MIM to add new programmes to e-business learning platform

The Malta Institute of Management is designing new programmes in several areas to add to the training portfolio on its award-winning online platform EB-Learn, customer relations executive Nicholas Bianco told The Times Business. New programmes will focus on marketing, human resources, legal and financial disciplines and soft skills, some of which will be drawn up in collaboration with other professional bodies.

Two years in the making, EB-Learn provides interactive tools to more than 150 students over the internet. Current programmes on offer include two customised advanced diplomas in international tax and hospitality management in English and Mandarin. There are also Certified Professional Education programmes in basic principles of international tax, led by Robert Attard, and in international tax avoidance, led by Juanita Brockdorff.

The platform recently won the ‘Best Use of Technology in Education and Training Award’ at the first MCA eBusiness Awards. The awards were organised by the Malta Communications Authority.

“The MIM EB-Learn can virtually host an unlimited number of programmes relevant to various sectors,” Mr Bianco said. “The MIM has been committed to e-learning for some time and has been involved in various projects to exploit the latest technologies, including satellite links and international video-conferencing for local events.”

The EB-Learn project, partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund, was designed to target the international training market, particularly China. By providing flexible, customised programmes, it allows the MIM to broaden its international client portfolio and breaks down barriers hindering traditional training providers, like issues surrounding visas granted to some nationalities.

“Training organisations targeting certain countries have been faced with significant visa issues which Malta has unfortunately failed to address,” Mr Bianco pointed out.

“MIM believed these markets could be targeted online. The idea to offer training programmes in Mandarin came as a way of overcoming the visa issues. Our studies show that the potential in this market are still highly unexploited. Other Maltese organisations should consider these solutions. We are open to collaborating with more organisations on developing this potential even further.”

Positive feedback has been received from various countries, including Malta, and the offering has been well-received by women seeking further education while balancing professional and family commitments.

EB-Learn is accessible at mim-eblearn.com, where candidates register before selecting a programme to purchase online.

Each programme includes a collection of features like recorded videos and linked presentations, online assessments and automatic grading systems which provide online certification when targets are reached, live videos links between tutors and students, and forums and programme-specific chat room for discussions.

Mr Bianco explained the programmes, which can also be tailor-made to firms’ requirements, are marketed at MIM conferences and events, and through collaborating membership organisations such as the Malta Employers Association and the Chamber of Advocates.

The MIM is also tapping its international contacts network to form strategic alliances with foreign educational institutions and firms. Mr Bianco said clients not only valued the system’s potential but also held Maltese tutors’ expertise in high regard.