SLIIT Business School contributes to building influential network of future business leaders

A head of a Business Faculty has a complex role; to work as a catalyst to build curricula and supportive programs compatible with current and future business landscapes. SLIIT Business School Department of Business Management Head Mano Weligodapola discusses how the institute is building a generation of future business leaders. Following are excerpts:

Q: What sets the SLIIT Business program apart from other degree programs in Sri Lanka? 

A: The SLIIT business management degree equips students for success in almost every sector of the economy. Our management graduates can work in any organisation. 

We are a leading degree awarding institute approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC). We are members of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), as well as the International Association of Universities (IAU). We pay attention to quality not quantity. 

Q: We understand that a business manager wears many hats and the importance of developing effective business management skills such as delegation skills, communication skills, team work and time management skills across many areas as well as an arsenal of 21st century skills that today’s employers are looking for.

A: We at SLIIT Business School pay attention to all these skills. We do not believe in large classes like 500 to 600 students in one lecture hall. Instead, we pay individual attention to our students and develop their skills in teamwork, presentation, deliverable, critical thinking, empathy, problem solving, ethics etc. The modules; Learning and Study Skills, Self-Management, Personal Development Planning, Leadership and Teamwork, Professional Relationships and Networking, Ethics, Values and Attitudes, Career Readiness and Business Etiquette and Personal Branding and Reputation Management are targeted to improve these required employable skill set among our graduates. 

In today’s fast paced world if you cannot present yourself effectively it is irrelevant how educated you are. The groundwork we do here I believe is the main reason that all our Management graduates are employed in prestigious organisations, islandwide as well as globally.

Q: What areas of specialisation does the SLIIT Business Management Degree offer?

A: We have five main specialisations; Human Capital Management, Marketing Management, Accounting and Finance, Business Analytics and Logistics and Supply Chain Management. These specialisations were selected after consulting industry and academic experts, analysing the current trends and future developments in the global market. 

Our 2nd year students are offered Internships to acquire industry exposure. SLIIT has an exceptional internship program with valuable efforts from the institute’s Career Guidance unit and the faculty’s internship coordinator. Prestigious local and global companies are always keen to obtain our faculty interns.

Q: What career options do students have?

A: The options our graduates are offered is limitless as most organisations have job openings for our Management graduates. However, to name a few; accountants, academics, researchers, finance managers, sales managers, marketing managers, business development managers, merchandisers, consultants, logistics and distribution manager, sales executive, Public administrator, Entrepreneurs, operations manager, compensation manager, business analysts, financial analysts, market analysts, the list goes on.

Q: What message would you give prospective students and parents seeking a Business Management Degree?

A: Dear parents and students, you have to be wise in selecting a higher education option for you/your child. We are here to help you.

Prospective students receive guidance from a well-qualified, dedicated and committed group of academic and admin staff. You will find lot of role models when you join with us. 

Parents are assured their child is in safe hands. They will be transformed from an A/L passed student to a well-balanced, well-qualified and well-nurtured citizen who can handle any challenge to face the future confidently. 

Q: Any insights into the SLIIT Business Management faculty?

A: Our academic staff is equipped with postgraduate qualifications and experience. They are always willing to assist current and prospective students. We have an open door policy where students have easy access to faculty.

Q: Other than academic life, what other activities can students engage in?

A: We have a student body who are multi skilled and all-rounders who give priority to their studies but at the same time develop their extra-curricular activities also. 

The Faculty of Business Student Community (FBSC) does a remarkable service by organising extra activities such as the Annual Student Conference, Wesak Bana Program, Lanthaaruma (a musical event), Table etiquette program, etc. 

The SLIIT student community also provides many opportunities for participation in Softskills+, Codefest, Robofest, SLIIT got talent, SLIIT Wasantha Muwadora (Bakmahaulela), National Conference on Technology and Management (NCTM), Freshers Day, SLIIT Carols, Kalanethram, SLIIT Walk, etc. 

Q: As Head of the Department of Business Management, what are the memorable milestones in your career at SLIIT?

A: I joined SLIIT as an Assistant Lecturer in 2007 to deliver the modules for the first intake of the BBA Degree students. This was offered in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.

In 2009 I was promoted as a Lecturer and in 2014 I became a Senior Lecturer attached to Faculty of Business. I received a scholarship to do my PhD in the Sheffield Hallam University in 2014. 

Throughout my decade of service at SLIIT I have worked in curriculum development teams, research groups, conference organising teams etc. 

Currently, I am the Head, Department of Business Management in the Faculty of Business, and also the acting Faculty representative of the Internal Quality Assurance Unit (IQAU), Faculty representative of the Food Committee, Faculty Undergraduate Advisor, Faculty Quality Cell Chair, etc. 

Looking back I am extremely happy and grateful to SLIIT for all the training, exposure, skills, values, etc. for all that I have achieved enabling me to develop and grow.