The Open University of Sri Lanka unveils its New Management Degree Programmes
View(s):Message from the Chairman, University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge
As the Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations for the Grand Launch of the Bachelor of Management Studies Honours degree programme specialised in accounting and finance, marketing management, human resource management and management studies. I am indeed happy and proud as the Chairman of UGC to take part in the celebration of this remarkable achievement of the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL).
I am glad to see, over 40 years of excellence in academia, the University has passed significant milestones that include the introduction of Commonwealth Executive MBA in partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in Vancouver, Canada in the year 2002. The launch of MSc. in Public Procurement and Supply Chain Management in July 2023 was another remarkable accomplishment of the Faculty of Management Studies.
I must emphasise that, it is our duty and responsibility to encourage public universities to explore the possibilities of collaborations with foreign universities in order to promote post-graduate education, research, post-graduate student exchange, international academic collaboration and research capacity building in various disciplines. Public universities being the centers of excellence in education and research are the most promising candidates to undertake this task.
The newly introduced programmes of study will surely help managers and entrepreneurs by providing a broader understanding of the business models that the new normal requires. It is quite apparent that the post-pandemic revival of the economy has become very challenging due to internal and external economic shocks. More importantly, the crises need to be welcomed as new opportunities and be prepared in turn to change the way universities operate in order to effectively compete in the education industry. Above all, quality should remain at the heart of every function that a university performs. I strongly believe that the new degree programme will provide all learning partners with the opportunity to go beyond purely theoretical knowledge to gain a more practical understanding of real life management problems.
I am confident that the products of your Faculty will have the ability and the determination to make a difference in the world. The passion, aspirations, and strength that the faculty possesses will be a force for positive change in the academia.
I wish all of you the best and continued success in your future endeavors. I look forward to learning more about future successes and accomplishments of OUSL.
Message from Professor P.M.C. Thilakerathne, Vice Chancellor, The Open University of Sri Lanka
Introduction of these four new degree programmes focuses on nurturing leadership qualities, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. These attributes are crucial for effectively leading teams, managing conflicts, and driving organisational growth. Nevertheless, these programmes provide a comprehensive understanding of business disciplines such as marketing, finance, operations, and human resources. This multidisciplinary approach empowers graduates to comprehend the intricacies of running an organization and making strategic decisions.
These programmes are equipped with essential subjects such as innovation and entrepreneurship which are the founding philosophies of the Faculty of Management Studies. Graduates are expected to be well-prepared to start and manage their own businesses, driving innovation and economic growth. Focusing on nurturing leadership qualities, communication skills, and emotional intelligence, these programmes were designed to train students to effectively lead teams, managing conflicts, and driving organisational growth which are the critical skills and expertise that contemporary managers must possess.
With the introduction of the degree programmes, students are given the opportunity to enhance their management and entrepreneurial skills. These newly designed programmes change the focus on traditional management strategies to one that embraces innovation, adaptability, and the willingness to take calculated risks. They can learn from both the triumphs and setbacks of entrepreneurs, gaining insights into decision-making and problem-solving. Eventually, it is leaders who change the world and OUSL would proud to be the beacon of excellence to guide by the launch of these new degree programmes.
Message from Professor Nalin Abeysekera, the Dean, Faculty of Management Studies, The Open University of Sri Lanka.
I welcome all of you to the first intake of the newly introduced Management degree programmes conducted by the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), The Open University of Sri Lanka. The Bachelor of Management Studies Degree (BMS) can be considered as the main program conducted by the Faculty of Management Studies for more than two decades. To align with the changes in the business environment, we have introduced brand new programmes with the consultancy of industry, academia and all relevant stakeholders. This programme has been endorsed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in Sri Lanka. We, at the Faculty of Management Studies are going to offer a quality, market-driven degree program for our learning partners to enhance their Knowledge, Skills and Attitude (KSA).
The Faculty of Management Studies is currently offering Degree Programmes, three MBA programs and several other programmes with years of experience in specializing in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. FMS currently serves more than 5000 students in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka needs to have a Paradigm Shift in our economy and the role of a Degree Holder needs to be redefined. The combination of classroom discussions and some case studies conducted by the programme would immensely help our learning partners to become collaborators in this journey. And also, we are fortunate to have a combination of University lecturers and industry experts in our panel of resource persons. It is expected to introduce an entrepreneurship unit in the faculty this year and an ‘Entrepreneurial mindset’ of all learning partners to be enhanced with different programmes and mentoring sessions.
We, at Faculty always believe professionals with a real balance of IQ and EQ (Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient) are the best outcome in the country in terms of producing responsible citizens. We have a unique achievement-oriented culture within FMS and the Faculty of Management Studies is really excited to take part in your academic journey with our intellectual stimulation and inspirational motivation.
Message from Mr. C.P. Weerasekara, Chief Programme Coordinator – BMS, Faculty of Management Studies.
OUSL is proudly introducing its three new degree programmes and one revised degree programme in the disciplines of Management Studies, Accounting and Finance, Marketing Management and Human Resource Management. These degree programmes offer most relevant courses, with the appropriate mix of both qualitative and quantitative subject areas in all disciplines, also promote understanding of the field both from a local and a global perspective. In addition, the courses offered are designed in a way to enhance and strengthen the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the learners through theoretical knowledge and industry experience.
The OUSL offers quality education through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. This mode of learning fosters inclusivity, enabling a diverse range of individuals, from working professionals seeking career advancement to those with family responsibilities, to access quality education. Open and distance learning equips learners with not only subject-specific knowledge but also essential skills for success in the modern knowledge-driven economy.
We at the open university promote the transformative approach to education that comes with a countless advantage. With its flexible structure, learners can tailor their learning experience to suit their personal schedules, allowing them to balance work, family, and other commitments without compromising on their educational goals. I am confident that these programmes will foster personal growth, enhance teamwork, and nurture a well-rounded development that prepares students to excel not only in their careers but also as socially conscious individuals.
The Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) excelled in expanding its boundaries by successfully launching its new Bachelor’s degree programmes on 17/08/2023. The event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Professor P.M.C. Thilakerathne, the Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Sri Lanka, Guest of Honour Dr. Chandra Embuldeniya, the inaugural Vice Chancellor of the Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Professor Nalin Abeysekera, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies of the Open University of Sri Lanka and the Keynote Speaker Mr. Mahesh Amarasiri, the Group Chief Financial Officer of ACL Cables PLC. Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge, the Chairman of the University Grants Commission sent his greetings for the launch of the new degree programmes. The ceremony comprised speeches and traditional dances.
The Dean of the Faculty, Professor Nalin Abeysekera extended a warm welcome to the newly enrolled batch. Professor Abeysekera played a pivotal role in introducing the new degree programmes, ensuring quality and standard of the curriculum design and development. In his address, he emphasized “we as a Faculty believe that Sri Lanka need to have a paradigm shift especially in terms of economy and the role of the degree holder in Sri Lanka”. Highlighting the future plans of the FMS, he mentioned that the Faculty is expecting to have an entrepreneurial unit to inculcate the entrepreneurial mindset.
Professor Nalin Abeysekera conveyed the message of Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge. Extending warmest congratulations for the launch of the new degree programmes, Senior Professor Amaratunge highlighted the significant milestones achieved by the Faculty of Management Studies as the youngest faculty of the University and career opportunities that the prospective students will have after successfully completing the degree programme.
OUSL is the only national university that offers globally recognised degree programmes through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Sri Lanka. With the vision of attaining excellence in life-changing education by providing equitable learning opportunities, OUSL makes every effort in creating a better future for its learning partners. It provides compelling transformative learning experiences through open and distance leaning (ODL) and collaborative learning environment. This enables students to gain work experience during their studies, and it provides opportunities for organisations to upskill and reskill their employees. Being a catalyst of project-based entrepreneurial learning, FMS aims to promote entrepreneurial mindset and innovation in responding to national and global challenges.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Sri Lanka, Professor P.M.C. Thilakerathne addressing the gathering emphasised that the creativity in the field of management is a critical component in any business operation. Highlighting the Sri Lanka’s economic prospects, Professor Thilakerathne remarked that “China is distributing fertilizer to our poor farmers and India is coming up with different support but there is a dream. By 2048, we will be connected to other countries and I hope you are the people of Sri Lanka that will lend to the other countries”.
As the youngest faculty of the University, FMS has taken significant initiatives beyond the boundaries of academia. Successfully conducting the International Conference on Management and Entrepreneurship (ICOME) for two consecutive years was an important milestone for the Faculty that significantly contributed to enhance the research culture in Sri Lanka. OUSL has signed a memorandum of understanding with ACCA Global to drive mutual benefits and explore synergies for the benefit of the profession and the students of OUSL. This collaboration will deliver deep and commercially useful insights to accounting profession, while supporting the University in the commercialisation of their research and the career readiness of their students.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chandra Embuldeniya stated that “this revised programme is not merely an academic pathway; it is an embodiment of innovation in a world where business faces global challenges. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that the education imparted here not only meets academic benchmarks but also addresses the holistic needs of students, preparing them for the multifaceted challenges of their professional journeys. The keynote speech was delivered by Mr. Mahesh Amarasiri, the Group Chief Financial Officer of ACL Cables PLC. In his speech, he highlighted that the “innovation and entrepreneurship are not mere subjects; they are the catalysts for change for the future and they inspire us to challenge the status quo”.
By unveiling its four new degree programmes, FMS opens doors for private and public sector professionals, entrepreneurs and beginners of professional careers to avail abundant and rewarding career prospects on both global and national scale.
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