ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Business and Management

Module listing

Mandatory Units

The Business Environment

This unit develops learners’ understanding of how national and global factors influence organisations. It explores external and internal environments, market dynamics, economic conditions, and regulatory frameworks, helping learners analyse how businesses adapt to changing contexts and make strategic decisions to remain competitive and sustainable in diverse operational environments.

People in Organisations

This unit focuses on how organisations manage and support people effectively. Learners study communication, teamwork, motivation, leadership, and remote working dynamics to understand how human factors impact organisational performance and culture. The unit emphasises collaboration, effective interpersonal skills, and building cohesive teams to enhance productivity and employee engagement.

Communication Skills for Business

Learners gain essential communication skills for business success. The unit covers written, verbal, and digital communication methods, exploring how effective communication enhances collaboration and decision-making. Students learn to produce professional business correspondence and presentations while understanding the importance of clarity, tone, and audience awareness in organisational contexts.

Financial and Management Accounting Techniques for Managers

This unit introduces key financial and managerial accounting principles used by business managers. Learners explore budgeting, cost control, ratio analysis, and financial planning techniques to support decision-making and performance evaluation. It builds practical skills in interpreting financial data to improve resource management and organisational effectiveness.

Optional Units

Resource Management

Learners study how organisations acquire, allocate, and utilise human and physical resources efficiently. The unit examines workforce planning, asset management, and sustainability in various sectors, including manufacturing and services. Emphasis is placed on optimising resources to achieve productivity, cost-efficiency, and long-term organisational goals.

The Marketing Mix

This unit develops learners’ understanding of the marketing mix and its seven components — product, price, place, promotion, people, process, and physical evidence. Learners explore how businesses use these elements strategically to attract customers, build brand value, and achieve competitive advantage in dynamic market environments.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Learners explore the concept and importance of Corporate Social Responsibility. The unit examines how ethical practices, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement influence organisational reputation and performance. Students learn to evaluate CSR policies and make informed recommendations for responsible and sustainable business practices.

Managing a Work-Based Team Project

This unit equips learners with project management skills through hands-on experience. They plan, execute, and review a team project, learning about goal setting, resource allocation, collaboration, and performance evaluation. The focus is on leadership, teamwork, and reflective learning to achieve project success in workplace settings.

Entrepreneurship

Learners gain insight into entrepreneurship and its role in business growth. The unit explores entrepreneurial traits, business start-up processes, innovation, and risk management. Students learn how entrepreneurs identify opportunities, develop business ideas, and contribute to economic development through innovation and strategic planning.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

This unit examines the importance of effective customer relationship management in achieving business success. Learners study CRM tools, customer retention strategies, and the role of data in understanding customer needs. The focus is on building long-term customer loyalty through consistent and personalised service delivery.

Administrative Services

Learners explore the scope and importance of administrative functions in supporting business operations. The unit covers record management, office procedures, and coordination of administrative tasks. It emphasises efficiency, accuracy, and communication in providing essential support to management and operational departments.

Managing Information and Knowledge

This unit focuses on how information and knowledge are managed as strategic assets. Learners examine data collection, analysis, storage, and dissemination techniques. The emphasis is on using information systems to enhance decision-making, innovation, and competitive advantage within organisations.

Managing Operations

Learners gain a practical understanding of operations management and its role in delivering products and services efficiently. The unit explores production processes, supply chain management, quality assurance, and performance improvement. It focuses on aligning operations with organisational goals and customer expectations.

Managing Quality

This unit introduces learners to the principles of quality management. It covers quality control, assurance, and continuous improvement processes. Learners understand how maintaining high standards enhances customer satisfaction, reduces costs, and contributes to business success through effective quality management systems.

Digital Communications

Learners develop an understanding of digital communication tools and their impact on modern business. The unit explores social media, email, and digital marketing technologies, focusing on how organisations use digital platforms to enhance communication, collaboration, and engagement with stakeholders in a global digital environment.