Level 5 – Business Management

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.

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.

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.

15 Unit Credit Values

The Logistics Operations Management core unit provides learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to work successfully in a logistics role from an advanced perspective.

Indicative content includes:

• The principles of logistics in supporting a supply chain
• How to schedule logistics operations to meet customer needs
• Be able to support the optimisation of logistics operations
• The application of technology and quality in logistics operations

15 Unit Credit Values

The primary purpose of any supply chain is to satisfy customer needs whilst in the process generating profits for itself. The stages involved within a supply chain are influenced by the needs and wants of the customer(s) and as technology continues to advance with it grows the need for businesses to adapt their way of working, adopt new technologies, and exceed customer expectation. In this unit of study, we examine how supply chains are upgrading in preparation for the next generation of innovation. Upon completion of this unit learners will have:

• Capabilities of a modern supply chain
• Effective logistics operations management
• The impact of Industry 4.0 on the supply chain
• How to harness new technologies to advance business operations

12 Unit Credit Values

The student will understand the demand characteristics of sea freight and the part of freight forwarders and ship owners in sea freight movement. You will recognise the factors influencing shipping supply and the requirements for ship registration and classification regulations.

• Understand the principles of sea freight management
• Understand Processes to Monitor and Evaluate the Performance of Contractors
• Understand the role of shipping freight operations
• Understand different financial strategies found within the shipping industry

10 Unit Credit Values

• Explain the different types of road transport
• Explain the fleet requirements and selection processes within an organisation of your choice
• Explain the environmental concerns and control mechanisms related to transport
• Discuss factors that affect vehicle performance
• Explain the method of measuring and reading vehicle performance levels
• Describe how to develop and implement a contingency plan to improve vehicle performance
• Explain the objectives of essential planned maintenance
• Explain how the quality of service is incorporated into operational scheduling
• Describe the security risks related to vehicles and loads
• Discuss the security requirements of vehicles, loads, and individuals
• Describe the factors to be considered when developing a route plan
• Describe how to build a delivery chain and distribution channel
• Describe the characteristics and relevance of establishing good distribution channels
• Explain the role of governance within the conventions of road transport planning
• Describe suitable methods of performance management and managing performance
• Describe the personal and professional skills required for effective management
• Discuss how different leadership styles impact the achievement of objectives
• Analyse different motivational approaches that can be used within the workplace
• Describe effective communication methods and the barriers that might exist
• Describe why successful decision making requires effective communication

10 Unit Credit Values

The main purpose of quality management is to ensure that an organisation, product or service is consistent and meets expectation. Quality management is focused not only on product and service quality, but also on the means to achieve it. Quality Management is the act of overseeing all activities and tasks that must be accomplished to maintain a desired level of excellence. Within the quality management course a learner will gain an understanding of:

• What is Quality
• What is Quality Management
• Quality Management Systems
• Explanation of ISO 9000, TQM, EFQM Excellence Model and Six Sigma.
• Quality Management tools, methods and processes (7 wastes, balanced scorecard, SPC, 5 Whys, FMEA, TPM, Kaizen, JIT, PDCA, 5S and OEE)

The Planning and Control in Manufacturing and Production core unit provides learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to work successfully in a manufacturing and production management role.  Indicative content includes:

• Components of production planning and its function within the supply chain
• Inter-relationships between production planning, sales planning, and forecasting
• Master scheduling and the evolution of manual control systems
• Measures used to improve production planning performance

12 Unit Credit Values

You will discuss the association between leadership and management and describe the personal and professional skills required for effective management. A description of the information and communication technologies systems that support management decision making is provided, and there will be a discussion for the reasons for change within an organisation.

• Understand the principles of leadership and management and personal development as a manager.
• Understand how to manage and lead individuals and teams whilst also meeting the expectations of internal and external stakeholders
• Understand how management decision making is informed by knowledge and information.
• Understand the role a manager can play in managing change, projects and risk assessment in an organisation.

12 Unit Credit Values

The Operations Management processes Unit introduces the Learner to the role of operations and operations management within business.  The unit explains the factors in business that influence operations management, whether that be in a manufacturing environment or a service environment.  The Learner will understand:

• How the operations function supports other areas of the business, whether that be supply chain, NPD, Logistics, Customer Service, and Human Resources
• The main components of supply and demand and introduces the learner to key concepts and processes that influence the design and activities of a manufacturing business
• How organisational strategy is translated into measurement strategy ensuring continuous focus on sustainable results
• How operations improvement techniques enhance competitive advantage in business
• Key methodologies to manage quality as well as Lean manufacturing aimed at the elimination of waste within production systems and the supply chain, including suppliers
• The current challenges facing Operations Management, such as globalisation, climate change, and sustainability

15 Unit Credit Values

The main function of a warehouse is to store goods before moving them to another location. This involves multiple teams, departments, specialist equipment, systems, policies and processes to achieve an efficient and effective operation. Within the warehouse management course a learner will gain an understanding of:

• The needs for warehouses and benefits gained from them and the different types of warehouse.
• Warehouse policies and procedures, including policy guidelines.
• Warehouse departments and processes, storage systems, layout and flows.
• Warehouse resource planning and material/manual handling.
• Integrated supply chain strategy, SCOR model and supply chain management.
• EFQM framework, product life cycle, ABC classification, inventory accuracy and turns ratio.
• H&S legislation and regulations applicable to a warehouse operation.
• Technology, KPIs and financial systems with a warehouse operation

12 Unit Credit Values

The Transport Management level 5 unit will provide coverage of the following topics within its study material:

• Introduction to Transport and the demand for movement and travel.
• Rail, Sea, Air and Road transport types.
• Historical developments in transport planning and access and mobility requirements.
• Planning for society and the environment and road use pricing.
• Sustainability and sustainability frameworks, including: the triple bottom line, the natural step and the ecological footprint.
• Planning strategy and the government role in transport planning.
• Types of transport planning, transport planning process and the four-stage transport plan and evaluation.
• Demand forecasting and methods of appraisal and assessment.
• Logistics strategies.
• Environmentally sustainable transport, transport policy and strategy.

10 Unit Credit Values

This unit covers the monitoring, review, and evaluation of projects, including methods to assess project performance and mediums for disclosing project results. It explores project management procedures, including feasibility assessment, developing standards for success, and post-project evaluations.

• The principles of Project Management;
• How to identify and justify a management project;
• How to conduct research and analyse data to fulfil a project aim; and
• How to monitor, review and evaluate a project

15 Unit Credit Values

This unit allows the Learner to understand the role of ports and shipping management on a global scale. It addresses port strategy and its contribution to growth and will explain why there is a need and demand for shipping and international trade.  The Learner will:

• Understand the importance of shipping and international trade
• Understand how business strategy in shipping contributes to growth
• Understand port operations and effective container terminal management
• Understand the concept of agile ports and the key characteristic
• Understand port development and the operating environment and evolution of a port

10 Unit Credit Values

The study material within this guide is specifically designed to enable you to demonstrate an understanding of the management of moving goods and identify the principles of logistics concerning it. This unit will allow the learner to;

• Understand the principles and practices concerning the movement of goods
• Understand how the characteristics of goods impact their handling
• Understand the considerations that influence the flow of goods

12 Unit Credit Values

A management information system helps a company become more competitive. It reports and identifies what is working and what is not. These reports give owners the information they need to make decisions and improve the performance of their employees and the business.  At the end of this unit, the Learner will have an understanding of:

• What is meant by a Management Information System
• The role of a Management Information System within business
• The relationship between Management Information Systems and business strategy
• How Management Information Systems can drive change within an organisation
• How Management Information Systems improve business performance and enhance decision making

10 Unit Credit Values

• Explain the different types of road transport
• Explain the fleet requirements and selection processes within an organisation of your choice
• Explain the environmental concerns and control mechanisms related to transport
• Discuss factors that affect vehicle performance
• Explain the method of measuring and reading vehicle performance levels
• Describe how to develop and implement a contingency plan to improve vehicle performance
• Explain the objectives of essential planned maintenance
• Explain how the quality of service is incorporated into operational scheduling
• Describe the security risks related to vehicles and loads
• Discuss the security requirements of vehicles, loads, and individuals
• Describe the factors to be considered when developing a route plan
• Describe how to build a delivery chain and distribution channel
• Describe the characteristics and relevance of establishing good distribution channels
• Explain the role of governance within the conventions of road transport planning
• Describe suitable methods of performance management and managing performance
• Describe the personal and professional skills required for effective management
• Discuss how different leadership styles impact the achievement of objectives
• Analyse different motivational approaches that can be used within the workplace
• Describe effective communication methods and the barriers that might exist
• Describe why successful decision making requires effective communication

12 Unit Credit Values

Inventory management is a crucial element of supply chain, efficient inventory management keeps the business lean and cash rich. In the unit of Inventory Management a learner will gain an understanding of the following:

• Inventory Management Techniques
• Strategies in Inventory Management
• Financial Impact of Effective Inventory Management
• Different Models of Inventory Control
• Demand Forecasting Methods
• Order Quantity models and their Limitations
• Traditional inventory models vs Modern Inventory Models
• Key Performance Indicators in Inventory Management
• Stock Allocation and Distribution

15 Unit Credit Values

In the unit of Supply Chain Management, a learner will gain an understanding of the dynamic and competitive supply chain strategies to survive in a competitive marketplace. After completing the course, learner will be able to advance their knowledge in the following areas of supply chain:

• Strengths and Weaknesses of a supply chain
• Role of Supply chain in providing operational excellence leading to competitive edge
• Key barriers to supply chain and their impacts
• Strategies to reduce the supply chain barriers
• Emerging technological advances in supply chain and their impacts on supply chain operations
• Supply Chain Design and Planning

10 Unit Credit Values

International trade not only results in increased efficiency, but it also allows countries to participate in a global economy, encouraging the opportunity for foreign direct investment (FDI). In theory, economies can thus grow more efficiently and become competitive economic participants more easily.

Upon competition of this unit, the Learner will gain an understanding of:

• Rules and regulations of international trade management relevant to your own supply chain operations.
• The impact of the international trade management rules and regulations in relation to an organisation’s global strategy.
• International supply strategies and structures for a global strategy.
• Strategies for corporate management.
• Suitable sources of trade finance.
• Multi-currency transactions and the associated risks in international trade.
• Strategies for the management of financial risk.

10 Unit Credit Values

The main purpose of international freight management is the movement of different goods through a complex supply chain from supplier to customer to facilitate manufacturing or sale to the appropriate market place.  This involves multiple stakeholders working together to move the goods efficiently and effectively across international borders whilst satisfying the legislation and regulations of different countries.  Within this unit the learner will gain an understanding of the following:

• International trade documentation for freight forwarders.
• Freight forwarders’ regulations for moving dangerous goods.
• Carriage of goods by air and unit load devices.
• Warsaw Convention and Hague Amendment.
• Customs procedures, including taxes, excise and duties and customs codes and standardisations.
• The planning process to move goods.
• Explanation of the characteristics of an agile port and the technologies involved.
• The development and implementation of an agile port.
• The concept of multimodal transportation, globalisation and the role of containerisation.

10 Unit Credit Values

Ineffective or poor finance management within any organisation can lead to significant problems; indeed, most businesses recognise the importance of robust and effective finance management. From the local convenience store to FTSE 100 companies, finance management is crucial to ensure the long term success of the business.Through effective financial management, a business can identify underperforming areas and communicate the necessary steps for improvement – without this function, a company can’t operate efficiently and is likely to fail.   Upon completion of this unit, the Learner will have an understanding of:

• Gathering and analysing cost information
• The use of Management Information
• The effective use of funds to add value to a business
• Direct and indirect costs
• Different groups of costs such as labour, materials, expenses, and fixed costs such as rent
• Standard costs and variances management
• Financial performance indicators
• Financial reporting

8 Unit Credit Values

Factors that Influence Environmental Issues: Policies within an Organisation, Advantages of Policies, Impact of KPIs

Importance of Infrastructure and Equipment: Infrastructural and Equipment Requirements, Importance of Requirements

Monitoring and Controlling the Impact of Manufacturing on the Environment: Importance of Monitoring, Best Techniques to Monitor, Benefits of Effective Operational Performance

• Describe what is meant by environmental issues in manufacturing
• Explain the importance of environmental issues in manufacturing
• Describe the policies and their advantages within an organisation in regards to environmental issues
• Explain the suitability of key performance indicators (KPI’s) used to measure environmental performance
• Describe three infrastructural requirements for dealing with environmental issues in manufacturing and their importance
• Describe three equipment requirements for dealing with environmental issues in manufacturing and their importance
• Explain the importance of monitoring performance in environmental issues in manufacturing
• Describe how to select the best technique to monitor performance in environmental issues in manufacturing
• Describe the benefits of effective operational performance in dealing with environmental issues

12 Unit Credit Values

Customer Service is vital to the success of any organisation.  Attracting new business is far more difficult than retaining existing customers.  Businesses know this, and as such, having a good understanding of what it takes to make and keep customers happy is crucial.  Effective Customer Service can add value to the product or service, help retain loyal customers, result in positive reviews, improve employee satisfaction and retention and can improve the bottom line.

In this unit, the Learner will gain an understanding of:

• Customer relationship management
• Customer relationship strategy
• Organisation communication strategy
• Internal and external customers
• Organisational culture and achieving culture change
• Measuring customer satisfaction
• Managing customer feedback and complaints

15 Unit Credit Values

Planning and Control in manufacturing is a critical function that defines the heartbeat of any organisation.  Planning is extremely important in an organisation because it is the stage at which managers set objectives that determine the organisation activities in the near future.  By providing a more rational, fact-based procedure for making decisions, planning allows managers and organisations to minimise risk and uncertainty.  At the end of this unit, the Learner will have an understanding of:

• The production planning cycle
• How sales planning requirements are incorporated into the production plan
• The demand management processes
• Forecasting techniques
• How to generate a Master Production Schedule
• Principles and management of Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP)
• The efficiency of different planning systems
• The development of benchmarking and benchmarking techniques
• The options for improving product planning performance
• The performance measures for use in production planning performance improvement

12 Unit Credit Values

In the unit of Procurement Management, a learner will understand the techniques and procedures to manage the procurement operations and optimise the procure-to-pay process effectively. The indicative content of the course covers the following essential topics in procurement management:

• Procurement Management role in increasing the organisational efficiency
• Importance of collaboration and Strong Supplier Relationship
• Vital factors that impacts the Procurement efficiency in an organisation
• Contract Management and Compliance
• Risk Management techniques for effective procurement functions

10 Unit Credit Values

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a management initiative whereby companies integrate social, economic and environmental concerns into their business operations. CSR is concerned with the sustainability of an organisation to ensure they are viable over the long term and is used to add value to an organization’s activities by ensuring they have a positive impact on society, the economy and environment.  Following this unit, the Learner will have an understanding of:

• What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
• Three Pillars of Sustainability
• The Triple Bottom Line
• Ethics in the Supply Chain
• Sustainability in Procurement and Supply
• Risks of Sustainability
• Environmental Issues
• Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
• Carbon Footprint
• Globalisation

8 Unit Credit Values

Business Development aims to create long-term value for the company by recognising and exploiting new opportunities, strengthening relationships with existing customers, and improving the company’s overall performance. Following this unit, the learner will have an understanding of the following:

• Different types of strategic planning techniques.
• Approaches to strategy evaluation and selection
• The terminology used for strategy development
• Methods of building collaborative business relationships
• Contemporary business marketing on marketing strategies
• Various Business Planning Techniques
• The impact of Business Process Modelling on a business
• Types of customer support systems etc