There is a global demand for individuals who strive to take on the challenges of the dynamic corporate world. Thus, with the aim of gearing such individuals with the necessary knowledge to climb up the corporate ladder, the University of West London (UWL) together with the Charted Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) launched an MBA program that is tailor made for students who complete CIMA.
CIMA is the world’s most acclaimed body for management accountancy while UWL is a globally recognised university with an employability rate of 94% according to the Employment Performance Indicators published by the Education Statistics Agency of the United Kingdom.
For the first time in Sri Lanka this program will be offered in the country where ANC ANC Education – the market leader for tertiary education in Sri Lanka will be the delivery partner for this course. Thus, initiating this partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding with regards to this venture was signed recently with CIMA Sri Lanka and ANC Education.
The one-year MBA program has been structured with the aim of providing CIMA graduates with the knowledge and practice of strategic leadership and people management. Hence, Sri Lankan CIMA graduates will be granted the opportunity of obtaining a world-class MBA, which will give them the edge in harnessing global opportunities.
The MBA program consists of four core modules – Managing People, Corporate Strategy, Global Marketing and Research Methods a 15,000 words dissertation to be submitted after the completion of the modules. Classes will be conducted on weekends for the convenience of students.This masters degree is identified to be one of the top MBA programs in Sri Lanka.
The curriculum of the MBA at ANC Education is mirrored with what is offered at UWL. The initial lecture sessions will be conducted by visiting professors of UWL, enabling students to gain an international exposure and perspective. The sessions that follow will be carried out by lecturers approved by the university to ensure that academic standards are kept on par with UWL requirements. Further, the Blackboard Virtual Learning platform has also been made available with a wide range of online facilities such as online assignment submission and e-library facilities.
Every year there are 500 to 600 CIMA students graduating in Sri Lanka. And we see global opportunities for such individuals. What can really give them an advantage in the global arena in addition to a management accounting qualification is a globally recognised MBA. In addition to a management accounting qualification, this will give them the business leadership qualification; and will equip them to take on a senior management role, be a department head or a leader of a strategic business unit.
Being far from just another theory based academic program, the MBA from UWL will enable students to learn through practical case studies and thus will enhance their abilities to make quick decisions, interpret data, and the ability to motivate people through enhanced leadership skills. Students will also get the required prowess to analyse market situations and lead their respective organisations towards success.
The world of accounting has changed massively in the last 30 years and it is very important that individuals update their skills to be on par with this change. And I think this MBA program linked with CIMA will very effectively help people to broaden their range of skills in a context where change is demanded within business leaders,” – CIMA Chief Executive Charles Tilley.
ANC and UWL are very excited about this unique program which allows CIMA qualified graduates to follow MBA modules that will complement their CIMA qualifications. Modules such as Corporate Strategy, Global Marketing and Human Resource Management will strengthen the CIMA graduates understanding of key organisational issues. On completion of the UWL MBA, graduates will be in a position to add value to their organisations by contributing to decision-making in different areas of the business.
ANC Education 