University of Cape Town
Foundations of Business Management
Create an integrated business management strategy to safeguard the success of your enterprise.
Start date
27 January 2025
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Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
The conventional method of managers working within business silos is slowly disappearing. Instead, they now require an integrated and comprehensive understanding of how an organisation operates, both theoretically and practically, to improve performance. With the knowledge gained across the management spectrum, managers can guarantee that each decision made is supported by extensive business insight.
To gain an understanding of business functions, register for the Foundations of Business Management online short course offered by the University of Cape Town (UCT). You will study several leadership and management skills and learn to create integrated business management strategies to ensure your organisation's success. Acquire skills in the areas of marketing, finance, leadership, market research, and competitive analysis to achieve your objectives.
Is this course for you?
This course is intended to address the industry's need for skilled managers who require integrated knowledge of multiple business functions. Mid- to senior-level managers looking to enhance their organisational impact will receive a comprehensive foundation for the most essential business and management concepts and practices. Aspiring managers and entrepreneurs will also benefit from this introduction to business management, which will enable them to advance in their careers by gaining broad and relevant business skills.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
The conventional method of managers working within business silos is slowly disappearing. Instead, they now require an integrated and comprehensive understanding of how an organisation operates, both theoretically and practically, to improve performance. With the knowledge gained across the management spectrum, managers can guarantee that each decision made is supported by extensive business insight.
To gain an understanding of business functions, register for the Foundations of Business Management online short course offered by the University of Cape Town (UCT). You will study several leadership and management skills and learn to create integrated business management strategies to ensure your organisation's success. Acquire skills in the areas of marketing, finance, leadership, market research, and competitive analysis to achieve your objectives.
Is this course for you?
This course is intended to address the industry's need for skilled managers who require integrated knowledge of multiple business functions. Mid- to senior-level managers looking to enhance their organisational impact will receive a comprehensive foundation for the most essential business and management concepts and practices. Aspiring managers and entrepreneurs will also benefit from this introduction to business management, which will enable them to advance in their careers by gaining broad and relevant business skills.
What will set you apart
The skills to interpret financial statements, and compile and manage budgets.
A quality assurance plan for your organisation’s continuous improvement.
The ability to conduct market research and recommend a strategy for your competitive advantage.
The tools to make informed business decisions, with knowledge of innovation methods and creative problem-solving techniques.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
An introduction to business management and the business landscape
Module 2
Management and leadership
Module 3
Foundations of financial management and budgeting
Module 4
Customer focus and market research
Module 5
Competitive advantage: SWOT and other strategic tools
Module 6
Marketing
Module 7
Business innovation and creative problem-solving
Module 8
Quality assurance and sustainability
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What past students
think
Rafika Esau
Past Student
Not only did I enjoy the flexibility and practical value of the course, but it was a fun, exciting, and an effective learning experience.
Course Convenor
Stuart Hendry
Lecturer and Course Convenor, UCT
About the certificate
Acquire a solid understanding of the fundamentals of business management and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
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