Business Functions Course

This course presents an introductory over-view of the study of business organisations. The course examines business organisations in terms of their missions and values, their structures and cultures and the key organisational processes which underpin business activity. Although organisations are essentially unique, they also share common features which are explored in detail.

We also present a number of basic models for analysing business organisations and their performance. Business organisations can only be fully understood if we know how they interact with their environments and the course presents a number of ideas for analysing their interaction with their competitors, their markets and the wider set of prevailing circumstances which influence business performance.

Syllabus

Unit 1: The Nature of Organisations

Introduction

Objectives

Section 1: Organisations in Business

Introduction

1.1 What is an organisation?

1.2 What do organisations do?

1.3 Organisations as systems

Summary

Section 2: Organisational Growth and Structure

Introduction

2.1 Growth

2.2 Growth in today's business world

2.3 Organisational structure

Summary

Section 3: The Organisation as a Legal Entity

Introduction

3.1 Sole traders

3.2 Partnerships

3.3 Incorporated companies

3.4 Charities

Summary 38

Section 4: Business Functions

Introduction

4.1 Porter's value chain

4.2 Inbound and outbound logistics

4.3 Operations (production)

4.4 Sales and marketing

4.5 Service

4.6 Infrastructure

4.7 Human resource management

4.8 Research and development

4.9 Procurement

4.10 Management information systems

Summary

Section 5: Organisational Culture

Introduction

5.1 National influences

5.2 What is organisational culture?

5.3 Culture change

Summary

Section 6: Information

Introduction

6.1 Nature of information

6.2 Sources of information

6.3 Accuracy of information

6.4 Information flows and management

6.5 Communication

Summary

Unit Review Activity

Unit Summary

References

Recommended Reading

Answers to Review Activities

Unit 2: The Business Environment

Introduction

Objectives

Section 1: Environmental Opportunities and Threats

Introduction

1.1 The organisation and its environment

1.2 Environmental analysis

Summary

Section 2: Social Environment

Introduction

2.1 Demographics and organisations

2.2 Social structures and behaviour patterns

Summary

Section 3: Economic Environment

Introduction

3.1 Macroeconomy and governments

3.2 Industrial environment

3.3 Changing economic policies

Summary

Section 4: Political Environment

Introduction

4.1 Politics and power

4.2 International business environment

4.3 Environmentalism and social responsibility

Summary

Section 5: Technological Environment

Introduction

5.1 The new industrial revolution

5.2 New products and processes

Summary

Unit Review Activity

Unit Summary

References

Recommended Reading

Answers to Review Activities

Unit 3: Competition and Change

Introduction

Objectives

Section 1: Stakeholders

Introduction

1.1 Who and what are stakeholders?

1.2 Conflicting interests

1.3 Stakeholder power

Summary

Section 2: Market Forces

Introduction

2.1 Industry life cycle

2.2 Porter's five forces

Summary

Section 3: Conducting an Environmental Analysis

Introduction

3.1 Monitoring the environment

3.2 Using environmental information

Summary

Section 4: Change and Competitive Advantage

Introduction

4.1 Responding to the PEST environment

4.2 Responding to the competitive environment

4.3 Implementing change

4.4 Future trends

Unit Review Activity

Unit Summary

References

Recommended Reading

Answers to Review Activities

Unit 4: Marketing

Introduction

Objectives

Section 1: Introduction to Marketing

Introduction

1.1 What is marketing?

1.2 The marketing concept

1.3 Marketing management

Summary

Section 2: Markets and Customers

Introduction

2.1 Customers

2.2 Competition

2.3 Market segmentation

2.4 Marketing research

2.5 Marketing research process

Summary

Section 3: The Marketing Mix

Introduction

3.1 What is the marketing mix?

3.2 Products, services and benefits

3.3 Product classification

3.4 Product life cycle

3.5 Product mix

3.6 Setting prices

3.7 Role of distribution

3.8 Promotion

Summary

Unit Review Activity

Unit Summary

References

Recommended Reading

Answers to Review Activities

Unit 5: Operations and Operations Management

Introduction

Objectives

Section 1: What are Operations?

Introduction

1.1 Definitions

1.2 Transformation for the customer

1.3 Value added

Summary

Section 2: Running Operations

Introduction

2.1 The operations challenge

2.2 Activities within operations

Summary

Section 3: Design within Operations

Introduction

3.1 Product design and development

3.2 System and process design

3.3 Quality and quality management

Summary

Unit Review Activity

Unit Summary

References

Recommended Reading

Answers to Review Activities

Unit 6: Logistics

Introduction

Objectives

Section 1: What is Logistics?

Introduction

1.1 Origins of logistics

1.2 Defining logistics

1.3 Logistics strategy and information technology

Summary

Section 2: Logistics in Practice: a Factory Visit

Introduction

2.1 Factory tour

2.2 Stock control systems

2.3 Physical distribution

Summary

Section 3: Controlling Supply: Materials Planning and Control

Introduction

3.1 Scope and purpose of materials control

3.2 Constraints on material planning and control

3.3 Reordering stock

3.4 Just in time

Summary

Section 4: Supply Chain Management and Distribution Systems

Introduction

4.1 What is supply chain management?

4.2 Relationships in supply chains and partnership sourcing

Summary

Section 5: Strategy, Performance and Key Measures

Introduction

5.1 Logistics strategy, fit and performance

5.2 Benchmarking

Summary

Unit Review Activity

Unit Summary

References

Recommended Reading

Answers to Review Activities

Unit 7: Human Resource Management

Introduction

Objectives

Section 1: Nature of Human Resource Management and its Function

Introduction

1.1 Historical aspects

1.2 HRM or personnel management?

1.3 The function

Summary

Section 2: Employee Resourcing

Introduction

2.1 What is human resource planning?

2.2 Recruitment and selection

Summary

Section 3: Employee Training and Development

Introduction

3.1 The training process

3.2 Staff assessment and appraisal

Summary

Section 4: Employee Relations

Introduction

4.1 Historical aspects

4.2 Procedures

4.3 Legislation and policies

Summary

Unit Review Activity

Unit Summary

References

Recommended Reading

Answers to Review Activities

Unit 8: Business Strategy

Introduction

Objectives

Section 1: Environment, Values and Resources

Introduction

1.1 Values

1.2 Resources

1.3 Environment

Summary

Section 2: Strategic Planning

Introduction

2.1 Types of business strategies

2.2 Choosing a strategy and setting targets

2.3 Implementing strategy

Summary

Unit Review Activity

Unit Summary

References

Recommended Reading

Answers to Review Activities

Unit 9: Business Planning and Project Management

Introduction

Objectives

Section 1: Drawing up a Business Plan

Introduction

1.1 What is a business plan?

1.2 Creating the business plan

Summary

Section 2: Implementing the Business Plan

Introduction

2.1 Initial planning

2.2 Creating a project plan

2.3 Management of progress, costs and risks

Summary

Unit Review Activity

Unit Summary

References

Recommended Reading

Answers to Review Activities

For a more detailed syllabus on this course, click here

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 108 hrs.

The Access to Higher Education (A2HE) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the A2HE experience. By working in partnership the A2HE Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our A2HE learners.

Access to Higher Education courses are ideal for learners wanting to start a university course but that have no formal qualifications. By working in partnership the A2HE Consortium is able to:

• Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on an A2HE programme of study.
• Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.
• Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.
• Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their A2HE programme.
• Allow learners to customise their A2HE programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).
• Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.
• Course accreditation and certification from Open College Network West Midlands, a QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) licenced Access Validating Agency (AVA).

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC) The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study. Please click here for more information
Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL) PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices. Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.
Enabling Development Opportunities Ltd (EDO) EDO has been working with businesses and learners since 2007. The team of directors and staff have decades of experience in skills training. All learners are supported throughout their studies by a talented group of tutors and assessors who are responsible for ensuring that all learners on the A2HE programmes are supported in a way that makes them feel “special” and gives them the best possible chance of succeeding. As part of the A2HE Consortium, EDO are responsible for delivering the training and accessing Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. EDO also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from Open College Network West Midlands on successful completion of the A2HE programme. Please click here for more information

The Advanced Learning Loan (ALL) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the ALL experience. By working in partnership the ALL Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our Advanced Learning Loan learners.

Advanced Learner Loan funding is ideal for learners who are not able to fund their own learning and are seeking a government backed loan in order to do so. By working in partnership the ALL Consortium is able to:

• Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on a programme of study using an Advanced Learning Loan.
• Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.
• Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.
• Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme.
• Allow learners to customise their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).
• Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.
• Course accreditation and certification from various Ofqual regulated Awarding Bodies.

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC) The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study. Please click here for more information
Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL) PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices. Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.
Dimensions Training Solutions (DTS) DTS was originally formed in 1973 and has been responsible for training thousands of apprentices and adult learners since then. DTS aim to help learners broaden their skills, gain knowledge; build on experience, to make a positive change to their career and life with dozens of apprenticeships and distance learning QCF courses that can really kick start a new career. Judged Good by OFSTED in October 2015: Just some of the reasons why DTS are a GOOD Training provider, very close to OUTSTANDING, but we don’t like to brag... Learners really enjoy their learning Effective employer involvement helps learners to link work-related activities well with their qualification Good quality workplaces, with a diverse range of clients Highly effective development of Apprentices’ English & Maths skills Employers provide a high quality working environment Consistent, high level of achievement for learners As part of the ALL Consortium, DTS are responsible for delivering the training and accessing the Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. DTS also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from the relevant awarding body on successful completion of the programme. Please click here for more information

What's included

What's Included

• All study materials
• Study Guide
• Full Tutor and Admin support
• The course fee includes the awarding body registration and certification fee (valued at up to £30.00).

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

Qualifications

On completion of your course, you will receive two certificates:

Certificate 1 is issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges: Business Functions Diploma

Business Functions Diploma issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, to view a sample of the college’s award, please click here.

Certificate 2 is issued by ABC Awards: Level 3 Business Functions Certificate of Achievement

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement by ABC Awards and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the details of all the units you have completed as part of your course).

The course has been endorsed under the ABC Awards’ Quality Licence Scheme. This means that Stonebridge Associated Colleges have undergone an external quality check to ensure that the organisation and the courses it offers, meet certain quality criteria. The completion of this course alone does not lead to an Ofqual regulated qualification but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills towards regulated qualifications in the future. The unit summary can be used as evidence towards Recognition of Prior Learning if you wish to progress your studies in this sector. To this end the learning outcomes of the course have been benchmarked at Level 3 against level descriptors published by Ofqual, to indicate the depth of study and level of difficulty involved in successful completion by the learner.

The course itself has been designed by Stonebridge Associated Colleges to meet specific learners’ or employers’ requirements. ABC Awards’ endorsement involves a robust and rigorous quality audit by external inspectors to ensure quality is consistently met. A regular review of courses is carried out as part of the endorsement process.

To view a sample of the ABC Certificate of Achievement, please click here.

To view a sample of the ABC Learner Unit Summary, please click here.

Who are ABC

ABC Awards is a leading national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, and the Welsh Government[1]. They have a comprehensive portfolio of over 650 Ofqual regulated qualifications on the national Qualifications and Credit framework (QCF). It has a long-established reputation for developing and awarding high quality vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries. As a registered charity, ABC Awards combines 180 years of examination and assessment expertise but also implements a responsive, flexible and innovative approach to the needs of our customers.

Renowned for excellent customer service, and quality standards, ABC Awards also offers over 600 Ofqual regulated qualifications for all ages and abilities post-14; all are developed with the support of relevant stakeholders to ensure that they meet the needs and standards of employers across the UK.

For more info on our awarding body, ABC awards, click here

Requirements for Entry

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

Qualifications Register

Anyone who is studying for or has completed a course endorsed by an Ofqual approved awarding body is eligible to join Qualifications Register.  The Qualifications Register (QR) is an independent register that aims to serve both members of the public and those professionals who hold recognised qualifications.

QR's primary aim is to provide transparency to members of the public and employers. The QR is a searchable database that allows them to find a practitioner and view the relevant qualification and endorsements the practitioner holds. The member of the public is then able to make an informed decision in relation to the suitability of the practitioner.  QR also tracks whether practitioners have insurance, again something that is useful for members of the public.  QR can also help professionals gain insurance or find professional indemnity cover.  Click here to find out more.

Members of the public can check an independent source with complete confidence that the practitioner has the qualification(s) they claim to have and that any additional CPD the practitioner has, is verified and quality assured to make sure that the CPD is being done on a regular basis. QR tracks a practitioners endorsed CPD (in unison with our CPD accreditation partner Lifetime Awarding) and other key signals to help members of the public and employers to come to a more informed decision about the professional they intend to use. This is an enormously valuable signal that's increasingly important as business becomes more deregulated and privatised.

For practitioners QR helps you market your skills, endorsements and feedback transparently to a wider audience. It also gives you access to a community to help make you more able to progress and succeed in your field of expertise.  Click here to find out more.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

Qualifications Register

Anyone who is studying for or has completed a course endorsed by an Ofqual approved awarding body is eligible to join Qualifications Register.  The Qualifications Register (QR) is an independent register that aims to serve both members of the public and those professionals who hold recognised qualifications.

QR's primary aim is to provide transparency to members of the public and employers. The QR is a searchable database that allows them to find a practitioner and view the relevant qualification and endorsements the practitioner holds. The member of the public is then able to make an informed decision in relation to the suitability of the practitioner.  QR also tracks whether practitioners have insurance, again something that is useful for members of the public.  QR can also help professionals gain insurance or find professional indemnity cover.  Click here to find out more.

Members of the public can check an independent source with complete confidence that the practitioner has the qualification(s) they claim to have and that any additional CPD the practitioner has, is verified and quality assured to make sure that the CPD is being done on a regular basis. QR tracks a practitioners endorsed CPD (in unison with our CPD accreditation partner Lifetime Awarding) and other key signals to help members of the public and employers to come to a more informed decision about the professional they intend to use. This is an enormously valuable signal that's increasingly important as business becomes more deregulated and privatised.

For practitioners QR helps you market your skills, endorsements and feedback transparently to a wider audience. It also gives you access to a community to help make you more able to progress and succeed in your field of expertise.  Click here to find out more.

Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

We are proud to be working with Career Transition Partnetship (CTP) as a CTP Preferred Suplier. We are able to offer ex-service personnel access to funding for our whole range of military resettlement courses.

As a CTP Preferred Supplier we are able to accept your IRTC (Individual Resettlement Training Costs) grant or ELC (Enhanced Learning Credits) for any of the following courses:

• Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)
• Beauty Therapy (Massage Route) Dual Course
• Business Administration
• Certificate in Education and Training
• Counselling Skills
• Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
• Foot Health Care Practitioner
• Health and Social Care (Adults)
• Hospitality Supervision and Leadership
• Playwork (NVQ)
• Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
• Principles of Customer Service course
• Principles of End of Life Care Course
• Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
• Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Certificate

If you are ex-service personnel and would like more information on how to claim this funding, please contact the college or speak to your Service Resettlement Advisor.

For more information on CTP, please visit www.ctp.org.uk

Study Options

In order to offer our students the most convenient and flexible distance learning courses, Stonebridge Associated College offers you the option to study for your course via two methods:

• 1. Via the traditional paper-based method.
• 2. Through the online method.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 108 hrs.

Further Information

If you would like any further information regarding this course, please call an advisor today on 0121 392 8288 ( or email enquiries@stonebridge.uk.com

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

Student Zone

We understand that studying from home may be a new experience for you. You may even be feeling a bit apprehensive because you will not be studying in a traditional "classroom environment".

To help you overcome these concerns we have developed the Student Zone. The Student Zone, to which all of our students receive access, encourages a high level of interaction with your tutor and other like-minded students. Within this area you can:

• Access the Student Learning Community which allows you to connect with fellow students and gain the help and support you need.
• View your tutor's feedback on your marked assignments.
• View optional reading lists for your course (where available).
• Access free online games, for when you need a break from studying.
• View the study guide with plenty of useful hints and tips on how to get the most out of your course.
• Access free courses such as: Improving Learning Skills; Job Interview Skills; The Effective Learner; Goal Setting and Time Management; and Ten Tips to Complete a Good Test Paper.
• Find details on our generous Referral Programme.
And don’t forget our Facebook page where you will find tips, resources, games, competitions, and plenty of engagement and interaction from fellow students.