The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop effective research plans, to evaluate different research methods, to use a high standard of academic writing, and to use independent learning techniques to support their self-development.

Learning Outcome

1. Understand the use of different sources of

information.

• Sources of information: secondary and primary sources; questionnaires, interviews, books, journals, internet; scope and limitations
• Research formulation: aims and objectives;

rationale for selection; methodology for data collection and analysis; literature review; critique of references

• Formulating: aims and objectives; terms of reference; duration; ethical issues.
• Action plan: rationale for research question or hypothesis; milestones; task dates.
• Research design: type of research e.g.

2. Be able to conduct a basic literature review.

           2.1 Review literature using a range of sources.

           2.2 Develop arguments from different perspectives in line with findings.

           2.3 Present the output of the literature review.

3. Be able to evaluate research and data collection methods.

           3.1 Evaluate the different methods of collecting and analysing data.

           3.2 Use different methods to collect and analyse data.

4. Be able to produce academic work applying the Harvard Referencing system.

           4.1 Explain the importance of avoiding plagiarism and academic misconduct.

           4.2 Produce a piece of academic writing, applying the Harvard Referencing system.

5. Be able to use techniques for independent learning, self-study and evaluation of own academic work.

           5.1 Use study plans to achieve research and academic writing objectives.

           5.2 Use independent learning techniques.

           5.3 Reflect on research and academic writing.

The aim of this unit to develop learners’ understanding of the dimensions of the business environment, including various business types and purpose.

Learning Outcome

1. Understand business organisations, their purpose and stakeholders.

           1.1 Compare different types of organisations and their purposes.

           1.2 Explain the stakeholder roles and strategic responsibilities.

           1.3 Explain how different stakeholders’ objectives are met.

2. Understand the economic implications of operating businesses.

           2.1 Explain economic systems in relation to resource allocation and utilisation.

           2.2 Assess the influences of fiscal and monetary policies on business activities.

           2.3 Assess the impact of competition.

           2.4 Evaluate the impact of regulation activities on organisations.

3. Understand business market environments.

           3.1 Explain market decisions and its influences on the policies of a specified business.

           3.2 Evaluate an organisation’s response to market forces.

           3.3Explain the importance of assessing culture in the business environment.

4. Understand the effects of Global Markets and the need for organisations to operate globally.

           4.1 Explain the value of international markets to UK businesses.

           4.2 Explain global factors affecting businesses.

           4.3 Evaluate the impacts of EU policies on UK businesses.

The aim of this unit is to enhance learners’ business communication skills and enable them to operate confidently in the business world. Learners will be able to:

• make persuasive presentations
• negotiate convincingly
• write reports that address and/or solve strategic problems
• write promotional material
• enhance their cultural awareness
• enhance their understanding of cross-cultural communication, and the role of languages in

business.

Learning Outcome:

1. Understand the principles which govern communication in business situations.

           1.1 Categorise the aims of business communication.

           1.2 Evaluate the benefits and limitations of a particular communication medium in a given situation.

           1.3 Explain how relationships between people affect communication.

           1.4 Explain different communication models.

2. Be able to compose common types of written communication.

           2.1 Produce common types of formal business communications using language appropriate for its purpose.

           2.2 Produce types of informal business communications using language appropriate for its purpose.

3. Understand the principles of oral and non-verbalcommunication

           3.1 Explain how to communicate effectively face to face in both formal and informal situations.

           3.2 Explain how body language and physical appearance can help or hinder communication.

The aim of this unit is to review the basic concepts in mathematics, algebraic equations, graph construction, matrix algebra and probability that need to be understood by all business learners. The emphasis rests on applying these concepts to a variety of mathematical problems encountered in business contexts.

Learning Outcome:

1. Understand the rules of numeracy.

           1.1 Apply the four rules of numeracy.

           1.2 Express numbers in standard form.

           1.3 Multiply and divide negative numbers.

2. Be able to make and apply calculations relevant to business.

           2.1 Compare numbers and approximate data.

           2.2 Determine values for simple financial transactions.

           2.3 Make and apply calculations.

3. Be able to use algebraic methods to solve business problems.

           3.1 Solve equations using algebraic methods.

           3.2 Solve equations using roots or logarithms.

           3.3 Determine the equation of a straight line.

4. Be able to construct and use graphs, charts and diagrams in a business context.

           4.1 Draw charts and diagrams derived from tabular business data.

           4.2 Plot graphs, applying the general rules and principles of graphical construction.

           4.3 Plot and interpret mathematical graphs of business data.

5. Be able to apply statistical methods to provide business and management information.

           5.1 Distinguish between different types of business data.

           5.2 Represent and interpret business data.

           5.3 Determine and interpret summary statistics.

6. Be able to apply the laws of probability to find solutions to business problems.

           6.1 Explain the application of the laws of probability in a business context

           6.2 Calculate the expected value of an outcome.

           6.3 Determine probabilities using the normal distribution.

The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding of businesses types and various external influences on organisations such as the comparative environmental framework.

1. Understand business objectives, accountability for them, and how they are resourced,

           1.1 Explain key business terms related to corporate objectives.

           1.2 Determine human and other resources required by a business.

2. Understand the structure and classification of businesses.

           2.1 Classify an economy by sectors.

           2.2 Evaluate different forms of corporate legal structure.

3. Understand factors that influence the production process.

           3.1 Explain economies and diseconomies of scale.

           3.2 Explain the factors that influence the location of a business.

           3.3 Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of a production process in a business context.

4. Be able to articulate the elements of the marketing process including strategy, planning and research.

           4.1 Explain the importance of the marketing process.

           4.2 Define terms: market segmentation, Product Life Cycle, Unique Selling Point.

           4.3 Explain marketing strategy in terms of company objectives, available resources and market possibilities.

           4.4 Explain different methods of market research.

5. Understand accounting concepts and sources of finance for business.

           5.1 Define basic accounting and budgeting concepts.

           5.2 Differentiate between different sources of finance for business.

6. Understand factors involved in workforce planning and the importance of motivation.

           6.1 Understand factors involved in workforce planning and the importance of motivation.

           6.2 Evaluate different motivation theories.

           6.3 Evaluate contemporary approaches to motivation.

The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding of the current regulations governing financial reporting, as well as the purpose and formats of financial statements for different users.

Learning Outcome:

1. Understand sources of finance available to a business.

           1.1 Assess the benefits and limitations of the different sources of finance.

           1.2 Evaluate appropriate sources of finance for a business project.

2. Understand finance as a resource within a business.

           2.1 Determine the costs of different sources of finance.

           2.2 Explain the importance of financial planning.

           2.3 Assess the information needs of different decision makers in a business.

           2.4 Explain the impact of sources of finance on the financial statement.

3. Be able to make financial decisions based on financial information.

           3.1 Analyse budgets and recommend appropriate decisions.

           3.2 Explain the calculation of unit costs.

           3.3 Make pricing decisions using relevant information.

           3.4 Assess the viability of a project using investment appraisal techniques.

4. Be able to assess the financial performance of a business.

           4.1 Compare formats of financial statements appropriate for different types of business.

           4.2 Interpret financial statements using appropriate ratios and comparisons, both internal and external.