athe - qual delivery hdbm

Higher D ip loma i n Bus iness Managem ent Leve l 6 Qua l i f i ca t ion Gu ide

Contents Introduction to the qualification 1 Unit content 2

Mandatory units Unit 1 Organisational Management and Structure 2 Unit 2 International Marketing 7 Unit 3 Strategic Business Planning 11 Unit 4 Financial Management 15 Optional units Unit 5 The Organisation and its Environment 19 Unit 6 Human Resource Management 23 Unit 7 Business Law 27 Unit 8 Communication Processes 31 Unit 9 Economics and Business 35 Unit 10 India and the Business Environment 39

Recommended reading 45 Assessment criteria/marking guidelines 46 Registering students 46 Moderation 46 Reasonable adjustments 47 Special considerations 47 Progression 47

HDBM Qualification Guide 1 © ATHE Ltd June 2011

Introduction to the qualification The Higher Diploma in Business Management is designed to give students an understanding of the responsibilities of senior managers and the techniques they will use to deal with different situations as well as the legal requirements within their role. The qualification consists of 4 mandatory units in which students cover the fundamentals of business management. They then choose 2 optional units to gain more specialist knowledge. Each unit is assessed by an assignment of between 2000 and 3000 words. ATHE provides an assignment for each unit. Alternatively centres may create their own assignments built on the unit learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Assignments can be designed in a variety of forms including projects or time-constrained assessments. Centre-devised assignments must be approved by ATHE prior to commencement of the programme. Students need to achieve all 6 units to complete this qualification. Students can use ATHE resources and recommended textbooks. However, as this is a higher level qualification, the majority of texts used should be from students’ own research.


Unit 1 Organisational Management & Structure

Unit Aim

In this unit students will explore different types of business structures and cultures.

They will look at different management theories and how these relate to

management. They will also consider change management.

Learning Outcome Assessment Criteria

1. Understand the meaning and nature of organisational management.

1.1 Explain what is meant by organisational structures and cultures

1.2 Evaluate how the objectives of a business organisation affect organisational structure and culture

Indicative Content

Different forms of management structure, e.g. flat, hierarchical, regional, product, divisional, matrix structures, team structures

Corporate cultures, e.g. power, role, task, person, applicable and analytical schools

Role of culture and structure

Examples of business objectives of different sized organisations

How business objectives influence organisational structure and culture


2. Understand leadership and management theory and its application in practice.

2.1 Critically review a business organisation and explain the application of different management theories

Indicative Content

Different management theories, including:

Scientific Management e.g. FW Taylor

Classical (Administrative) Theorists e.g. Henry Fayol

Human relations/sociological e.g. Mayo, Parker, Weber

Operational research e.g. Fisher, Fry

Drucker – management by objectives etc.

Application of theory in real business situations Case study analysis



3. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of centralisation and decentralisation.

3.1 Differentiate between an organisational management system that is centralised and one that is decentralised

3.2 Analyse how an organisation moves away from centralisation to decentralisation or vice versa

Indicative Content

Features of centralised/decentralised structures

Advantages and disadvantages

Situations where each are appropriate

Strategies to move from centralised to decentralised or vice versa


4. Understand the contingency approach to management

4.1 Explain recent trends in structuring organisations and why have they have changed from traditional structures.

4.2 Analyse how environmental uncertainty can affect the structure of an organisation.

Indicative Content

Contingency management

Main dimensions, e.g. specialisation, centralisation of decision making, standardisation, formalisation and configuration

Elements of environmental uncertainty – economic, political, legal etc. Influences on structure – objectives, environment


5. Understand the causes of organisational change and the factors that will help and resist change.

5.1 Analyse the factors that impose the need to change in organisational structures.

5.2 Explain the issues that can cause resistance to any change in organisational structure and processes


Indicative Content

Causes of change – internal and external: desire for greater profits, desire to grow, new technology, need to keep/expand customer base, environmental factors, legal and political factors

Resistance to change - tactics of counter-implementation – and ways to overcome resistance

Why resistance occurs – style of management, lack of information, natural resistance to change, familiarity with current operations, vision not properly communicated etc.


6 Understand organisational functions and processes

6.1 Analyse the main organisational functions and processes and their contribution to the achievement of organisational goals

6.2 Explore alternative ways in which

organisations can design and carry out their functions and processes

Indicative Content

Main management functions - marketing, operations, human resources, finance

Management processes – planning and staff supervision, organising, staffing and decision making

Outsourcing, flattening of organisational structures, specific project teams, network structures, learning structures and knowledge management


Unit 1 Organisational Management and Structure – Assessment Submission

Name: ATHE Student No:

I confirm that the work contained in this submission is all my own and that any sources of reference have been correctly attributed.

Signature: Date:

Assignment Brief

Answer both questions. 1000 words per question

1. Analyse the structure and organisational culture of a given case study or real organisation, examining how the organisational objectives have influenced the structure and culture. Your answer should explore alternative structures and cultures and explain why they may or may not be suitable.

2. For a case study or real organisation facing change, analyse the causes of change, the impact on organisational structure and culture and how change can be effectively implemented. You should analyse potential resistance to change in your answer.


Assessor’s Feedback: (can be continued on separate page)

I confirm that all the assessment criteria for the unit have been covered

Achieve/Refer Assessor’s signature: Date: Internal Verifier (if sampled) Signature: Date: External Examiner (if sampled) Signature: Date:


Unit 2 International Marketing

Unit Aim

This unit will introduce students to the concepts of marketing in an international context. They will look specifically at emerging economies and the issues that arise in relation to marketing in those economies.


1. Understand the importance of competitiveness in international marketing and be able to analyse potential and risks

1.1 Analyse the problems of international marketing in emerging economies

1.2 Analyse the reasons why a company would want to invest in marketing on a global scale

Indicative Content

Emerging economies – BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, China)

Features of emerging economies

Challenges for emerging economies in the international market place

Local and national markets

Potential and risks of international trade


2. Understand how to implement an organisation’s marketing strategy

2.1 Assess the importance in international markets of such different marketing strategies

2.2 Explain how to produce a marketing plan to cover different strategies available for international marketing

Indicative Content

Marketing strategies: Market dominance (leader, challenger, follower, niche); Growth (integration, diversification etc); Generic (differentiation, cost leadership, market segmentation): Innovation strategies (new product development, business model innovation).

Contents of a typical marketing plan with strategies for international marketing – analysis of situation, objectives, strategy, operational plan, forecast, controls.

Marketing tools and techniques – market research, marketing mix, market analysis etc.



3. Understand the marketing opportunities and problems presented by emerging markets

3.1 Evaluate the issues involving the management of international marketing in emerging economies

3.2 Examine the different marketing strategies required by different international economies and cultures

Indicative Content

Recognising differences in structure of economies and in consumers in different countries (infrastructure, culture, consumer circumstances)

Opportunities in emerging economies

Suitability of marketing strategies


4. Understand the financial aspects of international marketing

4.1 Analyse the issues of financing international marketing and the pricing policies that a business may adopt.

4.2 Evaluate the financial risks involved in international marketing

Indicative Content

Pricing strategies

Adapting pricing for local conditions

Different regulatory and tax regimes

Financial risks


Unit 2 International Marketing – Assessment Submission



Signature: Date:

Assignment Brief Answer both questions. 1000 words per question

1. Analyse the reasons for an organisation to enter the international marketplace and the opportunities and issues that may arise. Use a given case study or real business organisation as the basis of your analysis.

2. For a given case study or real organisation, analyse potential marketing strategies and elements of the marketing plan to move into international markets.


Unit 3 - Strategic Business Planning

Unit Aim

In this unit, you will learn about strategic planning for a business and what this entails. You will look at how strategic plans are implemented in the business.


1. Understand the significance of an organisation’s vision and strategic direction.

1.1 Analyse what an organisation’s vision and mission entails

1.2 Determine the implications of the strategic direction of an organisation

Indicative Content

Vision and mission statements – what they are and what they are not

Purpose and aim of mission statement

Who the statement targets

What makes an organisation’s statement unique

Strategic direction – what it is and how it affects the organisation

How the mission and vision link with strategic direction


2. Be able to analyse strategic direction to see how it is incorporated into the business plan.

2.1 Identify the stakeholders who inform the development of a strategic business plan

2.2 Analyse business objectives to show how they are consistent with the direction of an organisation

2.3 Develop a strategic business plan to support the direction of an organisation

2.4 Analyse risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate identified risks

Indicative Content

Stakeholder analysis

Link between objectives and direction

Content of strategic business plan

Identifying business risk Contingency plans – purpose and content



3. Understand the importance of gaining stakeholder support for the strategic business plan.

3.1 Explain strategies to communicate the strategic plan to all key stakeholders

3.2 Assess how to gain and retain support from key stakeholders for the strategic business plan

Indicative Content

Key stakeholders, e.g. investors, shareholders, staff and management, the wider local community

Communication strategies, e.g. sharing the strategy, internet portals, newsletters, discussion forums

Gaining support – communication, identifying benefits, explaining strategic thinking, inviting feedback


4. Understand how a business strategy can be implemented

4.1 Assess the resource requirements to implement a new business strategy

4.2 Suggest approaches to the implementation of business strategy

Indicative Content

Resource requirements - costing, capital investment, raw materials, training ,plant and equipment

Approaches – breaking down into small steps, liaison with key people etc.


Unit 3 Strategic Business Planning – Assessment Submission



Signature: Date:


1. For a given case study or real organisation, analyse the mission, vision and strategic direction and demonstrate how this can be translated into a strategic business plan. You should consider risks and contingency plans in your response. 2. Discuss how a strategic business plan might be implemented and how support can be gained from stakeholders to ensure the plan is successfully implemented.


Unit 4 Financial Management Unit Aim

In this unit students will look at how to analyse the financial status of organisations and how to manage the finances of a business. They will look at the analysis of financial statements, budgets and investment appraisal.


1. Be able to analyse and evaluate the financial statements of an organisation

1.1 Identify the needs of different stakeholders and use analytical tools and techniques relevant to the needs of stakeholders

1.2 Analyse a set of financial statements

by using comparative analysis 1.3 Evaluate the limitations of different

types of analytical tools and techniques

Indicative Content

Main financial statements, purpose and relationship between them

Financial ratios for short term and long term creditors

Comparative statements, common size percentages, working capital changes, trend analysis

Profitability, liquidity and activity ratios


2. Be able to complete and analyse budgetary information

2.1 Analyse the budgetary process and identify constraints

2.2 Evaluate budget outcomes and compare with the organisational objectives.

2.3 Evaluate budgetary monitoring processes within an organisation.

Indicative Content

The budgeting process (objectives, resources and constraints)

Establishing budget components (negotiation and consolidation, audit and monitoring)

Role of managers and functions in budgeting

Budgets and variances



3. Understand how to evaluate financial information and its role in capital investment decision making

3.1 Analyse criteria by which major financial decisions are made.

3.2 Apply forecasting techniques to

financial decisions.

Indicative Content

Net present value, and time value of money

Discount rates, Discounted Cash Flows (DCF)

Discounted Payback Period, Internal Rate of Return, Return on Investment

Decision Tree Analysis, Real Options Analysis and simulations. Uncertainty and risk


4. Be able to critically examine contemporary issues which can affect financial management

4.1 Evaluate issues related to long and short term financial management

4.2 Evaluate the impact of risk on corporate performance and financial management

Indicative Content

Long-term financial management - issues affecting equity, debt, shareholder dividends, e.g. macroeconomic policy, structural changes to industry

Short-term financial management - issues affecting assets and liabilities, cash, stocks, short-term debt, e.g. supply and demand, price changes


Unit 4 Financial Management – Assessment Submission



Signature: Date:

Assignment Brief

Answer all three questions. 750 to 1000 words per question

1. Carry out an analysis of the financial statements of an organisation. Using statements from different organisations, or from different financial years for the same organisation, make comparisons of financial performance between statements. Comment on other issues that could affect investment decision making. 2. Using information from the same organisation, analyse budgets and comment on the usefulness and accuracy of the budgeting process. Comment on factors that can affect the budgeting process. 3. Using a case study or an organisation with which you are familiar, apply a range of analysis techniques. Explain the usefulness of these techniques and comment on other factors that may affect financial decision making.


Unit 5 The Organisation and its Environment Unit Aim

You will explore the external environment in which the organisation exists from the business point of view. You will learn about external factors that impact upon the business and about corporate social responsibility.


1. Understand the relationship between

the organisation and its environment.

1.1 Explain the relationship between business organisations and the external environment

Indicative Content

Why the external environment is important to business

Elements of external environment – political, economic, legal, technological Why business needs to respond to these factors


2. Be able to analyse the external

environment of a business

2.1 Analyse the political, economic, social, technological, legal and ecological factors that affect an organisation by using a PESTLE analysis.

2.2 Analyse the reasons for difficulty in

monitoring change in all of the

organisational environment factors

2.3 Describe how PESTLE analysis can be used to support ‘scenario planning’.

Indicative Content

PESTLE analysis – how to carry out

Monitoring change in environmental factors Scenario planning



3. Understand the concept of corporate

responsibility

3.1 Analyse reasons why the emphasis on ethical behaviour has increased within the organisational environment

3.2 Evaluate and give examples of why there has been increased media coverage of environmental issues and the occurrence of high profile scandals

Indicative Content

Concept of corporate social responsibility

Ethical behaviour Examples of media coverage


Unit 5 The Organisation and its Environment – Assessment Submission



Signature: Date:


1. Analyse the external environment of a business and explain its significance to business operations. You should carry out a PESTLE analysis as part of your answer.

2. Discuss the concept of corporate responsibility in relation to a specific business.


Unit 6 Human Resource Management Unit Aim In this unit students will look at workforce planning and at ways that employees can be motivated and their performance managed.


1. Understand the process by which an organisation secures adequate talent, skills, knowledge and ability to ensure future success

1.1 Analyse the process of workforce planning as a function of the human resource department

1.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of

workforce planning in achieving business aims

1.3 Explain how to develop human

resource plans for an organisation

Indicative Content

Aims of workforce planning

Stages of workforce planning (analyse current situation, analyse future needs, find gaps)

Strategic and operational workforce planning (i.e. long and short-term planning)

Format of workforce plans


2. Understand the significance of and process for employee motivation and reward

2.1 Analyse motivation and behavioural theories

2.2 Evaluate how motivational and behavioural theories relate to performance in the workplace

Indicative Content

Motivation and behavioural theory e.g. Taylor, Mayo, Maslow/Herzberg, Drucker etc

Application of theory to the workplace



3. Understand how to apply principles of performance management

3.2 Analyse performance management

practices referenced to motivation

theory.

3.1 Analyse the effectiveness of

appraisal systems

Indicative Content

Performance management practices (management by objectives, SMART objectives, performance related pay etc)

Elements of appraisal systems (360 appraisals, peer review, observation etc)


Unit 6 Human Resource Management – Assessment Submission



Signature: Date:


1. Discuss the process by which an organisation secures adequate talent, skills, knowledge and ability and evaluate its effectiveness in achieving organisational aims.

2. Analyse motivational theory and assess its practical application in appraisal and performance management systems.


Unit 7 Business Law Unit Aim

In this unit you will learn about aspects of the law that affect the relationship between the organisation and customers, business competition and intellectual property.


1. Understand the impact of the law on the relationship between a business and its customers

1.1 Explain the concept of a 'duty of care' and laws relating to consumer protection

1.2 Explain laws related to the sale of goods and services

Indicative Content

Duty of care (Donoghue and Stephenson)

Consumer protection

Sale of Goods and Services Act

Law of Contract

Trade descriptions

Other laws affecting specific industries, e.g. age-related sales etc


2. Understand the legal regulations applicable to consumer credit agreements.

2.1 Analyse and evaluate the different forms of credit agreements

2.2 Describe the contractual arrangements and obligations that a businesses will be subject to when entering into different forms of credit agreement.

Indicative Content

Consumer Credit Act and main provisions

Application of the Act Implications of non-compliance


3. Understand the laws relating to monopolies, mergers and anti-competitive practices

3.1 Evaluate the scope and form of monopolies and anti-competitive legislation in the UK

3.2 Explain the role of the Competition

Commission with reference to its activities and powers.

3.3 Describe and explain the EU position on

dominant positions and the application of EU exemptions to potentially anti-competitive practices.


Indicative Content

Definitions of monopoly, dominant position, anti-competitive practices

UK legislation on competition

EU position and legislation Competition Commission – role and purpose


4. Understand the law of tort and its significance in business

4.1 Explain the law of tort and its implications in relation to business activities

4.2 Explain the concept of vicarious liability

Indicative Content

Definition of tort

Law of tort and how it applies to business

Vicarious liability Concept of ultra vires and how this affects the business


5. Understand the key provisions relating to ownership of intellectual property.

5.1 Identify different forms of intellectual property and the extent to which such ownership may be sold, modified, assigned or licensed.

5.2 Analyse the legislative framework for the

protection of intellectual property and the remedies available where the rights to that property have been infringed.

Indicative Content

Definition of intellectual property

Ownership rights ( to sell, assign, licence copyright)

Legislation on copyright, patents etc Remedies available for breach of law


Unit 7 Business Law – Assessment Submission



Signature: Date:

Assignment Brief Answer all three questions 1000 words per question

1. Explain the legal relationship between a business and its customers in relation to the sale of goods and services (including tort, consumer protection, trade descriptions etc) and the provision of credit.

2. Discuss UK and EU law relating to monopolies and competition and how it is

enforced. Include an explanation of the role and purpose of the Competition Commission.

3. Explain the concept of intellectual property and discuss how the law relating

to intellectual property affects business.


Unit 8 Communication Processes Unit Aim In this unit students will learn about the communications process in business, the communication skills required by individuals and they will assess their own communication skills.


1. Understand communication processes in business

1.1 Analyse the range of factors that impact on the communication process within an organisation

1.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of different systems of communications within business organisations

Indicative Content

Types of communication, e.g. customer relations, PR, corporate communications, reputation management

Methods of communication, e.g. meetings, forums, electronic (e.g. web based)

Communication process


2. Understand the range of communication skills required within businesses.

2.1 Identify the communication skills required in businesses

2.2 Explain the elements of effective communication within businesses

2.3 Analyse factors that can cause barriers to communication within businesses

Indicative Content

Communication skills – verbal, non-verbal, written, listening skills, meeting skills etc.

How to communicate effectively Barriers to communication



3. Understand how to develop effective communication skills in a business context

3.1 Assess own communication skills

3.2 Identify areas for improvement in professional communication skills.

Indicative Content

Managing personal development in communication

Action planning


Unit 8 Communication Processes – Assessment Submission



Signature: Date:

Assignment Brief Answer both questions 1000 words per question

1. Discuss communication processes and the effectiveness of systems of communication within business organisations.

2. Analyse the skills required for effective communication and assess your own

effectiveness in communication. You should include a personal development plan to improve your communication skills.


Unit 9 Economics and Business Unit Aim

This unit looks at the economy and its impact on the business and business operations. Students will look at elements of macro and microeconomics in relation to business organisations.


1. Understand how macroeconomic and microeconomic theories relate to management practice

1.1 Examine how microeconomics impacts on an organisation

1.2 Examine how macroeconomic policy influences business operations

Indicative Content

Microeconomics – nature of the firm, workings of competitive market, demand and supply, price and output, elasticities, uncertainty and risk, costs of production, revenue and profit

Macroeconomics – relationship between Government and business, fiscal and monetary policy, economic growth, unemployment, inflation, business cycle, balance of payments and exchange rates


2. Understand what is meant by a free market economy, command economy and mixed economy.

2.1 Compare and contrast the features of the three major types of economy in relation to businesses operating within them

2.2 Evaluate alternative economies and their benefits for business.

Indicative Content

World economy

Capitalism

Features of each economy affecting business operations

Benefits for business of different economies Market conditions



3. Understand the concept of demand and supply in relation to different types of goods and services and firms’ behaviour.

3.1 Explain influence of demand and supply in relation to goods and services supplied by a business

3.2 Evaluate the influence of aggregate supply and aggregate demand on business decision making

Indicative Content

Types of goods and services (normal, inferior, Giffen)

Supply and demand curves Aggregate supply and demand – definition and influence on business


4. Understand the ‘theory of costs’ as it relates to an organisation.

4.1 Analyse different costs and the formulas relating to the theory of cost

4.2 Explain how a firm’s supply curve is derived from its cost function.

Indicative Content

Fixed costs, variable cost, marginal cost, average cost and total cost

Theory of costs and related formula

Construction of supply curve Economies of scale, diseconomies of scale


5. Understand how the monopoly and perfect competition affect profit maximisation in business

5.1 Explain the characteristics of monopoly and perfect competition at the firm and industry level.

5.2 Evaluate the effects of the changes in conditions of the industry on the market equilibrium in both the short term and long term.

Indicative Content

Characteristics of perfect competition and monopoly

Graphs of perfect competition and monopoly

Effects of changes in market conditions Market equilibrium



6. Understand the concepts of elasticity of demand and supply and their application within the business decision-making process

6.1 Analyse the meaning of price elasticity of demand, price elasticity of supply, income elasticity of demand and cross price elasticity of demand.

6.2 Examine the use of the concepts of elasticity by firms to analyse and evaluate markets.

Indicative Content

Supply and demand

Elasticities Use of concept of elasticity in business


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Unit 9 Economics and Business – Assessment Submission



Signature: Date:

Assignment Brief Answer all four questions. 750 to 1000 words per question

1. Discuss the impact of external economic conditions on the operations of business.

2. Analyse how supply and demand is relevant to business decisions. You

should discuss elasticity in your answer, use diagrams and examples of specific organisations to support your answer.

3. Analyse how market competition influences the operations of a business. Use

specific examples to illustrate your answer.

4. Discuss the theory of costs in relation to business operations. You should identify different types of costs and explain how the supply curve is constructed for an organisation.


Unit 10 India and the Business Environment Unit Aim

This unit focuses on the business environment in India and looks at whether India is a developing or developed economy. Students will look at how the infrastructure affects the economy and at planning strategies that have been used to try and support economic growth.


1. Understand the key components of the Indian economic environment.

1.1 Analyse the key indicators of the economic environment in India

1.2 Critically examine national economic

management in India from the corporate point of view.

1.3 Describe internal and external factors that are important for the Indian business environment.

Indicative Content

Indian economy

Infrastructure

Economic management

Economic partnership between India and other nations

Political, social and technological factors


2. Understand the current Indian business situation

2.1 Analyse the current position of the Indian infrastructure

2.2 Describe the major constraints on

corporate growth in present day India

Indicative Content

Infrastructure – transport, communications, technology etc. Constraints - average per capita incomes, size of market etc.



3. Understand the indicators of economic development in India

3.1 Evaluate the major indicators used to measure the economic development of India.

3.2 Analyse how far the Indian economy can be classed as ‘developed or developing’ based on the movements in performance indicators for the last 10 years.

Indicative Content

Indicators of development – economic growth, healthcare, education, agricultural development, economic policy and external debt, infrastructure, social and business development, Development Indices (WDI/HDI)

Concept of developed and developing economies


4. Understand the relative importance of access to natural resources in India’s development

4.1 Critically examine the role of land as a central input in the process of the development of India taking into account the density of population.

4.2 Examine the role of the government

towards preservation and optimum utilisation of natural resources.

Indicative Content

Agricultural and rural development

Patterns of land ownership

Population Government policies for natural resources


5. Understand the various planning strategies adopted in India since 1952

5.1 Analyse the planning strategies adopted since 1952

5.2 Evaluate the factors which make the tasks of implementing the Five Year Plans difficult.

Indicative Content

History of economic planning in India

Planning strategies employed and their relative success Factors affecting success of five year plans


Unit 10 India and the Business Environment – Assessment Submission



Signature: Date:

Assignment Brief Answer all three questions. 1000 words per question

1. Analyse the current economic environment in India.

2. Discuss factors relating to economic growth in India. You should specifically look at the development of infrastructure and the impact this has.

3. Assess the potential use of resources in India and the significance and

importance of national planning in relation to those resources.


Recommended reading Unit 1 Charles Handy, Understanding Organizations, 4th Edition (Penguin, 1993) Mike Smith, Fundamentals of Management, 2nd Edition (McGraw-Hill Education, 2011)

Unit 2 Isobel Doole and Robin Lowe, International Marketing Strategy (Thomson Learning, 2008)

Unit 3 Timothy N Nolan et al, Applied Strategic Planning: An Introduction, (Jossey Bass, 2008) Clive Reading et al, Strategic Business Planning: DIY Improvement Toolkit, (Kogan Page 2002)

Unit 4 John R Dyson, Accounting for non-accounting students, 8th edition (FT Press, 2010) Unit 5 Ian Worthington and Chris Britain, The Business Environment, 6th Edition (FT, Prentice Hall 2009) Andrew Crane et al, The oxford Handbook of Corporate Social Responsibility (OUP 2009)

Unit 6 John Stredwick, An introduction to Human Resource Management, (Heinemann, 2000) (plus texts from unit 1 for motivational theory) Unit 7 Sarah Riches and Vida Allen, Business law (Longman, 2009) Unit 8 Understand the Communication Processes in the Workplace (Pergamon Flexible Learning) Harvard Business Review on Effective Communication. (Harvard Business Review Press

John V Thill, Excellence in Business Communication.(Pearson Education)

Unit 9 John Sloman et al, Economics for Business 5th Edition (Pearsons, 2010) Unit 10 Barry Eichengreen et al, Emerging Giants: China and India in the World Economy

(OUP 2010)


Assessment criteria/marking guidelines Students must complete the four mandatory units and two of the optional units. They must also satisfactorily complete assignments for every unit they undertake in order to attain the Higher Diploma in Business Management. The assessment is based on the knowledge and understanding of each unit of the qualification and requires students to demonstrate evidence of research and analysis. This should include both secondary and primary research.

Registering students Our registration system is found online at: www.atheuk.com/howtoregister Students must be registered within 14 days of starting the qualification. To pay for the registration fees go to www.atheuk.com and click on registrations. Upon registration students will receive a unique identification number to be used in any further correspondence with ATHE. If you would like any further information on registering students, please e-mail [email protected] or call 01603 283500. To see the entry requirements for this qualification go to www.atheuk.com and click on the qualification brochure.

Moderation ATHE is committed to upholding the quality of the qualifications we offer. Accordingly we have a comprehensive internal and external verification system to ensure the assignments submitted are at an appropriate standard. The individual unit assignments will be marked by the internal assessors and ATHE will verify a pre-agreed percentage of these to ensure standards and consistency. Centres may contact ATHE to request additional guidance on assessment. To view the full verification process and associated documentation go to: www.atheuk.com/procedures


Reasonable adjustments Reasonable adjustments must not affect the integrity of what needs to be assessed, but may involve:

changing standard assessment arrangements, for example allowing candidates extra time to complete the assessment activity

adapting assessment materials, such as providing materials in Braille

providing access facilitators during assessment, such as a sign language interpreter or a reader

re-organising the assessment room, such as removing visual stimuli for an autistic candidate.

Reasonable adjustments are approved or set in place before the assessment activity takes place; they constitute an arrangement to give the candidate access to the programme. To view the full reasonable adjustments policy go to: www.atheuk.com/procedures

Special considerations A candidate who is fully prepared for an assessment that is scheduled for a specific time may be eligible for special consideration if:

performance is affected by circumstances beyond the control of the candidate, e.g. recent personal illness, accident, bereavement, serious disturbance during the assessment

alternative assessment arrangements which were agreed in advance of the assessment proved inappropriate or inadequate

part of an assessment has been missed due to circumstances beyond the control of the candidate.

To view the full special considerations policy go to: www.atheuk.com/procedures

Progression ATHE has agreements with Universities in which students who complete the ATHE HDBM can progress to complete an MBA. If colleges require further information on progression from the Higher Diploma in Business Management to University MBA or other qualifications, please e-mail [email protected] or call 01603 283 500 with any progression questions. Students can also progress to the ATHE Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management.

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