Level 7 Diploma in Business Management - Course Outline
This endorsed Level 7 Diploma in Business Management takes place over a series of 22 modules, as outlined in brief below:
Module 1 – Introduction to Business Management
The course begins with a detailed introduction to business management, examining the functions, objectives and limitations of various business management activities. The owner’s role in business management is also discussed, along with the role of shareholders and an overview of typical business management structures.
Module 2 – Operations Management
The fundamentals of operations management are then discussed in the second module, which both defines operations management and discusses several different types of operations. Roles and responsibilities within the field of operations management are discussed, alongside an introduction to General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and their applications.
Module 3 – Strategic Planning
Candidates are then presented with a detailed breakdown of the strategic planning pyramid, along with the important role of strategic planning in all aspects of business. A brief introduction to succession planning is also provided, along with a sample code of ethics and how to establish appropriate goals using the SPIRIT model.
Module 4 – Building a Strong Customer Care Team
Customer care as a key performance driver in most business areas is then discussed, along with each major stage of customer care team development. The cornerstones of a successful customer care strategy are also discussed, along with performance management techniques and additional leadership essentials for business managers.
Module 5 - Building a Better Team
The business-wide benefits of high performing teams are discussed in Module Five, which also presents learners with a detailed breakdown of the main stages of team development. Candidates learn how to define, evaluate and manage teams with continuous performance improvement as the goal.
Module 6 - Motivating Employees
Learners then consider a series of techniques and strategies for maintaining employee motivation, along with how to identify appropriate motivators and motivational triggers. Several important motivational theories are detailed and discussed, along with the steps involved in creating and maintaining a motivational climate at work.
Module 7 - Performance Management
A detailed introduction to performance management follows in the seventh module, which focuses primarily on the functions and objectives of performance management. Key areas of interest in performance management are also discussed, along with the importance of prioritising performance management in business.
Module 8 - Succession Planning
Candidates are then guided through the process of developing and implementing a workable succession plan, while considering the most important aspects of succession planning. The value and importance of succession planning in a business environment is discussed, alongside techniques and guidelines for more effective succession planning.
Module 9 - Human Resources Management
The fundamentals of efficient human resource management are discussed in the ninth module, which examines several key roles and responsibilities in the field of HMR. Manpower planning and the various sources of internal and external recruitment are discussed, along with the importance of strategic hiring and deployment.
Module 10 - Managing Change
Change management from a broader business management perspective is then explored, in which learners assess the importance of proactively managing change. The human response to change is investigated at length, along with a breakdown of the change cycle and its components, the benefits of strategic change management and more.
Module 11 - Managing Time
Efficient use of time both at work and elsewhere is discussed in Module 11, which outlines the potential benefits of strategic task prioritisation and working to a schedule. Tips and guidelines for putting an end to procrastination are also provided, along with the importance of setting realistic and measurable objectives for better workload management.
Module 12 - Creative Thinking and Innovation
The contribution creativity and innovation make to business performance is then discussed, along with the potential benefits of a creative and innovative working culture. Tools, techniques and strategies for encouraging creativity in a team are detailed and discussed, along with individual techniques for enhanced creativity and innovation.
Module 13 - Negotiation Techniques
Learners are then presented with the benefits of becoming a better negotiator, along with a detailed breakdown of the negotiation process and the phases of negotiation. Techniques for more effective and persuasive negotiating are provided, along with how to handle objections in an appropriate manner and ultimately close the sale.
Module 14 - Communication Skills
Communication as an essential business management concept is then explored at length, during which candidates consider the advantages of becoming a better listener. The use and interpretation of nonverbal messages is also discussed, along with how to respond appropriately to feelings and tips for more memorable first impressions.
Module 15 - Administrative Skills
Office administration and key daily duties in an office environment are examined in Module 15, which provides candidates with a detailed walkthrough of the contemporary business environment. Social responsibility in business is also discussed, along with a brief introduction to business ethics and more.
Module 16 - Business Etiquette
Manners and etiquette in business management are then brought into discussion, arming candidates with the knowledge and confidence needed to conduct themselves appropriately in various business settings. Specific tips and guidelines for business dining events and other types of meetings are also provided.
Module 17 - Business Ethics for the Office
A more detailed exploration of business ethics follows in Module 17, in which candidates are introduced to a variety of philosophical approaches to ethics. Several common ethical dilemmas and how they should be approached are also discussed, alongside the process of developing codes of ethics for an office environment.
Module 18 - Risk Management
Risk management as a major business management responsibility is then examined in depth. Key topics covered include the identification of risks, how to appropriately respond to risks, the use of risk management tools, the benefits of risk management and the characteristics of an effective risk management strategy.
Module 19 - Stress Management
The importance of taking a proactive and professional approach to stress management is discussed in Module 19, which helps learners build a deeper understanding of the causes and effects of stress. Numerous strategies and techniques for enhanced relaxation and everyday stress management are provided.
Module 20 - Developing your Executive Presence
Executive presence and the importance of leaving a lasting impression on important individuals is then discussed. Module 20 also brings advanced interpersonal communication skills into discussion, the development of true leadership skills and how to establish a memorable and impactful executive presence.
Module 21 - Developing a High Reliability Organisation
The concept of the High Reliability Organisation is detailed and discussed in Module 21, along with essential HRO principles and strategies for HRO development. Additional topics covered include containment principles, anticipation principles, auditing for high reliability and more.
Module 22 - Managing Your First Impression
Concluding the course, Module 22 provides a step-by-step guide to first impressions and the art of building trust, credibility and rapport. Key topics covered include the importance of confidence, eye contact as a trust builder, the professional handshake, dressing for success and the criticality of remembering names.