Higher Certificate in Business (L6, 60 ECTS) (SUSI Funded)

1. Business Mathematics and Computer Applications
2. Micro and Macro Economics
3. Business and Contract Law
4. Management Accounting
5. Applied Practice 2 – Organisational Alignment
6. Marketing Management in a Digital Age
7. Leadership and Management Development
8. Human Resources and Developing People
9. Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
10. Financial and Management Accounting
11. Customer Service and Value
12. Applied Practice 1: Personal and Professional Context 

Stage 1 

Module 1: Leadership and Management Development 

Module Aim 

This module will provide the participant with an understanding of management practice and managerial skills applicable to the workplace through the discussion on the history of management and the evolution of management and leadership theory to the present day. The objective to enable participants to understand the differences between management and leadership including styles and characteristics of successful managers/leaders. For any student that is currently unemployed, they will be facilitated with a live case study. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the various management theories and their relationships. 
2. Determine the key functions of a management role. 
3. Illustrate the differences between, and impact of, Transformational, Transaction and Situational Leadership on the workplace. 
4. Explain the differences between management and leadership and characteristics of successful managers/leaders. 
5. Compare different leadership practices in the workplace and evaluate their relevance to our company. 
6. Identify engagement strategies within an organisation.

Module 2: Human Resources and Developing People 

Module Aim 

This module is concerned with the practice of human resources and employee relations in a managerial context. It discusses human resource management policy and practice concerning recruitment and selection, performance management, careers, training and development, job design and reward. It provides an overview of current developments in employee relations and considers the influence of employers, employees and other stakeholders in shaping the employment relationship. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Outline the evolution of HRM and its relevant/importance to organisational success in the workplace of the future. 
2. Design a sustainable training and development programme. 
3. Evaluate the labour relation landscape and relevant contexts 
4. Appraise the landscape of Irish employee relations and describe the legal obligations of employers towards their employees, consider the principles of Eqality, Diversity and Inclusion. 
5. Explain the functions of the Formal Labour Relations Environment, Labour Court, Labour Relations Commission, Employee Appeals Tribunal and Equality Tribunal. 
6. Develop a coaching session on a work-related issue.

Module 3: Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management 

Module Aim 

To provide the students with the theoretical background and knowledge which will enable them to analyse Operations, Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management and to understand the elements which require integration in order to ensure the successful management of an Operations, Logistics & Supply Chain organisation. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Identify how operations, logistics and supply chain management contribute to an organisation’s strategic and operational performance 
2. Appraise the physical management and stock control of inventory. 
3. Evaluate the organisational requirements for effective operations and logistics management in businesses.
4. Identify the role of operations and logistics in the design and implementation of a lean supply chain 
5. Assess the market, technological and data-driven changes that impact on the areas of operations, logistics and the supply chain. 
6. Apply the 17 UN Sustainable Goals in respect of Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Module 4: Financial and Management Accounting 

Module Aim 

The aim of the module is to provide students with an understanding of the financial accounting concepts, which will enable them to produce and interpret financial statements for limited liability companies, and management accounting techniques used for the provision of information to mangers to assist with planning, control and decision-making. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Prepare financial statements of limited companies. 
2. Interpret the financial statements of limited companies using ratio analysis. 
3. Apply the principles of capital appraisal techniques to project appraisal. 
4. Interpret the use of marginal costing for decision-making. 
5. Display competence in cash budgets and operational budgets preparation. 
6. Create spreadsheet models with an accounting/business focus for e.g. budgets and use other spreadsheet tools such as pivot tables and data tables to further analyse this data.

Module 5: Customer Service and Value 

Module Aim 

This module presents a broad introduction to customer service, the role of customer service in an organisation and the associated concepts, tools and techniques of customer service management. The acquisition, management and retention of customers is a critical business activity and the delivery of consistent and effective customer service and value is key to achieving this business priority. Customer service is required throughout the entirety of the customer’s interaction with a business and is a key priority for all functional areas of the business including logistics and supply chain management. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Outline the role of customer service and customer service training in achieving organisational effectiveness. 
2. Describe how managing the customer relationship creates value for organisations and customers. 
3. Discuss how customer service and management techniques enhance the achievement of business goals throughout the customer life cycle. 
4. Examine how customer service can be organised, resourced and managed in an organisation 
5. Evaluate the changing trends in the marketplace and their impact on the design and implementation of effective customer service strategies. 
6. Illustrate the impact of social media in relation to Customer Service and value.

Module 6: Applied Practice 1: Personal and Professional Context 

Module Aim 

This module is designed to assist students with preparation for professional and personal work-based development and well-being. There will be a particular emphasis on career, personal development and well-being in the modern workplace. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Describe the essential skills for professional and personal development and well-being, and recognise and articulate individual impact and relevance in the modern workplace through self reflective practices.
2. Analyse past career, skills and competencies to create a benchmark for future personal, professional and well-being growth and develop the ability to present oneself professionally. 
3. Examine the impact of emotional intelligence and its influence on interpersonal relationships in particular with regard to professional, and personal development across a number of personal attributes including management styles, leadership styles, teamwork, conflict and negotiation. 
4. Reflect on the relevance of self-esteem/self-compassion, health promotion and well-being to oneself and in the workplace and identify factors that either promote or inhibit insight and positive change. 
5. Identify personal strengths and weaknesses and develop a personal career plan to demonstrate the importance of having a goal orientated approach to professional and personal well-being.

Stage 2 

Module 1: Business Mathematics and Computer Applications 

Module Aim 

This module will introduce the student to the practical elements of Information Technology and file management and the fundamental importance of business mathematics. Together with instruction in the use and application of Microsoft Applications software, this ensures the student is competently prepared to produce business documents, reports, presentations, spreadsheets and emails. The student will be equipped to collaborate and work remotely through the use of an on-line video conferencing platform 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Demonstrate an understanding of financial mathematics and assess investment proposals involving the time value of money. 
2. Apply statistical measures to data and communicate numerical information graphically. 
3. Analyse probabilities applying to everyday business situations and apply probabilities using the normal probability distribution. 
4. Utilise the use of Microsoft Excel to perform relevant calculations and to manage data efficiently. 
5. Illustrate skill and effective use of Microsoft Word to complete professional business documents. 
6. Develop skill and effective use of Microsoft PowerPoint to prepare creative presentations and to deliver a slide show using on-line video conferencing technology.

Module 2: Micro and Macro Economics 

Module Aim 

Microeconomics studies individual choice, consumers, firms and Government being the subjects of this choice. Macroeconomics is concerned with the operation of the economy as a whole where we deal with aggregate variables. Arising out of this study is an appreciation of policy issues and their impact on social, economic and environmental sustainability. The purpose of this module is to develop an understanding of the behaviour and actions of individual agents in the economy. This module aims to introduce students to the core principles and terminology of microeconomics and macroeconimcs and their role in business. Students will develop a range of economic analytical skills including numerical, graphical, research and modelling methods that can be applied in a variety of business careers. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Discuss the fundamental principles and models of microeconomics and macroeconomics. 
2. Apply the basic principles of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory to the contemporary economic and business environment. 
3. Describe the workings of a market economy and the role of Government within such an economy 
4. Interpret basic microeconomics and macreconomic problems through the production of diagrams and graphs and the application of basic quantitative techniques. 
5. Identify the macroeconomic business and demographic forces that drive the growth of national and international business, entrepreneurship and innovation. 
6. Present data and other relevant information based on current microeconomics and macroeconomic statistics and reports

Module 3: Business and Contract Law 

Module Aim 

This module introduces students to the sources of law, the structure and practice of the administration of law in Ireland. It also explores the essential elements of business law and the manner in which contract law, tort law, data protection laws and employment law are administered. Furthermore this module will enable students to apply legal concepts and legal reasoning to a range of issues confronted in business. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Explain the differences between civil and criminal law, the different categories of law, sources of law and the administration of the legal system. 
2. Describe the essential elements of the Law of Tort and their application within a business context. 
3. Discuss the key elements of the Law of Contract and their application within a business context. 
4. Define the principles of Employment and Data Protection Laws and their application within a business context. 
5. Apply research, problem-solving and the appropriate legal rules and principles relevant to factual business scenarios. 
6. Appraise the essential elements of a legally binding contract.

Module 4: Management Accounting 

Module Aim 

The learner will study management accounting techniques, used to provide managers with information to assist with planning, controlling and decision making.The students will develop a competency for preparing budgets and appraising measurement and control techniques in management accounting. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Demonstrate basic skills in the area of costing, particularly accounting for materials, labour and overheads. 
2. Prepare budgets and appraise their use in management accounting. 
3. Apply performance measurement and control techniques used in management accounting. 
4. Evaluate the use of marginal costing for decision-making and prepare and evaluate break even analysis information. 
5. Describe the various decision-making techniques used in management accounting. 
6. Discuss the appropriate pricing strategy for a relevant business.

Module 5: Applied Practice 2: Organisational Alignment 

Module Aim 

This module affords students the opportunity to implement the core work practice skills to compliment the other taught modules. Students will be required to make a business case proposal and it will form the basis of a work based learning project that will demonstrate the ability to engage as a skilled practitioner in their discipline. The aim of the module is to encourage learners to develop integrative learning, independent thought and critical reflection skills as they bring together a range of concepts, theories, frameworks and practices. For candidates that are currently not working, previous experience can be drawn upon with support from desk based case studies. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Describe their role in an organisation, and that they can identify potential areas for improvement, with an awareness of the methodology required to deliver an internal project. 
2. Discuss the benefits of a SWOT analysis for your domain area of study. Develop an understanding of the business and industry environment of the modern workplace, identifying roles and potential impact while creating awareness of the necessity for continual organisational change. 
3. Conduct a SWOT and PESTLE analysis for an organisation, including departmental SWOT and PESTLE as necessary. 
4. Conduct a Value Chain Analysis as applied to the organisation. 
5. Demonstrate the competence to conduct work and manage projects in a methodologically sound and ethical manner while giving due consideration to assisted business and project risks. 
6. Develop independence, self-reliance, moral and ethical judgement in the context of professional decision making and leadership and communicate effectively using both verbal and written skills. Reflect on, analyse and document the learning experience resulting from applied practice.

Module 6: Marketing Management in a Digital Age 

Module Aim 

This module enables the students to acquire an understanding of marketing management but also acknowledges that we live in a time when technology has fundamentally changed how marketing is delivered in organisations globally. Provides students with the concepts, processes, frameworks and experiences that are useful for managing marketing in a digital age. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Demonstrate an importance of marketing as a management function in an ever-changing digital environment globally. 
2. Identify and review the customer’s role in marketing management and the impact that digital has had on consumers. 
3. Discuss methods used for researching, planning, segmenting, targeting and positioning markets which help product and services companies compete effectively in the business environment. 
4. Evaluate the impact of digital on the marketing mix and understand the: shaping of the product strategy, the development of the pricing strategy and the assessment of the role of marketing channels. 
5. Outline the importance of integrating traditional and digital tools into a marketing communications strategy.
6. Evaluate global reaching digital marketing platforms and tools to enhance marketing strategies.

Mature applicants (i.e over 23 years)

or

Leaving Certificate Grade O6 at ordinary level in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish)

or

QQI Level 5 Full award with a minimum of eight modules. or Recognition of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)

tbc

2.5 Years

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 7 undergraduate business programmes within TUS and/or elsewhere.

This courses will prepare you for a successful business career. Areas you can specialise in include accounting, banking, insurance, marketing, human resource management, administration, retail services and computing. Our sought-after graduates have gone on to pursue a wide variety of careers in companies ranging from small indigenous Irish companies to large multinational corporations.