Syllabus International Advanced Diploma In Business

YEAR 2

International Advanced Diploma in Business

(IDB)

International Advanced Diploma in Business

(IADB) is equivalent to year two of a UK Honours Degree (60 ECTS)

The programme is delivered in two 15-week semesters (12 teaching weeks) in which four modules are studied.

Each academic year requires around 400 hours of compulsory study in classroom (equivalent to 14/15h per week)

plus homework and other independent study.

Starting point for students embarking on a career in Business

BSc (Honours) Business Administration programme is in three stages.

Year 1: NCC Education International Diploma in Business

Year 2: NCC Education International Advanced Diploma in Business

Year 3: BSc (Hons) in Business Administration, delivered online by NCC Education, validated

and awarded by the University of Wales. *For futher details regarding the University and its validation services, please

log on to www.wales.ac.uk/validation or email [email protected]

Contents… Syllabus

Modules

Managerial Economics

Quantitative Methods

Marketing Management

Human Resource Management

Understanding Consumer Behaviour

Applications of Financial Control

Principles of Business Operations

Information Systems and Organisations

Module Title: Managerial Economics Level: IADB Credits 15

Overview of the module:

This module examines how an organisation can achieve its objectives most efficiently

through the application of micro-economic theory and the tools of analysis of decision

science, such as statistics and quantitative methods. It shows how economic analysis can be

used in formulating business policies.

2. Module Delivery

Suggested Learning Hours

Lectures: Tutorials: Seminar: Laboratory: Private study: Total:

24 12 - - 114 150

Contents

CLASS SUBJECT

1 The nature and scope of Managerial Economics. Tutorial topic: The Theory of the Firm.

2 Types of analysis: optimisation. Tutorial topic: Optimisation using Total, Average and

Marginal Relationships.

3 Risk analysis. Tutorial topic: Incorporating Risk into Managerial Decisions.

4 Regression analysis. Tutorial Topic: Multiple Regression Analysis.

5 Demand theory. Tutorial Topic: Point and Arc Elasticity of demand.

6 Demand analysis and forecasting. Tutorial Topic: Time Series Analysis.

7 Production theory and estimation. Tutorial Topic: The Production Function with Two

Variable Inputs.

8 Cost theory and estimation. Tutorial Topic: Short Run and Long Cost Curves. Minimisation.

9 Linear programming. Tutorial Topic: Constrained Cost

10 Market structure. Tutorial Topic: Imperfect Competition.

11 Pricing practices. Tutorial Topic: Price Discrimination.

12 Capital budgeting, public goods and cost- benefit analysis. Tutorial Topic: The Cost of

Capital.

Indicative reading

Essential Textbook: Salvatore, D. (2004) Managerial Economics in a Global Economy 5th ed. Thomson Learning

ISBN-10: 0324171870

ISBN-13: 978-0324171877

Or

Salvatore, D. (2007) Managerial Economics in a Global Economy 6th ed. Oxford University Press

ISBN-10: 0195307194

ISBN-13: 978-0195307191

3. Module Assessment

Module Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

1. Discuss and explain the well established concepts and Understanding principles, and

their limits in managerial economics.

Intellectual Skills

1. Evaluate and assess the application of alternative theories, techniques and principles

to real life business problems.

2. Evaluate the alternative solutions developed from the application of analysis

techniques.

Practical Skills

1. Apply a range of suitable techniques to develop alternative solutions to business

problems.

Transferable Skills

1. Application of quantitative methods.

Assessment Methods:

Number, Type and Weighting of Element

Examination (Open Book) 100%

Module Title: Quantitative Methods Level: IADB Credits 15


This module builds on a student’s previous experience of quantitative methods, introducing

more advanced techniques applicable to decision-making in business.

2. Module Delivery



24 12 - - 114 150

Contents

CLASS SUBJECT

1 Introduction and measures of central tendency. Practise lecture topics by working through

review activity page 63.

2 Measures of dispersion. Practise lecture topics by reading page 75, working through

review activity 2 page 74, one of questions 1-3 page 76, one of questions 5-7 page 77.

3 Sampling methods. Practise lecture topics by working through review activity on page 11,

questions 4, 6 page 19.

4 Correlation analysis, regression analysis. Practise lecture topics by working through review

activity 1 on pages 91, review activity 2 on page 94, review activity 3 on page 98, question

6 on page 103. Review topic with key points to remember on pages 99-100.

5 Time series analysis. Practise lecture topics by working through review activity on page

201, review activity 3 on page 207, question 2 on page 209. Review topic with key points on

page 208.

6 Index numbers. Practise lecture topics by working through review activity 1 on page 181,

2 on page 185, questions 3, 4 on pages 186-187. Review topic with key points on pages

185. Work through supplementary questions 1.

7 Confidence intervals. Practise lecture topics by working through review activity 1 on page

129, 2 on page 135, 3 on page 139, questions 3, 6, 7 on pages 140-141.

8 Significance testing. For this topic use Quantitative Methods by Louise Swift: Practise

lecture topics by working through assessment 2 question 3 page 559, assessment 3 on

pages 574-575 questions 1, 3, 4. Review topic with structure on page 557.

9 Algebra applied to Business and Economics. For this topic use Quantitative Methods by Louise Swift: Practise lecture topics by working

through assessment 3 question 1 on

page 148, assessment 4 question 2 on



page 200, assessment 6 on page 215

question 1. 10 Differentiation. For this topic use Quantitative Methods by Louise Swift: Practise lecture

topics by working through assessment 1 questions 1, 2, 3 on page 223. Complete all the

examples in the lecture notes.

11 Applications of differentiation. For this topic use Quantitative Methods by Louise Swift:

Practise lecture topics by working through assessment 3 questions 3, 4, 5, 6 on page 236.

Assessment 4 questions 6, 7.

12 Integration, applications of integration. Work through supplementary questions

Indicative reading

Essential Textbook: McGrane, A and Smailes, J. (2000) Essential Business Statistics

FT Prentice Hall

ISBN-10: 0273643339

ISBN-13: 978-0273643333

Other Materials: Swift, L. and Piff, S. (2005) Quantitative Methods for Business, Management and Finance 2nd ed. Palgrave Macmillan

ISBN-10: 1403935289

ISBN-13: 978-1403935281





1. Understand a range of mathematical concepts and Understanding techniques. 2. Explain how mathematical techniques can be used to support decision-making in

business.

Intellectual Skills

1. Evaluate different approaches to business problem-solving.

Practical Skills

1. Apply a range of mathematical techniques to the solution of business problems. 2. Present, evaluate and interpret data, to develop lines of argument and make sound

judgements in areas of business and management.

Transferable Skills

1. Communicate results of studies/research effectively.

Assessment Methods:


Examination 100%

Module Title: Marketing Management Level: IADB Credits 15


This module highlights the need for managers to view the role of marketing as critical to

their organisation. The crucial role of marketing in contributing to the success of

organisations will be emphasised.

2. Module Delivery



24 12 - - 114 150

Contents

CLASS SUBJECT

1 Marketing and customer r/ships in the 21st century. Case study analysis.

2 Strategic marketing planning, implementation and control. Newspaper/Journal articles,

reading and discussion.

3 Buyer behaviour in consumer markets. Class discussion, with real-life examples.

4 Buyer behaviour in business markets. Case study analysis.

5 Competitive advantage. Class discussion, with real-life examples.

6 Market segmentation. Class discussion in small groups.

7 Market targeting. Cases and class discussions.

8 Product management. Cases and class discussions.

9 Product planning and promotion. Cases and class discussions.

10 Design and management of services. Case study analysis.

11 Development of pricing strategies. Case study analysis.

12 Selecting and managing marketing channels and managing the sales force. Class

discussion.

Indicative reading

Essential Textbook: Kotler, P, Keller, K (2005) Marketing Management 12th ed. FT Prentice Hall

ISBN-10: 0131457578

ISBN-13: 978-0131457577





1. Discuss and explain marketing management.

Intellectual Skills

1. Explain the building of strong brands and shaping market offerings.

2. Analyse the building of brands and the shaping of markets.

Practical Skills

1. Capture marketing insights and know how to connect with customers.

2. Deliver and communicate value.

Assessment Methods:


Assignment 100%

Module Title: Human Resource Management Level: IADB Credits 15

Overview of the module

This module covers the dynamic role of human resource management policies and practices

in contemporary organisations and their contribution to organisation goals. It defines and

critically examines the major philosophies, policies, procedures and practices related to the

management of human resources.

2. Module Delivery



24 12 - - 114 150

Contents

CLASS SUBJECT

1 Overview of HRM: Introduction to the nature of HRM; link between business and HR

strategy, role of HRM in strategy; scope of planning, analysing and forecasting needs.

2 Resourcing: Strategic aspects, analysing trends and labour markets, flexibility; contracts,

consultants, outsourcing.

3 Recruitment and Selection: Vacancies, methods, advertising, evaluation, shortlisting;

selection process, criteria, and methods, and decision-making.

4 Retention and Contracts: Turnover rates, analysis and costing, retention strategies; unfair,

constructive, and wrongful dismissal, compensation, retirement.

5 Strategic and Organisational Performance: Influences and processes, high performance, HR

policies, initiatives, evaluation; learning organisations, knowledge management and managing

knowledge.

6 Individual and Team Performance: Performance management and appraisal, stages, 360

degree feedback; nature of teamwork, team types and effectiveness.

7 Leadership, Motivation, and Managing Absence: Leadership traits, styles, and behaviours,

situational context, influence of motivation; process and causes of absence, managing

attendance.

8 Development: Organisational strategy, labour market, training and development roles;

competence(s) and behaviours; nature, methods, and evaluation for learning and

development; career development and management.

9 Employee Relations: Trends, individual and collective perspectives; union recognition, law,

and consultation; health, safety, and welfare, stress, occupational health.

10 Equality: The legal framework and discrimination; diversity and defined minority groups;

Milgram experiments, discipline and grievance processes and procedures.

11 Pay and Incentives: Reward strategy, employee objectives, approaches and elements,

equity; job evaluation structures and methods; incentive schemes and disadvantages;

pensions and benefits.

12 Cross-functional issues: International and cultural differences, barriers to communication;

ethical issues and dilemmas; work life balance practices and problems; Measuring HR,

scorecards.

Indicative reading

TEXT:

Torrington, D. And Hall, L. And Taylor, S. (2004) Human Resource Management 6th ed. FT Prentice Hall

ISBN-10: 0273687131

ISBN-13: 978-0273687139

Or

Torrington, D. And Hall, L. And Taylor, S. (2007) Human Resource Management 7th ed. FT Prentice Hall

ISBN-10: 0273710753

ISBN-13: 978-0273710752





1. Discuss and explain the established principles and practices of HRM and their

contribution to organisational goals and change.

Intellectual Skills:

1. Evaluate and asses the application of alternative policies, practices and techniques to

real world HRM problems.

2. Apply a range of HRM policies, practices, and techniques in novel situations to

develop alternative solutions to business problems.

3. Evaluate the impact of worker/management relationships and HRM policies in

selected geographical regions of the world.

Assessment Methods:


100%: Final Assignment

Module Title: Understanding Consumer Behaviour Level: IADB Credits 15

Overview of the module

This module explores the factors that influence consumer behaviour including individual

influences such as motives, values and perceptions and influences that derive from being

part of a group. It also aims to provide insights into why consumers respond the way they

do to marketing activities and the relevance of the theories of consumer behaviour to

marketing decisions. The focus of the unit is on the consumer as an individual but

comparisons will also be made with organisational buying decisions.

2. Module Delivery:



24 12 - - 114 150

Contents

CLASS SUBJECT

1 Introduction to consumer behaviour. Influence of consumer motives and values. Module

overview. Examination of needs and wants and the theories of motivation. Relationship

between values and motivation. Evans et al Ch 1

2 Influence of consumer demographics. Examination of the role of age, gender and social

grade in consumer behaviour. Evans et al Ch5

3 Influence of consumer psychographics. Examination of the role of personality in consumer

behaviour. Evans et al Ch 6

4 Influence of social groups, family and culture. Examination of the nature of social group

influence of consumer behaviour. Examination of how families buy and the relative

contributions to the buying process. Examination of the nature of different consumer values

across cultures. Evans et al Ch 7 & 8

5 New product buying. Examination of new product buying behaviour – diffusion-adoption of

innovation theories. Evans et al Ch 9

6 Repeat buying, loyalty and relational buying. Examination of the nature of switching,

defection and repeat purchasing. Encouraging customer loyalty. The nature and benefits of

relational interaction between consumers and organisations. Evans et al Ch 10

7 Organisational buying behaviour. Examination of the differences between consumer and

business markets. The organisation buying centre. The organization buying process and

major influences. Evans et al Ch 13

8 Consumer response to marketing – exposure, attention and perception. Examination of

the hierarchy of effects model- exposure, attention and perception Evans et al Ch 2

9 Consumer response to marketing – learning, attitude and action. Examination of the

hierarchy of effects model – learning, attitude and action. Evans et al Ch 3 & 4

10 Consumer response to marketing – post- purchase. Examination of how consumers

respond post-purchase. Customer satisfaction, post-purchase dissonance. Levels of

consumer involvement in decision making. Evans et al Ch 4

11 Researching consumer behaviour. Examination of the complexity of identifying

consumers’ motives. Motivation research techniques. Attitude measures. Evans et al Ch 1

& 3

12 Researching consumer behaviour – personalised databases. Examination of the use of

consumer buying information to explain and predict consumers’ behaviour and facilitate

individualised consumer-organisational interaction. Transactional data, pre- purchase data,

geodemographics. Evans et al CH 11

Indicative reading

TEXT: Evans M, Jamal A, Foxhall G (2009) Consumer Behaviour, 2ed. John Wiley & Sons Ltd

ISBN-10: 0470994657

ISBN-13: 978-0470994658



After completing this course, you should be able to:


1. Describe and appraise the importance of understanding consumer behaviour

2. Describe and explain the established theories used to explain consumer behaviour

3. Compare the differences between consumer and organisational buying decisions

Intellectual Skills

1. Demonstrate the relationship between the theory of consumer behaviour and the

development of marketing activities

2. Critically analyse marketing activities and identify underlying consumer behaviour

theories

Practical Skills

1. Apply theoretical frameworks to real world consumer contexts

Assessment Methods:


Final Assignment- 100%

Module Title: Applications of Financial Control Level: IADB Credits 15


This module is designed to build upon the general financial intelligence students will have

accumulated in the pre-requisite module. Students will not be expected to demonstrate in

depth knowledge of existing accounting standards.

2. Module Delivery



24 12 - - 114 150

Contents

CLASS SUBJECT

1 Preparing Published Financial Statements I.

Lecture (Chapters 3 and 4 of Elliot text): Balance sheet, Income statement

Tutorial:

Questions 1, 2 (pages 86-88)

Questions 1, 2 (pages 109-110) 2 Preparing Published Financial Statements II

Lecture (Chapter 21 of Elliot text): Cash flow statement

Tutorial:

Questions 1,2 (pages 486-488) 3 Preparation of Consolidated Accounts I

Lecture (Chapters 15 and 16 of Elliot text): Balance sheet

Tutorial:

Questions 7, 8 on page 376-377

Question 1 on pages 389 4 Preparation of Consolidated Accounts II

Lecture (Chapter 17 and 18 of Elliot text): Income statement

Tutorial:



5 Interpretation of Consolidated Accounts

Lecture (Chapter 22 of Elliot text): Ratio analysis

Tutorial:

Question 3 (page 527) 6 Corporate Governance and Ethics

Lecture (Chapter 25 and 27 of Elliot text): Corporate governance, Ethical codes

Tutorial:

Question 2 page 618 7 Standard Costing

Lecture (Chapter 22 of Weetman text): The control process, Cost variances, Variance analysis

Tutorial:

Questions B22.1-B22.3 and C22.1-C22.3 (pages 621-625) 8 Break Even Analysis

Lecture (Chapter 20 of Weetman text): Applications, Limitations, Pricing decisions

Tutorial:

Questions B20.1-C20.1 (pages 554-555) 9 Performance Evaluation

Lecture (Chapter 23 of Weetman text): Preparing performance reports, Performance measures

Tutorial:

Questions C23.1-C23.2 (pages 646-647) 10 Capital Investment Appraisal I

Lecture (Chapter 24 of Weetman text pages 652-655): ARR, NPV

Tutorial:

Questions B24.1, B24.3, B24.4 (pages 675- 676) 11 Capital Investment Appraisal II

Lecture (Chapter 24 of Weetman text pages 665-679): IRR, Mutually exclusive projects

Tutorial:

Questions B24.2, C24.1-C24.2 (pages 676-677) 12 Business Strategy and Management Accounting

Lecture (Chapter 24 of Weetman text): Control of investment projects

Tutorial:

Questions B25.1-C25.1 (pages 693-694)

Indicative reading

Essential Textbook: Elliiot, B and Elliot, J. (2005) Financial Accounting, Reporting and Analysis: International Edition 2nd ed. FT Prentice Hall

ISBN-10: 027370253X

ISBN-13: 978-0273702535

Weetman, P. (2006) Financial and Management Accounting: An Introduction

FT Prentice Hall

ISBN-10: 0273703692

ISBN-13: 978-0273703693

Other Materials www.pearsoned.co.uk/elliot_elliot www.pearsoned.co.uk/weetman





1. Understand published financial statements and the preparation of balance sheets,

income statements and cash flow statements.

2. Discuss and explain group accounting including associate and subsidiary companies.

3. Discuss and explain standard costing and the preparation and interpretation of

variance analysis statements.

4. Discuss and explain the techniques of performance evaluation.

5. Understand the role of management accounting in supporting strategic decision

making.

Intellectual Skills

1. Interpret and analyse financial performance using ratio analysis and preparation of

relevant reports.

2. Critically evaluate the role of good corporate governance and ethics in accounting.

3. Critically analyse the relative advantages and disadvantages of investment appraisal

reports.

4. Critically reflect on the role of management accounting in supporting strategic decision

making.

Practical Skills

1. Prepare consolidated balance sheets and consolidated income statements.

2. Prepare break even analysis statements and interpretation of computations.

3. Prepare investment appraisal reports using standard appraisal techniques.

Assessment Methods:



Module Title: Principles of Business Operations Level: IADB Credits 15


The Operations Management function is about creating and sustaining effective and efficient

operations that deliver the products or services in a manner that achieves the objectives of

the organisation, with respect to cost, quality, flexibility, dependability and speed.

Operations management deals with all planning and design activities, from the location of

any manufacturing or service company through to the acquisition of raw materials and

delivery of complete products/services. Those organisations that dominate their industry

sectors have demonstrated that successful operations management requires an enterprise-

wide awareness and control of activities, and their interfaces with supporting functions.

2. Module Delivery



24 12 - - 114 150

Content

CLASS SUBJECT

1 Operations Management activities and models: Introduction to the field and context of

Operations Management – case study.

2 Operations Management strategic objectives: the strategic role and objectives of operations,

performance objectives – research case study and discussion.

3 Operations strategy: The content and process of operations strategy – research case study

and discussion.

4 The deign of products and services: Process / product / service design. Research and

provide examples of design.

5 Job design of products and services: Ergonomics, scientific management, work

measurement – research case study and discussion.

6 Capacity planning and control: Volume / variety effect, choosing a capacity planning and

control approach.

7 Supply chain management: Supply chain behaviour, types of relationships in a supply chain

– research case study and discussion.

8 Lean operations and JIT: Lean philosophy, JIT techniques- research case study and

discussion.

9 Quality: Specification, process control, sampling- SPC tools and techniques.

10 Project Management: Project planning and control process - research case study and

discussion.

11 Operational improvement: Approaches / techniques of improvement, failure and recovery -

research case study and discussion.

12 Operational challenges: Environmental / social challenges - research case study and

discussion.

Course text –book

TEXT: Slack, M, Chambers, S, Johnstone, R (2007) Operations Management 5th ed.

Prentice Hall

ISBN-10: 140584700X

ISBN-13: 978-1405847001



On completion of this course, students should be able to:


1. Describe and explain the established principles of operations management.

Intellectual Skills:

1. Evaluate and assess the application of operation management techniques to real life

operations management problems.

2. Critically evaluate the role of operations management in business competitiveness.

3. Apply a range of operations management techniques to relatively complex cases and

draw conclusions about operations management issues.

Assessment Methods:


Examination - 100%

Module Title: Information Systems and Organisations Level: IADB Credits 15


This module introduces participants to the subject of Information Systems and Technology

(IS&T) in organisations, taking a broad management perspective. Students will demonstrate

an understanding of the current and future role of IS and information in modern

organisations, including an appreciation of social, cultural and political aspects that are

important to successful adoption of technology.

2. Module Delivery



24 12 - - 114 150

Contents

CLASS SUBJECT

1 Organisations and Information Systems (IS). Data, information and knowledge. The

importance of IS for organisations.

2 Social Context and Perspectives on IS. Social contexts within organisations, different

perspectives, technology interaction with the organisation.

3 Internal IS, Enterprise Wide Systems. Evolution and classification of IS, information flows

and enterprise wide systems.

4 External IS, Knowledge, CRM and e-Business. Managing knowledge, customers and

external parties using IS.

5 Costs and Benefits of IS. Sources of cost and benefit, tangible and intangible factors,

formal-rational evaluation.

6 Evaluation of IS. Balanced portfolio of IS, wider criteria for evaluating IS, organisational

implications.

7 Cultural, Structural and Political aspects of IS. Culture and IS, how IS affect structure,

central and local decision making, political aspects of IS.

8 People and IS, Interpretation. Human needs ,information ownership, legal and ethical

issues.

9 People and IS, Virtuality and Control. Using IS for commitment and control, managing

distributed work.

10 People and IS, Technology Acceptance. Technology acceptance and the socio-technical

approach.

11 IS and Change. Implementing IS and the context of change, critical aspects of a project,

understanding models of change.

12 Stakeholder. Identifying and influencing stakeholders. Management.

Indicative reading

Essential Textbook: Boddy, D., Boonstra ,A., Kennedy, G. (2004) Managing Information Systems 2nd ed. FT Prentice Hall

ISBN-10: 0273686356

ISBN-13: 978-0273686354

Or

Boddy, D., Boonstra ,A., Kennedy, G. (2008) Managing Information Systems 3rd ed. FT Prentice Hall

ISBN-10: 0273716816

ISBN-13: 978-0273716815





1. Describe and explain a range of information systems (IS) and technology and their

applications.

Intellectual Skills

1. Identify and evaluate information system and technology possibilities within an

organisation.

2. Propose ways in which IS adoption can be achieved within the social context of an

organisation.

3. Demonstrate the ability to identify risks to successful adoption of IS and related human

needs.

Assessment Methods:



ESEI International Business School Barcelona

www.esei.es

[email protected]

Phone: +34 93 417 46 77

ESEI International Business School Barcelona

www.esei.es

[email protected]

Phone: +34 93 417 46 77

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Syllabus International Advanced Diploma In Business

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