The course begins by introducing candidates to the functions and objectives of internal and external environment analysis. Lenders study the conditions that need to be fulfilled for a business to flourish, alongside the various different types of businesses and ownership models, the social responsibilities of the modern business and an introduction to business ethics.

Module two provides a detailed breakdown of the strategic planning process, in which candidates learn how to identify an organisation’s most important stakeholders. Course content also covers the identification of key values for the business, the importance of establishing a vision statement and value statement, the functions and objectives of SWOT analysis in strategic planning and more.

A fascinating introduction to strategic change management followers in module three, presenting candidates with various tools and techniques for more effective project planning. The importance of establishing realistic and attainable goals is also discussed, along with key considerations when assigning roles, responsibilities and accountabilities in business.

Module three explores the six most important components of effective business analysis, while discussing the functions and objectives of business process improvement. Candidates also consider the role of the enterprise content management model in business process improvement, along with business process reengineering and the recent history of business process management.

Candidates then consider the importance of creating a vision and seeing the ‘big picture’ in business. The process of creating a viable vision is discussed, along with the potential benefits of a shared vision, key considerations when establishing a vision for an organisation and how both morale and productivity are influenced during the vision phase.

Module six guides candidates through the process of designing or enhancing existing processes through a detailed knowledge of the business process lifecycle. The importance of accurately identifying existing and future processes discussed, along with the functions and applications of process mapping, working with flow charts and more.

An introduction to the modelling phase followers in module seven, in which candidates consider the importance of effectively and extensively testing ideas before implementation. A complete overview of ‘what-if’ analysis is also included, along with the role of feedback during the modelling phase and the benefits of iterative design.

A series of helpful guidelines for successfully implementing process changes are presented in module eight, in which candidates consider the potential benefits and limitations of process automation. An introduction to the concept of ‘business rules’ is also provided, detailing the role of business rules in workflow engines and the five steps to successful workflow engine implementation.

The benefits and importance of business activity monitoring are discussed in module nine, alongside the functions and applications of the balanced scorecard in business. Candidates learn how to create and use a balanced scorecard, along with the use of process mining techniques for identifying gaps during the monitoring phase.

In module 10, candidates learn how the Six Sigma project management methodology can be used to achieve continuous improvement and eliminate waste. The six most important stages of effective business process improvement are discussed, along with the benefits of pilot schemes, an introduction to ‘lean’ business process improvement and the DMAIC model.

Bringing the course to a close, module 11 provides an extensive introduction to the functions and value of gap analysis in business process improvement. Candidates study each stage of the gap analysis process in-depth, while learning how to create a gap analysis report, considering the various different types of gap analysis and the ‘five whys’ process improvement technique.