Post-Graduate Diploma In Business Administration

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Managerial Accounting
This unit explains accounting techniques and terminology, giving participants the conceptual and practical skills to understand complex financial strategies. The unit does not assume prior knowledge of accounting and financial management and introduces the double entry bookkeeping system, trial balance, adjusting entries, the worksheet and the preparation of financial reports. The basics of strategic cash flow and financial statement analysis are also introduced with a focus on the management and practical aspects of the accounting process.

Managerial Marketing
Marketing is the planning and execution of the conception, pricing, promotion and distribution of ideas, goods and services to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organisational goals. This unit examines this process from start to finish and help students to develop a systematic approach to marketing management; from understanding the needs and wants of customers to effectively managing products, services, and markets. The main elements of product management; pricing, managing distribution channels and the promotional mix are introduced. Participants are encouraged to apply both strategic and operational principles of marketing management to their own customers, products, services and markets.

Managerial Economics
Managerial economics uses applied economic theory as a framework to formulate intelligent and rational business solutions and decisions. Microeconomic principles are applied to the analysis of internal business and external market conditions to enable informed forecasting. Macroeconomic analysis is used to explain the impact of general economic and financial environments on the business and the environment in which the business operates.

Introduction to Information Systems
Organisations use information systems to formalise their data and communication processes. In this context, information systems are conceptualised, created and managed. To be effective, practitioners require an understanding of the business use of IT. This unit provides a broad overview of the area and places a foundation of knowledge and skills for identifying and analysing the use of information systems.

Managerial Finance
Participants are provided with an understanding of the financial management of organisations, and how funds are raised and allocated within organisations. Special focus is placed on an organisation's primary financial functions, investment, financing, and strategic and risk management. The important underlying theme of this unit is that a business must add value. In examining value, participants will be introduced to the three basic ideas in finance: the time value of money, diversification and arbitrage. Management decisions regarding capital structure, the cost of capital, investment choices, short-term asset and liability management and dividend policy will be examined.

Business Research and Data Interpretation
This unit is designed to equip managers with the research methodology and skills to make effective use of data in the business workplace. Standard statistical and graphical techniques are used to analyse data using examples applicable to management, marketing, finance and economics. Students are shown how statistics and analysis of data can assist managers to make better decisions. Participants acquire the ability to collect and manage data, typically using general Excel based skills and will have an understanding of how to describe and model complex business relationships. The unit introduces sampling and inference techniques applicable to means and proportions and develop an understanding of regression modeling and forecasting.

Managing People and Change
This unit includes a module on managing people and a module on organisational change. Managing People explores the issues involved in the management of people, groups and organisations. The module discusses the role of the manager as leader and motivator and allows participants to evaluate the effectiveness and functionality of groups under their management. Issues of group and business cultures and their impact on performance are discussed.
Organisational Change explores selected theories and concepts of change management, beginning with individuals and culminating with the whole organisation. Participants in this unit will learn to identify and develop the key skills needed to lead and implement change.

Strategic Management
Strategic behaviour theory provides a structured approach to business strategy formulation. This unit examines many of the most useful and proven theoretical structures and then applies them to real management problems, with an awareness of their limitations. The alignment of strategy within the organisation, organisational systems and people are studied. Several diagnostic models are used to evaluate a firm's relative strengths and weaknesses, the threats and opportunities in its external environment, and the key issues affecting its competitiveness. Analysis is used to identify possible inefficiencies and make prescriptions for change. Implementation of the recommended changes will also be discussed.