Business Studies

Aim of the courses
The aim of this course is to develop the student’s knowledge and general understanding of business activity in order to identify the influences on the business organisation and what the success factors for business might be and to highlight the contribution that the individual can make to the success of the business organisation.  At the end of the course, the student should have received sufficient preparation to take the LCCI EB Business Practice examination – Third Level.

The student should be able to:
Demonstrate a general understanding of influences on the business organisation.
Understand the importance of specialisation in a business context.
Appreciate how business planning helps identify organisational aims and objectives.
Show an awareness of business culture, values and the need to promote the public image of the organisation.
Demonstrate an understanding of how communication systems are applied in a business context.

The syllabuses covers the following topics:

Influences on Business Activity
The different purposes of business organisations including profit, growth and recognition.
Differences between public and private sectors.
What is meant by opportunity cost.
How consumer spending affects business.
The impact of mergers, take-overs, integration and economies of scale on business.
The importance of small firms.
The role and importance of the financial sector and business insurance.
How and why Government may seek to influence business organisations.
The main economic indicators.

The Functions and Organisation of Business
The main functional areas within business organisations, their objectives and principal staff.
Organisation charts, specialisation and the differences between large and small organisations.
International organisations and how Government, law and communications affect their organisation.
The roles of shareholders, directors, managers, customers and others in the business organisation.
The importance of new technology to the main functional areas.

Business Management
The purpose of business planning and the planning framework.
Differences between strategic and operational plans and management.
The need for financial information.
Differences between financial and management accounting.
Key financial terms.
The importance of management information.

Personal Contribution to Business Effectiveness Ways in which business performance can be improved.
How the individual can contribute to business performance.
The importance of individual targets.
How teamwork can improve business performance.

Business Values and Culture
Mission statements, corporate image and identity and how they influence business culture.
Different organisational cultures.
What is meant by internal and external clients.
How quality circles, customer satisfaction surveys and other measures can help to improve the quality of systems, products and services.

Communication in Business
Different forms and types of communication.
Communication systems, fitness for purpose and other considerations.
The impact of new technology on internal and external communications.
The need for administrative systems and procedures and how they affect communications.

Information Technology in Business
Wordprocessing – Word – for writing letters, reports, advertisements.
Databases – Access - for managing client contact information.
Spreadsheets – Excel - for invoicing, calculations.
Emailing – Outlook - for emailing clients.
Presentations – Powerpoint – for professional-looking business presentations.

LCCI EB Business Practice – Third Level – Examination Requirements
Candidates will be assessed via a 2.5 hour examination paper.  They will need to answer 4 questions from a choice of 6.Questions will be presented in the format of a business situation, problem or issue with a number of tasks to be completed.  Unless otherwise requested, candidates will be asked to provide answers in one or more of the following formats: bullet points, short notes, fact sheets, diagrams and charts, short reports and briefing notes.  Some questions may ask for relevant examples to be provided.  Appropriate business language should be used.

Recommended Support Material
How to Pass Business Practice - 3rd Level (LCCIEB)  ISBN code:1 86247 080 4 by the Chief Examiner.

Course Structures and Duration
Business and English Studies Professional Certificate Course 28 lessons per week (12 weeks)

Busienss and English Studies Professional Higher Certificate Course 28 lessons per week (24 weeks)

Business and English Studies Professional Diploma Course 28 lessons per week (36 weeks)

Business Studies Professional Higher Certificate Course 20 lessons per week (Standard - 24 weeks)

Business Studies Professional Higher Certificate Course 28 lessons per week (Intensive - 24 weeks)

Entry Requirements
Please consult the Director of Studies for information regarding the course entry dates.  The minimum age for entry to this course is eighteen.

Furthermore, (except by special arrangement) a level of English equivalent to at least IELTS 5.5 is required for entry to the course.  Students may be required to take an aptitude test (prior to arrival at ETC) to judge whether their standard of English is sufficient for this course.  They may wish to follow a course of English Language Studies (General English) before beginning their course of Business Studies to make sure that they gain the maximum benefit from their studies.

Maximum Group Size
There is maximum group size of fourteen, in order to allow optimum interaction between group members and the teacher / lecturer. We also stipulate a minimum group size of four, so that the student may benefit from certain projects and class activities which require a high level of student input.

Assessment and Certification
If a student follows one of our courses, he or she will receive a certificate or diploma on satisfactory completion of all coursework and assessment pieces.  By prior arrangement with Director of Studies, we will also supply periodic progress reports.  The student will also be expected to take the LCCI EB examination in Business Practice, Level 3.

Effective teaching
Built into every student’s course are the following:
Placement test.
Needs analysis.
Skills development.
Task-based activities.
Systems work.
Learner skills development.
Progress tests.
Tutorials.
Homework.
Academic counselling.
Supportive error correction and constructive feedback.