Overview

The objective of the Level 4 Diploma in Business Management qualification is to provide learners with an excellent foundation for building a career in a range of organizations. It is designed to ensure each learner is ‘business ready’: a confident, independent thinker with a detailed knowledge of business and management and equipped with the skills to adapt rapidly to change.

The qualification will provide learners with the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills associated with the business activities, policies, procedures and processes required to work effectively in a business environment. The units combine both theoretical and practical knowledge in the areas of academic and research skills, business and global operations, finance and accounting, business communication, leadership and team working.

Successful completion of this qualification will support learners progressing to university, and provide learners with the requisite skills and knowledge to enter the world of work in their chosen sector.

Entry requirements

These qualifications are designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above.

The entry profile for learners is likely to include at least one of the following:

• Relevant Level 3 Diploma or equivalent qualification
• GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects or equivalent qualification
• Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience (learners must check with the delivery center regarding this experience prior to registering for the programmed)

English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, they must provide evidence of English language competency. 

Equivalences

Qualifications at RQF Level 4 represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Year 1 of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree programmed.

Qualification Structure

The Level 4 Diploma in Business Management consists of 6 mandatory units for a combined total of 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

Mandatory units

• Academic Writing and Research Skills (20 credits)
• Business Operations (20 credits)
• Communication in Business (20 credits)
• Finance and Accounting (20 credits)
• Leading and Managing Teams (20 credits)
• Operating in a Global Context (20 credits)

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over one academic year for full-time study, but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.

The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centers only.

Assessment and verification

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the center and externally verified by Brit. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the Assessor.

The Assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.

Curriculum

Business Management Curriculum

Semester 1: Strategic Business Management

1. Module 1: Strategic Planning and Management
   • Strategic planning process
   • Formulating and implementing business strategies
   • Strategic decision-making
2. Module 2: Leadership and Organizational Behavior
   • Leadership styles and theories
   • Team dynamics and motivation
   • Organizational culture and change management
3. Module 3: Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
   • Ethical decision-making in business
   • CSR practices and sustainability
   • Ethical leadership
4. Module 4: Financial Management
   • Financial statement analysis
   • Capital budgeting and investment decisions
   • Risk management and financial strategies
5. Module 5: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
   • Entrepreneurial mindset and opportunity recognition
   • Business model innovation
   • Launching and scaling a new venture

Semester 2: Advanced Business Operations and Marketing

6. Module 6: Operations Management
   • Supply chain management
   • Quality control and process improvement
   • Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
7. Module 7: Marketing Strategy
   • Market analysis and segmentation
   • Product development and pricing strategies
   • Integrated marketing communications
8. Module 8: Digital Marketing and E-commerce
   • Advanced digital marketing tactics
   • E-commerce strategies and technologies
   • Online customer engagement
9. Module 9: International Business and Global Marketing
   • Expanding into international markets
   • Cross-cultural management
   • Global marketing strategies
10. Module 10: Business Analytics and Data-driven Decision Making
    • Data analysis tools and techniques
    • Business intelligence and data visualization
    • Predictive analytics for business

Semester 3: Business Specializations

11. Module 11: Human Resource Management
    • HR strategies and talent management
    • Employee development and performance appraisal
    • HR law and compliance
12. Module 12: Financial Risk Management
    • Risk assessment and mitigation
    • Financial derivatives and hedging
    • Credit risk management
13. Module 13: Supply Chain and Logistics Management
    • Logistics strategy and optimization
    • Inventory management and demand forecasting
    • Sustainable supply chain practices
14. Module 14: Innovation and Technology Management
    • Open innovation and collaboration
    • Technology adoption and management
    • Intellectual property and innovation protection
15. Module 15: Capstone Project
    • Students work on a comprehensive business project, such as a business plan, consulting project, or research paper

Semester 4: Internship and Career Development

16. Internship
    • Extended internship or practicum in a business or organization
    • Apply advanced management skills in a real-world setting
17. Advanced Industry Seminars and Workshops
    • Expert-led sessions on industry-specific topics
    • Workshops on emerging business trends and technologies
18. Professional Development and Networking
    • Resume building and interview skills
    • Industry networking events and job placement assistance
19. Final Assessment and Certification
    • Evaluation of the capstone project
    • Award of Level 4 Business Management Certificate