This is an open notice to all those who may have been mislead by false propaganda.
Imperial Institute of Higher Education (IIHE) has been associated with the University of Wales since 1996. To date IIHE is the ONLY institute in Sri Lanka offering the University of Wales MBA (Master of Business Administration), which is a fully fledged, legitimate degree awarded DIRECTLY from University of Wales & not through any 3rd Party franchised colleges/institutes.

University of Wales, being a very prestigious & recognized University will be weary of the institutes in Sri Lanka who are associated with them. Please refer http://wales.ac.uk/en/InstitutionsAndCourses/Institutions.aspx?institutionCountry=SRI+LANKA to authenticate any such false propaganda carried out by certain institutions, claiming that they are directly associated with University of Wales.

"IIHE is a Collaborative Centre of the University of Wales. IIHE offers programmes that have been directly validated and accredited by the University, under the strict quality assurances of UoW". (Mike Reed - Validation Officer, University of Wales)

The MBA from University of Wales, conducted at IIHE is subjected to the strict quality standards stipulated by UoW. This is justified by the fact that IIHE has been associated with UoW for the last 15 years.

IIHE, in its history has never been disassociated by any University due to various reasons during this entire period.

The UoW MBA at IIHE has 12 modules in total which incorporates course work (assignments) & closed book examinations. During this MBA students are also expected to conduct a comprehensive, research based dissertation, which takes you from being just professionals to mature Strategists. Hence this is not a quick fix, short cut MBA which anyone can purchase over the counter!

Just as the clothes you were speaks a lot about who you are, the MBA you have also says a lot about what you can do. Therefore it is advised, that you obtain a MBA (Master of Business Administration) rather than an 'mba' (mutually beneficial agreement).

All lecturers at IIHE are appointed & assessed by UoW during their regular visits to the local campus.
The MBA offered at IIHE from University of Wales, is the only one in Sri Lanka that is identical to the one offered in UK.

IIHE will present their fee plan up-front to any students & will not subject students to revisions after admission, until they graduate. There are no hidden charges that are not mentioned in the fee plan presented.

12 month "quick-fix" MBA vs. a REAL MBA:
What is becoming popular & trendy are these so called 12 month, "quick-fix" MBAs. These MBAs do not have proper assessment mechanisms which meet international standards or stretch a students' intelligence. These MBAs have ONLY take-home assignments (course work) & does not incorporate any close book examination. Which means anyone can simply purchase the 3 letters M-B-A, if they are prepared to meet the required financial commitment.

Also what is available in the market is a 12 month MBA, which is not even offered by a University. Although accredited/approved by local degree governing body, there is neither real consensus nor assurance given to students that any recognized University or professional body accepts this qualification. Most of the students who follow this programme realized that the qualification that is awarded to them is NOT from a University but an institute only after they have gone through a considerable period of the programme.

The MYTH about 'ranking':
Most institutes try to lure students by advertising the Ranking of the awarding University. What the general public does not realize is that 'ranking' becomes a MYTH when the particular degree is awarded outside the respective University. Only if that particular University implants itself in Sri Lanka, with the identical facilities, buildings, programmes, faculty, etc. that this ranking remains valid in Sri Lanka too. But it is not the case.

Also students should check what these Universities are ranked for. i.e.: a particular institute who is promoting MBA is also advertising the ranking of the specific institute offering the qualification. If one reads between the lines, the rankings are for; worship facilities provided, international student placements, recreation facilities, etc. These are all 'non-academic' criteria, which is irrelevant to a student pursuing an MBA.