Level 3 - Introduction to Business Management - Institute of Supply Chain Management
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Level 3 – Introduction to Business Management

  • Study bespoke business courses online
  • Choose how you study, pass units and gain your accredited qualification
  • Unrivalled support from the very first phone call

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The Level 3 Diploma in Introduction to Business Management is tailored to individuals looking to develop their knowledge and skills in business. This course will help you to build a strong foundation to succeed in first-line management roles, while also preparing you for other key responsibilities within the global supply chain.

A business’s aim is to maximise profits while providing its customers with high-quality products or services that meet their expectations. Business encompasses a wide range of activities, including finance, supply chain management, marketing, and employee management.

Course Introduction

Completing a business course with the Institute of Supply Chain Management (IoSCM) certifies your knowledge and skills to give you the best opportunity for progression in your career. With our expert support network and unmatched resources, we provide more than just a business qualification – we give you the tools to grow, learn and progress as an industry professional.

Unlike other business training providers, we provide learners with the opportunity to develop their skills through a bespoke distance learning format, with support from industry experts every step of the way. You can custom build your course to suit your current experience level, career ambitions and employer’s objectives. 

As well as being able to tailor the course by unit selection, there are also nine different methods to consider when it comes to your assessments, so you can complete your course in a way that suits your individual learning preferences. 

The IoSCM Level 3 Diploma in Introduction to Business Management is internationally recognised and was designed and developed by experts in the field. Along with expert guidance, you will receive first class online study materials which are aligned with National Occupational Standards (NOS).

When you have completed the Level 3 course, we offer qualifications to support your ongoing career development, including:

As well as training individuals, we also work with businesses to develop larger groups of employees. To find out more about how we can develop your team’s skills, call us on 0800 1422 522.

What Will I Receive?

When you have completed your course, you will gain an internationally recognised Diploma in Business from the Institute of Supply Chain Management and SFEDI Awards, an Ofqual regulated awarding organisation which is well recognised across the industry.

What Is This Qualification Equivalent To?

The IoSCM Level 3 Diploma in Introduction to Business Management is of the same level as an A-Level, NVQ or BTEC Level 3 but studied in your own time, at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home.

If you would like to find out how this course could benefit your career, call our course advisory team today on 0800 1422 522.

Exclusive Student Discounts

When studying for a qualification with IoSCM, you can register for a TOTUM NUS Extra card and receive exclusive discounts from household names designed to keep you ahead of the game in both your personal and professional life. To view the full range of discounts.

What is Ofqual?

Ofqual is the government organisation that regulates qualifications and the organisations that offer them, maintaining standards and therefore confidence in education across England.

When you choose to study with IoSCM, you can rest assured that every qualification is Ofqual regulated, guaranteeing high quality and a worthy investment for individuals and employers alike.

What are National Occupational Standards?

The NOS framework specifies the UK standards of performance that people are expected to achieve in their work, and the knowledge and skills they need to perform effectively. These standards are approved by UK government regulators.

Essentially, meeting the NOS framework means that with the IoSCM Level 2 Business course, you will learn exactly what is required in order to be successful in your job role. This will help you to become a valuable asset within your role, giving you the kinds of skills you couldn’t gain from a more academically-focused course.

Course Information

If you have any further questions about this course, and you can’t find the answer here, please give our course advisory team a call on 0800 1422 522. They will be more than happy to assist you with any queries you may have, as well as helping you find the right course for your needs.

Is This Qualification Suitable for Me?

The IoSCM Level 3 Diploma in Introduction to Business Management is designed for learners who have experience and want to develop their knowledge further, up to a first line management level. It is also the perfect choice for individuals who are seeking to certify their skills. 

The core unit, Introduction to Business Management, provides a solid foundation of knowledge in business management, introducing you to a higher level of responsibility within the sector. The optional units allow you to tailor your globally-recognised qualification to match your individual learning objectives. To find out more about the core unit or to view the optional units available at this level, please visit the Units tab. 

STEP UP TO THE NEXT COURSE LEVEL – FIND OUT MORE

How will I study?

When studying with IoSCM, you will have access to the online learning platform and learning resource centre. The IoSCM learning platform provides you with all your course content, unit information and the option to interact with other learners studying the same course as you. The learning resource centre includes a huge library of resources for you to utilise which will support you throughout your learning.

All courses are studied through online and supported distance learning, so you can work through your course online at your own pace and utilise the support from the support and education teams as and when required.

Is there support available?

When you enrol onto a course you will be assigned a learning support advisor. They will be your dedicated point of contact and will handle all queries while you study. You will also be assigned your own industry expert tutor for every unit you study, who will be on hand to provide you with guidance and feedback throughout your learning journey.

How to apply?

To apply for this course, give our course advisory team a call today on 0800 1422 522 or email info@ioscm.com. They’ll be happy to provide you with a step-by-step guide on the enrolment and payment process. To fund your qualification, you can organise payment in full or utilise one of our interest-free payment plan options. We also accept business-funded payments for employers seeking to fund their employees’ development. Contact us now and we can assess the best payment method for you during a free consultation call.

Units

The Level 3 Diploma in Introduction to Business Management offers a variety of optional units along with a core unit, Introduction to Business Management, so you can tailor your studies to the skills you want to develop.

The Introduction to Business Management core unit investigates the strategic and operational context of business functions and structures and different legislative issues, including the mandatory legal requirements for health and safety. The unit explores the strategic importance of business planning in the long-time running of a business, the primary needs, objectives, and the different roles and responsibilities of designing a successful and effective business plan. The unit considers how effective communication flows between business functions using various modes of communication.

Indicative content includes:

  • Business structures and functions 
  • Strategic business planning and communication 
  • The role of human resources in business 
  • How marketing is applied in business 

To achieve the Level 3 Diploma you need to complete a minimum of 40 credits. Every unit has a credit value assigned to it. Your core unit, Introduction to Business Management, provides 12 of the credits you need. This means you can select units from the extensive list below to provide you with the remaining 28 credits required to achieve your qualification. 

By choosing units which will benefit your current role and develop your skills to the next level, you will have the best possible foundation for success in your career.

List of Units – Click each unit for further information

Introduction to Logistics Management

12 Unit Credit Values

The Introduction to Logistics Management core unit provides learners with an explanation of the various strategies to effectively control and monitor the vital functions of logistics, including further policies and the international and external factors that influence logistics activities. The unit considers the essential requirements for developing, monitoring and controlling logistics protocols to support the efficient and effective delivery of goods and services to customers.

Indicative content includes:

  • The key factors influencing logistics such as decisions, processes and capabilities
  • Factors that influence logistics activities
  • How technology supports logistics operations
  • Requirements for the development, monitoring and control of logistics protocols

Introduction to Procurement Management

12 Unit Credit Values

The unit will investigate the strategies, objectives, and methods for delivering products and services to an organisation and explores:

  • the role of Procurement in the Value Chain
  • the links between Purchasing and Business Strategy
  • different procurement sectors

Introduction to Procurement Processes Management

12 Unit Credit Values

This unit will investigate the key procurement concepts that ensure a business is leveraging its purchasing ability to ensure that goods and services required by the organisation are sourced in a way that generates the most significant value to that organisation and explores:

  • how procurement interacts with external organisations to best understand the needs of the business
  • how procurement supports a business’s objectives
  • national legislation relevant to procurement
  • the components of the purchasing cycle

Introduction to Procurement Management in Action

8 Unit Credit Values

The unit will cover:

  • the role of purchasing and procurement within an organisation
  • the stages of sourcing and procurement
  • Contracts and Service Level Agreements (SLA)

Introduction to Supply Chain & Operations Management

12 Unit Credit Values

This unit will cover the concept of supply chain management and its importance in meeting organisational goals, with effective utilisation of resources and effective management of the three kinds of flows within a supply chain. The unit also explores:

  • risk factors that affect a Supply Chain
  • the concept of Lean Operations
  • the links within a Supply Chain

Introduction to Warehousing Operations Management

12 Unit Credit Values

This unit will investigate the principles of Warehouses Operations Management and explore:

  • the purpose of a warehouse, different warehouse types and departments within a typical warehouse operation
  • the use of Manual Handling Equipment and storage equipment in a warehouse
    the H&S requirements within a warehouse, including the safe use of equipment
  • Warehouse operation principles including goods-in, goods verification, picking and despatch processes
  • Warehouse financial budgeting and identification of resource requirements
  • The importance of correctly placing goods within a warehouse and the factors influencing the decision to site a warehouse facility

Introduction to Ship & Port Operations Management

10 Unit Credit Values

This unit introduces learners to the principles of Shipping and Port Operations and will also explore the following:

  • Berthing and unberthing operations of merchant vessels, cargo stowage space calculation, hazardous cargo, and acceleration forces on ships
  • Marine legislation application, including dangerous goods classification, environmental legislation, and IMO conventions
  • A ship’s equipment, including decking and cargo securing equipment
  • Key terms concerning shipboard geography, nautical and cargo terminology

Introduction to Transport Planning & Operations Management

8 Unit Credit Values

The unit will investigate the role that transport plays in the overall supply chain process, detailing the different modes of transportation and looking towards what new modes of transportation are already being developed. The unit also covers the following:

  • transportation modes in the supply chain
  • planning, legislation, and regulations influence transportation network design
  • types and uses of Transport equipment
  • factors that influence Transportation Operations

Introduction to Production Planning & Control Management

10 Unit Credit Values

This unit will explore Production Planning and Control Management within a manufacturing environment and will also cover the following:

  • how Production Planning supports business strategy
  • a range of processes that support Production Planning
  • the relationship between Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and Production Planning tools
  • how Quality Techniques align with Production Planning

Introduction to Marketing

10 Unit Credit Values

This unit will discover why Marketing plays such a crucial role in business and how marketing is employed throughout the entire lifecycle of products, from concept to development, market introduction, expansion, decline, and withdrawal. Learners will also be introduced to the following:

  • The idea of market segmentation and how consumers are targeted based on gender, age, income level, marital status, and geographic location, to name but a few Understand the methods used to communicate marketing strategies and analyse consumer behaviour.
  • The different techniques for conducting market research and how that data is gathered and analysed – and that analysis then forms the basis for input into the overall marketing strategy

Introduction to Inventory Process Management

10 Unit Credit Values

This unit will focus on the importance of inventory management, including the different
types of inventory and the financial implication based on inventory policy. The unit will
also cover the following:

  • inventory process management
  • stock control and the techniques used to plan stock levels
  • the economic impact of inventory management
  • a range of modern inventory systems

Introduction to International Trade & Freight Management

8 Unit Credit Values

The unit will cover the following:

  • International trade and freight strategies
  • International freight planning
  • Operations processes for international trade and freight
  • Monitoring and implementation of different financial processes

Introduction to Improving Team Performance

12 Unit Credit Values

The unit will cover:

  • theoretical models associated with teams, team development, and team improvement strategies
  • how to prepare and lead a team-building activity
  • how to identify and address barriers to improve a team’s performance
  • how to support effective communication methods

Introduction to MRP/ERP Systems Management

10 Unit Credit Values

The Introduction to MRP/ERP Systems Management unit will also cover the following:

  • Application of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems within an organisation
  • Inputs to Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
  • The impact of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems on an organisation
  • Monitoring and controlling of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems

Introduction to Manufacturing & Production Management

12 Unit Credit Values

This unit has been designed for those individuals who want to strengthen their knowledge in manufacturing and production management. The unit will investigate the foundations and principles of Manufacturing and Production Management and covers the following:

  • how manufacturing processes are organised
  • the techniques used to plan production
  • how technology and external factors impact production
  • how businesses monitor the efficiency of production activities
  • how production efficiency contributes to business profitability

Introduction to Managing Environmental Issues in Manufacturing

10 Unit Credit Values

The unit explores the challenges manufacturing faces due to its environmental impact (resource consumption or the processes that cause damage) and covers the following:

  • Fundamental theories on Global Warming and Ozone Depletion, the relationship between manufacturing processes, and the consequent negative impact on the environment
  • How businesses are working to limit, offset, or mitigate these impacts and how these efforts are being communicated to their internal and external stakeholders
  • The measures introduced to reverse these effects and the government policies designed to ensure that the manufacturing industry prioritises this effort.
  • The tools, including international standards, used by the industry to ensure robust adherence, accountability and sustainable improvement in processes are achieved

Introduction to Lean Manufacturing Management

10 Unit Credit Values

The Introduction to Lean Management unit and its importance in meeting the primary goals of a organisation is at its core. The unit also covers:

  • the concept of Lean Manufacturing
  • the development and monitoring of Lean Manufacturing
  • factors that influence Lean operations

Introduction to Customer Service Management

10 Unit Credit Values

The Introduction to Customer Service Management unit explores:

  • the importance of internal and external customers and exceptional customer service specific customer interactions in terms of ‘Moment of Truth and the significance this plays in customer loyalty
  • the concept of customer satisfaction and the importance of this approach
  • the need to have robust policies and procedures to deal with customer complaints

Introduction to Basic Finance Costing

8 Unit Credit Values

The Introduction to Basic Finance Costing unit will cover the following:

  • the role of costing systems within an organisation
  • recording and analysis of cost information
  • apportioning costs according to organisation requirements
  • budget variances
  • cost information and how it facilitates decision-making

Introduction to Effective Client & Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

5 Unit Credit Values

The unit highlights the importance of effective communication and the specific relevance of this within a buyer/supplier relationship. The unit will also explore:

  • how different relationships need to be maintained
  • how various economic factors will define effectiveness, and the metrics used to measure supplier performance
  • the relationship between purchasing and supply

Introduction to Business Improvement Techniques

10 Unit Credit Values

Learners will discover the importance of utilising business improvement techniques as a continuous process within an organisation. The unit also explores:

  • Business Improvement Techniques
  • how a business manages improvement activities
  • requirements of project planning
  • the importance of effective stakeholder communication

Introduction to Leadership

12 Unit Credit Values

This unit will allow the learner to gain an understanding of the foundations and principles of Leadership. Indicative content will cover:

  • Attributes and skills of a leader
  • Challenges that Team leaders face in their role
  • Leadership styles and how they can be used to achieve success
  • Motivating a team and theories of motivation

Jobs and Progression

With the achievement of each level, you will expand your earning potential and evolve your career. The job titles become more prestigious and the salary grows as you continue your professional development.

With an IoSCM Level 3 Business qualification, you can expect to move into roles such as:

  • OFFICE SUPERVISOR: £23,000 – £33,500
  • CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM LEADER: £24,000 – £32,500
  • OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR: £24,000 – £39,000
  • SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR: £25,000 – £35,000
  • SENIOR BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER: £26,000 – £35,000
  • BUSINESS ANALYST: £32,000 – £54,000

Speak to us today about your career progression by calling 0800 1422 522.

*Salaries are based on national averages and may vary depending on location.

Our expertise

IoSCM Education Team 

We have some of the best tutors in the industry as members of the IoSCM education team. When you have enrolled onto an IoSCM course you’ll receive unlimited one-to-one support, guidance and feedback from your assigned tutor.

Communication can be organised through a phone call, email, text, video call or through the chat system on the online learning platform.

Because we have tutors specialising in every sector of the supply chain industry, we have a strong understanding of the requirements to succeed and progress within every field.

IoSCM Learning Support Team 

In addition to the tutor team, you will be assigned a learning support advisor who will ensure your learning journey goes to plan. They will introduce you to your course, help you navigate the learning platform and have frequent catch ups with you throughout your studies to make sure you’re on track.

Dedicated Business Support

If you’re an employer looking into training courses for employees, you will also have a dedicated business contact who can help you with finding the best training options based on your business requirements. Your business contact will also provide access to your employees’ course progression updates.

Our Client Base

Don’t just take our word for it; we’re trusted by thousands of businesses who have employees studying our distance learning courses, in 101 countries across the globe. From entry-level personnel to senior managers, we’re securing the future of the logistics and transport industry by delivering fully accredited UK qualifications.

Business Enquiry

“I chose level 2 Diploma to increase my knowledge in this field and to progress my career. I felt the course best suited my needs; the flexibility allowed me to tailor the course for exactly the areas I’m interested in and I can fit it around my full time job.

I find the course material very relevant and applicable to the real business world which is important. The assignments guide you into summarising the research in your own words. Feedback on assignments is quick and the course overview helps you keep track of your progress.

Based on my experience I would definitely recommend the course to others; my knowledge and skills are expanding as my course progresses. The optional units have allowed me to select the areas with Supply Chain Management in which I see my career developing.”

Penny Sayce

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