COURSES

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MANAGEMENT LEVEL 4 AND 5

OVERVIEW

Entrepreneurship and Management Level 4 and 5 provide the knowledge and skills needed to advance your career in all areas of business management, or to start your own business.

Level 4 and 5 Modules and Course Units are available as short courses or as full learning programmes, recognized internationally by Ofqual UK and by SAQA.

Each Module consists of approximately 40 guided learning hours of material with optional learning material including recommended exercises, readings and internet resources. Each Course Unit comprises a number of Modules and an Assignment.

Level 4 and 5 Entry Criteria

Level 4 Entry – For school leavers
Level 5 Entry – Level 4 or Equivalent Certificate or Work Experience

Level 4 Modules:

Managing business operations

This module aims to introduce learners to key aspects of all businesses and how they operate within the
wider business environment as well as internally. Learners will gain knowledge and understanding of key business functions and their importance to business success.

Business environment

This module aims to develop the learner’s knowledge of the business environment and its impact on organisations. This includes factors that shape the internal environment and other external influences. Using this knowledge, learners will be able to develop approaches for managing change.

Personal effectiveness

This module explores the skills of different approaches to learning and examines the significance of time management. It investigates the skills managers need to develop to solve problems and to make decisions, as well as discussing the issue of management stress.

The entrepreneurial manager

This module aims to identify competing perspectives on the nature of entrepreneurial management as both a function and a process supporting the process of organisational change and development.

Business planning and goal setting

This module aims to identify mechanisms for the setting of organisational goals and their achievement as part of the process of business planning.

The manager’s toolkit

This module provides a selection of the most useful tools used in management and explores some of the uses of each. It aims to provide sufficient information to understand the principles behind each tool and enable them to be used with confidence. The module aims to help learners analyse situations within the organisation; develop solutions to organisational problems; evaluate an organisation’s position in its operating and competitive environment; and develop elements of an effective organisational strategy.

Managing and using finance

This module aims to provide an outline of the use and management of finance within an organisation. This includes an introduction to accounting and financial terminology. Learners are also introduced to the basics of financial reporting.

Managing and using marketing

This module aims to develop knowledge of marketing as key management tool. This includes understanding the marketing planning process and the role of internal as well as external marketing. Using this knowledge, learners will be able to understand the value of marketing activities to an organisation.

Psychology of entrepreneurship

This module aims to introduce the fundamental principles of the science of psychology, relating them to the entrepreneurial perspective of business management.

Innovation and creativity

This module describes the role of innovation and creativity for organisations. It considers models used to help understand and recognise their importance, as well as techniques to facilitate their use as part of strategic development.

Level 5 Modules:

The entrepreneurial manager

What is an Entrepreneur? Examine the skills and qualities of entrepreneurship.

Organisation structures

Why are organisations structured in the way they are? What determines the optimum structure and how does it differ between organisations? In this module, learners will look at the numerous models and theories that make up organisational structure.

Practical accounting analysis

Learners will complete exercises in accounts throughout this module to understand what they are telling us and the actions that analysis can precipitate.

Business planning and goal setting

What is the business trying to achieve? What will it do? How will it do it? This module focuses on the creation of clear goals and clear plans to achieve a clear objective.

Politics and business

Impact of politics on business and how it may help or hinder business. This module will educate learners on economic impact, exports and government support.

Business law

Explore the statutory responsibilities of managers as learners look into the legalities of business and business executives.

Managing in today’s world

Business in the modern world. This module focuses on governance and equality as a means to do right in business.

Performance management

Understanding how your people and your business can continually improve together, learners will review reward structures, CPD, training and development to ensure high performance in business.

Marketing and sales planning

Learners will analyse how markets, customers, competitors and products can come together in a cohesive plan.

Quantitative skills

On successful completion of this module, learners will have knowledge of numeric exercises and will understand their use within the context of the business.

IT, COMPUTING, E-COMMERCE AND WEB DESIGN LEVEL 4 & 5

OVERVIEW

IT and Computing, Website Design or E-Commerce Level 4 and 5 provide the knowledge and skills needed to advance your career in the broad areas of Information Technology, Programming, Software Development, Web Design and E-Commerce, Cyber Security and Project Management.

Level 4 and 5 Modules and Course Units are available as short courses or as full learning programmes, recognized internationally by Ofqual UK and by SAQA. The Course includes Student Membership of BCS, The Chartered Institute For IT.

Each Module consists of approximately 40 guided learning hours of material with optional learning material including recommended exercises, readings and internet resources. Each Course Unit comprises a number of Modules and an Assignment.

Level 4 and 5 Entry Criteria

Level 4 Entry – For school leavers
Level 5 Entry – Level 4 or Equivalent Certificate or Work Experience

Level 4 Modules:

Introduction to computing

This module will explore the functions of computing systems and the basics of design, configuration and routine maintenance.

Introduction to programming

This module examines the basis of OOS and how programming fits into the broader aspects of usage of applications.

Introduction to databases

This module will enable understanding of database design and development and enable students to develop and design a database and explore solutions to meet client brief . Learners will learn how to design a database.

Requirements engineering

This module is concerned with the analysis of IT and computing needs to develop requirement specifications and develop and test prototypes.

Systems analysis and design

This module provides an understanding of IS concepts and how they relate to organisation needs in respect of business processes and transformation of information.

E- Commerce applications

This module explores the role of e-commerce in the modern world and in particular the identification of aims and objectives within a business and the design issues arising from the definition of requirements.

Human computer interaction

This module will develop students understanding of principles and models of human computer interaction and evaluate existing HCI design and principles and use this to help them plan their own prototype multimedia user interface.

IT and society

This module examines the impact of technology on society and explores trends and changes created. It will examine management issues and potential conflicts in terms of security and data management.

Information systems project management

This module explores elements of project management key to successful development and implementation of specific IT projects.

Management information systems

This module focuses on understanding concepts of information systems and how they support business needs in terms of information processing and data processing.

Level 5 Modules:

Innovative technologies in computing

This module looks at innovative trends and disruptive advances taking place and examines the new generation of skills and knowledge that will be required to work successfully in the sector.

Computing research methods

This module will explore the knowledge and skills required to undertake research in this field and the qualitative and quantitative approaches required including use of literature and design of research proposals.

Software development methodologies

This module looks at the role of systems engineering in development of software and various models of data, software and processes using modelling approaches.

Computing project planning

Creating and managing projects has changed over the years with the development of sophisticated IT software, this module focuses on how being a project manager in the 80’s differs to being a project manager in today’s world.

Strategic management information systems

This module is concerned with developing an understanding of the strategic role of MIS within the organisation and how it impacts on the broader objectives and strategy of the business.

Ethical, legal and professional issues in IT

This module explores current issues in the IT sector and how these may impact on areas of security, confidentiality, privacy and the law.

Network design and management

This module explores the principles of networks and network design and implementation and support of network systems.

Web based development

This module will explore the design, deployment and management of virtualisation and explore its commercial and potential impact.

Cyber security

This module will enable an understanding of the importance of digital security to business, to understand industry standards of digital security and be able to recommend improvements in security.

Advanced databases

This module focuses on understanding database design and development includes advanced languages to analyse and query database data. Students will research database management and critically test and evaluate databases.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT LEVEL 4 AND 5

OVERVIEW

Human Resource Management Level 4 and 5 provide the knowledge and skills needed to advance your career in the broad areas of Human Resource Management and Business Management.

Level 4 and 5 Modules and Course Units are available as short courses or as full learning programmes, recognized internationally by Ofqual UK and by SAQA.

Each Module consists of approximately 40 guided learning hours of material with optional learning material including recommended exercises, readings and internet resources. Each Course Unit comprises a number of Modules and an Assignment.

Level 4 and 5 Entry Criteria

Level 4 Entry – For school leavers
Level 5 Entry – Level 4 or Equivalent Certificate or Work Experience

Level 4 Modules:

Culture and the organisation

Develop an understanding of what is meant by “organisational culture” and its various influences on the operation of the organisation itself.

Developing interpersonal skills

Come to understand the interpersonal skills that are required by managers and leaders in different managerial responsibilities. Learn how to develop these skills for improved performance.

Managing and rewarding performance

Learn what effective performance management means, and how it can be used to improve workplace performance, both in terms of discipline and reward.

Managing ethically

Develop an understanding of what ethical issues can arise as a part of effective management, how ethical decisions can be made, and what the legal and regulatory context of what workplace ethics looks like.

Managing people in organisations

Learn about the reasons for, and best methods of, training people in an organisation.

Motivating and influencing people

Learn the best methods for motivating people, both individually and as part of a team.

Organisation structures

Develop an understanding of the factors that shape the design of structure within organisations, and how the organisational structure can influence management strategy.

Recruitment and CPD

Develop an understanding of the internal approaches used to determine recruitment needs, and of the different approaches taken by organisations to attract and select potential candidates. Learn about the requirements of contracts of employment, and the importance of personal development.

Strategic human resource development

Learn about the importance of strategic HRM in an organisation. Develop knowledge concerning the analysis of various factors impacting the labour market, the ways in which employment can be terminated, and the different forms of discrimination.

Working in teams

Develop an understanding of the core principles that underpin an effective team, both in terms of team membership and team leadership.

Level 5 Modules:

The entrepreneurial manager

What is an Entrepreneur? Examine the skills and qualities of entrepreneurship.

Organisation structures

Why are organisations structured in the way they are? What determines the optimum structure and how does it differ between organisations? In this module, learners will look at the numerous models and theories that make up organisational structure.

Practical accounting analysis

Learners will complete exercises in accounts throughout this module to understand what they are telling us and the actions that analysis can precipitate.

Business planning and goal setting

What is the business trying to achieve? What will it do? How will it do it? This module focuses on the creation of clear goals and clear plans to achieve a clear objective.

Politics and business

Impact of politics on business and how it may help or hinder business. This module will educate learners on economic impact, exports and government support.

Business law

Explore the statutory responsibilities of managers as learners look into the legalities of business and business executives.

Managing in today’s world

Business in the modern world. This module focuses on governance and equality as a means to do right in business.

Performance management

Understanding how your people and your business can continually improve together, learners will review reward structures, CPD, training and development to ensure high performance in business.

Marketing and sales planning

Learners will analyse how markets, customers, competitors and products can come together in a cohesive plan.

Quantitative skills

On successful completion of this module, learners will have knowledge of numeric exercises and will understand their use within the context of the business.

LEADERSHIP AND TEAM BUILDING LEVEL 4 AND 5

OVERVIEW

Leadership and Team-building Level 4 and 5 provide the knowledge and skills needed to advance your career in all areas of Business Management, Leadership and Team Building, or to start your own business.

Level 4 and 5 Modules and Course Units are available as short courses or as full learning programmes, recognized internationally by Ofqual UK and by SAQA.

Each Module consists of approximately 40 guided learning hours of material with optional learning material including recommended exercises, readings and internet resources. Each Course Unit comprises a number of Modules and an Assignment.

Level 4 and 5 Entry Criteria

Level 4 Entry – For school leavers
Level 5 Entry – Level 4 or Equivalent Certificate or Work Experience

Level 4 Modules:

Managing people in organisations

Effective management of people within an organisation is essential if the objectives of the organisation are to be achieved. People represent the single most important resource of the organisation and their needs must be understood and respected.

Culture and the organisation

What is culture? What do you associate with culture? Perhaps art and music, perhaps values and beliefs, language and communication, behaviour – in fact, culture is a collection of all of these things. Terpstra and David (1991) define culture as ‘a learned, shared, interrelated set of symbols which unite and identify members of a society’.

Developing personal skills

The manager working in a modern organisation needs a wide range of skills. The manager needs to be able to work with people. This may involve a very wide range of skills in communication, leadership, encouraging teamwork, listening, and so on.

Effective communication

During a typical day a manager is likely to encourage team members, tell them about a change in their future work or conditions, take part in a formal meeting, have an informal conversation at the water cooler or coffee machine, study a strategy planned by senior management, send e-mails to customers or suppliers, and search the Web.

Managing ethically

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to decide on what we mean by ‘the right action’. For example, think of the company that produces excessive amounts of waste in its factory. Closing the factory will harm the employees and shareholders, and will reduce the amount of money available in the local community. Keeping it open without reducing waste will damage the environment for local people and for future generations.

Performance management

The people in an organisation determine whether the organisation is successful or not. Think for a moment about any organisation – in doing this you will also be thinking about people. Every organisation has people within it, and the success of the organisation is largely due to those people.

Strategic human resource management

Human Resource Management is the management of a key resource in the organisation – people. Without people there is a limit to what the organisation can achieve. The machines cannot operate without people to work them (even if they are automatic machines there needs to be a person who programmes them). The raw materials need to be turned into something that can be sold: this requires people. The computers need people to operate them.

High performance teams

In a world of change, uncertainty and complexity, high performance in an organisation requires a blend of diverse skills and experiences. Organisations recognise that this blend is best achieved through team working.

Leadership skills

Good leadership is essential for success in any organisation, whether private or public sector.  Today, rapid change, in the form of a constantly changing competitive environment, innovations in technology and changing economic conditions, have led to the realisation that leadership is a skill to be developed. 

Motivating and influencing people

Think about two teams carrying out the same activity. Their manager may ask how a series of tasks will be completed to create a product or service. The manager can plan how the work will be done, make sure that the teams have all the right materials, explain everyone’s tasks and deadlines, and measure progress once they get started. However, the two teams will almost certainly not work at the same speed, not create output of the same quality, nor show the same attitude to their work.

Level 5 Modules:

The entrepreneurial manager

What is an Entrepreneur? Examine the skills and qualities of entrepreneurship.

Organisation structures

Why are organisations structured in the way they are? What determines the optimum structure and how does it differ between organisations? In this module, learners will look at the numerous models and theories that make up organisational structure.

Practical accounting analysis

Learners will complete exercises in accounts throughout this module to understand what they are telling us and the actions that analysis can precipitate.

Business planning and goal setting

What is the business trying to achieve? What will it do? How will it do it? This module focuses on the creation of clear goals and clear plans to achieve a clear objective.

Politics and business

Impact of politics on business and how it may help or hinder business. This module will educate learners on economic impact, exports and government support.

Business law

Explore the statutory responsibilities of managers as learners look into the legalities of business and business executives.

Managing in today’s world

Business in the modern world. This module focuses on governance and equality as a means to do right in business.

Performance management

Understanding how your people and your business can continually improve together, learners will review reward structures, CPD, training and development to ensure high performance in business.

Marketing and sales planning

Learners will analyse how markets, customers, competitors and products can come together in a cohesive plan.

Quantitative skills

On successful completion of this module, learners will have knowledge of numeric exercises and will understand their use within the context of the business.

MARKETING AND SALES LEVEL 4 AND 5

OVERVIEW

Marketing and Sales Level 4 and 5 provide the knowledge and skills needed to advance your career in all areas of Marketing, Sales and Business Management, or to start your own business.

Level 4 and 5 Modules and Course Units are available as short courses or as full learning programmes, recognized internationally by Ofqual UK and by SAQA.

Each Module consists of approximately 40 guided learning hours of material with optional learning material including recommended exercises, readings and internet resources. Each Course Unit comprises a number of Modules and an Assignment.

Level 4 and 5 Entry Criteria

Level 4 Entry – For school leavers
Level 5 Entry – Level 4 or Equivalent Certificate or Work Experience

Level 4 Modules:

The business environment

What comes to mind when you think of the word ‘environment’? You probably think of surroundings, and the conditions and influences of the surroundings. Similarly, the business environment refers to an organization’s surroundings – its external surroundings, as well as its internal surroundings.

Customers and customer service

This module starts by looking at customers and how they make decisions about their purchases.What factors do they think about when buying a chocolate bar,vegetables, a book, a refrigerator or a house? How do businesses decide which company to use when buying a new computer system?Before you can start to market to people you must have some clear ideas about how they think, and understand the attributes and benefits that they are looking for.

Marketing mix

In marketing, a company is faced with two kinds of variables. First, there are the variables associated with the external environment; the environment surrounding the organization, made up of the macro-environment (the broad environment consisting of political, economic, socio-cultural,technological dimensions) and the micro-environment (the competitive structure of the industry in which the company operates). A company has no direct control of these external variables. The second set of variables contains operational variables; factors over which a company has full control.

Marketing and sales planning

Marketing and sales are fundamental to business,whatever the sector. In the private sector, it is accepted that marketing and sales planning is essential to achieve profitability and market success.In the public sector and in the charitable sector, the focus is not on profit making but on customer(or more broadly, stakeholder) satisfaction. Marketing is increasingly playing a key role in the non-profit sector to build awareness of issues and promote causes, taking the perspective of not just customers (recipients) but also donors.

IT in business

There is clear evidence that Information Technology provides competitive advantage, whatever the business sphere an organisation operates it.
To gain advantage, managers must know how IT can be used in internal and external processes to deliver better value to the end customer.

Managing and using marketing

This module will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to marketing. It is intended to be relevant to the management and operation of organisations in many different areas of the economy,including those which do not operate for profit.

Customers and their needs

The aim of modern marketing is to identify and then satisfy each customer’s needs and wants. This is often done by building relationships with customers and using these relationships to create a two-way communication between the two parties. The customer communicates his or her preferences,and the business communicates information about products that will satisfy the customer’s needs and wishes.

E-marketing communications

The success of the World Wide Web and the proliferation of the Internet and associated technologies have revolutionised the way organisations conduct their business. The most apparent change has been the support provided through technology to a number of traditional operations,such as sales, communications, customer services and marketing.

High performance sales

An organisation’s success depends on a number of factors including its operations, its marketing strategy, its human resource management and its sales. One of the most common criteria used for assessing the organisation’s success is sales growth. This is an indication that the organisation manages to maintain its existing customers but also attract interest followed by sales from new markets.

Marketing strategy

How then do organizations develop strategies in a complex marketing environment? How do they assess opportunities and threats? Which markets and segments do they target and why? Which market positions play to an organization’s strengths? What product portfolio should be maintained for long-term value? These are some of the questions we shall address.

Level 5 Modules:

The entrepreneurial manager

What is an Entrepreneur? Examine the skills and qualities of entrepreneurship.

Organisation structures

Why are organisations structured in the way they are? What determines the optimum structure and how does it differ between organisations? In this module, learners will look at the numerous models and theories that make up organisational structure.

Practical accounting analysis

Learners will complete exercises in accounts throughout this module to understand what they are telling us and the actions that analysis can precipitate.

Business planning and goal setting

What is the business trying to achieve? What will it do? How will it do it? This module focuses on the creation of clear goals and clear plans to achieve a clear objective.

Politics and business

Impact of politics on business and how it may help or hinder business. This module will educate learners on economic impact, exports and government support.

Business law

Explore the statutory responsibilities of managers as learners look into the legalities of business and business executives.

Managing in today’s world

Business in the modern world. This module focuses on governance and equality as a means to do right in business.

Performance management

Understanding how your people and your business can continually improve together, learners will review reward structures, CPD, training and development to ensure high performance in business.

Marketing and sales planning

Learners will analyse how markets, customers, competitors and products can come together in a cohesive plan.

Quantitative skills

On successful completion of this module, learners will have knowledge of numeric exercises and will understand their use within the context of the business.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP LEVEL 7-8

OVERVIEW

Strategic Management and Strategies for Growth may be done as Short Courses, for  CPD or as part of the Postgraduate Strategic Management Level 7-8 recognised internationally and by SAQA.

The course develops your all-round strategic, management and leadership skills to advance to executive management and a Top-Up MBA, or to start and grow your own business.

The course is designed for managers, entrepreneurs, professionals  and others wishing to enhance their strategic skills, positions and impact in business, government, other organisations and the broader economy.

The approach is global and local, focused on cutting-edge expertise practical work-related skills needed for growth, development and investment in the digital 21st century.

Modules

The Short Course comprises 4 Modules selected from the following in the full course, depending on your needs. Additional Modules may selected as required.

Each Module consists of guided learning material with optional exercises, readings, 24/7 support, tutoring, mentoring,  chat groups and other support mechanisms.

The course may be customised to your needs and run on a blended learning basis with workshops and assignments.  A Certificate is issued for each Module and the overall course as required.

Strategies for Growth

Exploring and applying the different strategies, models, ideas and opportunities for growth,  and the various tools, measures and controls at a managers disposal in planning and monitoring growth.

The External Environment of Business

Planning for influences on the business outside your control, including Macro Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal (PESTEL) factors, Micro Industry and Competitive factors.

Strategic Planning Tools

Exploring and applying a wide range of detailed resources, tools, models and ideas to help create an effective business strategy.

Strategic and Systems Management

Considering and deciding on the the options for strategic direction. Making the right choices for your business.

Business Planning 

Creating a practical plan to achieve the stated aims, objectives and strategies of a business.

Impact of Technology on Business

Analyse and exploit the role of e-business within a business sector.

Innovation and R&D

Creating commercial advantage from innovation and research.

Managing Projects 

Getting things done. Using the right tools to run projects.

Implementing and Managing Quality Systems

Right first time, right every time. The place of quality in business strategy.

Marketing Strategy

Creating an effective and successful market presence. Looking at the development of marketing strategies to create successful marketing campaigns.

Analysing the Competition

What are my competitors doing, how are they doing it, why are they doing it? Reviewing and analysing competitor actions to enhance managerial roles.

High Performance Sales

Learners will grasp the key elements of successful selling.

E-Marketing Communication

Understanding and using effective electronic messages to market.

Customers and their Needs

Ensuring that your customers are recognised and valued.

Qualities of Effective Leadership

Learners will explore the making and developing of powerful leaders.

Developing Interpersonal Skills

Connecting and bonding with people within the commercial sectors is extremely important for good business. This module trains learners in skills to improve and enhance communication techniques to create strong bonds.

Motivating and influencing people

Inspiring people to create a unity of direction within business.

Making decisions

Doing the right things in the right way at the right time. Learners will look at the process of making a good decision.

Creativity and problem solving

Do problems pose a threat or are they an opportunity to improve? Here, learners will figure out how to turn a problem into an advantage.

Studying and Using Management Theories

There are many theories concerned with management and the various models developed from these theories. This module looks over these theories with real life examples.

Culture and Ethics

The Culture and ethics involved in the business world today.

Governance and Directorships

Structuring and controlling a business the professional way.

Strategic Human Resource Management

Human Resource Management must play a central role in the strategy of any organization. It is concerned with people as an asset of the business.

Recruiting and CPD

Getting the best people. Developing the best people. Keeping the best people.

Measuring and Rewarding Performance

Knowing and measuring how your people are performing.

Developing High Performance Teams

Cohesion and teamwork that enhances business performance.

Interpreting Business Accounts

Using and understanding the litmus tests of business health.

Tools of Financial Analysis

Resources, tools and techniques to keep a finger on the pulse of the business.

Managing Cash and Working Capital

Cash, cash flow and working capital. The lifeblood of business.

Exercises in Quantitative Techniques

How to use and understand key figures.