SLIM inaugurates first intake of PCM 2016

Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) is the national body for marketing in Sri Lanka and has been promoting marketing excellence and elevating the status of marketing since 1970. It is a member of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL), Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) and Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL).

 From left, G S Sylvester-Senior lecturer, Pradeep Edward -Secretary SLIM and Gayan Maldeniya-Manager Education

Internationally it is affiliated with ESOMAR, the Federation of Marketing Research Industries and American Marketing Association (AMA) and is a member of the Asia Marketing Federation, which is affiliated to the World Marketing Association. 

Preliminary Certificate in Marketing (PCM) is regarded as one of the renowned entry level courses in the field of marketing and is endorsed by the cream of the corporate sector. PCM has been the foundation for most of the successful professionals, whose careers have been built upon the solid foundation laid by this program.

The commencement of the 2016 first intake was marked by an inauguration ceremony held at SLIM Business School Colombo with over 200 participants. The audience included students awaiting O/L results, students who had received A/L results and even young executives starting out in their careers. 

SLIM President Ruwan Liyanagamage commented on the value of PCM for both marketers and non-marketers.

“It is the ideal entry point to marketing for beginners because it provides a fundamental understanding of the subject. PCM encapsulates the basic essence of marketing; even people from non-marketing disciplines follow PCM, as they understand that marketing is essential for entrepreneurship and business growth.”

The PCM course includes modules such as Marketing Concept, Marketing Environment, Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Research, Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning, The Marketing Mix, Product Planning and Development, Pricing, Distribution, Marketing Communications/Promotions, Developing the Marketing Plan and Information Technology for Marketing, which predominantly focuses on basic marketing structure.

SLIM CEO/ED Sanath Senanayake touched on the academic pathways which open up for PCM holders.

“PCM is an entry qualification for the Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing (PGDip), which in turn is a stepping stone towards an MBA and thereafter a doctorate. PCM holders can also progress towards obtaining a CPM, an internationally recognised professional status in Marketing conferred by the Asia Marketing Federation (AMF).”

The ceremony was attended by SLIM Secretary Pradeep Edward, Board of Study Chairman/ SLIM Senior Lecturer G.S. Sylvester, SLIM AGM Marketing Chinthaka Wanasinghe, BDD Head Mihirinie Fonseka and SLIM staff.

Pradeep Edward commented about the enhanced employability offered by PCM.

“PCM enjoys wide acceptance due to regular reviews and contemporary changes into the course content which brings the course in par with the modern marketing trends. Employers view PCM holders favourably, because the program imparts practical knowledge while providing a global perspective on marketing and sales.”

Students can commence PCM soon after completing their O/L examinations, irrespective of their A/L study streams. A/L students can also apply for PCM pending results and get a head start in their professional studies.

G.S. Sylvester elaborated on the balance between theory and practicality in PCM.

“PCM provides basic theoretical knowledge through classroom based teaching over a period of three months. Thereafter a practical assignment invites students to apply their classroom learning to real world scenario. Therefore, it is the perfect blend between the theory and practice.”

Call 0727 189 646 for further details on the program and register for the 2016 intake. Hurry up to avoid disappointment and begin your marketing studies with this recognised program.