ANC School of Postgraduate Education, under the patronage of University of West London (UWL), launched the maiden issue of the Colombo Journal of Advanced Research (CJAR) at the MBA Orientation Session of the spring 2019 batch - a fullhouse event held at the ANC Auditorium last week. CJAR is a quarterly publication which is expected to be an archive of knowledge in the areas of Management, Accounting, Marketing, and other related disciplines (Available at: http://cjaracademy. org). Printed copies of the journal (p-ISSN 2659-241X) are available at university libraries across the country. ANC Education is distinguished by its careeroriented education and global approach to teaching and learning; CJAR is another attempt to bridge the gap between academia and industry. In the words of Mr. Marcelline Alexander, the Academic Head of Postgraduate Business Degree Programs at ANC, “Academic research has a discernible influence in the industry.

Over the last few years, the MBA program has put a greater emphasis on research by providing various incentives to the academic community of the college and industry. Our students have been working on real world problems and solutions to them alongside faculty members, but their work goes unnoticed at times; hence, CJAR is to forge the links between academia and industry so that the academic research will contribute actual value to the industry. It also attempts to create a platform for the academic community to showcase their work in conferences both local and international. Currently we are working towards devising a simple mechanism to procure various items required for conducting multidisciplinary research.” 13 MBA students had contributed to the first issue of the journal, and a few students, still early in their careers, had the opportunity to present their papers at the event.

All the articles are representative of their dissertations submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the MBA. Mr. Uditha Fernando presented his findings based on a single case study on the factors effecting employee commitment to change in post ERP implementation phase. Ms. Shiromina Puvanendran showcased her work on the customer engagement in online brand communities of Sri Lankan fashion. The attendees were also treated to the presentation on the sustainability of community managed water supply schemes in Sri Lanka by Ms. Cheshika Fernando. The presenters were grateful to ANC and UWL for the rewarding MBA experience. Everyone unanimously agreed that access to UWL library through the Blackboard, networking opportunities with professionals from a wide range of fields, unwavering support from faculty members with significant industry experience, the privilege of earning world-class qualifications from a top-ranked UK university, and the convenience of completing the degree right here at ANC are what makes UWL MBA the best investment one can make. 

The event saw the participation of over 130 new students highly excited to start their MBA journey as the 19th MBA intake of ANC School of Postg raduate Education. Research presentations by the graduating class, undoubtedly, spurred them on. Alumni stories, the comprehensive curriculum that meets the industry needs, the entrepreneurial approach to business education, and recognition of the qualification had been some of the reasons why they trusted UWL and ANC with their future: “soon after I earned my CIM qualifications last year, I wanted to follow a graduate degree. When I researched my options, the MBA offered at ANC struck me as a qualification that will definitely enhance my career as a merchandiser. Also, it’s an internal degree from UWL, a top 50 university in the UK – that’s prestige.

When I reached the admissions team at ANC, they were willing to go the extra mile to help me enroll on the program…,” said Ms. Nadun Lokuliyanage, a senior merchandiser at E.A.M. Maliban Textile (Pvt) Ltd. Dr. Suresh Gamalath, the Dean of the Business School of UWL, together with Mr. Chandra Bhasham, a lecturer and the Collaborative Link Tutor of the university, graced the occasion with their presence. Dr. Gamlath congratulated the incoming students on their admission to the MBA programme and explained why they flew all the way to Sri Lanka from London just to attend the new student orientation at ANC: “… You all are MBA candidates, and the MBA program is the flagship of our Business School. Also, for the last 6 years, the MBA graduates who completed their studies at ANC have outshined our expectations in terms of what they have achieved both during their studies and what they have gone on to achieve.

That’s the reason why I’m here with you today, as a special dispensation…” For prospective students, unlike many MBA programmes that add to the knowledge you already have, UWL MBA offers you insights that transform the way you think, and ANC School of Postgraduate Education boasts an unmatched record of accomplishment for helping hundreds of local graduates advance their careers to reach the top. It’s your turn now! There are 4 MBA programmes on offer: MBA MBA for CIMA/ACCA/ CA passed finalists MBA with Hospitality Management MBA with PMP (Project Management Professional offered by PMI - USA)

For more information, contact 077 744 9966 or visit us at http://www.ancedu.com/ No. 308, R.A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3 322, Peradeniya Road, Kandy