Course overview
People often dream about starting their own business but don’t fully realise the implications of what this involves. Given the back-drop that nearly a half of all businesses fail in their first year, it is critical that you have all the knowledge at your disposal to make an informed decision about whether running a business is right for you.
This is an introductory course for anyone who has recently set up a small or micro-business, or for anyone who is considering setting up a small or micro-business, or is considering self-employment as a career option. As such, this Course considers the key elements and issues that you need to think about and explore.
What you'll learn
- Learn key steps to increase your chances of success and minimise risk
- Understand how to market your business, identifying competition, pricing and branding strategies
- How to handle and recruit staff and administrative issues
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
Duration study load
- There is approximately 100 hours worth of learning material included
- Students will have access to the study material for five years
Entry requirements
- This course is most suited to individuals who are at least 16 years old and have an interest in setting up a new business
Course features
- All course material
- Dedicated student support
- Access to an online social learning forum
- CV writing help on completion of the course
Assessment
- This course is assessed by a series of self assessment exercises
Subjects
This course is made up of 5 units, which cover a range of subject areas, please see below for more information:
- The problems and potential of small-business start-up
- Sources of information
- Why start a business
- Personal skills
- The realities of starting a business
- Success v Failure
- Your Business Idea
- Am I suited to running a business
- People and Roles
- Business start-up expenses
- Sources of Money
- Finding Premises
- Financial Issues
- Legal Issues
- Practical Issues
- Looking after your money
- Budgeting for personal survival
- Financial Responsibilities
- Common causes of financial failure
- Financial Control
- Expenses
- Employing Staff
- Pricing
- Cash Flow
- Profit and Loss account
- Balance Sheet
- Performance Ratios
- Credit Terms
- What marketing is
- Definitions of Marketing
- Marketing in Practice
- Understanding Customer Needs and Wants
- Using Marketing Strategy
- The 7Ps of Marketing
- Turning Prospects into Customers
- Types of Marketing Message
- Writing Marketing Material
- Websites
- Newsletter Marketing
- The Marketing Plan
- Classic Marketing Mistakes
- Purpose of a Business Plan
- Demands and Limitations of Business Planning
- Basic Aspects of Business Planning
- Business Plan Format
- The Executive Summary
- The Business
- SWOT Analysis
- Products and Services
- Marketing
- Financials
- Business Planning Top Tips
- Networking
- Defining Communication
- The Communication Cycle
- Noise
- Barriers to Communication
- Spoken Word – General Considerations
- Written Word – General Considerations
- First Impressions
- Non-Verbal Behaviour
- Active Listening
- Written Communication
- Email Etiquette
- Writing Marketing Copy for Your Business
About Online Business School
Whether you are looking to enhance your skills, improve your team or pursue a professional education, the Online Business School’s learning pathways can provide you with all you need.
The Online Business School delivers online university pathway programmes with full Undergraduate and Postgraduate Diploma Awards to learners from all corners of the world. Learners can fast track their way through to a UK University Qualification on campus or by distance learning.
Our web based modules allow students to learn what they want, when they want and how they want and have been designed to facilitate a much faster, more affordable and engaging way to learn. With a 24/7 student networking platform, personal dashboards, 1-2-1 online tutorials, group webinars and bank of pre-recorded group webcasts, the Online Business School provides students with all the support that they need to succeed in developing their professional skill base and achieve a university qualification.
