Fundamentals of Business Administration

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Undergraduate Graduate

Start Date
September/January

Duration
<1 Years

Modality
Online

Costs
$/credit see details

Introduction

This Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Programme – Fundamentals of Business Administration comprises 120 contact hours and aims to equip individuals with the foundational knowledge, skills and competencies in contemporary business operating procedures and processes. The programme also seeks to provide individuals with theoretical and practical approaches to overcoming basic organizational challenges. This program is designed to expose participants to the knowledge and practical skills necessary to become good functional administrators or supervisors to assist them on their journey in the world of management. Participants will be presented with several opportunities to develop their analytical skills through basic research, discussion and case studies. At the end of this course of study, participants will be able to demonstrate their ability to solve organizational problems, and use the knowledge acquired to improve their job performance and their department/organization as a whole.

Rationale

At this juncture in Caribbean Development especially with the onset of ‘free movement’ under CARICOM vis-à-vis the influx of new businesses, there is a demand for a more practical approach to doing business. It is critical that the participants of this programme, as potential managers or supervisors, receive a solid foundation in the areas of principles of management, basic accounting, introductory human resource management and communications for business in order to function at the desired level in their work. Business procedures continue to shift and modernize in response to global trends. Organizations across the region now require workers with a wider array of knowledge, skills and competencies to undertake competing tasks in increasingly fast-paced environments. Demand continues to increase across the private, public and non-profit sectors for skilled, competent workers. This programme offers to improve the abilities of administrators, supervisors and those aspiring to such positions through exposure to a comprehensive foundation of knowledge in the area of business. The Fundamentals of Business Administration programme seeks to fill some of the gaps present in our workforce and to assist persons on their journey toward professional success.

Aims and Objectives

At the end of the programme, the students will be able to:

Identify concepts that are necessary for the understanding of business, its sustainability, and survival.
Demonstrate knowledge of the strategic management process and an ability to assess industry attractiveness and the competitive environment.
Explain how effective leaders use their interpersonal skills to promote change, communicate vision, provide a sense of direction, and inspire employees.
Successfully utilize the tools and techniques of managerial accounting to make decisions about both day-to-day operations and long-term tactics and strategies.
Utilize the tools and methodologies needed to solve marketing problems, including developing marketing plans and the use of various marketing strategies.
Apply best practices using the knowledge acquired in business administration.

Who is the Programme for?

The target audience for this programme is expected to be drawn from public and private sector workers who are required to improve their knowledge base in order to become better functional managers, administrators or supervisors. This includes those individuals who are already in business or who may be thinking of starting a business.

Entry Requirements

While there is no pre-requisite to this, it will be useful for participants to possess certification at the CSEC or CAPE level in English and Mathematics. In addition, working experience which has provided applicants with some knowledge of principles of business or management will be an asset.

When Will the Programme Start?

Contact your nearest Open Campus Country Site on the start date for the programme.

How Do I Apply?

Kindly contact an Open Campus Country Site location nearest to you for further information on the application process.

Course Cost

Please contact your nearest Open Campus Site location for information on the cost for this programme. Locations can be found at this link: http://www.open.uwi.edu/locations

Programme Duration

This programme will be offered for two (2) semesters of thirteen (13) weeks each.

Assessment Structure

A model of continuous in-course assessment is proposed for all courses to be offered in this programme. Students will be assessed at different intervals over the duration of each course as an alternative to mid-semesters and final examinations. Continuous assessment is learner-focused and reduces anxiety with respect to the finality of testing. Students are provided with more than one opportunity to develop mastery and as a result, develop their own pace as they progress through each course. This assessment method, therefore, enhances learning since students will be able to remediate weaknesses before each course ends. Assessment methods may include case studies, multiple choice or short answer tests and oral presentations. A mid-term exercise along with a research paper / project will form part of the assessment structure. In instances where there is continuous assessment there may not be a final exam.

Availability

Not on Offer

Award Type

Certificate