University MBA Completion

Extended Diploma in Business Strategic Management

(University Level 7 (MBA Advance Entry) – 120 Credits)

The level 7 extended diploma in strategic management is an MBA advanced entry course, which provides learners with 120 credits of the 180 credits required to achieve a complete MBA. The course itself is made up of 30 interactive modules and 8 written assignments, with approximately 40 guided learning hours per module. All modules have an additional 30-50 learning hours of optional materials that comprise of recommended exercises, recommended readings, internet resources, and self-testing exercises. You will also have access to 24/7 support, tutoring, and a variety of other support mechanisms. More information on how you will be assessed can be found here.

After receiving your level 7 diploma, you are eligible to apply for an MBA top-up course, either online or on campus at a range of UK universities. The top-up portion will usually consist of the final 60 credits of either, a dissertation, or a dissertation and one module.

To obtain the Extended Diploma in Strategic Management learners must achieve the five Mandatory Units PLUS three Optional Units.  Learners can select one of four pathways:

• Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (Finance)
• Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (Marketing)
• Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (Managing People)
• Extended Diploma in Strategic Management (International)

Total Qualification Time: 1200 Hours

Total Guided Learning Hours: 480

Total Credit Value: 120

Strategic Planning

The aim of this unit is to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to develop an organisational strategic plan. The learner will:

• Understand the foundations for developing organisational strategy
• Understand the external environment affecting organisations
• Be able to review an organisation’s strategy and business plans
• Be able to develop strategy options for an organisation
• Understand how to create a strategic plan to meet business objectives

Finance for Strategic Managers

The learners will develop knowledge, understanding and skillsthat will enable them to analyse internal and publicly available financial information. This will help to inform strategic decision making. The learner will:

• Understand the importance of financial data in formulating and delivering business strategy
• Be able to analyse financial data for an organisation in order to inform strategic decision making purposes
• Be able to evaluate proposals for strategic decisions on capital expenditure in an organization

Research for Strategic Development

The aim of this unit is to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to carry out research to meet the needs of strategic business management. The learner will:

• Be able to formulate a research proposal relating to strategic business development
• Be able to use different research methodologies to gather sufficient and valid data
• Be able to present research findings in an appropriate format for a target audience
• Be able to evaluate own skills while undertaking research

Organisational Behaviour

The aim of this unit is to help learners develop an understanding of how organisational behaviour, structure, culture, motivation, creativity and leadership impact on an organisation’s effectiveness and efficiency. The learner will:

• Understand leadership behaviour theory and practice
• Understand how organisational structures and culture impact on the effectiveness of the organisation
• Understand how organisations can improve employee effectiveness to respond to business opportunities
• Understand how organisations can motivate employees in order to improve their efficiency and effectiveness

Personal Development for Leadership and Strategic Management

This unit aims to help learners develop their own personal leadership and management skills in the context of the creation and achievement of organisational vision and strategic direction. The learner will:

• Understand how knowledge and skills in leadership and strategic management support the creation and achievement of organisational vision and strategy
• Understand how to develop and communicate organisational vision
• Be able to manage development of own personal knowledge and skills in leadership and strategic management to support achievement of personal and organisational vision and strategy
• Be able to reflect on the benefits of personal development in the achievement of personal growth and organisational vision and strategy