.
Foundation Course in Human Resource Management ( 2 months program) is the basic certification which is offered. This FCHRM course provides a solid foundation for professional growth, which can be pursued immediately upon completion of OLs. A student can enter with pending results, however, a minimum of 6 passes are expected if the student wishes to face the FCHRM examination (after the submission of the results sheet).
The next stage offered is the Certificate Course in Human Resource Management (3 months’ program). This course prepares students to face the challenges within the job market. Students can enroll for the course immediately upon completion of Advanced Levels; those who are voluntarily seeking to pursue a career in Management. Students can join with pending AL results, with 6 passes for OLs complemented with one year of working experience or as an undergraduate.
On the 10th of September 2019, CIPM Sri Lanka has organized an Open day and Career Guidance seminar to educate the students who sat for the GCE A/L’s in 2019 on how to build their professional career. Parents who are the key decision makers for these students are also invited. The Open Day is held at all CIPM Regional Centers including Colombo, Kandy, Kurunegela and Galle.
The Diploma in Human Resource Management and the Professional Qualification in Human Resource Management are 12 months and 15 months courses respectively, which adds the final touches required to assist students to make a mark within the industry. This is exclusive for Executives, Managers, Graduates and those with Master’s degrees. Initially, the candidate should have completed the CCHRM. Three passes at GCE ALs (in one sitting) is expected with over two years of experience as an executive listed in the candidates CV. Having a full professional qualification from a Professional Institute which is accepted by CIPM is highly beneficial. Ultimately, being a graduate of a UGC recognized University further increases the candidate’s chances of being eligible for this course. The courses offered at CIPM are recognized locally as well as internationally and it permits holders to conduct various other post graduate degrees offered by reputed state and private institutes.
CIPM Sri Lanka also offers the Master’s in Human Resources Management and Development in affiliation with the Salford University, UK.
Does CIPM provide scholarship
for prospective students?
Scholarships are offered for those who perform exceptionally well in the GCE Advanced Levels at national level. It is evident that, there are students who are less fortunate, and are in need of a helping hand. Recognizing this urgency, CIPM takes actions to give relief once the potential of the student has been realized through results at the GCE A/L examination.
What are the additional
programs hosted by CIPM
to share its expertise?
CIPM consistently hosts career guidance programs at school level which is a great opportunity for students to learn and understand the importance of the human resource discipline. Each year CIPM conducts an Inter School debating competition which sees a large number of schools participating. This year the round robin stage has been concluded and the grand finale is scheduled to be held in September.
How accessible are the courses available at CIPM?
CIPM has a unique network of branches distributed around the nation. The Headquarters is located in Colombo 05 (Narahenpita). Regional offices are established in Kandy, Kurunegala and Galle. In addition, there are also study centers in Gampaha and Negombo from which the students can follow the courses. CIPM has intentions to expand its coverage to Sabaragamuwa within the foreseeable future.
What are your views on the Resource Personnel at CIPM?
The Resource Personnel are drawn from among CIPM members practicing HRM and external sources equipped with knowledge to teach HR subjects as well as Non-HR subjects which are part of the curricular. CIPM continuously provides development opportunities to all resource personnel so that they may update themselves on changes that take place due to the new trends emerging from the learning environment.
What are the facilities available
for students at CIPM?
CIPM has officially entered the ‘Digitalized Era’. The management is taking steps to provide Wi-Fi facilities to all its students and staff. Study packs are given for every student enrolled within each course. An online Learning Management System is implemented to simplify submissions and online research requirements. CIPM Knowledge center comprises of a state of the art library with E-Library facilities and a large volume of books, magazines and journals, etc.
Does CIPM provide platforms for students to develop their soft-skills?
The Toastmasters and Gavel clubs actively motivate and encourage its participants to raise their voice and build character. Students are permitted to join these clubs for ongoing development.
What standards does CIPM
set in its CSR activities?
Every organization should play its part for the betterment of the society, and CIPM is no exception. Each year CIPM launches a “Book Drive” where a large number of books donated to selected schools which are in need. Also, various essential commodities are donated to these schools.
What are the future plans of CIPM to drive HRM to a higher level?
The curricular of existing courses are updated periodically and we are in the process doing so. Professional study programmes are to be rebranded and repositioned for greater value addition to all stakeholders.
What can the society expect form the National HR Conference?
This is considered as the flagship event hosted by CIPM. The NHRC 2019 is scheduled to be held on the 17-18th September at BMICH, Colombo. The theme selected for the year is ‘Radically Reinvented Reality’, rightfully named to highlight the radical change which is expected to be achieved during its wake. This year the conference focuses on three most critical components that the future organizations will require to envisage and prepare themselves, “Digitalization”,” Spirituality” and “Environment”. Key event highlights includes “The Great HR Practices”, “The Great HR Debate”, “The National HR Exhibition” and the “CIPM Life Time Gold Award”.
Several notable faces are expected to show up during the event. The keynote speech which is based on ‘HR Mega Trends for a New Era’ will be delivered by the Secretary General of the World Federation of People Management Associations Bob Morton.
This is the ideal opportunity to those who have the desire to enter the world of HRM to get a firsthand glimpse on what to expect. It can be used as a platform to learn what is unknown, and to update what might seem outdated. HRM is an evolving concept, and it is never too late to learn something new.
What is your message
to the society?
Every individual should have a certain level of understanding on the subject of People Management. Managing human capital is a core skill required in every organization. For a doctor to run a hospital, he should have the capabilities to lead the staff. Otherwise, the entire system might collapse. Optimum benefits can be derived only once all HRM aspects are dealt with properly.
Heads of organizations and government must make a concerted effort to develop Human Resource Management which parent and schools must learn more about the importance of People management in an effort to encourage students to embark on professional study courses in this field.
Randheer Mallawaarachchi