Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Business Management

The course is an opportunity for different target groups:

• Individuals or young persons who are seeking a career in business management
• Anyone who is already employed in administration or in the technical field wishes to develop their career towards managerial and executive positions in business organizations, public sector organizations, and NGOs
• Individuals who operate their own enterprises and would like to develop their knowledge, skills, and competencies to remain competitive in their respective industries
• Aspiring entrepreneurs who are seeking to open their own business organization

‍Target Audience

• 16+

Diploma

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (8 ECTS Credits)

This unit provides the learner with an understanding and an explanation of and purpose of an entrepreneurial venture. It provides also what may be the enablers and obstructions to a small business setup.

Financial Awareness (7 ECTS Credits)

This unit introduces learners to the nature, role, and importance of financial information in organizations from a managerial perspective.

Learners will be introduced to the principles of accounting, in line with the standards expected based on conventions that guide the presentation of financial information.

The learner will be presented with the essential knowledge to be able to critically evaluate and interpret the financial systems, procedures, and processes in various organizations.

Management and Operations (7 ECTS Credits)

The aim of this unit is to help learners understand the difference between the function of a manager and the role of a leader.

Special attention is given to the characteristics, behaviors, and traits which support management and leadership.

Communication in Organisations (8 ECTS Credits)

This unit examines communication at an organizational level, interpersonal communications, and managing internal and external communications.

The success of an organization or an enterprise depends mainly on effective communication to ensure understanding, involvement, and commitment to organizational policies and procedures.

This unit aims to develop the learners’ awareness of organizational, personal, team, and external communication.

Managing Change (7 ECTS Credits)

The aim of this unit is to introduce different models and practices of change management. The unit further aims to assist learners in developing an understanding of the issues and practices involved in the management of change and those activities that contribute to positive organizational change. Learners are encouraged to develop and use their problem-solving skills.

Human Resource Management (7 ECTS Credits)

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to understand and apply principles of effective Human Resource Management (HRM). Being able to attract, recruit, and retain talented staff is at the core of all HRM activity. This unit will explore the tools and techniques used in HRM to maximize employee contribution and how to use HR methods to gain competitive advantage.

Marketing Essentials (7 ECTS Credits)

This unit is designed to introduce learners to the core principles of marketing. This would give them the opportunity to develop a basic marketing plan and employ elements of the marketing mix to achieve desired outcomes. The theories and frameworks form the basis of this unit and are directly related to real-world examples. These include products and services which are normally encountered in their normal working environment.

Research Project (9 ECTS Credits)

This unit will be assessed by the Domain Academy examination board set assignment. The theme will be provided by the DA board and the learners will choose their own project based on this theme. This theme will be valid for a year which will then be revised and changed by the DA board.

Learners will have the opportunity to explore and examine a current topic in the context of the business environment preferably in Malta or their country of origin. The unit offers the opportunity for the learners to engage in research in a specific field of study related to the theme provided.

On successful completion of this unit, learners will have more confidence to engage in decision-making, problem-solving, and research activities using project management skills.

Higher Diploma

Management and Organisation (8 ECTS Credits)

This module introduces students to the context of organization. It uses interdisciplinary theory and research to compare and contrast the contribution of the core social science disciplines to the study of organization and management. Students will be introduced to how these theories inspire ways in which organizations can be designed in order to achieve their objectives. The evolution of management thought is central to a student’s understanding of this module. They will learn and appreciate the contribution of Taylor, Fayol, and Weber to the Classical approach; and Follett’s and Mayo’s contribution to the Behavioural approach. Furthermore, students will learn modern management approaches that include a systems view of organizations, contingency thinking, and the role of knowledge management learning organizations.

The module provides an understanding of the many factors that shape the nature of organizations operating in an increasingly complex business environment. Participants explore this dynamic nature of business and familiarize themselves with organizational structures, functional areas, and the impact of the external environment.

Operations and Supply Chain Management (8 ECTS Credits)

The module provides an expansive overview of the key issues and challenges facing organizations in managing their operations and supply chains with the aim of delivering goods and services. Students will be exposed to the fundamental principles, theories, and practical activities that constitute this vital area of management. They will learn and appreciate the 16 principles of Operations Management as laid out by Schonberger. A systems approach is applied to understand and address the challenges of aligning organizational processes to the needs of the business; implementing them effectively, and operating and improving them on an ongoing basis. The coverage is not limited to the operations function and has relevance for managing processes in any part of the organization; whether the customers are internal or external. It also familiarises core concepts in the management of processes that cross organizational boundaries as part of a supply chain.

Consumer Behaviour (8 ECTS Credits)

The module aims to give students an insight into consumer behavior from cognitive, social, and cultural theoretical perspectives. It establishes the central role of consumer behavior and its relevance to marketing management. It examines in detail the process of consumer decision-making, the influences on buyer behavior, and their implications for marketing in purposeful contemporary organizations. Students will explore both traditional (economic, learning, psychological, and sociological) models; and contemporary models of consumer behavior, such as the Howard Sheth Model, the Nicosia model, the Engle-KollatBlackwell model, and the Engle Blackwell and Miniard model. They will develop a knowledgeable understanding of consumption; both micro view of consumption – decision making and involvement, perceptual processes, attitudes theory, personality, self, and motivation; and macro-view of consumption – culture, groups, and social processes. The module examines the consumer both as an individual and as a member of a group and culture.

Research Project (n12 ECTS Credits)

This unit will be assessed by the Domain Academy examination board set assignment. The theme will be provided by the DA board and the learners will choose their own project based on this theme. This theme will be valid for a year which will then be revised and changed by the DA board.

Learners will have the opportunity to explore and examine a current topic in the context of the business environment preferably in Malta or their country of origin. The unit offers the opportunity for the learners to engage in research in a specific field of study related to the theme provided.

On successful completion of this unit, learners will have more confidence to engage in decision-making, problem-solving, and research activities using project management skills.

Economics for Business (8 ECTS Credits)

The module provides an introduction to basic economic theory as it applies to business. It presents an economic understanding of the world of individual choice, business behavior, national-level economic systems, and government economic policy. It demonstrates how economic factors impinge on organizational success. Students will be introduced to micro- and macroeconomic theory and learn how businesses are affected by developments in specific markets as well as by changes at the level of the entire economy. They will understand that economic models have two functions; as a simplification of and abstraction from observed data, and as a means of selection of data based on a paradigm of econometric study. They will develop analytical skills and apply analytical techniques to business and management problems and to problems of market economics.

Information Systems in Organisations (8 ECTS Credits)

This module provides an introduction to the fundamentals of information technology and covers the uses of information systems in business scenarios and business organizations. The module equips students with skills in database management and an in-depth understanding of the role of information systems in this ‘information age’. Organizations are now heavily reliant upon the effective management of information as a resource and are faced with an overabundance of new and emerging technologies. Students will understand that the application of information technology leads to fundamental changes in the structure and nature of organizations. The module provides key concepts, frameworks, and strategic technologies that are in practice in contemporary organizations. Students will learn data modeling and data analysis, principles of relational database design, enterprise information systems and strategy, privacy, and information security, ‘Big data’ and cloud computing, and technology acceptance and diffusion.

Integrated Marketing Communications (8 ECTS Credits)

The module recognizes the role of integrated marketing communications as an integral process in the creation of effective marketing activities. Students will reflect on the changes occurring in the world of advertising, promotion, public relations, personal selling, digital, and direct marketing. It presents the marketing communications tools that can be employed in an integrated campaign that promotes both synergy and a continuing dialogue with the consumer. Students will learn to analyze and reflect on the changes that are occurring in the world of marketing communications in today’s business world. They will recognize the process that is followed in a marketing campaign, from situation analysis to evaluation.

Accounting and Financial Management (8 ECTS Credits)

This module on accounting and finance places particular emphasis on the understanding of accounting information and financial management. It provides the accounting and financial background desirable for any intending business manager. Furthermore, it gives an introduction to the analytical tools critical to understanding the financial management of an organization, and the interrelationship between the organization’s accounting results, financing, and managerial decision-making. Students will learn about the tools necessary for analyzing financial statements in order to recognize key trends for a business and will be able to relate accounting to the broader strategic and operational aspects of a business. An underlying objective is that this module will facilitate conversations with the financial personnel of their organizations.

Assessment

Formative assessment

The goal of formative assessment is to monitor student learning to provide ongoing feedback that can be used by lecturers to improve their teaching and by students to improve their learning and development. More specifically, formative assessments throughout the modules will:

• Help students identify their strengths and weaknesses and target areas that need improvement
• Help lecturers recognize where students are struggling and address problems immediately

Summative assessment

Assessments will be designed according to the guidelines of each module specification. In general, the assessments will enable learners to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes across the individual elements of the program. The range of assessments utilized will normally include essays, reports, presentations, and other structured assignments.

Assessments are drafted in conjunction with the curriculum development department and tutor concerned. The final version is confirmed by the curriculum development department.

Assessments are moderated by the tutor concerned, and then also verified by the Internal Verifier.

The assessment will be based on assignments for each module. There may be one or two assignments for each module.

The assignment will consist of criteria related to each topic within the module with the respective outcomes.

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Procedures

This program offers both variety and flexibility, ensuring that the learning and assessment activities are relevant and of value for future progression. Throughout this program learners are continuously and actively involved in all teaching methods including;

• Lectures
• Hands-on activities
• Seminar
• Workshops
• Enquiry-based learning

Lectures and other teaching methods are delivered interactively, with discussion sessions and tutorials in the form of hands-on and problem-solving activities building on the relevant academic study skills including concepts and practices.

These activities help learners to use different research and online tools. Learners are asked to reflect on the tools and activities, inviting discussions with regard to their own knowledge and skill and adapting these tools to their current situations and contexts. Feedback is given where appropriate throughout the course.

Learners are also introduced to appropriate websites and other related material for further development of their knowledge and skills.

Grading System

Grading will be based on – Pass – Merit – and Distinction.

Resits will be permitted for each respective assignment and module. No more than two resits are permitted to the student and the grading will be only a Pass.

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Upon completion of this program, you should have gained:

• Understand and have a wide knowledge of the broad range of areas that comprise business management
• Critically understand the theories, models, and approaches in the various areas of management, how these are applied in practice, and how they can improve the management process
• Understand in depth the effects of environmental forces on decisions taken in organizations
• Describe the processes used when selecting the business and functional strategies in a variety of organizations
• Understand the importance of adopting a proactive approach to organizational problems and challenges
• Understand how to deal with uncertainty and complexity in diverse organizational contexts
• Define what behaviors are expected during the execution of roles and functions by managers at different levels of an organization
• Recognize the specific techniques required for an in-depth analysis of an organizational situation
• Demonstrate a command of module-specific skills and proficiency in employing sophisticated techniques for analyzing data
• Demonstrate confidence in taking leadership decisions in challenging business situations
• Show proficiency in the use of communication techniques in order to accomplish organizational goals effectively
• Apply the principles of evidence-based decision-making to determine innovative solutions to organizational problems in different functional areas
• Select and employ analytical skills to translate creative ideas into operational solutions
• Demonstrate a capacity for critical evaluation and to integrate theory and practice in a wide range of business situations.