Learning outcomes
The qualification provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, practical and professional skills in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this certificate, you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- the internal and external factors affecting business organisations and their stakeholders
- the operation and management of the HR function of business organisations
- the operation and management of the finance and accounting function of business organisations
- the operation and management of the marketing function of business organisations
- your own learning; its development in the context of your studies; its role and impacts on your work/practice
- the organisation, provision and management of sport, health and fitness in the UK
- key customer-focused principles that underpin working practice in the sport and fitness sector.
Cognitive skills
On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
- identify the key internal and external factors affecting business organisations
- recognise different ways of analysing
- describe some of the key business processes in a range of organisations
- use different approaches to problem-solving
- identify some of the key strengths and needs of your own learning and identify opportunities to address these.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
- analyse work-related cases/situations relevant to sport and football to identify problems in the organisation and management of a functional areas
- identify and communicate potential solutions based on knowledge of theory and applying it to your own work situation
- plan, undertake and evaluate personal development opportunities within the context of Open University study.
Key skills
On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
- read and précis written text materials for key salient points
- communicate effectively in writing, showing recognition of audience and purpose
- select data, information and ideas from different sources and, using ICT where appropriate, present in an appropriate fashion to support an argument
- describe the key principles and concepts relating to one or more of a number of skill set areas or football business-related topics, and use them in the analysis of given problems and issues plan and manage your learning towards the achievement of established aims and objectives, including the recognition of knowledge limitations.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
The key teaching vehicles are distance learning materials which comprise a range of compulsory readings as well as other materials such as audio/visual materials, and specially prepared study guides directing your reading and illustrating key teaching points. These vehicles are presented partly in paper format and partly electronically (web).The programme has a significant practice-based learning focus, which allows you to deepen your knowledge and understanding through application to your own practice. Your learning is supported by a tutor who maintains contact with you individually, conducts periodic group tutorials and facilitates online learning for his/her group of around 20 students. This tutor is your first and main point of contact, answering your queries, grading and commenting on your work and facilitating group learning.
To support the development of your group-working and ICT skills, you are required to participate in tutor group forums. This also provides you with an additional environment in which to share learning and resolve module-related problems.
Assessment of the knowledge and understanding of the components of the programme is achieved through a combination of continuous assessment and exams. The continuous assessment element consists of a series of tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) – usually 5 to 7 for each 60-credit module, with each assignment of around 2000-2500 words. These are also central to the teaching of the module since they enable tutors to identify and comment on your knowledge and understanding. Assessment of practice-based learning in several TMAs allows you to relate module concepts to your own experience and reflect on your learning and practice.
In the compulsory modules you are encouraged to develop the skills specified. First, in each module the specified skills – or specific components of the skills – are identified, mapping out where each skill will be developed and practised. Then as the module progresses you are offered an opportunity to practise them in association with your work on the study materials. As you progress through each module and level, the extent of the guidance decreases in order to encourage independent learning.
TMAs require you to reflect on your learning and demonstrate progress in skills development as well as your knowledge and understanding. TMAs assess different combinations of skills and knowledge and understanding, so that all skills are assessed at some point. This process encourages you to be systematic and self-conscious about your skill development and it also allows the tutor to provide supportive interventions in your skills development.