Managing business operations

Effective management of the business operations undertaken within an organisation is the key to its overall success. No organisation will be able to achieve its objectives without effective management of its operations. This module is divided into six sections, each of which deals with one aspect of the management of business operations.

Maximising resources

An organisation that fails to dedicate sufficient attention to its use of resources will prove to be unprofitable over time. By being observant and prudent, any organisation can achieve significant gains from the management of its resources.

The business environment

A sound understanding of the environment in which an organisation operates is a valuable asset in management. In order to make effective decisions, it is important for managers to be aware of the factors that influence the environment and the benefits which can be achieved from using the nature of the environment to good effect. Without such knowledge, it is easy to misjudge the consequence of any actions taken.

Managing people in organisations

Effective management of people within an organisation is essential if the objectives of the organisation are to be achieved. People represent the single most important resource of the organisation and their needs must be understood and respected.

Working in teams

Modern organisations use opportunities for team working as much as possible as this is an effective and proven method for getting the best performance from members of the workforce. Teams may be involved in all activities of an organisation – from production right through to financial decision making. This module looks at the role played by teams within organisations and how the human element interacts.

Effective business communication

Good communication is essential in any organisation in order to pass information from one person to another. This module explains the need for effective communication and demonstrates how this can be achieved within a work environment.

Written assignments

The Qualifi level 3 integrated diploma in business and management has 6 modules and 12 written assignments. On completion of the modules, students will be given access to the assignments. The assignments are approximately 2,000-3,000 words each. Students are provided support on the modules and assignments via the ‘Tutor’ section of the learning platform.

The assignment unit titles that students need to complete for the Level 3 course are:

• An introduction to the business environment
• Business resources
• An introduction to marketing
• Human resource management
• Business communication
• Understanding health and safety in the business workplace
• Managing business operations
• An introduction to finance
• An Introduction to leadership skills Organisational culture
• Workplace welfare
• Thinking entrepreneurially

Students are provided the online modules and assignments at the start of their programme. These contain the titles and tasks of the assignments and are made available to students for 5 years. There are 3 assignments in total, each consisting of specific topics and tasks. It is recommended to have a word count between 2,000-3,000 words per assignment and it is also recommended to use the Harvard style of referencing. Students are provided with tips on writing and a guide to referencing.

An assignment cannot be submitted for marking until it has been checked for plagiarism. Once the work has been checked and verified, it will then be sent to an external examiner who will mark the work against the awarding bodies marking standards.

At level 3, assignments are graded Pass or Fail. If a student fails the assignment, they will be provided feedback on the areas that need improving and are allowed to resubmit the assignment free of charge.

After a student has completed and passed all the assignments, they will be sent to the awarding body for verification and if the work is deemed acceptable, the student will receive their diploma certificate within 4 weeks of submission.

Graduating students can progress onto a university programme either to join at undergraduate entry level, usually on completion of a Level 3 programme, or onto a “top-up” degree, depending on the level of their completed Ofqual programme. Generally Level 3 is undergraduate entry, Level 4 first year degree, Level 5 second year degree, Level 6 Graduate level and Level 7 Post Graduate level.

University top-up courses require you to have a qualification in a relevant subject. This means that the course of study that you choose should be closely tied to your previous qualification. However, it does not have to be the same subject. There is wide flexibility which allows our students to have a wide range of career or completion prospects upon graduation from one of our courses. Universities will generally look at your broader experiences and motivations as well as formal qualifications.

On completion of your Diploma, you will be eligible to complete a university top up programme from one of our university partners. Your final degree will be awarded by your chosen University and will not state that it has been completed online.

The level 3 course is a 120 credit course, which is equivalent to 2 A levels.

University entry level 3 programme requirements

For entry on the Level 3 qualification learners would generally be aged 16 or above. For learners who have recently been in education or training the entry profile is likely to include one of following:

• 5 or more GCSEs at grades C and above
• other related level 2 subjects
• other equivalent international qualifications

Learners must also have an appropriate standard of English to enable them to access relevant resources and complete the course modules and assignments. Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include relevant work experience (paid and/or unpaid), participation and/or achievement of relevant qualifications.

There are no specific ‘enrolment dates’. Students are able to start and finish the course at a time and date that suits them.

The cost of the course is £1900 and this includes everything you need to complete the course.