Certificate in Business Planning

Objectives
At the end of the course you will be able to:

• Describe & evaluate your business idea
• Carry out market research into your idea
• Market your product or service
• Compile the financial information required to run a business
• Produce a business plan
• Identify sources of funding
• Instigate relevant business controls

Student Profile
This course is designed for anyone starting a new business and wishing to complete an initial business plan.

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.

Course Outline

Module A: Planning to succeed
• Personal profiling & self-assessment
• Evaluating your business idea
• Writing a business plan
• Business structures
• Basic accounting requirements

Module B: Market Research
• Types of Research
• Survey methods
• Questionnaires
• Secondary research
• Market research analysis

Module C: Effective Marketing
• The marketing cycle
• Marketing plans
• The cost per sale formula
• Target customers
• Business generation
• The Marketing mix
• Product life cycles

Module D: Finance
• Financial planning & control
• A personal survival budget
• Start up budget
• The meaning of profit
• Direct and fixed costs
• Break even analysis
• Costing & pricing
• Sales forecasting and adjustments
• Cash flow forecasting
• Profit & loss forecasting
• Capital requirements