Power Up with the Change- NIBM Powering Great Minds for over half a Century
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National Institute of Business Management has been a seasoned veteran for over half a century, ever since its inception in 1968.
The product was further enhanced in quality, and offered to the society under the new tagline ‘Power Up With the Great Minds’ as the institute celebrated its Golden Anniversary in 2018. The specifics of the “Power’ which the ‘Change’ has brought was related by Director General Dr. D.M.A.Kulasooriya.
Q: What is the core philosophy, which NIBM lives by?
NIBM is built on the philosophy of ‘well-cultured values’ based teaching for its students to have a better life and to make sure that they grow up to be productive citizens for the country. They are taught to adapt to different work conditions throughout the globe. Students who pass out of NIBM are recognised as global citizens equipped with a plethora of knowledge and skills, and are adaptable in making a decisive difference.
Values that are of great significance, to both the students and the country is embedded within each student throughout the entire undergraduate phase.
Maintaining a specific culture is a challenge, considering the daily changing dynamics of the society, and when external forces tend to move in one direction. NIBM wishes to move on the opposite direction to these ‘trendy cultures’ that could possibly tarnish the indigenous Sri Lankan culture.
We at NIBM believe that it is important to stick to the original Sri Lankan culture, whilst embracing the positives of the ‘newfound’ change, and ignoring the elements might act as a disease.
The basics include maintaining the discipline. The disciplinary procedures implemented are highly appreciated by parents as well as other external stakeholders. It is this discipline, which gives parents reassurance that their child is carved into a courteous person who has bright future prospectives.
Thereafter, the culture of teaching takes the spotlight. The fact that quality lecturers produce quality students is no longer a mystery. The knowledge shared transcends the routine mandatory academia. A soft-human touch makes certain that students get a taste of the real world within the lecture halls.
Values are taught, and the fact that these insights are inculcated through personal experience further appreciates the effectiveness and impact on the student’s subconscience. These values make sure that students learn to appreciate and operate within diverse organizational cultures within the industry; through respect, commitment and the right moral ethics and obligations.
Naturally, the students at NIBM are programmed with great minds. NIBM goes a step further by further enhancing, and empowering these minds to perform even better. This role is perfected through a simple model; TDF model (Thinking, Doing, Finishing).
Thinking power is of great importance, since great ideas cannot be produced without a significant thinking capacity. Presence of a great mind in knowledge is redundant if the student lacks critical out-of-the-box thinking. With this enhanced, students will naturally come up with great ideas.
Having ideas is superb, but again, they need to be implemented inorder for it to be effective. ‘Doing’ focus on encouraging students to properly execute the ideas, decisions without second guessing nor questioning their own potential, regardless of the outcome.
The idea is great, and it is properly implemented. What is left, is to finish off the process on a high note. Creating a value for the product that is developed through the idea is necessary, since a simulated demand is to be created. Therefore, ‘Finishing’ the process by creating the ideal value wraps up the functionality of the TDF model.
A diverse portfolio is kept in terms of degree programs. The specialization ranges include Computing, Engineering, Design, Business, and Languages. Major specialisations, which are desired and demanded throughout the globe, can be pursued through NIBM. Each educational institute should adapt to technology, and NIBM is thoroughly updated on the modern market requirements.
It is evident that certain fields are taking prominence, and it is opportunistic to orient students on these programs, which have a prosperous future. New degree programmes are offered through NIBM’s foreign affiliated universities with the intention of bringing the best practices of education into the Sri Lankan system. Therefore, the quality of education is kept on a high pedestal, which means that students have a variety of choice for specialisations. There is currently over 20 degree programmes listed on NIBM’s Menu.
The Coventry University, UK offers a significant amount of degree programmes for the past few years. It is the 1st rated modern university in UK. Close relationships are maintained which makes way for academic collaborations in terms of quality improvement and elevation of student experience.
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Malaysia is another significant affiliation. It is a highly coveted design university in Asia. The latest addition to NIBM’s portfolio is a design school, which is established in Narahenpita, Colombo under the name National Innovation Center (NIC). The notion is to introduce creative degrees to the country as direct means to provide opportunities to those who are interested in arts and crafts. The affiliation with Limkokwing University simplifies the process.
‘Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’ (UTM) is a research based world class leading university which offers Engineering degrees. The first 2 years are taught in Sri Lanka, and the other 3 years are to be pursued in Malaysia.
| Q |
What can be expected
by the lecturer panel in terms of qualifications and experience?
The lecturers at NIBM are qualified; both academically and professionally. In terms of academia, the majority has acquired Masters and PhD doctorates. Industrial experience is given extreme priority. The teaching process is more streamlined when a lecturer incorporates practical aspects into the content which is delivered. It is evident to claim that the faculty comprises of a holistic staff; proficient in terms of academia and professionalism. The lecturer panel comprise of both local and overseas professionals.
The computer labs are upgraded with the latest technologies in terms of hardware as well as the required software. Every single student is entitle to indulge in the free Wi-Fi facility in all the regional centers of NIBM. Online learning is empowered through the E-Library which contains informative ebooks which can be perused at the student’s leisure.
The NIBM ‘Learning Management System’ simplifies mandatory student activities like online research and submission of assignments. It motivates a blended learning atmosphere where students can learn from any location or destination. Consistent delivery of these facilities is maintained through each branch and regional center.
NIBM has developed a signature programme, which is now famed as CREST- Critical Enabling Skills Training Programme. This mandatory for all the students. The module teaches and guides students in the way they should manage themselves at different stages of their undergraduate life.
Initially, the leadership qualities of students are enhanced. Taking the lead in whichever path that is taken is highly expected, so NIBM lays the platform for students to build up that charisma which a true leader requires. The ultimate goal is that the student will somehow, someday act as a positive influence to the society.
Next aspect, which is given increased weightage, is the art of communication. Knowledge alone is insufficient, since what is the point of learning if the student is unable to voice and communicate messages with relevant recipients? The communication barrier in Sri Lanka impedes better relations amongst masses therefore the importance of language, and the manner in which messages are to be delivered and interpreted are of great importance. These aspects are properly dealt with through the CREST programme.
Personal grooming is not a concern to be taken lightly. The manner in which students present themselves is given considerable attention. In the professional world, first impressions determine the success or failure of any venture. Therefore, the students at NIBM are groomed to make sure that they leave respectable, and inspiring first impressions.
Student health is given extreme priority. Every student is urged to take occasional medical checkups (which are provided by NIBM) before entering, and before graduation. This is to ensure the best health and safety standards to the students who enter, and leave the NIBM family.
That sums up the CREST program, which every student is obligated to follow. A certification is issued once the programme is completed successfully. The inculcation of hard skills complemented with the ideal soft skills makes sure that a student transforms into the perfect graduate.
Q: Does NIBM provide internship opportunities before the end of each program?
Industrial training through internships are highly encouraged by NIBM. The industrial training unit is dedicated to make sure that every student is entitled to such exposure. The basic necessity is to grant students minimum 3 months of industrial exposure. NIBM finds placements for students, and the students are eligible to find placements of their own.
The demand for interns is such that employees are keen to evaluate the quality of the undergraduates passing out into the job market. The NIBM curriculum is structured in a way which dictates that students should have accumulated 2 years experience as a full time, and 2 years as a part time worker before the conclusion of the designated degree programme. Once the degree is completed, the student’s employability is unquestionable. This is why NIBM has managed to achieve an employment rate of around 95%.
Q: How is the relationship between ‘seniors’ and the ‘Fresher’s’ at NIBM?
The ‘ragging’ tradition is non-existent at NIBM. During orientations, seniors stand up and organize a special event to ease the freshers into the NIBM family. The culture, and a glimpse of the life at the institute is narrated by these seniors. A strong diversity is maintained in terms of religions and ethnicities, and an even stronger relationship is cultivated, where the juniors are never meant to fear nor resent their seniors.
Students never wish to leave NIBM, since it has become a second home for them. This is the ideal haven for knowledge, for entertainment and to receive the much needed life lessons and career guidance. The legacy which NIBM wish to leave, is an atmosphere which makes students to voluntarily engage in learning; not for the sake of receiving a paper qualification which is to be included in their CVs.
Education becomes more complex as the years continue to progress. Changes are rapid in terms of technology. The way that people think is the most decisive change. This transform the business world, taking it into new horizons with each paradigm shift. It is important for parents to consider better solutions for their precious children.
Choices are in abundance and it is ideal to select the perfect degree programme; which is the perfect fit for their children.
This decision ultimately leads to them constructing a better future for themselves, as well as the world at large. My request is to partner with the best, stable organisation for the child’s higher education.
Rest assured that the child will be diverted into the right path, with the ideal opportunities laid out in each opportunistic stage, if the organisation of choice is National Institute of Business Management.
- Randheer Mallawaarachchi