Advanced Business Plan - Become an Entrepreneur Course Overview This Advanced Business Plan course equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge and skills to develop a comprehensive and effective business plan. Covering every critical aspect from goal setting to identifying your target audience, the course provides learners with strategic insights that enhance long-term business success. Participants will learn how to articulate clear objectives, outline core business elements, and understand the purpose and benefits of a well-crafted business plan. By the end of the course, learners will be confident in preparing a detailed and persuasive business plan that supports both short- and long-term growth, helping them lay a strong foundation for launching or scaling their entrepreneurial ventures. Course Description Delving deeper into the fundamentals of business planning, this course guides learners through the structure, content, and strategic considerations of creating a robust business plan. Topics include defining clear goals, understanding the reasons behind business plans, and recognising key components necessary for success. It also emphasises the importance of tailoring the plan to its intended audience and evaluating essential factors before commencing the planning process. Learners will develop analytical skills for assessing business viability and will be equipped to communicate their vision effectively to potential investors or stakeholders. The course adopts a structured, professional approach, preparing participants to create plans that are both comprehensive and adaptable to evolving business needs. Advanced Business Plan - Become an Entrepreneur Curriculum Module 01: Introduction Module 02: Business Plan for Entrepreneurs Achieve Your Long- and Short-Term Goals Module 03: How a Business Plan Can Help with Long Term Success Module 04: Reasons You Need a Business Plan Module 05: The Elements of a Business Plan Module 06: The Purpose of a Business Plan Module 07: Things to Consider Before Starting a Business Plan Module 08: Who Are You Writing the Business Plan For Module 09: Conclusion (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to launch and grow their own business ventures. Professionals aiming to enhance their entrepreneurial and strategic planning skills. Beginners with an interest in entrepreneurship and business management. Anyone preparing to attract investment or partnerships through effective business planning. Career Path Entrepreneur / Business Owner Business Development Manager Startup Consultant Strategic Planner Small Business Advisor
Course Overview This Leadership and Management course provides a comprehensive foundation for individuals aiming to thrive in supervisory or managerial positions across diverse sectors. Designed to enhance your ability to lead with confidence and integrity, the course explores essential leadership theories, management practices, and strategic planning methods. Learners will gain valuable insight into how to cultivate high-performing teams, manage organisational change, and apply ethical leadership principles. With a strong emphasis on effective communication, conflict resolution, and time management, this course ensures a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to guide teams, influence stakeholders, and achieve long-term business objectives. Whether you are aspiring to step into a leadership role or looking to refine your current management approach, this course equips you with the knowledge and awareness needed to lead with purpose and efficiency. Course Description This course delves into the key components of effective leadership and structured management. Covering everything from leadership theories and performance enhancement to organisational skills and emotional intelligence, it is structured to build your capability in motivating teams, handling workplace dynamics, and aligning business goals with people development. Topics such as negotiation, talent management, succession planning, and risk management are explored in depth, supported by modules on communication and corporate responsibility. You will also examine strategies for managing stress, driving change, and responding to office politics constructively. Through a structured and professionally developed curriculum, learners will develop a nuanced understanding of leadership principles and the core responsibilities that accompany managerial roles. This course encourages thoughtful, ethical, and informed leadership, enabling you to foster positive work environments and drive impactful results within any organisation. Course Modules: Module 01: Introduction to The Course Module 02: Understanding Management and Leadership Module 03: Leadership Theories Module 04: Improving Management and Leadership Performance Module 05: High Performance Teams Module 06: Motivating Employees Module 07: Organisational Skills Module 08: Talent Management Module 09: Succession Planning Module 10: Business Process Management Module 11: Communication Skills Module 12: Negotiation Techniques Module 13: Managing Meetings and Giving Feedback Module 14: Managing Change Module 15: Time Management Module 16: Stress Management Module 17: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Module 18: Managing Conflict Module 19: Dealing with Office Politics Module 20: Risk Management Module 21: Corporate Responsibility and Ethics (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to build leadership confidence and strategic thinking. Professionals aiming to transition into management or senior roles. Beginners with an interest in leadership principles and organisational development. Team leads, supervisors, and aspiring managers across industries. Career Path Team Leader Operations Manager Human Resources Officer Department Head Business Development Manager Strategy Consultant Corporate Trainer Project Coordinator Office Manager Organisational Development Advisor
Business Development Course Overview This Business Development course provides a comprehensive foundation in key areas essential for driving organisational growth and operational excellence. Learners will explore critical topics such as succession planning, process and supply chain management, strategic analysis, and effective communication. The course equips participants with the skills needed to manage projects, lead teams, and optimise retail pricing and procurement strategies. Through a focus on developing negotiation, marketing, and conflict management skills, learners will gain the confidence to represent their organisation effectively and make informed decisions. By the end of this course, participants will be prepared to contribute strategically to business growth, operational planning, and risk management, enhancing their professional capabilities and career prospects. Course Description This detailed course covers a wide spectrum of business development areas designed to enhance learners’ understanding of how to grow and sustain a successful organisation. Topics include planning and forecasting operations, supply chain oversight, quality management, and project coordination. Participants will delve into strategic product scope, analysis, and multi-channel selling techniques, alongside essential soft skills such as negotiation, communication, and business etiquette. The learning experience emphasises the development of management competencies, talent and time management, and approaches to conflict resolution. Learners will also engage with modules on marketing fundamentals and risk management, ensuring a well-rounded grasp of business dynamics. This course is ideal for those wishing to elevate their strategic thinking and leadership skills within diverse professional environments. Business Development Curriculum Module 01: Business Development and Succession Planning Module 02: Process Management Module 03: Supply Chain Management Module 04: Planning & Forecasting Operations Module 05: Procurement & Purchasing Management Module 06: Project Management Module 07: Retail Pricing Module 08: Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring Module 09: Strategic Analysis and Product Scope Module 10: Quality Management Module 11: Management Skills for Leading Your Team Module 12: Selling in Multiple Channels Module 13: Representing Your Boss and Company Module 14: Preparing for Brainstorming Module 15: Generating Solutions (I) Module 16: Generating Solutions (II) Module 17: Analyzing Solutions Module 18: Selecting a Solution Module 19: Negotiation Techniques Module 20: Communication Skills Module 21: Skills of an Effective Administrator Module 22: What is Marketing? Module 23: Common Marketing Types (I) Module 24: Common Marketing Types (II) Module 25: Conflict Management Module 26: Talent Management Module 27: Time Management Module 28: Managing Risk and Recovery Module 29: Business Etiquette (See full curriculum) Who Is This Course For? Individuals seeking to enhance their business growth and development skills. Professionals aiming to progress into leadership or management roles. Beginners with an interest in business operations and strategic planning. Team leaders and administrators looking to improve communication and negotiation skills. Career Path Business Development Manager Project Coordinator Supply Chain Analyst Procurement Officer Marketing Executive Operations Manager Sales Manager Team Leader or Supervisor
Getting Started Enhance your career and earn the highest qualification available in business and management. The Doctor of Business Administration taught and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire is designed for senior managers and consultants who wish to learn and earn an advanced administration level while working full-time. DBA is a demanding research-based programme suitable for candidates pursuing higher-level business administration qualifications after an MBA. This programme provides a solid foundation in various aspects of business, including management, marketing, finance, and operations. Students can expect to gain practical insights into real-world business scenarios, enabling them to make informed decisions and solve complex problems effectively. You're learning journey will include: Lectures and guided reading. Active group work. Case studies. Videos. Reviews of current events and student presentations. You'll develop applied research skills as you evaluate industry-related problems critically. Throughout the programme, students receive support from experienced academics and industry professionals who provide guidance and feedback on their research projects. The programme is delivered through online webinars and independent study, allowing students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. Doctor of Business Administration is awarded and delivered by the University of Central Lancashire. School of Business and Technology London partners with Chestnut Education Group to promote this Doctor of Business Administration programme. About Awarding Body Founded in 1828, the University of Central Lancashire is a public university based in Preston, Lancashire, England. Today, UCLAN is one of the largest in the United Kingdom, with a student and staff community of nearly 38,000. At present, the University has academic partners in all regions of the globe, and it is on a world stage that the first-class quality of its education was first recognised. In 2010, UCLAN became the first UK modern Higher Education institution to appear in the QS World University Rankings. In 2018, the Centre for World University Rankings estimated Central Lancashire to be in the top 3.7 per cent of all global universities, highlighting the growth the University has made in offering students real-world learning experiences and reflecting the University's extensive pool of academic talent. Ranked in the top 7% of universities worldwide. Student Communities from more than 100 countries WES Recognised Qualifi is a UK Government (Ofqual.gov.uk) regulated awarding organisation and has developed a reputation for supporting relevant skills in a range of job roles and industries, including Leadership, Enterprise and Management, Hospitality and catering, Health and Social Care, Business Process Outsourcing and Public Services. Qualifi is also a signatory to BIS international commitments of quality. The following are the key facts about Qualifi. Regulated by Ofqual.gov.uk World Education Services (WES) Recognised Assessment Assignments and Project No examination Entry Requirements Applicants should normally have a Master's degree or equivalent and work in or have recently worked with in business administration. If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification. Progression Upon completing the doctorate programme, learners will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue various career opportunities in administration, management research, etc. One can choose from various positions upon successfully completing a DBA. Some of the most notable career paths are Professor and Postdoctoral Researcher, Market Research Analyst, Economic Analyst, etc. Learners must request before enrolment to interchange unit(s) other than the preselected units shown in the SBTL website because we need to make sure the availability of learning materials for the requested unit(s). SBTL will reject an application if the learning materials for the requested interchange unit(s) are unavailable. Learners are not allowed to make any request to interchange unit(s) once enrolment is complete. Structure Phase 1: Qualifi Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Programme Structure The course is structured around eight mandatory units, encompassing various topics aligned with learning outcomes. Each unit holds a value of 20 credits. Learners can participate in lectures and workshops to familiarize themselves with the subject. Attaining a total of 160 credits by completing all units is a prerequisite for the issuance of the Diploma. Unit 800: Leadership Qualities and Practice Unit code: A/506/9126 This unit delves into the connections between leadership and management within strategic operations. It scrutinizes various leadership styles, their underlying principles, and associated concepts. The unit also investigates methods to assess and enhance team performance to achieve strategic business and operational goals. Additionally, it encompasses the interplay between strategic management and leadership, containing crucial leadership principles, theories, and their alignment with organizational strategy. Unit 701: Research Methods Unit code: Y/506/9134 The objective of this unit is to enhance the learner's knowledge and comprehension of academic practices and research methodologies. It employs a problem-based learning approach to cultivate practical proficiency in areas relevant to educational practice and research in business and management. Unit 801: Personal Leadership Development as a Strategic Manager Unit code: F/506/9127 This unit focuses on the strategic leadership skills essential for directors and senior managers to effectively guide international organizational strategic initiatives, collaborating with partners, buyers, suppliers, customers, and competitors. Unit 802: Strategy Development in Cross Border and Global Organisations Unit code: F/506/9130 This unit tackles formulating strategies for cross-border or global organizations, which encounter complexities stemming from political, religious, cultural, and social differences, as well as the management of organizations operating within specific country boundaries. Unit 803: Strategic Planning for Cross Border and Global Organisations Unit code: L/506/9132 This unit scrutinises the diverse influences and effects on cross-border or global organisations and how they contribute to the development of successful strategies and the mitigation of risks. Unit 804: Strategic Direction in Cross Border and Global Organisations Unit code: R/506/9133 This unit provides senior strategic managers with the opportunity to delve into the influences and effects of cross-border and global policy and strategy. It aims to facilitate enhancements in establishing direction, shaping the approach, and forecasting the success of cross-border or worldwide policy and procedure. Unit 805: Strategic Communication Unit code: L/506/9129 The unit aims to develop the ability to critically assess and appreciate the impact of media on international organisations. It considers stakeholders, political and pressure groups, as well as the part played by media owners. Unit 806: Culture and its Impact on Strategy Unit code: J/506/9128 This unit strives to foster a profound comprehension of the intricacies faced by internationally operating organizations and how this impacts the strategy development process. It employs well-reasoned and thoroughly researched perspectives to cultivate alternative viewpoints. Phase 2 - Doctor of Business Administration Programme Structure Stage 1 - Taught component The Reflexive Practitioner Management, Rhetoric, Policy and Practice Research Methodologies and Design Qualitative Research Methods Quantitative Research Methods Accordion Title Stage 2 - Research component The Reflexive Practitioner Delivery Methods The Doctor of Business Administration is awarded and delivered by the University of Central Lancashire. This doctorate from the University of Central Lancashire is offered as a block teaching and research programme. The DBA will run at the Preston Campus of the University. You'll have full access to the Library and information resources of the University throughout the DBA and may use all social, cultural and sports facilities of the University. Stage 1 - Taught component The DBA Taught Programme consists of six taught modules, each being completed through a four-day intensive workshop plus a period of private study both before and after the workshop. During Stage 1 you will develop critical and reflective skills at doctoral level, through the requirement to think conceptually, apply critical thinking, and reasoning skills and to challenge orthodoxy relating to the body of knowledge and research relating to Management and Organisation. Action learning is incorporated within the study sessions and is an important and distinctive feature of our DBA. You will work in sets or small development groups with fellow participants throughout the programme and also develop your skills as a critical and reflective learner. Stage 2 - Research component The DBA Research Programme - as part of the development process of your DBA project, you will have worked with the DBA staff to agree a suitable supervisory team, including a Director of Studies. This team will work with you throughout Stage 2 helping you to design and implement your own particular DBA project. This will normally take two years working on a part-time basis although you may choose to work at a pace that requires more time and you may therefore take up to five years. Resources and Support School of Business & Technology London is dedicated to offering excellent support on every step of your learning journey. School of Business & Technology London occupies a centralised tutor support desk portal. Our support team liaises with both tutors and learners to provide guidance, assessment feedback, and any other study support adequately and promptly. Once a learner raises a support request through the support desk portal (Be it for guidance, assessment feedback or any additional assistance), one of the support team members assign the relevant to request to an allocated tutor. As soon as the support receives a response from the allocated tutor, it will be made available to the learner in the portal. The support desk system is in place to assist the learners adequately and streamline all the support processes efficiently. Quality learning materials made by industry experts is a significant competitive edge of the School of Business & Technology London. Quality learning materials comprised of structured lecture notes, study guides, practical applications which includes real-world examples, and case studies that will enable you to apply your knowledge. Learning materials are provided in one of the three formats, such as PDF, PowerPoint, or Interactive Text Content on the learning portal. How does the Online Learning work at SBTL? We at SBTL follow a unique approach which differentiates us from other institutions. Indeed, we have taken distance education to a new phase where the support level is incredibly high.Now a days, convenience, flexibility and user-friendliness outweigh demands. Today, the transition from traditional classroom-based learning to online platforms is a significant result of these specifications. In this context, a crucial role played by online learning by leveraging the opportunities for convenience and easier access. It benefits the people who want to enhance their career, life and education in parallel streams. SBTL's simplified online learning facilitates an individual to progress towards the accomplishment of higher career growth without stress and dilemmas. How will you study online? With the School of Business & Technology London, you can study wherever you are. You finish your program with the utmost flexibility. You will be provided with comprehensive tutor support online through SBTL Support Desk portal. How will I get tutor support online? School of Business & Technology London occupies a centralised tutor support desk portal, through which our support team liaise with both tutors and learners to provide guidance, assessment feedback, and any other study support adequately and promptly. Once a learner raises a support request through the support desk portal (Be it for guidance, assessment feedback or any additional assistance), one of the support team members assign the relevant to request to an allocated tutor. As soon as the support receive a response from the allocated tutor, it will be made available to the learner in the portal. The support desk system is in place to assist the learners adequately and to streamline all the support process efficiently. Learners should expect to receive a response on queries like guidance and assistance within 1 - 2 working days. However, if the support request is for assessment feedback, learners will receive the reply with feedback as per the time frame outlined in the Assessment Feedback Policy.
Key Objectives for the Training provision Effective listening to a client's needs and requirements during various stages of the sales process. Engage in meaningful communication with clients, learn to identify challenges and opportunities that relate to the prospects. Overcome the identified challenge. Build long term rapport and establish trust with the prospect throughout the sales process, Ensure continued customer satisfaction that can turn into repeat business. Be able to build rapport with customers or clients. Know the right questions to ask to fully understand the customer or client’s needs without putting on any pressure. Be able to check you have the right information from the customer or client. Be able to match products and services to the customer or client using the information you have gathered. Be able to influence effectively. Know how to stand out from your competitors. Stage 1 – Research the Company’s ‘Value Propositions’ and USP Analysis Conducting 30 min confidential interviews with a cross-section of the eligible Attendees & the Stakeholders, in order to gain an objective understanding of the various scenarios and clients that the Participants work with. the Company’s ‘Value Propositions’ Unique Selling Points The Customers’ journey(s) The Competition’s offers for analysis and comparisons. From these findings, a carefully calibrated bespoke Programme will be designed and delivered. Stage 2 - Design the Bespoke 2 x day Course nd Stage 3 - Delivery of the Course Programme This Programme can be delivered in 2 x consecutive days, or split between 2 – 3 weeks, to make it more ‘work-friendly’ – if required. It is very practical and commercially focussed in approach, with lots of interactive exercises designed to draw out the learning applications via the debriefings. The ‘Real Play’ scenarios on day 2 will be based on specific case studies drawn from the Research findings so that they are authentic to optimise the learning. Individual Action Plans will be captured at the end of each day to be debriefed by the Participants’ respective Line Managers. Template Programme Day One – Foundation – Strategic Approach Section One – The Principles of Consultative Selling Defining ‘Consultative Selling’ The Company’s ‘Unique Selling Points’ & Value Proposition The Consultative Selling model – the five stages Avoiding appearing ‘pushy’, ‘pressurising’ or ‘talking through the sale’ Section Two –Strategy & Preparation ‘Buy-Class’ Matrix Strategic plan Template – matching services/products to identified needs & opportunities. Preparing a range of objectives Constants and variables – USP’s Researching key Client/Decision Makers’ priorities, profile & background (LinkedIn etc.) Preparing for potential & likely Objections Section Three – Email etiquette & ‘influencing’ email correspondence. Email etiquette A.B.S.U.R.D model Clarity and tone – discovery of clients’ needs & motivational factors. Techniques to influence and ‘nudge’. Ensuring the data and content have a ‘gentle’ motivational & appealing message. Top Tips Day Two – Practical Application Section Four – Rapport Building & Effective Communication skills ‘Behaviour Labelling’ techniques – setting a positive tone. Asking Open Questions – gaining a full understanding of the clients’ priorities & expectations. EQ - Inviting opinions; perspectives; experiences – winning confidence. Active Listening – focus and commitment to understand. ‘Reading the room’ – adapting to responses and reactions. Maintaining focus on relevant topics that the Client cares about; carefully consider the opportunities to influence. But NO PRESSURE! Building a ‘bond of trust’ with commitments and authentic, shared values. Section Five – Explaining the Benefits – aligned to the Customers’ Priorities Understanding ‘Why do People Buy?’ Research data analysis. Open questions that lead to understanding the key issues and Clients’ priorities. Avoiding the danger of ‘pressurising’ the Client. Responding to objections effectively, with confidence and sensitivity. Explaining the benefits that are aligned to the Clients’ stated requirements. Making the Data ‘sing’ – memorable takeaways for the Client. Augmented benefits – Brand confidence; Case studies; Warranty; Service; Range; Flexibility etc. in alignment with their stated preferences/requirements Differentials compared to Competitors Section Six – Winning Commitment Inviting commitment – with confidence Consultative Selling Closing techniques (e.g. Alternative Close/Assumptive Close et al) Avoiding ‘talking through the sale’ – knowing when to ‘Shut UP!’ Confirming agreement – ensuring Clients’ motivation for repeat business Section Seven – Practical Application ‘Real Play’ From the Research findings, carefully devised scenarios can be generated to provide the most valuable learning opportunities to underpin all the skills & techniques covered in the Programme. Potential Real Play scenarios: A well-established customer has indicated that they are soon to be opening up additional new offices – this presents an opportunity to arrange for the Company to support them with their upcoming needs. After some very positive feedback and with the upcoming contract renewal imminent – how can the Company give the Customer more high-quality support in other areas of their business? A Competitor has been to see the client and they have prompted some concerns about ‘value for money’ & ‘quality of service’. How Real Play works… The group is split the group into 2 sub-groups, one with our Professional Actor (option available); the other with the Trainer or a willing Participant. Each group has a brief and has to instruct their Trainer/Actor/Participant on how to approach the scenario supplied. The Actor and Trainer (or willing Participant) perform the role play(s) as instructed by their respective teams; however, during the action they can be paused for further recommendations or direction. The outcome is the responsibility of the team(s) – not the performers. Debrief the full Programme Individual Action Plans - to be followed through. ‘Best Practices’ for application into the business Options for Exercises within the Programme Sample Exercise – Red & White There is a specific time managed agenda and itinerary, which puts the group under pressure. The key challenge is for the sub-groups to maximise the commercial value from the task, however there is always a great danger that the individuals attempt to gain financial progress at the expense of the other group! Debriefing points: Persuasive communication and influence across barriers Gaining buy-in when others are sceptical Strategic planning accounting for others’ behaviours Sample Exercise – Communication Challenge Each Participant has different pieces of information, but are not allowed to share it visually. They are only allowed to communicate to work out the solution hidden among the large amount of data. Debrief: Structured approach Maintaining focus through distractions/interference Active Listening Controlled communication Sample Exercise – Persuasive emails Sample emails are shared to be critiqued and improved upon to be debriefed: Tone & impact Making the Data ‘sing’ Influential & motivational language Customer centric message. Sample Exercise –Juggling Each Participant has to pass the ‘Customers’ (Juggling balls) carefully through the system with all the other Participants to reach a profitable conclusion Debrief: EQ to read the room and effectively communicate, when the pressure is on Customer focus and adapting to challenges Devising a plan that wins buy-in Overcoming competing ideas to get to ‘best practice’ Consistent commitment, communication and motivational drivers that influenced performance. Sample Exercise –Critical Path The group are provided with 30 x discs and some ‘post-it’ notes. (no pens or pencils are allowed) Their brief is to create a grid shape with the 30 x discs, which will act as ‘stepping stones’ for the ‘Critical Path’ But they have to follow the correct order through the grid from the start to finish, which they will have to work out through ‘trial & error’ All of the team must pass through the ‘Critical Path’ worked out on the grid, observing the constraints, within the time limit. No talking is permitted once they start using the materials Debrief: - Clear communication focussing on the ‘client’s journey’ Planning for challenges Identifying risks and mitigating them Role allocations & support Quality control and disciplines Sample Exercise –Back to Back Each Participant is positioned back-to-back with a partner. They have to work out precisely what the ‘statement’ given to the other person is without looking around. Each person has a different brief. Debrief: - Asking Open Questions Active Listening Accuracy in identifying the objective.
In this series we invite globally respected studios to walk us through the processes and methods they employ when working with clients.
Our masterclass series goes behind the studio door and explores the processes of globally respected designers.
Our masterclass series goes behind the studio door and explores the processes of globally respected people, studios and businesses.
In this new series we will be exploring the culture of personal brands and how creators position themselves.
In this series we invite globally respected studios to walk us through the processes and methods they employ when working with clients.