higher business coursework

Higher Business Management: Advice, Command Words and Resources

The SQA Higher Business Management course is divided up into five sections – understanding business, management of marketing, management of people, management of operations and management of finance. Higher Business Management is assessed by an exam lasting 2 hours and 45 minutes containing questions worth a total of 90 marks and an assignment completed in school which is worth 30 marks. The assignment involves candidates choosing a business and a topic to research and prepare a report.

This article will offer some tips for studying Higher Business Management, an overview of the command words, opportunities for further study and a list of useful resources.

• Read business news stories and think about what is happening and why. This can help you put theory into practice.
• Look at examples of real businesses. Remember including some examples in your answers may help you get your point across. 
• Practice writing answers using the different command words. Make sure you understand what they mean and how to structure your answer. 

Command Words

Describe – You must offer a detailed description of the point you are making such as mentioning features or characteristics. One word answers or a brief outline will not be accepted. 

For example: Describe the main characteristics of high quality information.

High quality information is appropriate. The information provided will be suitable for the purpose for which it is intended. There will be no irrelevant information that is not related to the decision being made as this could cause confusion during decision making.

Explain – You must offer a detailed explanation of the reason for or impact of a particular course of action. Clearly explain the reasons and consider offering an example to explain your point. 

For example: Explain why a profitable business can have cash flow problems.

A profitable business can have cash flow problems due to having too much money tied up in stock. Having a large amount of unsold stock will cause cash flow problems as the business will not be generating income from the stock. The business will also be faced with the cost of storing stock. This means that the business’s revenue will decrease.

Justify  – Give good reasons to support or explain your suggestions.

For example: Justify why strategic decisions are made by senior managers.

Senior managers making strategic decisions is beneficial as they will have a more thorough knowledge of the organisation. Senior managers are more likely to have better knowledge of the company, its aims and policies which is information that will be needed for effective decision making.

Outline – State the main features of a particular factor but do not go into great detail.

For example: Outline the main features of the Data Protection Act 1998 

Data held must be stored lawfully, securely and responsibly. 

Identify – State/list the answer. Identify is sometimes used alongside another command word such as explain or justify. 

For example: Identify a source of finance.

Bank overdraft.

Discuss – Examine the advantages and disadvantages of a particular factor and fully explain your point. You are making a case for or against the idea. 

For example: Discuss the use of just in time production. 

An advantage of just in time production is less storage space is needed as stock will not be on the premises for long. This could result in decreased rent or cost of premises. 

A disadvantage of just in time production is the business is relying greatly on suppliers. If the supplier does not deliver on time or delivers the wrong goods, the business may need to halt production meaning customer orders will not be completed on time. 

Distinguish – Identify differences between two or more factors. 

For example: Distinguish between a strategic decision and an operational decision. 

A strategic decision is made by senior management whereas an operational decision is made by lower management. 

Compare –  Show differences or similarities between two or more factors. You should point out the specific features of each to demonstrate each difference/similarity. 

For example: Compare functional grouping with product grouping. 

With functional grouping staff with similar knowledge and expertise will be working together whereas with product grouping staff are grouped together around a product or service. 

Interested in studying Business Management further?

Universities offer degrees in Business Management or a specific area of business such as Marketing, Finance, Accounting or Human Resources. If you are interested in particular area of business or know what sort of career you would like to have you can choose one of these areas of business to study. Some universities allow you to select two subjects to study as part of your degree for example Business and Marketing or Business and Human Resources.

You can also study Business courses at college or undertake a Modern Apprenticeship in an area of Business.

I remember studying Higher Business Management when I was in high school and I’m glad to say I kept all of my notes. Here they are in PDF format if anyone else feels they can get some use out of them.

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Higher Business Management SQA – Revision Content

Browse Study Rocket's Higher Business Management SQA free revision notes.

Higher Business Management SQA – Topics

Higher Business Management

This website contains everything you might need to succeed in Higher Business Management. You'll find slides, concise notes, videos, exam questions, and more all designed to support your revision. The site has tabs to represent each topic you study - understanding business, marketing, operations, human resources, and finance. There are also general study tips, exam advice, and assignment guidance. This site will also be updated frequently to respond to the needs of learners.

The assessment methods for Higher Business Management include the following:

This is similar to the National 5 assignment in that students will investigate a specific area of the course in relation to a business of their choice. It is also worth 25% of a student's overall grade. Learners will have to introduce their business, discuss their research methods, analyse their findings, and evaluate the business based on the information they discovered. 

Examination

The remaining 75% of the grade is made up of an exam paper. Students will have 2 hours and 45 minutes to answer 90 marks worth of questions. The first section of the paper - worth 30 marks - is based on a case study where students will have to connect their knowledge with a practical scenario. The remaining questions are open, and test students' understanding of key business concepts.

SQA Specification

Here you can find the guidance given to teachers and learners by the SQA outlining the aims, content, and skills that should be developed during the higher business course.

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Higher Business Management (Course Code: C810 76)

Scqf level 6 (24 scqf credit points).

Why study Business Management?

We all rely on businesses to create wealth, prosperity, jobs and choices. Studying Business Management gives you the opportunity to develop important skills such as problem solving, communication, planning and organising. You will learn through real-life business contexts how organisations operate.

These skills are valuable in a wide range of career sectors but are particularly useful if you are interested in entering the world of business — whether as a manager, employee or self-employed person.

Career Pathways

To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:

• Administration and Management
• Animals, Land and Environment
• Buying, Selling and Related Work

Communication and Media

• Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism

Housing, Property and Facilities

What do I need to get in?

Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally be expected to have:

• National 5 Business Management
• National 5 Economics

What will I study?

The course consists of  five  areas of study.

Understanding Business

• develop your understanding of how large organisations in the private, public and third sectors operate, make decisions and pursue their strategic goals
• analyse the impact that internal and external environments have on an organisation’s activity, and consider the implications of these factors.

Management of marketing

• develop your understanding of the importance of effective marketing systems to large organisations
• learn about the relevant theories, concepts and procedures used by organisations to improve competitiveness and customer satisfaction.

Management of operations

• develop your understanding of the importance of effective operations systems to large organisations
• learn about the relevant theories, concepts and procedures used by organisations to improve and/or maintain quality, and the importance of satisfying both internal and external customers’ needs.

Management of people

• develop your understanding of the issues that large organisations face when managing people
• learn about the relevant theories, concepts and procedures used by organisations when dealing with staff, including retention, training, leadership and motivation.

Management of finance

• develop your understanding of the issues that large organisations face when managing finance
• learn about the relevant theories, concepts and procedures used by organisations in financial situations.

How will I be assessed?

The course assessment has two components totalling 120 marks :

• Component 1: question paper – worth 90 marks (consisting of two sections: section 1 worth 30 marks, and section 2 worth 60 marks)
• Component 2: assignment – worth 30 marks.

For the assignment component, you will choose a topic to research, analyse information and produce a business report your findings, detailing the appropriate conclusions and/or your recommendations.

Both the question paper and the assignment are set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across course assessment.

The course assessment is graded A-D.

Study Materials

• SQA Past Papers Business Management Higher
• SQA Specimen Paper Business Management Higher
• SQA Understanding Standards Business Management 
• BBC Bitesize Business Management Higher
• Ushare Study Resources

What can I go on to next?

If you complete the course it may lead to:

• Advanced Higher Business Management

Further study, training or employment in:

• Communications and Media
• Property and Facilities
• Transport and Distribution

Which jobs are related to this subject?

• Business Management - Related Careers

Where can my parents find out more?

Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.

They can also read the information leaflet(s):

Nationals in a Nutshell - Business Management (Higher)

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Business Management Course: From Management to Leadership

Expand your business acumen to reach your full potential as a manager and leader within your organization.

All Start Dates

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET

5 consecutive days

$6,150 Programs fill quickly — free cancellation up to 14 days prior

Registration Deadline

October 20, 2024

June 15, 2025

Overview for Business Management Course: From Management to Leadership

Mastering the fundamentals of business management is critical to success in any industry, but in today’s global economy, these skills are more important than ever.  As organizations face disruption, intensified competition and profit challenges, leaders need core business management skills to tackle these problems that cut across traditional boundaries.

This business management certificate program will teach you a range of essential skills needed to advance your career, including leading transitions, improving your financial acumen, understanding market dynamics, developing operational command of your business, and designing and executing business strategy.  Participants will engage in an MBA-inspired curriculum focused on skills that drive business success.

Through highly interactive lectures, case discussions, exercises, and workshops, you will return to work as an empowered leader equipped to manage across the organization.

Benefits of a Business Management Course

By participating in this business management course, you will:

• Navigate leadership transitions and refine your leadership brand
• Improve your ability to influence across the organization and shape culture
• Advance your financial acumen to drive profits and deliver value
• Cultivate a customer-centric mindset: create value for and from your customers
• Learn to build and sustain operational excellence
• Gain insight into strategy and how to build a competitive advantage
• Apply concepts learned in a team workshop and receive peer feedback
• Collaborate with peer business leaders and enjoy multiple networking opportunities
• Earn a Certificate of Completion from the Harvard Division of Continuing Education

Who Should Take This Business Management Course

This business management course is designed for managers across industries and functional areas who are making or recently made a transition to a higher level of business leadership or management. Working professionals who are starting a business, human resource professionals, consultants, and business administrators may find this program particularly useful.

New or aspiring managers with less than 7 years of experience looking for a comprehensive leadership program would be well served by our Essential Management Skills for Emerging Leaders program.

How You’ll Learn

Business Management: From Management to Leadership is hosted in-person on Harvard University’s campus.

The five-day course will be taught in an interactive classroom setting where participants will have the opportunity to network and collaborate with each other and with their knowledgeable and experienced instructors.

Enrolling in the Business Management Program

Registration is open until one week before the program begins, and seats are limited.  Secure your spot before the class fills.

You may cancel free of charge until 14 days prior to the start of the program. After that you may apply your tuition to any future program within one year.

For more details, visit our FAQ page .

Business Management: From Management to Leadership is a five-day program in our state-of-the-art classroom space in the heart of historic Harvard University. Program tuition is $6,150 plus the cost of travel for this program.

The On-Campus program fee covers:

• All Instruction
• All program materials and Harvard notebook and pen
• Full breakfast
• Coffee and snack breaks
• Cocktail and Networking reception
• Tour of Harvard Yard
• Certificate of Completion

Visit our FAQ page for more information about cost and payment.

Considering this program?

Send yourself the details.

• Advanced Business Strategy Training: Gaining a Competitive Edge
• Executive Leadership: Skills Experienced Leaders Need to Succeed
• Building Organizational Cultures: A Framework for Leaders

October Schedule

Day 1: Leading Strategically

• Business Leadership
• Personal Leadership
• Strategic Relationship
• Organizational Leadership

Day 2: Developing Business Insights through Financial Acumen

• Costs and Returns
• Value Models
• Blind Spots and Biases

Day 3: Creating & Capturing Customer Value through Marketing

• Growth Strategy
• Customer Value
• Customer Centricity
• Creating Value

Day 4: Achieving Operational Command of the Business

• Costs in the Value Chain
• Complexities of Operations – revenue management and demand uncertainty
• Capacity Planning – inventory management and decision trees
• Supply Chain Tradeoffs

Day 5: Creating & Sustaining Strategic Business Advantage

• Business Strategy – business models and competitive advantage
• Business Leadership – strategic vision, review of tools, and capstone exercise

June Schedule

• Complexities of Operations — revenue management and demand uncertainty
• Capacity Planning — inventory management and decision trees
• Business Strategy — business models and competitive advantage
• Business Leadership — strategic vision, review of tools, and capstone exercise

Instructors

Laura m. downing, patricia l. hambrick, shannon pettiford, why is business management a valuable skill to have.

Business management is a valuable skill because it contributes to the success of an organization. It helps leaders make efficient decisions, fosters leadership, and enables businesses to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment.

How do I know if this Business Management course is right for me?

Ideal participants are motivated to enhance their leadership skills, accomplish organizational goals, build effectiveness, and gain a greater strategic perspective.

How will the Business Management program help me improve my career or company?

Business Management: From Management to Leadership will help you improve your career or company by developing and refining your leadership skills and decision-making, advancing your financial acumen, and teaching you techniques to create customer value, build operational excellence, and design and implement a competitive strategy.

Participants will gain up-to-date knowledge from working professionals in the industry and have the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs and both current and aspiring business leaders.

Upon completion of the program, participants will earn a Certificate of Completion from the Harvard Division of Continuing Education.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

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In this section

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CORe INCLUDES

Credential of readiness (core), key concepts, who will benefit, professionals, mba applicants, recent graduate students.

What You Earn

Credential of Readiness

Prove your mastery of business fundamentals

Earn by: completing the three-course CORe curriculum and passing the exam

Business Analytics

• Describing and Summarizing Data
• Sampling and Estimation
• Hypothesis Testing
• Single Variable Linear Regression
• Multiple Regression

Featured Exercises

Economics for managers.

• Customer Demand: Foundations
• Strategies for Assessing and Increasing Demand
• Suppliers and Cost
• Competition and Differentiation

Financial Accounting

• The Accounting Equation
• Recording Transactions
• Financial Statements
• Adjusting Journal Entries
• The Statement of Cash Flows
• Analyzing Financial Statements
• Accounting for the Future

Your Guide to Preparing for Business School

Advance Your Career with Essential Business Skills

Which Version of HBS Online's Credential of Readiness (CORe) Program Is Right for You?

Our difference, about the professors.

V.G. Narayanan Financial Accounting

Bharat Anand Economics for Managers

Jan Hammond Business Analytics

Dates & eligibility.

No current course offerings for this selection.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the course.

Applicants who have previously enrolled in Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, or Financial Accounting will not be eligible to enroll in CORe.

Learn about bringing this course to your organization .

Learner Stories

What kind of time commitment is required for CORe?

CORe is offered with multiple durations of study—ranging from 10-week cohorts to extended 17-week cohorts. However, the course content and program requirements are identical regardless of the program length. Our goal in offering different program lengths is to give learners different options to balance the program’s rigors with their particular lifestyle and responsibilities.

The median time required to complete the program is approximately 150 hours, though this learning time varies widely. Some participants spend more time on the platform to enhance their understanding of course concepts and share insights with peers. This time includes all coursework on the platform, including written reflections and quizzes, as well as engagement with peers. This does not include review work outside the platform or preparing for and taking the three-hour CORe final exam.

In the standard versions of CORe—10-week and 12-week cohorts—you should be prepared to spend more time per week on the program. Although we have smoothed out the workload as evenly as possible, you should expect that some weeks will require more work than others.

What is the difference between the undergraduate credit and noncredit versions of CORe?

During the January, May, and September CORe cohorts, we offer an undergraduate credit option through the Harvard Extension School. When you start your application, you can select whether you are seeking admission for the for-credit or non-credit option of CORe. The course content, deadlines, and grading process are all the same whether you choose to enroll in the undergraduate credit ($4,200) or credential-only ($2,650) version of CORe.

By enrolling in the undergraduate credit option of CORe, you will be enrolled at Harvard Extension School (January or September CORe cohorts) or Harvard Summer School (May CORe cohort) and eligible for student privileges like a Harvard University ID number (to access online library resources), free career and academic webinars, a Harvard Gmail account, and education tax credit and loan deferments.

Upon successful completion of CORe, undergraduate credit option participants will earn eight undergraduate credits from Harvard Extension School (January or September CORe cohorts) or Harvard Summer School (May CORe cohort). Harvard Extension School and Harvard Summer School are fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges—the same accreditation as all other schools at Harvard. Harvard transfer credit is accepted by institutions around the world, but it is always up to the accepting university to determine transferability. Successful undergraduate credit option participants will also receive a Credential of Readiness certificate from Harvard Business School Online, and an official transcript will be made available to verify your mastery of the program’s content.

The Harvard Extension School graduate program in the field of management or finance offers an accelerated admission pathway for students who pass CORe (in the for-credit or non-credit offering).

Financial aid and financing options available for CORe program participants also vary depending on whether participants have elected the undergraduate credit option or have enrolled in the non-credit version of the program. More information is available on the Payment & Financial Aid page .

Are there grants for CORe? How do I qualify?

CORe participants may be eligible for financial aid based on demonstrated financial need. To receive financial aid, you will be asked to provide supporting documentation. Please refer to our Payment & Financial Aid page.

Will my performance in CORe factor in to my admission to HBS?

Successful completion of CORe will help you prepare for an MBA program. While applicants to the MBA Program at HBS will have an opportunity to inform the Admissions Board of non-degree preparatory coursework (including CORe), this is one of many application elements and will be considered in the larger context of a holistic selection process.

Will my participation in CORe factor in to my admission to other graduate programs?

Can i take core if i've taken financial accounting, business analytics, or economics for managers.

By enrolling in the Financial Accounting, Business Analytics, or Economics for Managers certificate programs, participants will be ineligible to enroll in the CORe program. By enrolling in the CORe program, participants will be ineligible to enroll in Financial Accounting, Business Analytics, or Economics for Managers as individual certificate programs.

In addition, participants currently enrolled in one of the individual courses cannot transfer their enrollment to CORe. If you're interested in earning the Credential of Readiness, you must enroll in the full CORe program.

What are the policies for refunds, deferrals, and withdrawals?

Please refer to our Policies page .

What materials will I have access to after completing the Credential of Readiness program?

You will have access to the materials in every prior module as you progress through the program and prepare for the final exam. Access to course materials and the course platform ends 60 days after the final deadline in the program. At the end of each course module, you will be able to download a PDF summary of the module’s key takeaways. At the end of the program, you will receive a PDF compilation of all of the module summary documents.

How should I list my credential on my resume?

Once you've earned your Credential of Readiness, list it on your resume along with the date of completion like this:

Harvard Business School Online CORe: Credential of Readiness, [Grade] [Cohort Start Month and Year]

List your credential on your LinkedIn profile under "Education" with the language from the Credential Verification page:

School: Harvard Business School Online Dates Attended: [The year you participated in the program] Degree: Other; CORe Credential of Readiness Field of Study: Leave blank Grade: "Pass," "Pass with Honors" or "Pass with High Honors" as applicable Activities and Societies: Leave blank

For the program description on LinkedIn, please use the following:

Description: CORe (Credential of Readiness) is a 150-hour certificate program on the fundamentals of business from Harvard Business School. CORe is comprised of three courses—Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, and Financial Accounting—developed by leading Harvard Business School faculty and delivered in an active learning environment based on the HBS signature case-based learning model.

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