MBA in Customs and International Trade

The PIM that pioneered the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme three decades ago, has endowed to the country over three thousand business leaders. Similarly, the PIM that pioneered the Master of Customs Administration (MCA) in the year 2008 was the first to introduce the first postgraduate programme in Customs. Thereafter, the programme was renamed as MBA in Customs and International Trade (MBA-CIT). In this endeavour the country has benefited by producing over hundred and fifty Custom officers with the much required set of skills and competencies in the particular industry.

In fact, the PIM MBA-CIT is focused on bringing the desired change by transforming our Custom officers into full-fledged professionals. Its indirect impact to the country is immense. Having successfully concluded the training of four batches of Custom officers, we are currently having fifth batch from Sri Lanka Customs (SLC). In pursuing the continuity of this specialised programme, MBA-CIT, we are planning to invite applications from the public too to commence another MBA-CIT programme.

This highly recognised full-time course has been tailor-made to specifically enhance the career of Custom officers. The feedback received thus far from both the employers as well as the beneficiaries provide the much expected testimonials for the efficacy of the programme.

The total-spread of the programme is two years. Organized into eight academic terms during this two-year period, the programme offers approximately 600 classroom interactive-hours and over 60 hours of faculty consultation leading to skills development, directed study, residential workshops, and ultimately resulting in a practically adoptable research/skills project. Since the degree requirements for group work, practical assignments, research and skills projects as well as examinations are comprehensive, the course demands intense-concentration and commitment on the part of students.

MBA in Customs and International Trade Learning Goals

MBA-CIT graduates of PIM will be able to:

1. Recognizethe key knowledge, skills and attitudes at local and global level, and demonstrate critical awareness of current issues in customs operations.
2. Reflect problem identification with critical and logical thinking and in-depth analysis using appropriate techniques to solve problems at apex level in customs operation in the country with sound judgments.
3. Reachrelevant public and private organizations locally and globally, through networking and communicate decisions clearly to relevant specialist and non-specialist groups.
4. Realize the importance of economic and ecological concerns and the humane aspects of custom policy initiatives and demonstrate self-direction and originality in tacking and solving problems as a thought leader.
5. Reinforceprofessionalism, integrity and ethics in being conscious about values when decisions are made across the customs field.

Eligibility to apply for admission to the MBA-CIT Degree programme is determined according to the following criteria:

1. One of the following qualifications:
2. A Bachelor’s Degree, from a recognized university with at least a second class (upper division) pass, in business/public administration/commerce/management studies.
3. A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university, and at least three years’ work experience in a managerial capacity at an organization acceptable to the Institute or teaching/research experience relevant to the programme of study.
4. A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university, and at least three years’ work experience in a managerial capacity at an organization acceptable to the Institute or teaching/research experience relevant to the programme of study.
5. A professional qualification recognized by the Institute as being equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree of a university, and three years’ work experience in a managerial capacity at an organization acceptable to the Institute, or teaching/research experience relevant to the programme of study.
6. Senior managers, entrepreneurs and researchers whose age is above 35 years, and who have an exceptional and outstanding track record. In this category, the Institute will adopt special procedures for the determination of eligibility for selection as the number of places allocated in the programme is limited.
7. Any candidate applying under the “Mature Student” Category, purely on experience, must submit a separate report not exceeding 1000 words indicating their career achievements, and rationalizing the reasons as to why they deserve to be considered for admission.
8. Any other individual who is nominated by the Director General of Customs subject to the acceptance of the PIM in the above mentioned merit admission category.
9. A good knowledge of English is compulsory.