The four essential areas of expertise required in a business environment are covered: Management & Communication, Marketing & Sales, Accounting and Computing. The subjects taught provide students with a thorough understanding of the basic concepts and principles in each of these areas, and the opportunity to apply these principles to practical situations. The courses provide a balance between theory and practice. Experiential learning, which includes group exercises, case studies, guest speakers from the industry and practical research projects, forms an integral part of the courses.

The qualification enables students to pursue career opportunities in numerous business vocations, including general management, sales, administration, accounting, computing, and customer service. The course also equips students with the theoretical and practical skills to pursue opportunities in small business management/ownership.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
You may be able to shorten the length of your chosen course by measuring your skills acquired through work or life experiences, or through qualifications obtained from formal studies or training. AQF Qualifications and Statements of Attainment, issued by any other Registered Training Organisation, will be recognised by the Institute.

Managing Teams (HMT, 20 hours)
This module covers the skills and knowledge required to determine the development needs of individuals and teams.  The emphasis is on skills required to work in a group environment.   Topics covered include the promotion of team commitment and the support of team members.

Manage Workplace Environment (HMWE, 40 hours)
This module deals with the skills and knowledge required to manage a workplace environment.  Topics include dealing with conflict and providing leadership in a diverse workplace.  An emphasis is placed on dealing with customers and staff from a wide range of backgrounds.

Marketing Fundamentals (HMF, 60 hours)
This module covers the implementation of marketing strategies and the monitoring and improvement of market performance.  Customer needs and preferences are considered in determining the marketing mix.  Product features are identified and those with buyer appeal are presented as benefits.

Business Communication (HBC, 40 hours)
In this module the student learns about the skills and knowledge required to communicate in the workplace.  The first half of the module encompasses the activities of gathering, conveying and receiving information.   The second half of the module covers the techniques and skills of producing routine written correspondence.   In this module, students learn to apply basic communication skills in order to contribute to effective workplace relationships

People Management (HPM, 20 hours)
This module deals with the skills and knowledge required by managers, supervisors and team leaders to lead and manage teams of people in the workplace, including volunteers where appropriate.

Coaching Others (HCO, 20 hours)
This module focuses on leadership, motivation and coaching of others in job skills.

Business Planning (HBP, 40 hours)
This module covers the development of integrated business plans for achieving business goals and objectives.  It identifies the key components of a Business Plan and the processes of researching these components and developing strategies and actions to implement the Plan.

Sales Management (HSM, 20 hours)
This module covers the planning, implementing, directing and evaluating of the activities of sales teams.

Accounting (HA, 40 hours)
This module covers the preparation of financial plans and budgets by operational, non-financial managers, as required by their particular organisation. It introduces students to the accounting process and the information required by various users in the preparation of budgets and financial plans. It emphasises the construction and management of costs in relation to profit.

Advertising Principles & Practices (HAPP, 60 hours)
Recognising that advertising is an important element in business growth, this module covers the creation of advertisements that communicate the key features of a product, service or idea to the consumer.  It also provides practical application in the development of creative concepts and the writing of persuasive copy.

Strategic Management (HSM, 40 hours)
This module is concerned with developing and implementing appropriate business strategies for monitoring, managing and reviewing operational procedures.  The strategies discussed are suitable for existing micro and small businesses or for departments in larger organisations.

Workplace Relationships and Ethics (HWRE, 20 hours)
Business management includes developing and maintaining positive relationships in internal and external environments so that customers, suppliers and the organisation achieve planned outcomes. This module focuses on establishing processes and procedures which require acting with discretion and judgment to ensure the organisation acts within a socially ethical framework.

Strategic Customer Service (HSCS, 40 hours)
This module deals with the skills and knowledge required to manage strategic customer service.  It focuses on the requirement to develop proactive approaches to customer service issues with a strategic focus.  It incorporates topics covering the need to manage customer service functions effectively.

Make Presentations (HMP, 20 hours)
In this module the student learns the skills and techniques necessary to prepare, deliver and review a presentation to a target audience. It provides practical application for students to prepare and deliver a presentation.

Monitor Work Operations (HMWO, 20 hours)
This module deals with the skills and knowledge required to manage and monitor the quality of day-to-day business operations.  It covers the fundamental knowledge of management roles and the responsibilities of team leaders, supervisors and managers. Key performance measures for each of these roles are discussed.

Recruitment, Selection and Induction (HRM, 40 hours)
This module covers all aspects of selection and recruitment relevant to managers who are not specialists in the area.  It emphasises the relationship between appropriate planning, selection and induction and the retention of high quality staff.

Manage People Performance (HMPP, 40 hours)
This module covers the ability of managers to manage the performance of the staff who report to them directly. Development of key result areas and key performance indicators and standards, coupled with regular and timely coaching and feedback, provide the basis for performance management.

Continuous Improvement (HCI, 40 hours)
This module covers the skills and knowledge required to promote the use and implementation of innovative work practices in order to effect change.  It identifies opportunities for change and the challenges presented by change.

Market Research (HMR, 40 hours)
In this module, students learn the techniques and skills to implement all aspects of a market research plan   The module covers the conduct of market research by non-specialist market research personnel who have data and information gathering and analysis as a major part of their role.

Plan and Manage Meetings (HMM, 20 hours)
This module covers organising meetings, including the development of agendas, papers, participants and minutes. Students receive practical experience in conducting successful meetings.

Computer Applications (100 hours)
HUBT    Use business technology
HCAW    Produce simple word processed documents
HCAD    Create and use databases
HCAS    Create and use simple spreadsheets
HEP    Create electronic presentations

International Students: Entry into Certificate and Diploma programs requires an English level, at least equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or Upper Intermediate at a Holmes English Language Centre.

Students on a student visa MUST be enrolled in a full-time course.