Brentwood Open Learning College offers an extensive portfolio of flexible home study courses for ambitious learners. Our Level 7 Diploma in Business Management consists of 22 modules with online assessments, coving the following topics and knowledge areas:
Module 1 – Introduction to Business Management
The course begins by studying typical leadership structures within an organisation, while examining the owner’s role in business management and the input of shareholders. Key business management terminology is also introduced, along with the primary responsibilities of leadership personnel within a business.
Module 2 – Operations Management
Candidates are then provided with a detailed definition of operations management, while considering the different types of operations and the primary objectives of OM. Course content also covers General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), an introduction to balance sheets and other essential tasks related to operations management.
Module 3 – Strategic Planning
Module Three examines the importance of strategic planning as a business management activity, focusing on the strategic planning pyramid and the importance of customising perspectives. The benefits of setting goals using the SPIRIT methodology are also discussed, alongside the basics of workplace ethics and an introduction to succession planning.
Module 4 – Building a Strong Customer Care Team
The criticality of quality customer care is discussed at length in Module Four, which also discusses the ‘Pillars of Success’ and a series of leadership essentials. Performance management is touched upon, along with the importance of getting to know your comfort zone in business management and more.
Module 5 - Building a Better Team
Team development and maintenance principles follow in the fifth module, which provides learners with a detailed breakdown of the primary stages of team development. Candidates learn how to define, evaluate and manage teams more efficiently, by nurturing relationships of trust and respect.
Module 6 - Motivating Employees
Motivational theory is examined in Module Six, focusing on activities and initiatives for creating a motivational climate at work. The importance of accurately identifying individual motivators is also discussed, along with the importance of balanced supervision and the relationship between motivation and remuneration.
Module 7 - Performance Management
Module Seven offers an in-depth introduction to performance management and key performance management activities in a business setting. Several major areas of interest in performance management are presented and discussed, along with the objectives of performance management and the consequences of ineffective leadership.
Module 8 - Succession Planning
The benefits of strategic succession planning follow in Module Eight, in which candidates consider the value of planning for every foreseeable eventuality. The process of developing a succession plan is also examined, along with the most important elements of a workable succession plan.
Module 9 - Human Resources Management
A crash-course guide to successful HR management is provided in Module Nine, covering the roles and functions of HR personnel, the importance of strategic manpower planning, the different internal and external sources of recruitment, the most important stages of the recruitment process and more.
Module 10 - Managing Change
The inevitability of frequent and rapid change in a business setting is then discussed, along with the human reaction to change and the value of adopting a positive approach to all aspects of change. Candidates are also presented with a breakdown of the change cycle and its component stages.
Module 11 - Managing Time
Practical pointers for improved workload management are provided in Module 11, which examines goal-setting with ‘SPIRIT’ as an important time management activity. Tips and guidelines for putting an end to procrastination are also provided, along with a breakdown of the benefits of effective task prioritisation.
Module 12 - Creative Thinking and Innovation
Module 12 discusses how creative thinking and innovation are instrumental in running a successful business, while outlining a series of activities for driving creativity and innovation in a team. Individual techniques for improved creativity are also provided.
Module 13 - Negotiation Techniques
Essential negotiation techniques for managers and leadership personnel then enter the discussion, along with the importance of practice to improve negotiation skills. The primary phases of negotiation are broken down and explored, along with how to handle objections diplomatically and tips for closing more sales.
Module 14 - Communication Skills
The communication skills of primary importance in a leadership position are discussed in Module 14, which focuses on the important differences between passive hearing and active listening. Tips for becoming a better listener are provided, along with the importance of accurately interpreting nonverbal messages and how to master that all-important handshake.
Module 15 - Administrative Skills
Module 15 takes a look at the administrative side of business management, outlining a series of everyday activities performed and/or overseen by leadership figures. Candidates are also familiarised with several different types of office environments, while considering the social responsibilities of a business.
Module 16 - Business Etiquette
Candidates then consider the various ‘rules’ that apply to conduct and decorum at key business events. The basics of business etiquette are outlined and discussed, along with tips for making a good first-impression and how to make the most of every business dining opportunity.
Module 17 - Business Ethics for the Office
Module 17 takes a more detailed look at business ethics, guiding candidates through the development and implementation of an appropriate office code of ethics. Examples of everyday ethical dilemmas are presented and discussed, alongside several major philosophical approaches to ethics and more.
Module 18 - Risk Management
The fundamentals of effective risk management follow in Module 18, in which candidates learn how to create a comprehensive workplace risk management framework. Topics covered include identification of risks, classification of risks, prioritisation of risks, responding to risks and the use of essential risk management tools.
Module 19 - Stress Management
Module 19 focuses on relaxation activities and stress management strategies, while exploring the human response to stress and the potential consequences of allowing stress to go unmanaged. Candidates also learn how to identify stress triggers and accept the inevitability of stress in any conventional workplace.
Module 20 - Developing your Executive Presence
Tips and guidelines for developing a more impactful executive presence are provided in Module 20, focusing on first impressions and memorable introductions. The importance of developing good interpersonal communication skills is also discussed, along with the role confidence plays in engaging and influencing others.
Module 21 - Developing a High Reliability Organisation
The concept of the high reliability organisation is examined in Module 21, which presents and discusses a series of primary HRO principles. The process of auditing for high reliability is also broken down into its component stages and explored.
Module 22 - Managing Your First Impression
Concluding the course, Module 22 revisits the criticality of making the best possible first impression and leaving a lasting impression on others. Topics covered include the importance of eye contact, dressing for success, remembering names, building trust, establishing credibility and further tips for confident introductions.
Brentwood Open Learning College offers some free certificate courses in Business Management. Explore now on our website.
