ISMM launches Research Module for Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management

The Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM) made a historical move by launching a research module for Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management (GDPSCM) on 2 October at the Organisation of Professional Association auditorium. The Chief Guest of the event was ISMM Past President M. Bandusena.

Director Training, Dr. Kingsly Wickramasuriya giving his welcome speech said that it is a historic occasion, for the Institute to launch a bold and new initiative in adding a Research Module to the existing Diploma, taking it into a new horizon leading to a Graduate and he was supported in this task by Chairman Research and Development  Premadas who stated that “if not for the dedication and the energetic push given by Danesha Perera, GDPSCM may not have seen the light of day so soon. Therefore, they deserve the major credit as the Architects of GDPSCM.”

He added “we are now enjoying the fruits of their labour and fortunate to have a course with 120 Credits conducted on a Semester basis, not second to any University degree that you can be proud of. Jayalath Attanayake and Sunil Medagama are the module designers and the main architects of the present module.

We have toiled for nearly 10 months to give birth to the module from the day that the President tasked me to develop the Project. It was a tremendous task finding designers and putting the design together.

I. G. Perera current Chairman of Professional Development and Training Committee later joined the team and he was a tower of strength to us, preparing the budget together with Devika Bibile - Assistant Manager Training.”

President ISMM Danesha Perera, addressing the gathering explained that the re-structuring process of the syllabus of Diploma in Supply and Materials Management commenced when he was Chairman PD&TC since they felt the requirement to meet the demand for high profile professionals.

The objective was set to re-structure the syllabus to Degree/Special Degree to meet the demand and that they have followed the following process in order to achieve the target.

Appointing module coordinators, re-structuring syllabus, revising the handouts, revising the format of the handouts, up grading the quality of faculty members, conducting faculty meetings, up grading the library facilities, up grading the it laboratory, conduct tot workshops, obtaining ISO 9001;2008 certification, obtaining UGC recognition, and launch as a special degree.

President ISMM went on to explain that most of the activities planned are nearing completion. He said in the re-structuring process introducing the 15th Module as a Research Module is now a reality.

In addition to the 15th Module ISMM has planned to have compulsory activities for students such as seminars, case studies, assignments, presentations and field visits.

The above activities are conducted as schedule and students are given marks accordingly.

He also said that some of the activities such as library usage, Internet usage and on the job training are not considered for although it is monitored by the faculty up to certain limits.

President went on to explain that we have not achieved the ultimate objective and continuous Improvement is necessary. Further he requested students to be very specific in selecting topics, making the proposal, following the research methodology, and the total discipline of research.

While requesting from the students to take the maximum benefit of this project he said that Education means not only “the process of educating or teaching.” as defined by Webster. Educate is further defined as “to develop the knowledge, skill, or character.

He said human history is also considered knowledge. Perera concluding his speech said in ancient Greece, Socrates argued that education was about drawing out what was already within the student and said: “I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.”

Bandusena thanked Perera for taking the leadership and making the dream of having a Research Module which was a dream even under his leadership.

He explained the importance of education and improvements of life to meet the demand of the job.

Input Management which is the forte of supply function is offering vast potential for growth and development of all organisations in every sector.

GDPSCM of ISMM is now complete in all respect providing for theoretical and empirical knowledge coupled with the research module which enables the students to develop their mindset to create growth and meet challenges in the market place.

Triad on which progress is measured by doing things better, faster and cheaper. Through the supplies function paving the way for continuous improvement in quality, compression of lead time and lowering cost which are the basis of achieving the competitive advantage.

Supply function for relegated to the background in the last millennium.

In the new millennium it is fast emerging as a strategic function with a great capability and capacity to advance the competitiveness for production services through the supply chain improvement.

Combining the supply chain with the value chain by Michel Porter, and strategic partnerships of customers and suppliers advocated by Peter Drucker enable the field of supply chain Management to reach great heights in the future.

He requested the student to play the role in positioning Sri Lanka as the wonder of Asia and to improve the carbon footprint both nationally and internationally.

Vice President/Chairman PD&TC of ISMM I. G. Perera delivered the vote of thanks by giving a special thank you to Perera who architect the re-structuring with Chairman Research and Development H. W. Premadasa.  He further thanked Wickramasuriya and the staff at ISMM for their support.