Focus on those currently employed:

LBS programs meet educational needs

Harshini PERERA
 

M. M. Maznavi

The quality of education and the educational institute matters when a student seeks a better education. Hence, the London Business School (LBS) has identified the need and caters mostly to those employed, London Business School (LBS), CEO/Director of Studies, M.M. Maznavi said.

Q: What is the relevance of business education to the development of the country's economy?

A: We have been saving most of the foreign exchange that is otherwise spent on education overseas by introducing educational programs that cover most of the fields. A student can earn an internationally recognized degree in Sri Lanka at one-third of the cost spent overseas. We have also produced productive citizens for the workforce in Sri Lanka and other countries such as the UK, Qatar and most of the Middle East countries.

Q: Were you affected by the economic recession and what was the growth of the company during the past nine months?

A: Most of our educational programs are focused on those employed. The company was affected slightly by the economic recession. We have introduced a flexible payment and discount scheme from 10 - 20 percent for students as economic relief. We had a 20-30 percent growth in the past nine months this year. The annual growth of LBS is about 40-45 percent.

Q: What opportunities do you see in the Northern and Eastern provinces?

A: There should be better rehabilitation and resettlement first. Later the economy will improve in these areas. These provinces are historically renowned for producing more educated people, especially Jaffna. We are planning to open a branch in the Northern area in the near future and will introduce degrees and business management programs.

Q: Education is not only meant to develop one's theoretical knowledge on a subject but also to fit them into a profession. How does LBS deal with that?

A: All our programs are profession - oriented and they are based on the practical application as well as theoretical knowledge. In one of our diplomas such as the six-month diploma in Human Resources Management program we instill not only the theoretical knowledge but also practical knowledge. During the same period we also provide theoretical knowledge and the students are given three individual assignments.

The assignments are based on current market trends and the students are expected to sharpen their skills for prospective employment. After the assignments they can apply their knowledge on the theory and practical side of it. After the examination the students have to submit a dissertation or a project on the course to graduate. An expert team of lecturers from the industry has been a massive support in this task. The educational programs are designed to fulfill the needs of the industry.

Q: What are the new courses offered by LBS?

A: We have introduced many new fields such as Nursing, Healthcare and Hotel Management. We have also introduced many diplomas in Banking and Finance, Journalism and Mass Communication, Call Centre Management and Postgraduate programs in Marketing, Finance and project management. We are affiliated to Wigen & Leigh College, one of the best colleges in the UK, the University of Greenwich which offers programs in collaboration with the Association of Business Executives (ABE).

Q: What is your advice to young people who wish to climb the corporate ladder?

A: They have to learn the English language and Information Technology which will be essential for them in the future for their higher education and to fit into the global job market. Young people have to understand the need of the industry and be prepared.

Q: How do you spend your leisure?

A: I read books on Business. I also spend time with the family and travel on long holidays overseas.

Q: What is the place you wish to visit in Sri Lanka?

A: Akkaraipattu, my hometown.

Q: Which country do you wish to visit?

A: Malaysia

Q: What is your philosophy in life?

A: To be a simple Sri Lankan who can contribute to the development of the country.