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.
On completion of your course, you will receive two certificates:
Business Functions Diploma issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, to view a sample of the college’s award, please click here.
At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from ABC Awards and Certa Awards and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).
The course has been endorsed under the ABC Awards and Certa Awards Quality Licence Scheme. This means that Stonebridge Associated Colleges has undergone an external quality check to ensure that the organisation and the courses it offers, meet defined quality criteria. The completion of this course alone does not lead to a regulated qualification* but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills gained. The Learner Unit Summary may be used as evidence towards Recognition of Prior Learning if you wish to progress your studies in this subject. 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 demand/complexity involved in successful completion by the learner.
The course itself has been designed by Stonebridge Associated Colleges to meet specific learners’ and/or employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications. ABC Awards & Certa Awards endorsement involves robust and rigorous quality audits by external auditors to ensure quality is continually met. A review of courses is carried out as part of the endorsement process.
*Regulated qualification refers to those qualifications that are regulated by Ofqual / CCEA / Qualification Wales
To view a sample of the ABC Certificate of Achievement, please click here.
There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.
ABC Awards and Certa Awards have long-established reputations for providing high quality vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries. ABC Awards and Certa Awards combine over 180 years of expertise combined with a responsive, flexible and innovative approach to the needs of our customers.
Renowned for excellent customer service, and quality standards, ABC Awards and Certa Awards also offer 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.
On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):
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.
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
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.
What's Included
What's Included
Our team of course advisors are keen to help.
Call us now on 0121 392 8288
Alternatively, please complete the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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.
On completion of your course, you will receive two certificates:
Business Functions Diploma issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, to view a sample of the college’s award, please click here.
At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from ABC Awards and Certa Awards and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).
The course has been endorsed under the ABC Awards and Certa Awards Quality Licence Scheme. This means that Stonebridge Associated Colleges has undergone an external quality check to ensure that the organisation and the courses it offers, meet defined quality criteria. The completion of this course alone does not lead to a regulated qualification* but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills gained. The Learner Unit Summary may be used as evidence towards Recognition of Prior Learning if you wish to progress your studies in this subject. 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 demand/complexity involved in successful completion by the learner.
The course itself has been designed by Stonebridge Associated Colleges to meet specific learners’ and/or employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications. ABC Awards & Certa Awards endorsement involves robust and rigorous quality audits by external auditors to ensure quality is continually met. A review of courses is carried out as part of the endorsement process.
*Regulated qualification refers to those qualifications that are regulated by Ofqual / CCEA / Qualification Wales
To view a sample of the ABC Certificate of Achievement, please click here.
There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.
ABC Awards and Certa Awards have long-established reputations for providing high quality vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries. ABC Awards and Certa Awards combine over 180 years of expertise combined with a responsive, flexible and innovative approach to the needs of our customers.
Renowned for excellent customer service, and quality standards, ABC Awards and Certa Awards also offer 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.
On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):
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.
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
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.
What's Included
What's Included
Our team of course advisors are keen to help.
Call us now on 0121 392 8288
Alternatively, please complete the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
| Deposit | Instalments | Monthly Payment | Total Price | ||
Pay in full |
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Pay using 0% APR Instalments Plan |
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