Certificate in Business Planning NCFE Level 2

Objectives
At the end of the course you will be able to:

• Describe & evaluate your business idea
• Carry out market research into your idea
• Market your product or service
• Compile the financial information required to run a business
• Produce a business plan
• Identify sources of funding
• Instigate relevant business controls

Student Profile
This course is designed for anyone starting a new business and wishing to complete an initial business plan.

Study Method
The course is designed for study by distance learning at work or at home.  Students receive course manual, assignments and studyguide plus tutor support by telephone, mail and email.

Assessment
This course is assessed through a series of tutor marked assignments, building into a comprehensive business plan.

Accreditation
At the end of this course successful learners will receive a level 2 NCFE Award certificate of achievement. That means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 2 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The course is provided in conjunction with Kendal Publishing Limited – a licenced NCFE centre. 

Course Outline
Module A: Planning to succeed
• Personal profiling & self-assessment
• Evaluating your business idea
• Writing a business plan
• Business structures
• Basic accounting requirements

Module B: Market Research
• Types of Research
• Survey methods
• Questionnaires
• Secondary research
• Market research analysis

Module C: Effective Marketing
• The marketing cycle
• Marketing plans
• The cost per sale formula
• Target customers
• Business generation
• The Marketing mix
• Product life cycles

Module D: Finance
• Financial planning & control
• A personal survival budget
• Start up budget
• The meaning of profit
• Direct and fixed costs
• Break even analysis
• Costing & pricing
• Sales forecasting and adjustments
• Cash flow forecasting
• Profit & loss forecasting
• Capital requirements