Business Practices

Course Materials
Each module is supported by comprehensive study materials designed to provide students and tutors with everything required to complete their course of study. Study folders are presented in A4 ring-binder format and include study guide, core unit, elected unit(s) and student assignments. Materials are produced by Study House Limited; an established publisher of learning materials. Students using Study House materials are provided with a series of tutor marked assignments which are designed to ensure that learning outcomes are met.

Course structure
The Business Practices suite of qualifications provides 22 units each covering a business topic. Students may elect to study individual
units or a series, and on completion will be eligible for a Diploma, Certificate or Award in Business Practices. Each student also completes a short core unit designed to promote the application of learning to a business situation.

Course Delivery
Completion of the qualifications is based upon achievement of specified learning outcomes. Consequently students may follow any form of delivery model devised by their study centre. This can include open, distance & blended learning as well as tutor led courses. Qualifications are based on completing between 90 and 300 guided learning hours but this can be conducted over a timescale determined by the course provider.
Students may also gain accreditation of prior learning provided that the course learning outcomes are achieved.
Registration and accreditation of students takes place throughout the year, providing unlimited roll-on & roll-off opportunities.

Assessment
Assessment for each unit and qualification requires the production of a portfolio of work which demonstrates achievement of the
learning outcomes. Tutors mark student work against specified learning outcomes. Students are presented with comprehensive case study details which can be used to demonstrate their learning if not currently in employment. Assessments are set by centres and internally moderated. The awarding body undertakes external moderation but there are no externally set assessments of examinations.

Study Options
The suite of Qualifications provides a wide range of accredited learning outcomes leading to:
Diploma in Business Practices (300)
Certificate in Business Practices (150)
Award in Business Practices (90)
(Figures in brackets denote the Guided Learning Hours)
All qualifications include a core unit of 30 GLH "Reviewing and Improving Business Practices"
The full range of learning options is listed below:

Diploma in Business Practices
60 Guided Learning Hours from each of any four strands + Core 1+ Core 2

Certificate in Business Practices
A range of certificate routes is available each including the Core Unit 1:
Management (All Strand 1 + Core )
Development (All Strand 2 + Core )
Marketing (All Strand 3 + Core )
Sales & Marketing (All Strand 4 + Core )
Customer Services (All Strand 5 + Core )
Human Resources (All Strand 6 + Core )
Human Relations (2 from Strand 7 + Core )
Business Startup (Units 21, 22, 11 + Core )

Award in Business Practices
Awards are available in any of the unit titles listed [subject to completing a learning programme of 60 GLH plus Core 1study unit]:

Award Units
CORE UNITS
1 Reviewing and Improving Business Practices
2 Integrating Business Practices Case Study

STRAND 1 - MANAGEMENT
1 Principles and Practice of Managing
2 Principles and Practice of Employing People
3 Reviewing Staff Performance
4 Complying with Business Law and Regulation

STRAND 2 - DEVELOPMENT
5 Coaching Staff
6 Delegation Responsibility and Authority
7 Influencing People at Work
8 Problem Solving at Work

STRAND 3 - FINANCE
9 Recording Financial Transactions
10 Measuring & Reporting Financial Performance

STRAND 4 - SALES & MARKETING
11 Marketing & Promoting a Business
12 Developing Sales Skills

STRAND 5 - CUSTOMER SERVICE
13 Customer Care in Practice
14 Customer Service Excellence

STRAND 6 - HUMAN RESOURCES
15 Personnel Administration Practices
16 Training and Development Practices

STRAND 7 - HUMAN RELATIONS
17 Understanding Workplace Stress
18 Understanding Workplace Conflict
19 Understanding Workplace Change
20 Understanding Workplace Equality & Diversity

STRAND 8 - BUSINESS START-UP
21 Planning a New Business Venture
22 Financing a New Business Venture