Business Studies Diploma Course

This Business Studies Diploma course has been designed to provide students with an understanding of how businesses work; how the world around them affects decision-making within a business; what leads to change and how businesses respond to these issues; and the range of perspectives that can be taken on business activities.

It also helps develop a range of important and transferable skills: data skills; presenting arguments and making recommendations on the basis of the available evidence; and problem solving.

Students will study a broad variety of business related topics ranging from finance to operations management to provide them with a sound understanding of the subject. This course is ideal for those hoping to study a business related course at higher or further education.

All of the modules have references to the textbook (non compulsory) and selected websites. At the end of each lesson is a set of self assessed examination preparation questions to help prepare for the final examination. After studying the module you should be able to answer these questions. If you struggle with any of them, go back and re-read the relevant section.

Please note that this is an online course and your materials are delivered within the College web site in PDF format.

You will require to have one of the following packages to access your course online:

• Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
• Macintosh: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above

In the student 'Common Room' you are also able to receive the latest course updates, extra materials and information. You will also be able to take part in the student chat room and forums as part of our online student community.

After enrolling online you will receive your username and password to access your materials within 5 working days. You will also receive your personal student number via email.

Courses in paper/file format are available at an additional fee of £45.00 and you should call our office on 0800 0131030 if you prefer the paper option. This service is available to all students both in the UK and Internationally. 

Course fees: £529.00 if paid in full.

Pay monthly option: £159 Deposit followed by 8 monthly payments of £55.00. (Total fees of £599.00) Call in for guaranteed payment plan.

Entry requirements:

There are no previous skills or qualifications required to register for this study programme.

Support:

All students will be assigned a personal tutor with whom they may correspond with via telephone or email. Details will be in your course study pack.

Duration:

All students have two years to complete this course from date of registration. 37 hours average study per module.

Provided materials:

• Online Access to course materials
• Unlimited support Monday to Friday
• Registration
• Certification
• Access to student common room

Examination:

All students are required to complete online multiple choice final examination. This can be sat from home at anytime of the year.

Assessment method:

This course is completed using continual assessment, allowing your tutor to closely monitor your progress every step of the way.

Qualification:

Business Studies Level 3 Diploma

This course is Quality Assured by Ascentis This is a dual certification course. You will receive a certificate from both the College and also the National Awarding body Ascentis. Fees for both are included in the course fee. The course can be enrolled upon by students Internationally. There are no deadlines for enrolments.

Course syllabus:

Further questions? Please call in on 0800 0131030 and speak to one of our support team.

Module One - Starting a Business

• Enterprise
• Generating and protecting business ideas
• Transforming resources into goods and services
• Developing business plans
• Conducting start up market research
• Understanding markets
• Choosing the right legal structure for the business
• Raising finance
• Locating the business
• Employing people

Module Two - Financial Planning

• Calculating costs
• Using Break-even analysis to make decisions
• Using cash flow forecasting
• Setting budgets
• Assessing business start- ups

Module Three - Finance

• Using budgets
• Improving cash flow
• Measuring and increasing profit

Module Four - People in Business

• Organisational structures
• Measuring the effectiveness of the workforce
• Developing an effective workforce
• Motivating employees

Module Five - Operations Management

• Making operational decisions
• Developing quality
• Customer service
• Working with suppliers
• Using technology in operations

Module Six - Marketing and the Competitive Market

• Effective marketing
• Designing the marketing mix
• Marketing mix: product
• Marketing mix: promotion
• Marketing mix: pricing
• Marketing mix: place
• Marketing and competitiveness

Module Seven - Marketing Strategies and Operations Management

• Understanding marketing objectives
• Analysing markets
• Selecting marketing strategies
• Developing marketing plans
• Understanding operational objectives
• Operational strategies: scale and resource
• Operational strategies: innovation
• Operational strategies: location
• Operational strategies: lean production

Module Eight - Human Strategies, Financial Strategies and Accounts

• HR objectives and strategies
• Developing and implementing workforce plans
• Competitive organisational structures
• Effective employee/employer relations

Module Nine - The Business Environment

• Businesses and economics
• Businesses and the political and legal environment
• Businesses and the social environment
• Businesses and the technological environment
• Businesses and the competitive environment

Module Ten - Managing Change

• Internal causes of change
• Planning for change
• Key influences on change
• Making strategic decisions
• Implementing and managing change