Level 7

Edexcel Level 7 “Advanced Professional Diploma in Management Studies (APDMS)”

Level 7 qualifications recognize highly developed and complex levels of knowledge which enable the development of in-depth and original responses to complicated and unpredictable problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the demonstration of high level specialist professional knowledge and is appropriate for senior professionals and managers.

BTEC (Business Technology Engineering Council) Advanced Professional Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) is designed to provide focused on specialised vocational courses linked to professional body requirement with clear work relative emphasis. This qualification support continuing professional development as well as sideways progress to Master degrees in Management.

All students are required to take the total of 9 units (equivalent to 270 credit hours at master level) over the year to gain DMS before proceeding to the MBA degree of British Universities. At the end of the first year, on successful completion of all the DMS units, students will receive the post graduate diploma in management studies (Master level DMS) certificate (awarded by Edexcel) along with a certificate of eligibility of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

To achieve this qualification, a learner must successfully complete three core units and six specialist units.

Learners studying for the BTEC Advanced Professional Awards in Management Studies will be expected to develop the following skills during the programme of study:

systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights, much of which is at the forefront of the professional area of management
comprehensive understanding of management techniques and ability to apply
originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the area of management
critical evaluation of current research and advanced scholarship in the area of management
the ability to develop and apply novel approaches in handling complex and unpredictable situations
the ability to operate effectively in highly critical situations by dealing effectively with problems and employing a high level of skill, judgment and insight
the ability to respond to change and initiate change
the ability to deal with complex issues creatively yet systematically, make sound judgments and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
the demonstration of self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
the ability to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks.

The three compulsory core units are as follows:

Unit Number	Unit name	Learning outcomes
1	Advanced Professional Development	Explore methods to improve personal and professional skills to meet organisational and own goals and objectives Carry out a personal skills audit which identifies preferred learning style Prepare and implement a personal development plan.
2	Managing Change in Organisations	Explore the background to change affecting the current organisation Develop systems for understanding and involving others in the process of change Plan to implement models for ensuring ongoing change.
3	Management Research — Project and Presentation	Identify the development of a new product, service or process in terms of overall profitability Calculate, agree and plan for the necessary resources required for the project Plan and agree the implementation of the product, service or process and the measures for monitoring and evaluating success.

From the following list of the specialist units students should choose any six units only:

Unit Number	Unit name	Learning outcomes
4	Strategic Planning and Implementation	Construct a management strategy Develop vision, mission, objectives and measures Plan for the implementation of the strategy.
5	Managing Financial Principles and Techniques	Apply relevant forecasting techniques to obtain information for decision making Examine and apply the financial appraisal techniques used to evaluate potential investment decisions Interpret financial statements for planning and decision making.
6	Human Resources Planning and Development	Investigate how Human Resources Management (HRM) contributes to the achievement of organisational objectives Examine HR planning and development methods Analyse ways in which performance of HR may be enhanced.
7	Management in the Wider Environment	Examine the wider implications and effects of European and global integration on organisations Investigate the range and effects of environmental legislation, directives and guidance and the processes organisations need to adopt Explore the socio-cultural, ethical and moral issues that affect organisations in the current economic environment to establish and implement good practice.
8	Leadership of Your Organisation	Examine a range of current theories and models of leadership and their applicability to different sub-divisions, organisations, industries and sectors Investigate the current and future requirements of leadership within a sub-division, organisation, industry or sector Make proposals for the development of leadership competences to meet current and predicted future requirements within a sub-division, organisation, industry or sector.
9	Culture Climate Values	Examine different national and organisational cultures and how they affect the achievement of organisational objectives Develop strategies for communicating effectively with stakeholders belonging to different cultural groups Explore the development of desired organisational values and an effective work climate in an organisation.
10	Management Research Methods	Identify a research proposal Carry out the research into a specified area of management Present and evaluate the findings with regard to the initial proposal.
11	Strategic Review	Examine existing short- and long-term environmental factors affecting an organization or sector Review the effectiveness of existing business strategies, policies and plans Develop and consider options for strategic planning.
12	Supply Chain Management	Explain the evolution of supply chain management and its growing contribution to business objectives Explore strategies used by organisations to develop and maintain effective supplier relationships Investigate how web-based applications contribute to the full integration of the supply chain Investigate the effectiveness of systems, policies and processes for web-based transactions.
13	The Creative Manager	Challenge current ways of working and current services and products Generate and recognize creative and innovative solutions Articulate cases for innovation and persuade and influence others Overcome obstacles and barriers to innovation to ensure effective innovative change is achieved
14	Managing Finance for Strategic Managers	Investigate cost concepts and their application to the decision-making process Control costs and participate in the budgetary process within an organisation Investigate the scope and practicalities of cost reduction and management for an organisation.
15	Managing Virtual Organizations	Explore the cultural differences of two or three different business cultures and consider how these can be managed in terms of joint working Develop alternative organizational structures and communication systems suitable for working in a virtual organization Investigate processes for developing appropriate virtual teams and networks.
16	Managing Human Resources Policy	Examine HR policy requirements Determine how an organisation’s structure and culture contribute to HR performance Evaluate HR policy in a given organisation.
17	Strategic Marketing Management	Investigate the planning principles and range of tools and techniques involved in developing a marketing strategy Examine a range of marketing strategy options Explore the implications of changes in the marketing environment for organisations.
18	Developing a Communication Strategy	Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses, of the current internal communication processes in an organisation or organisations Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses, of the current external communication processes in an organisation or organisations Develop plans for the implementation, integration and evaluation of a strategy for effective communications.
19	Quality and Systems Management	Evaluate the strategic objectives of operations management within the organisation Design and monitor appropriate systems to ensure quality of product and services Improve organizational performance

Entry requirements:

A degree in a related subject (Business or Management). Candidates having A Level or its equivalent Higher Secondary or Intermediate level qualification with a minimum of two years work experience (paid or unpaid) in a management position can apply. Candidates should be 21 years or above.

English language proficiency requirement- an overall IELTS score of 5.5.

Course Duration:

The course duration is one year.

Course Structure:

The DMS Programme consists of 9 units (3 core + 6 specialist units) including Management Research Project of approximately 5000 words.

Assessment:

The DMS programme is assessed by a mixture of assignments and examinations.

Further Information:

For more information about DMS please refer to the Edexcel websit, www.edexcel.org.uk. You can also email any queries to us at admin@lcoem.com