IIE Business Management - Distance

Course details

This short learning programme (SLP) introduces students to the field of business management. The rapidly changing and competitive context within which a business operates is examined and the purpose of a business in society discussed.

The exciting field of entrepreneurship will be explored and the decisions relating to starting a business introduced. Students also learn about the contemporary issues relating to corporate social responsibility and the business environment. Through the exploration of these environments, the student becomes aware of challenging issues managers have to deal with on a daily basis, and the student will gain knowledge of how best to deal with these issues.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This programme is specifically designed for an individual wanting to:

• Gain a foundational understanding of business management and who may have the intention to further their studies in management.
• New Managers with a knowledge base limited to a specific functional area of business.
• Persons wishing to update their knowledge of practices in business management in a changing world.

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF DISTANCE STUDIES

The distance delivery mode provides the student with the opportunity to study in the comfort of their home and to plan the study workload according to their individual pace. The study material, which has been carefully designed with distance students' needs in mind, entails the following:

• A module guide designed to lead the student through the textbook. It includes questions and answers for practice and revision.
• An online learning portal, containing interactive, media rich activities for students to engage with in order to deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
• An online tutor who maintains the human experience of the learning process.

Students will be provided with the added value of face to face sessions. These sessions are highly recommended, as they provide the opportunity for rich discussion and conceptual explanation and to meet fellow students with whom to network. Students who attend face to face sessions are more likely to be motivated and to remain committed to their studies. However, should students not be able to attend any face to face sessions, the module guide, textbook and online facilitation will provide the necessary support for student success.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Students should meet the following requirements:

• Be proficient in English.
• Should have three to four years work experience.
• Must be able to engage in self-directed study.

PROGRAMME MATERIAL

• The SLP fee includes all programme material, which becomes the property of the student. This material is a valuable source for ongoing reference.

PROGRAMME EVALUATION

• The completion of assignments, tests and examinations will be required.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

• The purpose of this SLP is to provide students with a broad introduction to the field of business management and the business environment. Students will develop an understanding of the basic management activities and departments involved in the establishment and ongoing management of a business.

PROGRAMME CONTENT

• There are two parts to this SLP, Business Management 1a and Business Management 1b. Each section is briefly described below:

Business Management 1A

• Understanding of the concepts, principles and practices of management in the business world.
• Management activities in a business context.
• The impact that different business environments have on the business and managerial roles.
• The role that corporate social responsibility plays in an organisation.
• iscusses the four main functions of business management which are planning, organising, leading and control.

Business Management 1B

• Principles of Operations Management: Includes operation principles for manufacturing and service organisations.
• Principles of Human Resource Management: Some of the key aspects include selection and recruitment processes, staff training and development options and basic leadership principles.
• Principles of Marketing: This includes creating an understanding of product, price, distribution and promotion strategies.
• Principles of Finance: This topic provides insight into the role of the Financial Manager and helps the individual with an overview of budgeting, managing costs and interpreting financial statements. No prior knowledge of accounting is required.
• Purchasing and Supply Management
• Introduction to Strategic Management: This topic briefly touches on strategic alignment and the Strategic Management process.

CERTIFICATION

The Business Management Programme is a SLP certified by The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). Varsity College is an educational brand of The IIE.

Students can, on successful completion, apply to be exempt, based on recognition of prior learning, from the equivalent full qualification/SLP module when registering for any of the following programmes of The IIE:

• Higher Certificate in Business Principles and Practice. (Exempt from Business Management 1a and 1b).
• The IIE BCom degree (Exempt from Business Management 1a and 1b).

Important note: Entrance requirements apply. Please speak to a consultant for more details.

Curriculum changes may occur.

All SLPs available through Varsity College's The Business School have been specifically designed for working adults. These SLPs differ from The IIE full qualifications available through Varsity College which are registered on the National Qualifications Framework. Before registration students must ensure that the programme selected best suits their individual learning and workplace objectives.

' Updated on 20 June, 2016