Qualification Purpose:

This unit equips learners with the analytical tools and strategic models necessary to develop and evaluate business and financial plans. Learners will examine both internal and external influences on business strategy, assess the feasibility and risk of financial decisions, and explore the integration of strategic objectives with leadership approaches. Topics include the evaluation of strategic planning frameworks, organisational effectiveness, goal alignment, and leadership strategies. Learners will also explore how business strategy interacts with organisational mission, vision, and values and how to ensure alignment across all operational levels.

This unit develops learners’ competence in corporate financial decision-making and resource allocation. Learners will analyse capital budgeting, risk and return, cost of capital, and sources of business finance. A strong emphasis is placed on applying investment appraisal techniques such as discounted cash flow, evaluating gearing and capital structures, and managing financial risk. The unit also addresses foreign exchange exposure, working capital management, and the valuation of equity and debt. Learners will gain practical insight into selecting financing options, financial planning, and stakeholder analysis in the broader context of financial strategy.

This unit provides learners with strategic insight into developing, implementing, and evaluating marketing strategies across diverse business contexts. It examines marketing philosophies, strategic planning models, and the role of stakeholder orientation and corporate social responsibility. Learners will explore market research techniques, branding, segmentation, and positioning strategies, along with how the marketing mix supports organisational objectives. Emphasis is placed on adapting marketing plans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), leveraging technology, and aligning marketing efforts with broader business goals.

This unit explores the strategic role of human resource management in driving organisational success. Learners will examine HR functions such as planning, performance management, employee development, and reward systems. Topics include HR’s role in change management, organisational ethics, evaluating HR effectiveness, and aligning HR practices with business strategy. Learners will also analyse HR delivery models, workforce planning, team-based rewards, and the psychology of performance.

This unit introduces learners to key management accounting tools that support decision-making and financial control. Learners will study cost classification, overhead allocation, budgeting, pricing, and capital investment appraisal. Emphasis is placed on using data to manage cost behaviours, forecast financial outcomes, and analyse variances. Learners will evaluate the suitability of costing methods and budgeting processes for different business types and assess how management accounting contributes to financial efficiency and strategy.

This unit examines the strategic and behavioural dimensions of leadership within organisations. Learners will explore how purpose, values, and vision are communicated, and the ways in which leadership strategies are aligned with organisational objectives and culture. Topics include centralisation vs. decentralisation, cultural development techniques, ethical leadership, and decision-making in uncertain or high-pressure contexts. Learners will also study the impact of national and organisational cultures on structure, systems, and interpersonal dynamics. Emphasis is placed on ethical approaches and how to guide individuals through periods of change, challenge, or resistance while upholding organisational integrity.

This unit equips learners with essential knowledge of operations management and its strategic significance in business success. Learners will analyse process design, lean management, sustainability, and supply chain optimisation. Key areas include the input-transformation-output model, operations performance trade-offs, procurement strategies, service-specific challenges, and quality assurance systems. Learners will also explore monitoring tools, continuous improvement frameworks, and supplier relationship management. The unit concludes with a focus on strategic alignment in operations through top-down and bottom-up models, helping learners implement effective quality and process control systems.

This unit offers a comprehensive introduction to project management from concept through to evaluation. Learners will explore project feasibility, work breakdown structures, resource estimation, and the creation of detailed project plans. It covers systems for risk identification, quality assurance, change management, and team structures. Learners will assess the responsibilities of project managers, stakeholder communication, and the use of control mechanisms to monitor progress. By the end, learners will be able to plan, execute, monitor, and evaluate projects to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality outcomes aligned with business goals.