J L Saha, director, IIM Ahmedabad, recently told The Financial Express: ``The basic objective of holding these programmes abroad is to take in-house programmes to other countries. Also, it is an opportunity for our faculty members to get exposure to international business practices in another environment.''

But why Colombo? Saha said: ``The idea is to start with the Saarc countries and then progress to other regions.''

Going by the success rate of the previous year's programmes in Colombo, it isexpected that this year, too, participants will appreciate what's on offer. This year, the programme will feature a Top Management Workshop on Strategy and Organisational Performance. The four-day programme will be on from February 17 through February 20.

Says one of the faculty coordinators: ``The programme is being supported by The Maharaja Institute of Management (Pvt.) Ltd, Sri Lanka.'' Meant for top executives, it will take into account the changes taking place in the Asian business environment, he says.

The programme guideline explains the importance of such interaction. It says: ``Regulatory constraints on business are being removed. Competition from existing and new players is increasing. Customers are making tougher demands on the quality of products and services. Developments and innovations in information technology applications are challenging old rules of success and providing opportunities for building new competencies.'' Therefore, these and other changes call for a comprehensive review ofcurrent corporate and competitive strategies of all organisations. Hence, the workshop, which will cater to these needs.

Like in the previous year, the participants will be mainly executives who belong to the top management team and who are actively involved in managing the organisation as a whole, says the coordinator. He adds: ``Those who are responsible for managing major parts of an organisation like business subsidiaries or large product divisions with independent multifunctional responsibilities will also find this workshop useful.''

The primary objective of the workshop is to discuss the interlinkages in an organisation's environment, strategic choices and performance. Apart from that, it will also explore the strategic implications of the emerging Asian environment, and examine the options in creating value and achieving superior performance. Plus, the workshop will provide a platform for sharing experiences and learning from each other.

The various aspects of business and management that willbe taken up at the programme are the emerging Asian environment; strategic options, choices, and performance; competition and competitive advantage; value creation and analysis; strategy for alliances and joint ventures; information technology, flexibility and customer focus; dynamics of organisational learning, innovation, and performance; performance planning, monitoring, and control.The fee structure will be different for different nationalities. For instance, for participants from Sri Lanka, residential (single room) accommodation is pegged at SLR 64,000 (plus 12.5 per cent tax).

For non-residential participants from Sri Lanka, the cost of the workshop will be SLR 48,000 (plus 12.5 per cent tax).

For Indian participants, residential (single room) accommodation will be priced at INR 40,000. And participants from other countries will have to pay $900 for residential (single room) accommodation.

Nominations should reach IIM Ahmedabad by February 5, 1999. A copy of the nomination should be sent to theMaharaja Institute of Management (Pvt.) Ltd, Colombo. However, organisational sponsorship is a must.

There are certain benefits that will come with the programme. First, the institute will issue tax exemption certificates to the participants. Plus, participants will become members of the IIMA Alumni Association on completion of the programme. IIMA alumni enjoy certain benefits with regard to the institute's publications, facilities and activities.

The IIMA director had earlier said that the institute was very happy with the Sri Lankan experience. A repeat at that venue goes to establish his point. And not only is it a move to internationalise inhouse programmes, but in the long run, it's also a way to boost placements.