Six Advanced Certificate in Management students explore quality assurance, people management and 24-hour operations at Addu Fisheries Complex.

What does it take to turn freshly landed fish into an export-ready product? For six Advanced Certificate in Management (ACM) students studying at Maldives National University (MNU) Hithadhoo Campus, a visit to Addu Fisheries Complex (AFC) revealed an industrial operation far more complex than simply placing fish in freezers.

The visit was undertaken as a group assignment for the Introduction to Management module, offered through MNU Business School. Students prepared semi-structured questions and met with heads of different departments to investigate management functions, leadership styles, employee motivation, operational processes and departmental responsibilities.

Following the process, from grading to export

During the guided tour, students learned how fish are graded and categorised by species and size, then handled through quality-controlled freezing and storage processes for export. They also learned about exports to Thailand and the measures used to monitor and sustain quality throughout the operation.

The experience highlighted the importance of established procedures, continuous monitoring, precautionary measures and personal protective equipment (PPE). Students were particularly impressed by the scale of the facilities and the systems required to maintain product quality and workplace safety.

Managing people, demand and round-the-clock operations

Discussions with department heads extended beyond production. Students explored how customer requirements are communicated through the company’s head office and reflected in operations, how the facility responds to high and low fishing seasons, and how its in-house workforce supports 24-hour operations.

Conversations with the Human Resources team were especially engaging. Students discussed employee motivation, leadership, staffing and potential career pathways, gaining a clearer picture of the range of roles and job opportunities within the fisheries industry.

A classroom assignment with real-world relevance

The visit gave students a chance to ask informed questions, observe how departments work together and relate management concepts to real decisions about people, resources, safety, quality and customer needs. Students described gaining “a lot of information” and enjoying the trip, with the quality assurance process making a particularly strong impression.

By linking an assessed module to a major local industry, the activity supports MNU’s emphasis on relevant, practical education and opportunities to develop inquiry, communication, teamwork, critical thinking and professional awareness. It contributes most directly to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), with additional relevance to Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

MNU Hithadhoo Campus and MNU Business School thank the management, departmental heads and staff of Addu Fisheries Complex, MIFCO, including its Human Resources team, for sharing their experience and supporting the students’ learning.