Human Resources (HR) can be defined in many ways but in the context of business, HR is the strategic and effective management of an organization's most valuable resource - people. Today the human resource function is in a transitional phase. Organizations are continuously searching for more effective ways to enhance the performance of their people. Consequently the need for a strategic approach to align employee performance with corporate objectives is ever increasing and organisations are searching for procedures and practices to make this best fit. Thus there is a great need and demand for qualified personnel who have had the learning and exposure to the new developments and trends in Human Resource Management.

Progressive organisations look for persons with a solid professional education in HRM as they provide the thrust for performance improvement. HR professionals are expected to play a vital role in contributing to the strategic direction of the business. Unlike in the past, when this function was known to be 'Personnel Management', today's HR professionals are required to take the lead in fostering harmonious and productive relationships between employees and the company while developing the frameworks required for measuring and managing performance. They also manage learning processes to facilitate skills and knowledge development required to ensure that employees are updated and trained to sustain the competitive edge in business.

To meet these developments and the growing demand for qualified HR professionals, the Human Resources Management Institute has launched several courses of studies leading to a specialized Diploma in HR. These courses are open to school leavers, undergraduates, graduates as well as for those already in employment. The unique feature in HRMI courses of study is the opportunity every student has in undergoing a 6-month internship training attached to an HR Department in a leading company. During these 6 months, students go through a systematic training in many aspects of HR Management which enables them to relate the learning to real life practices. Besides, this training becomes extremely important in students securing employment as merely following a course is deemed inadequate to secure a job in today's competitive job market.

The panel of lecturers at HRMI consists of top-HR professionals in the country who head the HR function in many multi-nationals, local and foreign banks and leading private sector companies. The students are privileged to learn under some of the most sought after HR professionals and trainers in the country who use modern teaching and training techniques to make the learning interesting and absorbing. The syllabi and study texts used at HRMI are on par with the latest in UK, thus enabling the students to follow courses of international standard at a fraction of the cost locally.

Diploma in Business Administration and Human Resource Management provides 400+ direct teacher-student contact hours to enable smart school leavers to be fully equipped to commence employment at the end of programme. HRMI guarantees 6-months internship training and employment placement for all students enrolled in the Diploma. The commitment of HRMI in providing every student with opportunities for training and employment has earned it a reputation as the 'First Choice for Employment'.

The Diploma syllabus comprehensive covers all aspects of Strategic & Operational HR and in addition Sri Lanka Labour Law, Management, Organisation Behaviour, Marketing Management, Finance, Economics and Statistics. All lectures are held over weekends to facilitate practical training during weekdays.

The next intake for the Diploma will commence on January 23. For more information please visit HRMI.