CIMA prides itself on graduating chartered management accountants who possess the business acumen essential to lead modern day organisations. The 'CIMA Case Study Awards 2011' is a new initiative taken by CIMA to keep their graduates fresh and progressive in their careers, while facilitating cross-company learning and knowledge sharing.

The competition requires the participants to identify and narrate a specific real-life occurrence within the organisation that they are employed under a preferred theme relating to one of the topics given by CIMA Sri Lanka. Teams of two to three participants from any organisation could register for the competition, with a CIMA member leading the team.

The winners will be adjudged by an eminent panel of judges chaired by Professor Uditha Liyanage, Director, Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and will comprise Dr Travis Perera, Senior Consultant, Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura; Malinga Arsakularatne, CFO, Hemas Holdings; Muditha Ferdinando, Director - Lean Systems, MAS Active Trading (Pvt) Ltd.; and Manil Jayesinghe, Partner, E&Y.

Prof. Liyanage expressing his view about the competition stated 'The Case Study method is one that is respected in academia. Many researchers visit companies with a particular theme in mind and observe, reflect and document what goes on. The 'story' that the researcher thus faithfully narrates becomes empirical evidence of a real-life case. The challenge before the case writer is to first identify a theme, for instance, the continuing leadership of a company in its industry. Next, to develop a framework, say of the possible factors that helped the company to lead amidst obstacles. Next, the researcher has to examine those points of departure or critical incidents that the company encountered when, say its leadership position was challenged. The lessons learnt and their possible applications for other companies should then be interestingly delineated. Management case studies provide valuable insights to practising managers when they are well conceptualised and clearly narrated.'

The Chairperson of the CIMA Sri Lanka Board Shiromi Rajendra airing her views about the competition stated that 'The CIMA case study competition and awards is yet another initiative introduced by CIMA to facilitate its members to continually develop their technical skills and get updated on the changes in the business world. As a qualification which is globally recognised for being the most relevant finance qualification for business, CIMA's primary focus is to understand the needs of all its stakeholders and ensure that its members can deliver. The case study competition will help showcase instances where members apply the knowledge they have acquired to real business situations. I am confident the competition will be a great success and take this opportunity to wish all the prospective competitors a rewarding experience.'

Bradley Emerson, Regional Director - South Asia and Middle East, CIMA sharing his opinion expressed that 'organisational learning often is the least influence in the progress of a company. Those who do learn would rely mostly on experiences which are historic and with an environment alien to its own. Reviewing both success and failures from within is a process that is largely untapped. CIMA's newest effort/ attempt to inculcate this process of learning within is the 'CIMA Case Study Awards'. We are confident that this effort will not only be rewarding to those who engage, but will also add value to the businesses at large.'

Further, to support potential participants, CIMA Sri Lanka will conduct a half day workshop in April.