PIM conducts its third Doctoral Colloquium

The Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), the nation’s management mentor, conducted its third Doctoral Colloquium on 24 August. 

The PIM’s doctoral candidates presented research proposals, and received constructive feedback from an expert panel. It was an interactive and informative knowledge sharing session attended by doctoral students from other universities and higher education institutes as well.

Prof. Ananda Jayawardana, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Moratuwa, and currently the Director General of the National Science Foundation, was the Chief Guest. He highlighted several research areas that have high relevance and impact to Sri Lanka, and enlightened the audience on the availability of a number of research funds that are available for furthering research pursuits in our universities. 

PIM Director Prof. Ajantha S. Dharmasiri emphasised the importance of research in the Institute’s activities. It is one of the key pillars of the PIM’s edifice of excellence. He further said that the aim of these colloquia is to strengthen management research, and to make the PIM a center of management excellence in South Asia. 

PIM Research Center Head Prof. J.A.S.K. Jayakody provided an overview of the colloquium and emphasised the relevance and importance of doctoral colloquiums, as they seeks to provide a friendly, supportive, and constructive environment where PhD students can present their research in progress for an open discussion guided by a panel of experienced researchers.

A unique feature of this year’s colloquium was the 3 Minute Thesis Competition (3MT Competition). Students who have completed their PhD recently as well as those who are nearing completion of their doctorate degree took part in this competition. A crucial requirement of such competition is to make the audience understand the contribution of the research and its significance within a time-span of minutes.

A further highlight of the day was the recognition of Sujeewa Damayanthi, a doctoral research student at the PIM, who received a highly prestigious 2018 Emerald Literati Award. She spoke about her research journey to win this award.