Human Resource Development Handbook
Human Resource Development Handbook
Human Resource Development Handbook
1 Introduction 1
2 The Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) 1
3 ICM Articulation Agreements with Universities 1
4 Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy 3
4.1 Assessment 3
4.2 Student Workload 3
5 ICM Qualifications and Progression 4
5.1 ICM Certificates (equivalent to NQF Level 4 Diplomas) 4
5.2 ICM Diplomas (equivalent to NQF Level 5 Diplomas) 4
5.3 ICM Advanced Diplomas (equivalent to NQF Level 6 Diplomas) 5
5.4 ICM Graduate Diplomas (equivalent to NQF Level 6 Diplomas) 5
5.5 ICM Post Graduate Diplomas (equivalent to NQF Level 7 Diplomas) 6
5.6 Relative Positioning of ICM Qualifications 6
6 Student Registration & Course/Level Entry Requirements 8
6.1 Student Registration 8
6.2 Student Registration Fees 8
6.3 Course/Level Entry Requirements 8
7 Examinations and Results 10
7.1 Examinations 10
7.2 Examination Entry Fees and Forms 10
7.3 Examination Timetable 10
7.4 Examination grades and remarking 10
7.5 Examination re-sits 11
7.6 Examination Closing Dates 11
7.7 Examination Results 11
7.8 Examination Grades 11
7.9 Transcript of Academic Results 11
7.10 Replacement Certificates 11
7.11 Deferrals 12
7.12 Subject Exemptions for Professional Programmes 12
7.13 Single Subject Candidates 12
8 Subject advice, educational guidance and student support 12
8.1 Study Methods 12
8.2 Payment Methods 13
8.3 Choosing your course of study 13
8.4 ICM Approved Centres 13
9 Textbooks 13
10 Students with learning difficulties 13
11 Copies of past examination papers and other forms of assessment 14
12 Unit Information 14
12.1 Programme Objectives 14
12.2 Recommended Course Duration 14
12.3 Examination Grades 14
12.4 Continuing Education 15
12.5 Entry Requirements 15
13 Course Structure 16
13.1 Unit Syllabuses 16
13.1.1 Business Law Syllabus 17
13.1.2 Business Management & Administration Syllabus 23
13.1.3 Human Resource Development I Syllabus 27
13.1.4 International Business Communications Syllabus 30
13.1.5 Employee Relations Syllabus 37
13.1.6 Human Resource Development II Syllabus 41
13.1.7 Management Theory & Practice Syllabus 44
13.1.8 Training & Development Syllabus 48
1 Introduction
The purpose of this Course Handbook is to provide you with general information about
studying with the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM). This Handbook should be read
in conjunction with other Guidelines available on the ICM website. The early pages of this
Handbook provide general information about ICM and its programmes. Later sections give
details about the equivalency of ICM Certificate (NQF* Level 4 qualifications), Diploma (NQF
Level 5 qualifications), Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 6 qualifications), Graduate Diploma
(NQF Level 6 qualifications) and Post Graduate Diploma Awards (NQF Level 7
qualifications). Please note that not all Levels are available for all programmes. The material
in this Handbook is as accurate as possible at the time of production.
Established in the early 1970s, the Institute of Commercial Management provides academic
and vocational qualifications which are well recognised globally.
In its capacity as a course developer and an examining and certifying Board, the Institute
offers a wide range of professional and vocational awards in Business, Management and
related vocational areas.
ICM programmes are designed to address the personal development and training needs of
those wishing to enter the commercial sector and to support the continued development and
workplace flexibility of those already in employment.
ICMs global services include the design, development and certification of business
education and training programmes for education providers; the development and
certification of tailored education and training programmes for the corporate sector,
emerging industries and the global workforce and the examination, assessment and
certification of students undertaking business, management and related vocational education
programmes.
ICM provides examinations in more than 200 subject areas ranging from accounting and
finance to tourism and hospitality and from marketing and advertising to project management
and examines and certifies candidates to an internationally consistent standard.
The Institute has formal partnership arrangements with universities in the UK and overseas.
A full list of progression routes from ICM qualifications into Undergraduate and Post
Graduate courses at UK Universities is available from the ICM website.
Established articulation arrangements provide direct access to the second and final years of
a wide range of BA/BSc degrees for ICM Diploma qualifications (Level 5 Diploma) and
Subject to status and grades obtained, students holding ICM Diploma qualifications at levels
4, 5, 6 and 7 are accepted onto Undergraduate and Post Graduate degree programmes
offered by institutions in continents across the globe.
Our strategic partners have agreed that students can enter their degree programmes with
Advanced Standing, provided they possess the right Grade profile and are able to meet
other admissions criteria, such as language competence. The stated grade and points
requirements may be subject to local variations.
Application for entry to the first year of a relevant degree programme will be considered for
those students who hold a relevant ICM Certificate Level Award.
Application for entry to the second year of an Honours degree programme will be considered
for students who have passed a relevant ICM Diploma (Level 5) programme and have met
the following requirements:
Students who have passed a relevant ICM Advanced Diploma (Level 6 Diploma) programme
will be considered for final year entry if they have achieved the following:
Students who have passed a relevant ICM Graduate Diploma (Level 6 Diploma) programme
will be considered for entry to Masters programmes if they have achieved the following:
obtained at least 12 Points from the final 4 subjects leading to the qualification
obtained at least a Grade C in all subjects in the Graduate Diploma
The following rules apply in relation to converting ICM subject grades into points:
Students wishing to progress to degree programmes should review the range of courses
available at our partner Universities. Information on appropriate university courses can be
obtained from our website.
The Institutes qualifications are also recognised by leading professional examining bodies
for either subject exemption or registration purposes. Further details can be obtained from
the appropriate examination bodies.
Tuition in preparation for the Institutes examinations takes place on a number of levels,
including lectures, seminars, class discussion and problem review and analysis.
Formal lectures provide a foundation of information, which students build on through directed
learning and self-managed study outside the classroom.
Students are actively encouraged to form study groups to discuss course material, fostering
a greater depth of learning experience.
4.1 Assessment
Assessment for the majority of programmes is based on final examinations. The Institute has
a traditional approach to assessment. Formative assessment is provided by ICM Teaching
Centres as and when appropriate and may include; essays, in-class tests, role play
exercises, presentations and projects. However, in terms of gaining a professional
qualification, and in order to maintain standards, ICM believes that students should be
formally assessed on the body of knowledge covered during the course and be examined as
individuals on the required learning outcomes.
In accordance with nationally accepted codes of practice in the UK, each 20 credit unit
represents a total of approximately 200 hours of learning. Typically, each ICM award at
undergraduate level comprises four units of 20 credits each. Students must complete four
units at each level leading to the awards of Certificate (Level 4 Diploma), Diploma (Level 5
Diploma), Advanced Diploma (Level 6 Diploma) and Graduate Diploma (Level 6 Diploma).
Thus, for example, in order to gain an ICM Advanced Diploma, a student must have
completed the Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma stages. The Post Graduate
Diploma (Level 7 Diploma) consists of 120 credits divided into six units.
The learning hours for each unit are subdivided into appropriate categories of learning
opportunities, such as lectures, seminars, preparation time, directed study, time spent on
assessment items and exam preparation. At least one quarter of this time is usually devoted
to formal contact time.
A further one quarter of this time is related to directed learning. The balance of workload is
comprised of individual, self-managed student learning and revision.
Furthermore, each unit is assigned to a particular Level, with each Level corresponding to
the group of subjects contained within the programmes leading to the award of a Certificate
(Level 4 Diploma), Diploma (Level 5 Diploma), Advanced Diploma (Level 6 Diploma),
Graduate Diploma (Level 6 Diploma) or Post Graduate Diploma (Level 7 Diploma).
Understanding your qualification is important and the following guidelines outline how ICM
qualifications fit within the UK National Qualifications Framework and support vocational
learning.
ICM has benchmarked its qualifications against the UK National Qualifications Framework
(NQF). In recognition of the NQF levels and with reference to appropriate National
Occupational Standards, the Institute has produced the following level descriptors which
should be read in conjunction with the table provided in section 5.6.
ICM Certificates are awarded to those who have passed Part 1 (the first four or five subjects,
depending on the course) of an ICM Diploma programme. See below for ICM Diploma Entry
Requirements. ICM Certificates represent a level of qualification that recognises the ability to
gain, and where relevant apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding.
Learning at this level involves gaining knowledge and skills appropriate for individuals
working semi-independently, or receiving basic supervision and training from others in their
field of work.
Successful completion of the ICM Certificate enables entry to the first year of appropriate
degree programmes at a range of Universities. For a complete list of progression routes
please refer to the website.
ICM Diplomas represent a level of qualification which recognises the ability to gain, and
where relevant apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding.
Learning at this level involves obtaining detailed knowledge and skills appropriate for people
working independently, or providing basic supervision and training of others in their field of
work and people wishing to go to University.
Progression is available from the ICM Diploma to the second year of relevant degree
programmes at a range of Universities. For a complete list of progression routes please refer
to the website.
Entry to an ICM Advanced Diploma programme requires completion of the ICM Certificate
and Diploma in the selected programme. Students holding other relevant and equivalent
qualifications which contain ICM Diploma subjects could qualify for entry as well as subject
and Level exemptions.
ICM Advanced Diplomas represent a level of qualification which involves specialist learning
and detailed analysis of a high level of information, knowledge and skills in a specified area
of work or study.
ICM Advanced Diplomas are appropriate for people working in positions such as Senior
Supervisors, Professionals or Managers. These individuals need to demonstrate significant
levels of knowledge, a high level of work expertise in job roles and competence in managing
and training others. Learning at this level is appropriate for people working in technical and
professional jobs, and/or managing and developing others.
The ICM Advanced Diploma is equivalent to NQF Level 6 and in terms of level and credit
value these qualifications are comparable to UK Intermediate Higher Education qualifications
such as HNDs, Diplomas of Higher Education and Foundation Degrees.
Progression is available from ICM Advanced Diplomas to the final year of relevant degree
programmes at a range of Universities. For a complete list of progression routes please refer
to the website.
Entry to an ICM Graduate Diploma programme requires prior completion of the ICM Diploma
and Advanced Diploma in the selected programme.
Advanced Standing and Exemptions: Students holding relevant degrees and equivalent
qualifications which contain ICM Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma subjects could
qualify for entry as well as subject and Level exemptions.
Students at this level study highly developed and complex levels of knowledge enabling the
development of in-depth and original responses to complicated and unpredictable problems
and situations.
Students at this level of study should display a mastery of high level knowledge and skills
and have professional and research-based skills.
This qualification is equivalent to two thirds of a Masters degree (MBA or MA) and advanced
standing can be given onto a range of Masters degrees. For a complete list of progression
routes please refer to the website.
The following table gives an indication of the relative positioning of ICM awards, compared
with other types of qualifications and levels. Reference is made to levels in the UK National
Qualifications Framework and example qualifications at each level. In addition, the final
column in the table (FHEQ) shows the equivalent qualifications commonly being developed
and delivered in the University sector. For example, these indicate that the ICM Advanced
Diploma equates to an intermediate level award (in terms of credit accumulation this ICM
qualification equates to a Higher National Diploma). Furthermore, the ICM Graduate Diploma
equates to a Bachelors degree level qualification and the ICM Post Graduate Diploma
equates to a Masters degree level qualification.
Framework for
National Qualifications Framework
Framework for Higher Education
(Levels and example vocational
ICM Levels Qualification Levels
qualifications)
(FHEQ)
ICM Post Graduate M (masters), Masters
Level 7
Diploma degrees, Post Graduate
Professional Diploma in Translation
(Level 7 Diploma) certificates and diplomas
ICM H (honours)
Graduate Diploma Bachelors degrees
(Level 6 Diploma) (BSc/BA)
Level 6
Diploma in Management ICM I (intermediate)
Advanced Diploma Diplomas of higher
(Level 6 Diploma) education, foundation
degrees, Higher National
Diplomas
Level 5
ICM Diploma
BTEC Higher National Diploma in 3D
(Level 5 Diploma)
Design
C (certificate)
Certificates of higher
Level 4 ICM Diploma education
Certificate in Early Years Practice (Level 5 Diploma)
Level 3
Certificate in Small Animal Care
NVQ in Aeronautical Engineering
A levels
Level 2
Diploma for Beauty Specialists
NVQ in Agricultural Crop Production
GCSEs Grades A*-C
Level 1
Certificate in Motor Vehicle Studies
NVQ in Bakery
GCSEs Grades D-G
Entry e.g. Entry Level Certificate in
Adult Literacy
In order to undertake any ICM examination candidates must be Registered ICM Student
Members.
The Student Registration fee is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
Important Note: All students wishing to register for any ICM Advanced Diploma
programme or above, MUST complete and attach an Academic History form to their
Student Registration form. Copies of all qualifications and Awards obtained by the
student must also accompany the Academic History form.
The Academic History form is used to ensure that students are qualified to commence
their studies at the Level they have selected.
Student Registration fees for standard ICM Awards and programmes are based on the
country in which you will undertake your examinations. The current fees levels are as
follows:
Group 1: If you are based in Europe, and EU Member State, North America, a Gulf
State, India, the Middle East, Australasia, Singapore, South Africa, China,
Hong Kong or Malaysia your Registration Fee will be 50.00 Pounds
Sterling.
Group 2: If you are based in sub-Saharan Africa, Central or South America,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Caribbean or North Africa your Registration
Fee will be 25.00 Pounds Sterling.
Group 3: A special rate exists for students in countries which have (a) emerged
from conflict (b) countries in which the general population is subject to
great poverty and (c) countries in which the UN acknowledge that the level
of economic activity and national per capita income is unacceptably low.
ICM professional programmes are structured in Levels. These Levels are designed to
provide a structured and progressive level of knowledge.
All students are required to commence their studies at the Diploma Level of all programmes
unless they are able to claim subject-for-subject or Level exemptions.
Subject-for-subject exemptions can be applied for if the student has (a) been examined, in
the subject, by another recognised Awarding body and (b) has passed the examination/s set
by the alternate body.
The minimum age for registration for the majority of programmes is 18. Applicants over the
age of 20 who do not hold one of the recommended entry qualifications may also register for
some Diploma Level programmes providing they have been in full-time employment for a
minimum of two years and can produce a letter from their employer to confirm this.
Entry to an ICM Advanced Diploma programme requires completion of the ICM Diploma
Level of the selected programme.
Entry to an ICM Graduate Diploma requires completion of the ICM Diploma and Advanced
Diploma in the selected programme.
Mature Candidates. Applications from those over the age of 25 who do not meet the
standard Entry Requirements will also be considered providing they:
7.1 Examinations
In order to achieve a consistent global standard the Institute sets all examination papers and
all candidate scripts are returned to the Institute for marking.
Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they
undertake their examinations. Examination papers are securely distributed to ICM Approved
Centres and scripts are assessed and moderated in the UK by ICM Appointed Examiners.
Examination Entry fees are shown on the appropriate Examination Entry form for the
subject/programme you are undertaking. In general, the standard Examination fee is 26.00
Pounds Sterling per subject. There are however some specialist programmes where a
higher subject fee may be payable. If you have any queries relating to fees please contact
your Teaching Centre.
In order to undertake any ICM Professional or Single Subject examination you must be a
Registered and paid-up ICM Student Member.
To enter for an examination you need to complete the relevant Examination Entry form and
submit it to the Institute.
ICM examinations take place four times each year, in March, June, September and
December. The Timetable for each year states the Closing Date for receipt of entries for
each examination Series. Please visit the website to view the ICM examination timetable.
You can request that your examination script is re-marked if you are unhappy with your
result.
The fee for this is 35.00 Pounds Sterling per script. The Institute operates a triple marking
and moderation system. In the event that the moderator increases the original marks
awarded, the fee for re-marking your script will be refunded to you. Should the Grade
awarded remain the same, you will be issued with a full Examiners Report detailing your
examination performance. The Institute retains answer scripts for a maximum period of six
months. Examination scripts/answer books are not returned to candidates under any
circumstances.
Although ICM Examinations are held every twelve weeks it should be noted that it takes an
average of twelve weeks to mark the scripts after each Examination Series.
If you sit, for example, for one or more subjects in March you will not receive your results
until June. This means that if you were to fail a subject in March, you would not be able to re-
sit the subject in June, as you will have missed the Closing Date for the June Series.
Our advice is that you try to split your subject examinations between two consecutive
Examination Series e.g. If your programme has four subjects you could take two subjects in
one series and two in another series.
On this basis, were you to fail one subject in March you would be able to re-sit it in
September, giving you plenty of time for revision.
There is a Closing Date for receipt of Examination Entries and candidates entering for
examinations must ensure that their completed Examination Entry forms and fees reach the
Institute before the Closing Date for each Examination Series. Examination Timetables
indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting and this information also
appears on the ICM website. Entries received after the Closing Date are automatically
carried forward to the next Examination Series.
Results are distributed within twelve weeks from receipt of scripts. Candidates are advised
not to telephone the Institute for results as this information is confidential and cannot be
disclosed over the telephone.
Should you wish to re-sit any examination to improve your previous Grade, please note that
the latest Grade you obtain will stand.
You may request a transcript of your Academic Results, however please note there is a
charge of 15.00 Pounds Sterling for each Award transcript requested.
Replacement certificates are available on payment of a fee of 20.00 Pounds Sterling per
certificate. Please include your Student Registration Number together with your current
postal address and indicate which certificate is required.
There is a fee of 15.00 Pounds Sterling per subject should you wish to defer your
examinations to another Series for health or for any other reason. If you are unable to
undertake your examinations, it is essential you advise ICM before the appropriate
examination date, otherwise the full entry fee of 26.00 Pounds Sterling will be applicable.
Please note that you may only defer examinations on one occasion. The full entry fee of
26.00 Pounds Sterling per subject will become due if you defer on more than one occasion.
Registered ICM students who do not want to complete a full ICM programme may study
individual subjects. Single Subject candidates receive a Single Subject Diploma on
successful completion of the relevant subject examination. Single Subjects qualify, on a
subject-for-subject basis, for subject exemptions from ICM professional programmes.
Note: 1. Case Studies, Assignments and Projects, including ALL subjects in any Post
Graduate programme, do not qualify for Single Subject Awards.
2. A student who undertakes, on a Single Subject basis, subjects within a Diploma,
Advanced Diploma, Graduate Diploma or Post Graduate ICM programme will not
be entitled to a professional Award unless they are exempted from or have
completed all lower Levels of that Award.
3. In order to comply with UKBA requirements, overseas students studying in the UK
(excluding those from EU countries) are not permitted to undertake Single
Subjects and must undertake a professional programme.
You are expected to be independent and to take responsibility for your own academic and
personal life. However, your study centre should also provide appropriate help and
assistance. Your tutors will direct your studies and ensure that you know what work you
need to cover in any given unit. Seek advice from academic staff either during or after class
or try to see them during their office hours.
Teaching Centres are provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject
area. Each Unit Syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each
subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for
Each Unit Syllabus is normally linked to one main textbook and the examiners base their
questions on the contents of the nominated core text.
The Unit Syllabuses also give details of 'Alternative Texts' and texts recommended for
further reading. It is advised that you should refer to the 'Alternative Texts' in order to
develop your skills and broaden your knowledge of the subject area.
For our accepted methods of payment, please refer to the ICM website: www.icm.education
As an ICM Student Member you can work towards obtaining either a recognised
Professional qualification or study for one or more of the 200 Single Subject Awards from the
list of subjects offered by the Institute. The choice is yours.
Tuition leading to the Institutes examinations can only be provided by Institutions which
have been granted ICM Approved Centre status. Please note that some ICM Teaching
Centres specialise in particular subject areas and not all ICM Centres will necessarily offer
tuition for every ICM course programme. Visit the website to find an ICM Approved Centre
near you.
9 Textbooks
The recommended textbooks for each subject are shown on each subject syllabus.
Examiners base their questions on the contents of the recommended texts and it is therefore
important for you to ensure that you have access to the appropriate texts. You can obtain the
full list of books available to purchase from ICM and/or place orders by either contacting your
Centre or complete the Book Order Form and send it to ICMs Book Sales Manager at:
info@icm.education .
If you are diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty you may be granted special
arrangements for your examination/s. We will require a copy of an Assessment Report
issued within the last three years. The amount of additional time and any other
arrangements will be determined on the basis of the Report relating to your circumstances. It
is possible that you may be granted permission to use a computer or laptop without internet
connection in your examinations.
12 Unit Information
Continuing economic activity and growth in developed, transitional and emerging economies
has created excellent career opportunities, in both the public and private sectors, for those
with demonstrable human resource development skills.
This programme has been designed for those with an interest in human resource
development, training and personnel management who seek a recognised qualification in
order to improve their workplace performance and enhance their career and employment
prospects.
To provide participants with a body of knowledge that will enable them to:
The Institute operates an Open Access policy in respect of many of its vocational
programmes but prospective students should note that the following entrance qualifications
are recommended for those wishing to undertake the ICM Diploma programme:
One GCE A-level plus Three GCSEs (or equivalents)
A suitable BTEC National or ICM Certificate award
Any qualification equivalent to one or more of the above
The minimum age for registration for this programme is 18.
Applicants over the age of 20 who do not hold the recommended entrance qualifications may
also register for the programme providing they have been in full-time employment for a
minimum of two years.
The following pages show detailed syllabuses for the units contained within the Human
Resource Development programme.
Level 5 Diploma
Credits 20
Unit Leader IC
Pre-requisites
This unit aims to introduce the student to a study of the law in the business environment. It
introduces sources of law and legal method, business organisations and legal relationships,
contracts including the supply of goods and services, agency agreements and civil wrongs in the
business environment including negligence and nuisance.
An understanding of the rights and responsibilities of organisations is an essential requirement in the
study of business operations at home and those involved in international business transactions and
trade.
Main Topics of Study:
Contracts
Formation of Contract
What is a contract?
The intention to create legal relations
Offer
Termination of an offer
Acceptance
Agreement without offer and acceptance
The nature of consideration
Executory, executed and past consideration
Sufficiency of consideration
Privity of contract
Terms of Contract
The terms of contract
Incomplete contracts
Conditions and warranties
Oral evidence relating to contracts in writing
Representations and contract terms
Implied terms
The required form of contracts
Exclusion clauses
The Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977
The Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1994
3. Analyse and apply the legal rules to resolve factual problem situations.
1-4 2-3 - - -
Self-appraisal/ Planning and Problem Solving Communication Other skills
Reflection on Management of & Presentation (please specify):
Practice Learning
- - 3 - -
Learning and teaching methods/strategies used to enable the achievement of learning
outcomes:
Learning takes place on a number of levels through lectures, class discussion including problem
review and analysis. Formal lectures provide a foundation of information on which the student builds
through directed learning and self managed learning outside of the class. The students are actively
encouraged to form study groups to discuss course material which fosters a greater depth learning
experience.
Assessment methods which enable the student to demonstrate the learning Weighting:
outcomes for the Unit:
Examination: 3 hours duration 100%
Level 5 Diploma
Credits 20
Unit Leader GW
Pre-requisites
The unit introduces the student to a range of studies which are useful in understanding people in the
workplace. It examines the concept of management within the global business environment and
through the appraisal of business cases, a variety of approaches are considered.
The unit prepares students for their likely future roles as managers in organisations. It encourages
them to synthesise knowledge and experience gained in other units by considering competing
perspectives on the nature of management. It encourages them to reflect upon the contribution that
they might make as individuals to the management process, and to explore their own skills as
potential managers, within the context of their peer group. The unit touches practical, moral and
ethical dimensions of the management role and examines the key problems and dilemmas that may
emerge for stakeholders in contemporary organisations.
Main Topics of Study:
1. Provide critical evaluation of the major functional areas of a business and describe their
interrelationship.
2. Evaluate competing perspectives on the nature of management as both a function and
process within organisations.
3. Discuss the concept of managerial power and authority, in the context of the work of individual
managers, and organisations within their social and cultural contexts.
4. Discuss models of managerial decision-making.
5. Discuss the development of organisations in their historical, social and cultural contexts, and
the choices that this creates for the management of organisations.
6. Explain the process of organisational change and development.
8. Demonstrate an appreciation of the role of the Administrator as part of the Managerial process.
Main Text
Business Management & Administration, G. Whitehead & G. Whitehall, ICM
Alternative Texts
Modern Business Administration, R.C. Appleby, Pitman
The Structure of Business, M. Buckley, Pitman
Students should also be prepared to read other suitable business management text books
Guideline for Teaching and Learning Time (10 hrs per credit):
Level 5 Diploma
Credits 20
Unit Leader JF
Pre-requisites
1. Demonstrate how business communication strategies and principles can be applied to prepare
effective communication for domestic and international business situations.
2. Discuss the relative merits of and appropriate organisational formats and channels used in
developing and presenting business messages.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanics of oral and written communication including
presentations, memos, letters, and reports.
4. Demonstrate language skills competency in grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization,
number usage, and sentence structure by communicating in concise, clear, straightforward
language.
5. Explain relative merits and mechanisms for communicating via electronic mail, Internet, and
other electronic media.
6. To deliver an effective oral business presentation (Non credit bearing assessment).
Main Text
Mastering Communications, 5th edition, Nicky Stanton, Palgarve Macmillan
Alternative Texts
Practical Communications, F.W. Bergin, Pitman
People of Communication, D.W. Evans, Pitman
Basic Business Communication, K. Lesikar, McGraw Hill
Level 6 Diploma
Credits 20
Unit Leader GW
Pre-requisites
This unit is designed to develop the knowledge and understanding students have of business and
management by exploring how management theory and practice has responded to the development
of economic and social activity. Issues to do with globalisation, international competition, international
marketing, translational corporate strategy, and international regulatory institutions are examined with
respect to their implications for the management of organisations.
Main Topics of Study:
1. Evaluate theories of management and organisations and explain how they fit with the nature of
the managerial task and process.
2. Explain particular issues faced by small businesses.
3. Using case examples apply theory and concepts to business strategies from the perspective of
top management and evaluate the concept of competitive advantage.
4. Critically evaluate the management of organisational conflict and politics.
5. Articulate and illustrate the potential conflict between profit and social responsibility.
Main Text
Management Theory and Practice, 8th edition, G.A. Cole and Phil Kelly, Cengage Learning EMEA.
ISBN: 978-1408095270
Alternative Texts and Further Reading
Understanding Organisations, 4th edition, C. Handy, Penguin. ISBN: 978-0140156034
Management: An Introduction, 6th edition, 2014, David Boddy, Pearson. ISBN: 978-1292004242
Management & Organisational Behaviour, 10th edition, 2013, Laurie J. Mullins with Gill Christy,
Pearson. ISBN: 978-0273792642
Guideline for Teaching and Learning Time (10 hrs per credit):