The introductory course module sets out to define leadership from a modern business perspective, outlining and exploring the key differences between management and leadership. Candidates are provided with a detailed breakdown of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats matrix (SWOT Analysis), along with an introduction to a variety of common leadership challenges/limitations.

Course Module 2 focuses on effective and workable strategies for improving performance as a manager, discussing the key steps in creating a personal vision and the potential value/benefits of collaborating on shared vision. Candidates also explore a variety of strategies for working with mental models.

Resource management follows as the primary core focus in Module 3, providing candidates with both the definition of the term and how effective resource management can benefit the modern business. Along with the core elements of effective resource management processes, candidates discuss several common challenges related to resource management.

The concept of change is discussed at length in the fourth module, which focuses specifically on why change matters in a business setting and the importance of approaching change with a proactive attitude. The core elements of The Change Cycle are dissected and investigated in detail, along with the value of ongoing change management and coping with the pace of change.

Time-management enters the conversation in Module 5, guiding candidates through a series of techniques for more effectively prioritising time and managing workloads. Course content introduces setting goals in accordance with the SPIRIT model – Specific, Prizes, Individuals, Review, Inspiring, Time-Bound – along with important planning tools and how to use batching techniques.

Course Module 6 turns attention to conflict management, exploring causes of conflict and how confrontation can be beneficial when approached and managed appropriately. Candidates discover how to prevent conflicts from becoming problematic, along with key assertive guidelines, strategies for managing anger, dealing with negative feelings and more.

The following module introduces professional meeting-management, guiding candidates through the various stages in planning, chairing and evaluating meetings. The value of providing regular and honest feedback is explored, along with the roles both meetings and feedback play in enhancing workforce potential and driving business interests.

Course Module 8 takes an in-depth look at the principles of project management, exploring both the role and the responsibilities of the professional project manager. Key subtopics introduced include establishing project goals, developing teams, essential project planning tools, common reasons for project failure, how project benefits business interests, a full breakdown of the project management lifecycle and the eight integral aspects of a business project.

In the closing course module, effective risk-management strategies enter the discussion, along with an outline of the importance of precise and consistent risk-control. The various types of business risk management are explored, along with the advantages of efficient risk management and the ‘Four Ts’ approach – Transferring Risk, Tolerating Risk, Treating Risk and Terminating Risk.