Business Management
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Course Specification Business Management Association of Business Executives (ABE) July 2012 Prepared By Arun Chalise Course Specification 2012 Page 1 Business Management
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Course Specification Business Management Awarding Institution/Body. Association of Business Executives (ABE) Teaching Institution. Williams College Recognition by Professional Body N/A Final award and level of qualification. ABE Level 6 Diploma in Business Management (Graduate) ABE Level 6 Diploma in Business Management (Graduate Integrated) Programme title (name on certificate). Business Management Qualification number (500/8763/0) (500/9580/8) QAA subject benchmark statement(s) where relevant. Date of initial validation. June 2009 Date of revision. July 2012 External and Internal Reference Points The educational aims and outcomes of the course have been written with reference to the following reference points. External Refers to the QAA Benchmark and guidelines for General Business & Management 2007, ABE Rules & Regulations for conduct of the program, guidance on tutoring and exam arrangements. ABE Business Management Program is offered at QCF level 4 to 7 and is accredited by Ofqual. Williams College has applied for Recognised Educational Oversight (REO) by QAA and all programmes fall under the QAA Academic Infrastructure (AI). Internal Williams College provides the recommendation for the course specification and its outcome. This Qualification Requirement should be read in conjunction with overarching guidance from the ABE. Williams College has internal procedures to assure the quality of provision to be offered to students and to enhance the quality in the light of experience following delivery, taking into account the input Course Specification 2012 Page 2 Business Management
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of external experts and students. The procedures are set out in the College’s Quality Assurance Handbook. Main Educational Aims of the Course ABE program is mapped at Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) in the UK and are examined at Level 4 Diploma, Level 5 Higher Diploma and Level 6 Graduate Diploma. ABE has also Graduate Integrated Diploma in Business Management accredited by Ofqual as a Level 6 qualification. The BM programme is a comprehensive and detailed programme which covers the knowledge and skills required in modern business practice. The programme provides you with an appreciation of the theoretical issues involved in the study of business whilst also helping you to develop a range of practical skills which will enhance your value to employers. The main objectives of the program are:  Developing the knowledge of business and management topics • Developing key competencies ‐ allowing students to tackle work projects and situations effectively • Giving students the potential to develop professional career • Giving students the platform to progress onto Bachelors, Masters or MBA degree courses around the world Higher‐Level Skills Requirements Learners studying for the ABE Business Management Program will be expected to develop the following skills during the course: •
ability to integrate a range of concepts, knowledge and skills in Business & Management. •
ability to apply complex management theories to practical work situations. •
independence of approach to study and the generation of new ideas. •
ability to engage with complex and/or unpredictable situations in different business contexts •
ability to take responsibility to manage and direct their own and subordinates’ activities, insights and judgement. •
research and investigative skills •
responsiveness to change and ability to multi‐task •
ability to make decision, being innovative and work in a creative way. Structure, Key Features and Modules •
The ABE Business Management Program has been developed to focus on providing education and training for a range of careers in business, administration and management. ABE Business Management The BM programme comprises three pathways: 1. Business Management pathway 2. Management of Information Systems pathway Course Specification 2012 Page 3 Business Management
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3. Financial Management pathway Each of the pathways is split into three levels: Diploma‐ QCF level 4, Higher Diploma‐Level 5, Graduate Diploma and Integrated Graduate Diploma‐Level 6. Curriculum & List of Modules BUSINESS MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT OF PATHWAY PATHWAY INFORMATION SYSTEM PATHWAY Diploma (Level 4) (Compulsory units) (Compulsory units) (Compulsory units) - Introduction to Business - Introduction to Business - Introduction to Business - Introduction to Quantitative - Introduction to Quantitative - Introduction to Quantitative Methods - Introduction to Business Methods - Introduction to Business Communication ‐ Introduction to Accounting Methods - Introduction to Business Communication Communication - Accounting for Financial - Introduction to Managers Management Information Systems Entry requirements: Open entry, and you must be competent in English (IELTS 5.5 minimum) and GSCE in Mathematics or equivalent. Higher Diploma (Level 5) (Compulsory units) (Compulsory units) (Compulsory units) - Quantitative Methods for - Quantitative Methods for - Quantitative Methods for Business Management Business Management Business Management - The Business Environment - The Business Environment - The Business Environment - Financial Accounting - Financial Accounting - Financial Accounting - Marketing Policy, Planning - Marketing Policy, Planning - Marketing Policy, Planning and Communication and Communication and Communication - Organisational Behaviour - Organisational Behaviour - Organisational Behaviour - Human Resource - Human Resource - Human Resource Management Management Management Course Specification 2012 Page 4 Business Management
Optional units (choose two units) - Principles of Business Law - Managerial Accounting 2012
- Systems Management and Optional units (choose two Internal Financial Controls units) - Managerial Accounting - Information Systems Applications for Business - Economics for Business - Information Systems Development - Managing the Customer - Managing the Customer Relationship Relationship - Entrepreneurship and Business Development - Entry requirements: One of the following: - An ABE Level 4 Diploma or equivalent - Two GCE A levels or any Level 3 equivalent together with four GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English and Mathematics - BTEC National Diploma or overseas equivalent - An Access Certificate from a UK College of Further Education - Any NVQ Level 3 qualifications Graduate Diploma (Level 6) Compulsory units - Corporate Strategy and Planning Compulsory units Compulsory units - Corporate strategy and - Corporate strategy and Planning Planning - Managing in Organisations - Managing in Organisations - Managing in Organisations - International Business Case - International Business Case - International Business Case Study Study Study Optional units (choose two - Corporate Finance - Project Management units) - International Business - Information Systems for Finance and Planning Strategic Management - Strategic Marketing Management - Strategic Human Resource Management - Project Management - Corporate Finance Entry requirements One of the following: - An ABE Level 5 Diploma or equivalent qualification from another internationally recognised Course Specification 2012 Page 5 Business Management
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awarding body or approved Overseas Institute of Higher Education - A UK Degree or Overseas equivalent, awarded by a recognised university, or a BTEC HND - Five years’ managerial experience Graduate Integrated Diploma (Level 6) Compulsory units Compulsory units - Quantitative Methods for - Quantitative Methods for Business Management Business Management Compulsory units Quantitative Methods for Business Management - The Business Environment - The Business Environment - The Business Environment - Financial Accounting - Financial Accounting - Financial Accounting - Marketing Policy, Planning - Marketing Policy, Planning - Marketing Policy, Planning and Communication and Communication and Communication - Organisational Behaviour - Organisational Behaviour - Organisational Behaviour - Human Resource - Human Resource - Human Resource Management Management - Corporate Strategy and Planning - Systems Management and Internal Financial Controls Management - Corporate Strategy and Planning - Managing in Organisations - Managerial Accounting - Managing in Organisations - International Business Case - Corporate strategy and - International Business Case Study - Optional units (choose two units from) - Principles of Business Law Planning - Managing in Organisations - Project Management - International Business Case - Information Systems for Study - Managerial Accounting - Corporate Finance - Economics for Business - International Business - Managing the Customer Finance and Planning Relationship - Entrepreneurship and Business Development - Optional two units from - Strategic Marketing Management Study Strategic Management - Optional units (choose two units) - Information Systems Applications for Business - Information Systems Development - Managing the Customer Relationship - Strategic Human Resource Management Course Specification 2012 Page 6 Business Management
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- Project Management - Corporate Finance - - Entry requirements One of the following: ‐ Any ABE Level 4 Diploma or equivalent - Any Level 3 qualification or equivalent - 2 years’ relevant work experience - And you must be competent in English (IELTS 5.0 minimum) and Mathematics Progression Route and Course Map Course Outcomes The course provides opportunities for the student, to achieve and demonstrate the following outcomes: Course Specification 2012 Page 7 Business Management
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Equipping individuals with knowledge, understanding and skills for success in employment. 
Enabling progression to an undergraduate degree or further professional qualification in a related area. 
Providing opportunities for specialist study in the relevant stream. 
Supporting individuals employed or entering employment. 
Developing a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life, thereby enabling learners to make an immediate contribution to employment 
Providing flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development. Intellectual / thinking skills – able to develop: 
Cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis. 
Effective problem solving and decision making using appropriate quantitative and qualitative skills, including identifying, formulating and solving problems. 
Effective communications, oral and in writing as essential leadership attribute. 
Numeric and quantitative skills and the use of business proven models in problems identification and decision making. 
Effective use of communication and information technology tools. 
Effective self‐management in terms of time planning, behaviour, motivation, self‐initiative, and enterprise. 
Developing a systematic learning style. 
Self‐awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures and society. 
Effective performance within a team environment, including leadership, team building, influencing and project management skills. 
Interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuading and presentation. 
Abilities to conduct research in any areas of business and management. Transferable/key skills – able to: Work in a self‐disciplined and self‐directed manner, showing both independence of mind and initiative Course Specification 2012 Page 8 Business Management
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Have respect for others' views 
Gather, evaluate and synthesise different types of information 
Formulate questions and solve problems – both individually and as part of a team 
Demonstrate presentation skills, both oral and written 
Possess IT skills, including word‐processing, communicating by email and using the web, accessing information from electronic as well as non‐electronic sources 
Write clearly and use accurate referencing 
Attend closely to the meaning of written documents Teaching, Learning and Assessment The teaching, learning and assessment strategies and methods used in the course to enable learning outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated by the student. The purpose of assessment is to ensure that effective learning of the content of each unit has taken place. Evidence of this learning, or the application of the learning, is required for each unit. Diagnostic assessment is done at the time of enrolment to the course to assess if the candidate meets the entry requirement for the level he/she entering. Formative assessment are done through class works and class test, case studies participation , presentation, questions and discussion. Summative assessment is an examination set and marked by the ABE twice per year – June and December. Each exam carries 100% weight. Teaching and Learning Methods 
Lecture and seminar, using Power Point Presentation and hand‐outs. 
Group discussion and Q&A sessions 
Use of case studies and researches 
Individual and group presentation 
Individual learning tasks and use of IT lab for ICT skills development Learning outcomes and assessment criteria Each subject has a detailed syllabus outlining the Learning Outcomes and the content of the course. The syllabus on each subjects evidence the level of expectation each learner should produce in order to pass the subject. Examinations are marked with maximum mark of 100. Successful candidates will be awarded a graded pass in each subject. Merits or Distinctions will be awarded where applicable. Course Specification 2012 Page 9 Business Management
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Please see below details of the grades: Grade A* 75 ‐ 100% Higher Distinction Grade A 65 ‐ 74% Distinction Grade B 50 ‐ 64% Merit Grade C 40 ‐ 49% Pass Grade D 30 ‐ 39% Marginal Fail Grade E 15 ‐ 29% Fail Grade F 0 ‐ 14% Unclassified Assessment Formative assessment methods include essays, case studies, presentations, group case studies, group presentation and independent projects. The teaching team is of the view that the use of a wide range of appropriate assessment methods provides alternative learning opportunities for many students with differing abilities to demonstrate their ability. Formative assessment takes place throughout each semester for each unit in the form of individual criticism, group criticism and personal tutorial. Cognitive skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, group discussions and independent study. Summative assessment takes place after completing the semester for each unit through examination conducted by ABE bi annually which carries the 100% weight of the credit hours in each subject. Progression After completing the Level 6 Diploma the student have three choices. Firstly, they can go on to the Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management or they can use ABE qualification to obtain a more senior position in the workplace. Level 6 Diploma holders have the skills and knowledge required for managerial roles. Thirdly, students can enter the final year of many degree programmes in countries including the UK, US, Australia and Canada Career Paths The positions below are examples of jobs currently held by ABE Business Management qualification holders. The list is not exhaustive as ABE qualifications are applicable to a wide range of vocations. • Diploma in BM ‐ Marketing Assistant, Administration Assistant, or Accounts Assistant Course Specification 2012 Page 10 Business Management
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• Higher Diploma in BM – Marketing Executive, Management Trainee, or Secretary • Graduate Diploma in BM – Marketing Manager, Office Manager, or HRM Manager Additional Information ABE course related material and updates can be found at: http://www.abeuk.com Course Specification 2012 Page 11