NSBM Newsletter Vol 3 no 1, 2017

Quarterly Newsletter of National School of Business Management

Quarterly

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Quarterly Newsletter of National School of Business Management

News Vol. 3 No. 1 March, 2017

Modern M

odern higher education institutes need to be centres of knowledge that deliver value to society and the business industries via graduates who are equipped with appropriate skills, relevant knowledge and positive attitudes towards their professional and social environment. NSBM, with its strong commitment to emphasize relevance and quality of higher education, is rapidly acclimatizing to these novel transformations in the global educational arena, thereby creating a learning environment where the students and academics thrive in their search and application of knowledge and skills while also contributing to society and country at large. NSBM encourages and initiates blended learning and teaching approaches, more integrated involvement of the industry in the planning and delivering of programmes as well as research that has direct impact on related social, cultural and business entities, in tandem with the essential changes that world’s best universities adopt at present.

University Education

The role of universities

Expectations vs Reality The world today sees a proliferation of opportunities and options for higher education with the advancement of technology and expansion of industries. As a result, competition among scholars as well as colleges increases while also creating large numbers of unemployed or underemployed graduates: a situation which questions the validity and relevance of the educational qualifications that are on offer.

Qualifications do get revised at intervals, yet whether this revision corresponds to the pace at which the industries, technology and the world at large tranform is to be questioned. Key stake holders of higher education: the universities as well as the students, are equally concerned about the tertiary level qualifications available.

Education providers are exploring ways of improving their courses to address the needs of the hour while prospective students seek return on their investments on education. The business leaders on their turn question the quality of the graduates they recruit as the gap between their expectations verses the reality of their new recruits increasingly widen.

Novel Approaches The traditional methods of delivery no longer attract the knowledge seekers of the 21st century while the extended choices and opportunities for university education have also dwindled its traditional heavy academic flavor, turning the university programmes to be more practice based, industry oriented and socially responsible learning courses.

The duration of degree courses pauses a serious hindrance to the fast paced learning and life goals of students who seek more time-effective qualifications rather than the standard courses of 3 years or 4 years.

In the least, programmes are expected to require less class room learning time and

Contd. page 8

Inside Stories

Mind the Gap

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Student Activities Page 3

Visitors to NSBM Page 4

Australian Degree Programmes at NSBM Page 7

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Quarterly Newsletter of National School of Business Management

COMMENT FROM THE Vice Chancellor

NSBM Point of View

Mind the Gap! (between graduate skills and employer expectations)

By Dr. Dulekha Kasturiratne Dean, School of Business, NSBM

I take this opportunity to express my contentment at the publication of the first issue of NSBM Quarterly News for the year 2017 which is also the first issue to be released since the inauguration of NSBM Green University Town. It’s a feat that we brought to reality at an investment of Rs.10.2 billion, a campus premises of the next generation spanning across 26 acres and with seating capacity for over 6000 students at any given time. As a state organization, NSBM has been exemplary and I’m proud to lead this organization that is consecutively recognized for its effective management at various forums and has no financial reliance on the government.

NSBM, in half a decade since its inception, revolutionized the Sri Lankan non-state tertiary education which lagged behind with unreliable qualifications, poor learning facilities and lack of recognition for the graduates. With its world class learning environment and one of the largest degree portfolios in the country, NSBM has now turned the tide upstream so that students no longer need to venture overseas in pursuit of internationally recognized qualifications. We have also introduced a number of financial facilities so that our degree programmes are affordable for students from all walks of life and backgrounds.

Our commitment is to constantly upgrade the service we provide to the nation in generating human capital that will contribute to its national and social development. The management and staff of NSBM are whole heartedly committed to this cause and I’m pleased to steer a team that is geared towards revitalizing the Sri Lankan higher education.

Mind the Gap! resonates at every platform in the London Underground (tube stations) reminding travellers of the need to be mindful about the end of the platform and the step to the train. However, here we’re talking about a different type of gap – the gap between graduate skills and employer expectations. Is there a gap? If so who is responsible?

I’ve been to many conferences, forums, debates and discussions over the last eight years that gathered local and international research experts, educators, students and industry professionals. There is always a tug of war at these sessions usually polarising some parties against others. Some employers say that they are disappointed that today’s graduates are not ready for employment. Educators say that they are doing their best and that employers are not doing enough to inculcate graduate skills in students while they are still in university. And students say ‘’I have a degree, so give me a job’’.

My point of view is that yes there is yet a gap between graduate skills and employers’ expectations in some cases but the gap is bridging and the remainder is certainly not insurmountable with the concerted effort of all three parties.

It is entirely inadequate for students to demand a job and expect to be employed merely because they brandish their degree certificates. They will be lucky not to be chased out of interview rooms. Employers are looking for graduates who can add value to their organisation and can transform the organisation for the better during changing

times. Students must be able to demonstrate with examples how their skills and competencies can benefit the organisation.

This is over and above subject knowledge.

Students must stand out and impress employers within seconds through a CV or during a chance meeting, and in a matter of minutes at interviews. These are essential skills in addition to the usual employability skills.

Similarly, educators can do more to close the gap. Employability should be part of the fabric of university curricular and extracurricular activities and must be measured as a KPI. We must build competent, confident graduates who are passionate about what they can offer. It’s not just about job-getting skills but also developing a range of attributes and abilities that enable graduates to gain, sustain and progress in their employment.

What can employers do? Some employers are already doing much while others can do more. I was impressed by the input of some employers who already have dedicated teams working with universities to create graduates that can add value to industries and society. Other employers merely complain that graduates are below par, and yet do not actively contribute to making a change. The onus should not fall entirely on educators. It should be a joint effort, a concerted tripartite approach to reach a mutually fulfilling goal.

Let’s make sure that none of us have to ‘mind the gap’ here after!

Food for Thought If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.

- Antoine de St. Exupery

Quarterly Newsletter of National School of Business Management

Rugby Champions

NSBM Rugby Team emerged runners up at the Mora Rugby 7s tournament held on 21st December 2016 at the Air Force Rugby Stadium, Rathmalana. NSBM team defeated CINEC Campus and Sabaragamuwa University at this annual rugby contest organized by University of Moratuwa.

Donation by Community Service Club

Community Service Club of NSBM organized a donation of stationery items to deserving students as its inaugural project. The club intends to engage in a range of activities that will benefit society in various ways. At the donation held on 18th of January 2017, 218 students of Bekkegama P.V in Panadura received essential materials in ample quantities for their studies.

Christmas Carols

Catholic Society of NSBM in collaboration with Rotaract Club of NSBM organized a carols service titled “HALO 2K16” to celebrate the festive season. The event was held on 21st December 2016 at the NSBM auditorium transmitting the harmony, merriment and tenderness of the Christmas season among a full audience of students and staff of NSBM.

Students’ NSBM

NEWS Convocation week

NSBM held its first convocation week in December 2016. In true celebration of the academic achievement of its scholars from different disciplines, a 3-day ceremony was held from 5th-7th December 2016 at the NSBM Auditorium to confer degrees to nearly 1000 students. Bachelor’s Degree programmes and Post Graduate Diplomas in IT and Business pertaining to NSBM; Plymouth University, UK and University College Dublin, Ireland were awarded in a ceremony presided by Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Skills Development & Vocational Training.

Among other dignitaries were Mr. P. Ranepura – Secretary to the Ministry of Skills Development & Vocational Training; Prof. Simon Payne - Deputy Vice Chancellor of Plymouth University and Professor Damien McLoughlin - Associate Dean of Internationalisation and Distance Learning at UCD.

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Achievements Annual Report of NSBM wins Gold

NSBM wins the Gold Award for its Annual Report at the CA Sri Lanka’s 52nd Annual Report Awards. For the 2nd consecutive year, the annual report of NSBM was recognized under State Services and Statutory Boards sector of the competition for the excellent documentation and financial reporting standards adhering to transparency, social accountability and good governance in its annual report. The glittering awards ceremony was held on 6th December 2016, at Water’s Edge, Colombo.

Business Excellence Award - 2016

NSBM won the first place for the ‘National Business Excellence’ in State Sector Services category at the National Business Excellence Awards (NBEA) 2016 held on 30 November 2016. As evidenced by this award, the exemplary business practices and outstanding performance in leadership and corporate governance, capacity building and performance management, local market reach, CSR and environmental sustainability together with business and financial results of NSBM have been constantly recognized and the institute has been set as a role model in the State Sector Services within a short operating period of five years (20122016).

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Quarterly Newsletter of National School of Business Management

Visitors to NSBM Chief Minister of Andra Pradesh visits NSBM

university

NEWS

commendable and was pleased to note that prominent Australian education providers are already among NSBM international academic partners. The high commissioner wished NSBM success and strength for its future endeavours. Senior Management of NSBM took part in the event.

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh; India, Hon. N. Chandrababu Naidu visited NSBM on 8th January 2017 for an observation of the university premises and meeting with the Management and the Staff. The Chief Minister, an economist by training and a veteran politician with many accolades to his profile, is also well known for developing IT facilities in Andra Pradesh. He was impressed by the scope and scale of the Green University Town and commended that it was one of the excellent universities he has seen in Sri Lanka. He also expressed his admiration on the effective utilization of space and sustainable construction methods used at the university. Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training and Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Megapolis & Western Development were among the dignitaries at the occasion.

Regional parliamentarians together with the management and staff of NSBM were also present to welcome the guest at the Green University premises.

High Commissioner of Australia visits NSBM

Bryce Hutchesson, His Excellency the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Maldives visited NSBM on 19th December 2016. After an observation of the impressive facilities at the campus, Mr. Hutchesson noted that the vision of the Vice Chancellor and the Senior Management that developed the institute to this stature is

Prof. Colin Peiris joins NSBM as Senior Professor

Colin N. Peiris has been appointed as the Head of Academic Development, Quality Assurance and Postgraduate Programmes at NSBM since January 2017. Prof. Peiris counts over 36 years of experience as an academic and is renowned for his expertise on quality assurance in Higher Education. He was the Director of Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture and Director of Affiliated University College. He was also attached to the World Bank as a Quality Assurance Specialist and was the first Director of the QAA Council of UGC, Sri Lanka. Prof.

Peiris has received international awards such as “Quality Champion – 2014” and the “Best Training and Support of Reviewers Award - 2015 from Asia Pacific Quality Network (APQN). He has also held several other key positions in the academia and has been awarded the Degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) for outstanding contribution to Quality Assurance in Higher Education by Sabaragamuwa University.

Prof. Peiris obtained his initial degree at University of Peradeniya, while his MSc and PhD are from Pennsylvania State University, USA. University of Peradeniya has conferred the title “Professor Emeritus” on Prof. Peiris in appreciation of his valuable and dedicated service to the University and the country.

The quality assurance Centre of NSBM to be established under his leadership will monitor overall functions of the university in relation to academic quality assurance.

Guest Lectures at NSBM Session 1

Dr. G. Abeyrathne, Senior Lecturer of Monash University, Australia delivered a talk on “Importance of Investment” to NSBM students on 16th January 2017 at NSBM Auditorium. The session included important aspects of investing in the stock market, managing risk and some inspiring examples of investing and its benefits.

Session 2

Prof. Prem Yapa, Senior Lecturer at RMIT Univeristy, Australia delivered a guest lecture at NSBM on 18th January 2017 on the topic of “How to make a Research Proposal”.

The session was of utmost academic significance to the final year students of NSBM Management degree programmes.

Prof. Yapa is a distinguished researcher in Accounting with numerous scholarly publications and designations to his credit.

Session 3

Prof. Danture Wickramasinghe, an internationally renowned academic for Accounting and Finance attached to Glasgow University, UK conducted a guest speech to the academics of NSBM on “Researching to be International” on 27th January 2017.

Quarterly Newsletter of National School of Business Management

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NSBM Green University Town

Opening Ceremony 26 of October 2016 th

NSBM Green University Town in Pitipana, Homagama, was gifted to the nation on 26th of October 2016 at a stately ceremony presided by His Excellency the President, Maithreepala Sirisena, Honorable Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Diplomatic Mission Heads, Academics, Parliamentarians, students, parents and well-wishers. Some of the highlights of this glorious occasion are captured here.

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STAFF NEWS

Quarterly Newsletter of National School of Business Management

Training Programmes for NSBM Staff

Ms. Gill Pitt, Ms. Donna Strickland and Ms. Abigail Quinton from Plymouth University, UK visited NSBM to provide training to the Administrative staff of NSBM from 30th January – 2nd February 2017. Their sharing of good administrative practices followed at Plymouth University will undoubtedly smooth the management of academic programmes at NSBM.

Training on “SCIPRO”

Brigadier Sanath Wickramasinghe, MSc IT, (Moratuwa), MBA (HRM), (Colombo) has joined NSBM as a Senior Lecturer.

He counts more than 30 years of experience in IT and Management related roles and has been the first Director IT/CIO in the Sri Lanka Army. He has also been the Director IT/Senior Lecturer in the Kotalawala Defense University and Deputy Director - Operations at the Presidential Secretariat. He was also the Head of Galle and Matara regional centers of the NIBM. He excels as a Programmer, Systems Analyst and Designer, IT Project Manager, IT Consultant and HRM specialist, with a number of technical and professional qualifications to his credit.

Prof. Henrik of Stockholm University, Sweden conducted a training for senior academics of NSBM on the effective use of the SCIPRO, the Project Management tool for research methodology. This 3 day training held at NSBM Green University Town was aimed at enhancing the efficiency of undergraduate research supervision done by academics.

New Staff at NSBM

Dr. A.A.C. Abeysinghe, BSc (Business Administration) (Sri Jayawaedenapura); MBA (Slovenia); MPhil (Colombo); PhD (Manchester), has joined NSBM on sabbatical leave. Dr. Abeysinghe was the former Head of Dept. of Accounting at University of Colombo and serves as the Coordinator of the MPhil/ PhD programme awarded by Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo. He will be attached to the School of Business in developing its graduate programmes and research initiatives. NSBM is privileged to obtain Dr. Abeysinghe’s scholarly contribution in uplifting the overall quality of its School of Business.

Ms. Lakruwani Wimalaratna, BSc (Graphic & Communication Design), (Moratuwa) has joined NSBM as a Lecturer. Prior to joining NSBM, she has worked in the industry for more than 7 years while contributing as a visiting lecturer at NSBM, SLIIT and School of Design of University of Moratuwa.

She is currently pursuing a Master of Design in Interior Design at University of Moratuwa.

Mr. Sulakshana De Alwis, BSc (HRM), (Sri Jayewardenepura), MSc (Management Psychology), (Nottingaham),has joined NSBM as Lecturer. He has won the gold medal for best performance of the HRM degree and has obtained several professional qualifications such as ACCA (UK), DipM (CIM-UK), AAT (SL), CBF (IBSL).

Mr.S A K M Shafraz, BSc (IT), (Colombo), MSc (IT), (Colombo), MBA (Colombo), has joined NSBM as Senior Lecturer.

He has served as Head of NIBM, Kurunegala and has experience as an academic for over a decade as well as industry exposure in leading organizations such as Ernst & Young, Millenium IT, etc.

He has completed Australian Computer Society (ACS) qualifications and obtained professional training overseas.

Staff Research

Achala Pallegedara and D. Karannagoda, “Lightweight Design Of An Automated Answer Sheet Checker”, Proceedings of the International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches –ICMA 2016, Sri Lanka, October, 2016.

Achala Pallegedara and O. Abeykoon, ”Development Of Secure And Smart Online Cake Store”, Proceedings of the International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches –ICMA 2016, Sri Lanka, October, 2016 Islam, M., Lee, G., and Hettiwatte, S. N., “A Nearest Neighbour Clustering Approach for Incipient Fault Diagnosis of Power Transformers”, Journal of Electrical Engineering, Springer Publications, November 2016.

Islam, M., Lee, G., and Hettiwatte, S. N., “Incipient Fault Diagnosis in Power Transformers by Clustering and Adapted KNN”, Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference (AUPEC2016), Brisbane, Australia, 25 – 28 September 2016.

Perera, G. R. & Perera, I., 2016. Influence of Social Media Marketing on the Brand Image of Organizations in the Hospitality Industry of Sri Lanka. Asian Business and Information Management, 7(1).

Perera, I. & Dharmadasa, P., 2016.

Determinants of Young Sri Lankan Individual’s Intention to Engage in Viral Marketing. NSBMJM, 02(02), pp. 106-129.

Rahman, M. M., Arefi, A., Shafiullah, G. M., and Hettiwatte, S. N., “Penetration Maximisation of Residential Rooftop Photovoltaic using Demand Response”, International Conference on Smart Green Technology in Electrical and Information Systems (ICSGTEIS 2016), Bali, Indonesia, 6 – 8 October 2016.

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New Degree programmes at NSBM NSBM, with Victoria University – Australia, launches new Degrees in Management and IT

In view of the escalating demand for Australian degree programmes in Sri Lanka, NSBM is launching two unique undergraduate qualifications in the fields of Business Management and Information Technology in collaboration with Victoria University, Australia. VU, Australia is an internationally renowned institute that is positioned among the top 2% in world university rankings, creating learning opportunities for over 40,000 students every year in its local and overseas learning institutes. The current portfolio of NSBM is already rich with a spectrum of qualifications from diverse disciplines and the new degrees from VU, Australia would further enhance the options available for NSBM students. These new qualifications will also capitalize on NSBM’s mission to create global graduates who are versatile and up-to-date in their knowledge, skills and attitudes towards their education, work and life as whole. Joining the vast

student body of VU would be an added advantage the students receive. In addition, the close monitoring of all administrative and academic functions of the degree programmes by VU results in further enhancement of the quality of the services provided to students while the VU faculty visiting NSBM to deliver modules on a regular basis will provide students with the international exposure that is paramount in transforming the students to become ‘global graduates.’

NSBM students can read for Bachelor of Business: Banking and Finance & Financial Risk Management and Bachelor of Information Technology: Web and Mobile Application Development awarded by VU, Australia from March 2017 onwards. The Bachelor of Business degree program mainly focuses on the field of finance, specializing on banking, finance and financial risk management, which provides students with greater mileage in securing employment while the Bachelor of IT degree caters to the web and mobile application development industry: an omnipresent field in this era of technology. While mastering the basics of Information Technology, students will also specialize in web programming, mobile app programming, cloud app programming and database systems. Both qualifications are highly empowering due to the industry oriented curricula that prepare students for employment internationally. The combination of specializations in one programme undoubtedly leaves students with an expanded scope for choices in academic disciplines as well as job selection.

After completing 2 years at NSBM, students can opt to transfer to VU, Australia to complete the rest of the degree if they so wish or complete the entire Australian qualification at NSBM. Moreover, there is flexibility for lateral entry to the programme in its 3rd or 4th year, upon completion of certain diploma programmes available at other institutes.

NSBM, with Murdoch University – Australia, introduces new degrees in Engineering

NSBM signed a Memorandum of Articulation (MoA) with Murdoch University, Perth, Australia on 31st October 2016 to allow students the facility to transfer to Murdoch University upon fulfilment of certain prerequisites. Students studying in BSc (Hons) Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or BSc (Hons) Engineering in Mechatronic Engineering at NSBM can transfer credits to Murdoch University, Australia and enroll in the final stages of Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Instrumentation and Control Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Renewable Energy Engineering.

Staff Training at VU, Australia

NSBM academics, Ms. Anne Pathiranage from School of Business and Mr. M. Shafraz from School of Computing, visited Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia for a 5 day training programme from 30th January to 3rd February 2017on Professional Development. The programme aimed to provide understanding of the academic content and teaching methodologies. This exchange was organized with the objective of facilitating the smooth coordination of VU degree programmes that are to commence in NSBM in March 2017. In view of the launch of these new awards, meetings were also held with Rhys Williams, the Director - International Development in VU; Dr. Ranjith Ihalanayake, Site coordinator for Bachelor of Business Program; Dr. Anver, Site Coordinator for Bachelor of IT Program; Ms. Rashima Ghai, Transnational Education Manager and Ms. Mounica Madadi, Transnational Education Coordinator.

Staff Achievements

Ms. I.S Perera, Senior Lecturer of School of Business, was awarded the “Weerakoon Award for Business Statistics” as well as the award for the “Best Thesis in the Area of Marketing” at the convocation of the MBA (general) programme of University of Colombo held in December 2016.

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Quarterly Newsletter of National School of Business Management

Distant learning facilities at all levels and disciplines have facilitated learning without a need to physically be in the host university while Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) revolutionize the style, scale and scope of learning, taking it to un-imagined dimensions. Most ivy-league universities like Harvard, Princeton, Yale, etc. offer MOOCs thus making knowledge freely available.

Therefore, institutions that offer traditional courses of longer duration will no longer attract prospective students because the latter can access large knowledge bases without restrictions of subject specializations, entry qualifications or higher costs. Consequently, universities will have to improve the impact, relevance and quality of their products and services in order to sustain themselves as most sought after educational institutes in a highly competitive market.

Beyond Knowledge The focus of curricular in university degree programmes requires moving away from the mere dissemination of knowledge. The importance of courses that trained students on both knowledge and skills has been highlighted since longtime, yet beyond this, the impact of one’s education on society as a whole is also a growing concern amidst informed knowledge seekers. Learning that incorporates the cultivation of attitudes like empathy and generosity take precedence over courses that only deliver subject matter and develop technical skills. Moreover, the world today requires innovative, yet empathetic solutions to social problems.

While enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of the graduates, it is also imperative to guide them on designing ventures that not only grow consistently, but also preserve and sustain natural eco-systems as well as

benefit the less privileged in society. For instance, activities enhancing corporate social responsibility can be embedded in academic programmes to impart in students the essential values graduates of the modern world must possess. In addition, ability to communicate effectively in dynamic intercultural, interpersonal as well as international platforms should be mastered because business entities, however small, now require operation and networking globally. Corporate individuals also need to skillfully adapt to the complex social and cultural dynamics of their business environment. Further, decision making and analytical and critical thinking are other crucial competencies that develop only with practice and application, not book learning and examinations.

Industry Liaison Engagement of universities with the industry should diversify beyond field visits and industry talks: practices that have been common since late. Instead, more engagement such as internships, training, etc. will lead to more integrated contributions by students to the industry, thereby infusing in them deeper understanding of the organizational functions and culture. Students should be assigned tasks that allow them to go beyond the classroom setting to engage in innovative social and industrial projects.

In addition, the insights and input by the industry leaders not only in the delivery but also in the design of academic programmes will result in qualifications that model graduates to meet the demands of industry.

While engaging the industry experts in the delivery of programmes, the university academics should also liaise closely and regularly with the industry to keep pace with the transformations in the world of business.

As a result, not only will the knowledge disseminated be more practically oriented, but the knowledge produced via research by the academics and students will also

be more relevant to the development of the respective industries rather than being purely theoretical and too scholarly to the requirements of the businesses.

The universities as individual units must constantly improve their programmes while the entire higher education sector as a body together with the public sector should also interact to improve the degree programmes to be in line with the demands from the industries. The appropriate revision of programmes and better liaison with the industries will not only enhance achievement of the students who graduate from these colleges, but contribute to the overall economic development of the country and the business industries.

NSBM Green Campus, with the promise of changing the dynamics of non-state sector higher education institutes, is geared towards these mandatory changes needed to the higher education practices of the country. Its massive, yet modern infrastructure will further strengthen its commitment to a novel approach in providing university level education to its students, while the use of new technology in the teaching and learning practices will keep its students in the proximity of a world that is in a constant state of flux in relation to its development. Networking with the industry is a key component in its agenda for external relations, thereby gaining insights to revamp its curricular and exposing its students to the realities of putting their learning into practice. Such measures enhance NSBM’s stature as an institute that makes a difference not only in the students’ lives but in the modern Sri Lankan higher education as well.

The content of this article is adapted from the discussions, presentations and publications of the AACSB Accreditation Standards Conference held in Singapore from 30th May – 1st June 2016.

The NSBM Quarterly News was compiled by a team comprising Prof. K B M Fonseka, Mr. Chaminda Rathnayake and Ms. Nayomi Abayasekera.

The team extends its gratitude to all those who contributed to the newsletter in numerous ways.

Please direct your enquiries, comments and suggestions to: Ms. Nayomi Abayasekera (nayomi@nsbm.lk) National School of Business Management, 309, High Level Road, Colombo 05, Sri Lanka Tel: +94-11-544-5000 | www.nsbm.lk

www.dflanka.com

more practical sessions, so that students can capitalize on their hands on experiences when presenting themselves as candidates for employment.