Certificate in Business Practice

Objectives
The aim of this course is to develop candidates’ knowledge and general understanding of business activity in order to identify the influences on the business organisation, what the success factors for business might be, and highlight the contribution which the individual can make to the success of the business organisation.

At the end of the course candidates will be able to:

Describe the major influences on business organisations
understand the importance of specialisation in a business context
use business planning helps identify organisational aims and objectives
develop an awareness of business culture &values
describe how to promote the public image of the organisation
describe how communication systems are applied in business.

Student Profile
The course is suitable for all people seeking to increase their awareness and understanding of contemporary business practices and organisation.

Study Method
The course is designed for study by distance learning at work or at home.  Students receive course manual, assignments and studyguide plus tutor support by telephone, mail and email.

Qualification
The course leads to award of the LCCI Certificate in Business Practice Level 3 on successful completion of an examination.

Assessment
The course assessment takes the form of a written examination lasting 2 ½ hours during which candidates must complete 4 tasks from a choice of 6. Examinations can be taken at any time, by arrangement with your tutor.

In addition, students will be expected to complete a series of work-based assignment activities in preparation for the examination which are submitted to their tutor.

Entry Requirements
There are no particular entry requirements but students must be committed, and have access to a business or voluntary sector organisation in order to complete the course work.

Timescale
The programme takes place over a fifteen week period

Location
The programme is work based enabling students to complete the course without having to attend scheduled college teaching sessions

Tutor Support
Throughout the course, students will receive tutor support by workplace visits, telephone and by post.

Progression routes
The course can lead to further study opportunities e.g.
LCCI Business Administration Level 4
NVQ Business Administration Level 3

Course Outline
The course comprises six modules

1 Influences on Business Activity
The different purposes of business organisation including profit, growth andrecognition.
Differences between public and private sectors.
What is meant by opportunity cost.
How consumer spending affects business.
The impact of mergers, takeovers, integration and economies of scale on business.
The importance of small firms.
The role and importance of the financial sector and business insurance.
How and why Government may seek to influence business organisations.
The main economic indicators.

2 The Functions and Organisation of Business
The main functional areas within business organisations, their objectives and principal staff.
Organisation charts, specialisation and the differences between large and small organisations.
International organisations and how Government, law and communications affect their organisation.
The roles of shareholders, Directors, managers, customers and others in the business organisation.
The importance of new technology to the main functional areas.

3 Business Management
The purpose of business planning and the planning framework.
Differences between strategic and operational plans and management.
The need for financial information.
Differences between financial and management accounting.
Key financial terms.
The importance of management information.

4 Personal Contribution to Business Effectiveness
Ways in which business performance can be improved.
How the individual can contribute to business performance.
The importance of individual targets.
How teamwork can improve business performance.

5 Business Values and Culture
Mission statements, corporate image and identity and how they influence business culture.
Different organisational cultures.
What is mean by internal and external clients.
How quality circles, customer satisfaction surveys and other measures can help to improve the quality of systems, products and services.

6 Communication in Business
Different forms and types of communication.
Communication systems, fitness for purpose and other considerations.
The impact of new technology on internal and external communications.
The need for administrative systems and procedures and how they affect
communications.