Business Planning (QQI Level 6)

Course details

This distance learning course is designed to equip entrepreneurs with skills and knowledge to develop a comprehensive and soundly based business plan. Students will learn how to:

• complete a market analysis,
• evaluate and develop a business idea,
• complete financial planning and analysis,
• develop a marketing plan and pricing strategy,
• develop customer service and quality standards, and
• write a professional business plan.

This distance learning, FETAC accredited course means that Students can study flexibly at home, or at any convenient place and time, and can gain a nationally accredited Qualification. The course is designed for those who wish to write a business plan for a new business initiative and maybe wish to present this for funding. It would also be useful for those working in existing businesses who wish to develop their overall business planning skills or perhaps for those who wish to diversify and expand their business activities.

Students receive a comprehensive Course Manual, Assignments, Efficient Study guide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration. The course documentation for this FETAC certified course is detailed and easy to read.

Topics covered include:

• Setting Up a New Business
• Choosing a Legal Entity
• Records and Legalities
• The Business Plan
• The Business Idea
• Customer Research
• Target Market Selection
• Competitor Analysis
• PEST Analysis
• SWOT Analysis
• Premises
• Equipment and Suppliers
• Entrepreneurial Skills
• People Management Skills
• Organising Your Business
• Start-up Finance
• Capital Requirements
• Financial Statements
• Survival Budgets
• Forecasting
• Depreciation
• Applying for a loan
• Marketing plan
• Customer Service
• Quality Control
• How to Write a Business Plan
• Plan Template
• Support available for start-ups

Who should complete this course?

• Owners of new or growing businesses who wish to gain a formal accredited qualification in business planning.
• Those considering starting a new business, or those with a business idea who wish to determine its potential.
• People who wish to gain a professional, accredited qualification in the subject matter by distance learning.

Preferred entry level

As this programme is delivered through distance learning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.

Programme Entry Requirements

If you take this course by distance learning the course material will be posted to you.  You can complete and return assignments/projects which must be typed rather than handwritten either by post or by email.

If you take this course by eLearning you will need basic IT skills and have access to broadband.

Progression to further Studies

This course leads to a level 6 award on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Students who successfully complete this programme may use this Level 6 credit towards the FETAC advanced Certificate in Management programme (Ref. BMANX).