Combined Level 4 + Level 5 + Level 6 + Level 7 Diploma in Business Management and Strategy

The three key themes to this unit examine the socio-economic environment, the way in which markets operate and the relationship between business and governments. The central theme to the unit is the changing roles that exist between business, government and their citizens that create both opportunities and threats for the modern organisation. By understanding the organisational impact of the trends, managers can respond positively to a changing socio-economic environment. The unit also looks at the external business environment and the different ways that organisations respond to changes. The aim of the unit is to introduce the learner to a number of dynamic factors that affect how an organisation operates and the change in management that is required. By understanding how relationships between public and private sector organisations are affected by socio-economic factors the learner will be better placed to manage that relationship

The unit will look at the different ways that decisions are taking by companies by exploring approaches to decision making, implementing decisions and the way in which knowledge can be used within organisations. With the growth of IT and customisation, few decisions are straightforward enough for managers to rely on the answers that have been successful in past years. To remain competitive, organisations need to develop decision-making processes that use all the current information and knowledge available in the workplace, workforce and beyond. Consequently, today’s decision making becomes more of a problem-solving process. In addition, increasing workforce empowerment and expectation means that the decision-making process for competitive organisations needs to be a much more participative process. Otherwise, management will not gain the information and knowledge they need and will also lose the commitment required to ensure decisions taken become effective. So, while the act of decision taking effectively remains with the manager responsible, the process of decision making needs to involve all the stakeholders within the managers’ immediate workplace and beyond. This ensures that the decision taken is owned by all whom have to work withit. The unit aims to equip the learner with the means to manage the process of decision-making rather than the outcome or decision itself. By recognising methods of decision taking, the learner can stress the need for greater participation of stakeholders to ensure pro-activity and innovation.

The unit will allow for learners to work in a team to investigate new business formats and a feasibility assessment for a potential knowledge-based product or service opportunity identified by the team. This might be undertaken for a new income stream within an existing business or for a new enterprise. The core unit material will focus on Refining an Idea, Research and Presenting the Plan. All learners will be involved with refining the idea and individual learners will be responsible for doing market research, building a finial plan and creating an operational plan. The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the knowledge and skills to research a market and plan a development strategy such as the launch of a new business model, new enterprise, product or service line. Learners will need to fully develop and pitch their business development strategy

The unit is designed to help learners understand what is expected from them in working for a growing organisation. The three units explore the relationship between enterprising behaviour and business success, the different ways in which firms can grow and the different types of business that they might be expected to work in. To introduce the concept of working for and managing creatively within a smaller growth organisation. This unit examines how the small business grows, reasons for success and how best to manage available growth options. This will give the learner a greater understanding of fast growth organisations in both private and social sectors of the economy. Learners will develop skills to support their ability to understand business strategy and development with an emphasis on business growth.

This unit is designed to help learners understand the role of customer-centred organisations. The three units are understanding customers, meeting customer need and adding value. Learners will evaluate best practice and the policies and approaches that result in excellent service and delivery within a contemporary business environment. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is now being actively embraced by organisations within most industry sectors. Furthermore, customer expectations are changing with the result that customer relationships are becoming increasingly more complex to manage. This unit analyses how businesses have responded by looking after their customer base in new and more cost effective ways. The aim of the unit is to provide learners with understanding and insight into customer behaviour. It will develop skills and learners will use tools and practices an organisation can use to retain and improve customer retention and relationships.

This unit prepares learners for working in a commercial environment by providing an insight into the different risk profiles from both an organisation’s and an individual’s perspectives. The three units are understanding business risk, managing risk and innovation and creativity. The aim is to provide learners with an understanding of what makes an effective organisation in balancing out opportunity with change. This unit will involve the learner in developing risk profiles and identifying risk management strategies for selected case studies. These will be available online as used as a means to illustrate the different ways organisations approach change. The course material will be closely linked with creativity and innovation.

The aim of this unit is to develop the learner’s critical thinking, problem solving and leadership skills. They will be introduced to techniques allowing for the evaluation of leadership-related concepts and communicate to different audiences using a wide range of media. The unit will also aim for the learner to be able to analyse their own leadership style, potential and capabilities.

The aim of this unit is to introduce the learner to the theoretical underpinnings of business sustainability. They will be guided how to analyse initiatives introduced to drive sustainable business growth on an international basis. Learners will be expected to suggest solutions for responsible management and how businesseses might respond to sustainability issues that have an impact on individuals and organisations.

The aim of this unit is to introduce learners to be able to evaluate financial information and other data necessary for making informed management decisions. It is expected that learners will learn how to apply and evaluate a range of accounting and data analysis techniques, as well as understand the workings of the financial markets. Learners will be expected to understand and apply Excel spreadsheets and recognise good spreadsheet practice in a business context.

The aim of this unit is to introduce learners to different cultural and institutional differences between national and regional contexts and their implications for leadership and management. Learners will be taught how to evaluate the challenges of working in different national and regional contexts and to have a critical understanding of one’s own management and leadership practice.

The aim of this unit is to introduce learners to a wide range of strategies, processes and operations of business enterprises. Learners will evaluate the impact of innovation and entrepreneurship on society at a conceptual and a practical level. They will be expected to be able to analyse the responsibilities of founders, managers, employees, and directors within types of sustainable and innovative enterprises.

The aim of this unit is to introduce learners to the holistic nature of risk management and strategic decision- making in organisations with sustainability and ethical objectives Learnesr will be expected to be able to evaluate the use of quantitative and qualitative techniques to manage risk in a business context.

The unit will investigate underlying models, techniques and theories that underpin marketing and can contribute to strategic objectives. It will also provide learners with a critical understanding of the marketing function within complex organisations.

This unit is geared towards supporting learners in understanding and using financial information and data. This unit is important to learners as it supports decision making.

The unit will explore the strategic aims and objectives of an organisation and their significance in setting directions and identifying success and progress for the organisation. The unit will also explore where different strategic options may lead the organisation to change its direction.

This unit is about the value of the strategic planning process in formulating appropriate strategies and designing a plan that will be supported by stakeholders and other organisational leaders. The critical review of the plan and its success is also addressed in the unit.

This unit provides the learner with the understanding to recognise the value to organisations of creative and innovative management ideas and the skills to implement this understanding.

This unit provides the learner with an understanding of the effect of legislation and global integration on decisions, policies, processes and activities undertaken by organisations.