Diploma in Business Practice (Business Management in the Digital Economy)

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Diploma in Business Practice (Business Management in the Digital Economy)

Diploma in Business Practice (Business Management in the Digital Economy)

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Course Structure
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About the Course

The Part-Time Diploma in Business Practice (Business Management in the Digital Economy) is a two-year programme that will equip you with core business skills in today’s digital economy, with emphasis on globalisation, sustainability, and analytics.

Upon completion of the diploma, you will be able to:

Explain the diversities of the international business environment
Apply skills and competencies in enabling commerce in the digital economy
Describe essential supply chain management and logistics knowledge
Identify the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of sustainability; and apply them to real-world sustainability issues
Apply analytic techniques to support business decisions

Upon completion of the programme, you will be awarded a Diploma in Business Practice (Business Management in the Digital Economy).

Target Audience

Working adults and professionals who wish to pick up broad-based business skills on e-commerce, globalisation, and sustainability.

What is so unique about this course?

Within two years, you will be equipped with relevant skills and practical knowledge to build a professional portfolio. You will also have the competitive advantage to operate or support businesses in the new economy, driven by technology. As a graduate of this programme, you will be ready to compete in a globalised marketplace against a backdrop focused on sustainability. You will also gain the ability to value add to your organisations by applying digital, problem-solving, communication, and analytic skills.

Career Opportunities

E-commerce Executive
Business Development Executive
Sales and Marketing Executive
Operations/Logistics Executive

How often do I need to attend the course?

Lessons will be held three to four times a week at Republic Polytechnic or via online learning.

Day of Lessons	Duration
Weekdays	6:30pm - 9:30pm
Occasional Saturdays	9:00am - 12:00pm / 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Participants will be awarded the Modular Certificate (MC) upon successful completion of each certificate programme. The Diploma in Business Practice (Business Management in the Digital Economy) will be issued upon meeting 50% of attendance requirement and passing all coursework and assessment.

Certification	Modules
Business Fundamentals	Economics for Business Financial Management Entrepreneurship
Business in a Global Market	International Business Perspectives Supply Chain Management Communication in the Global Workplace
Business Digitalisation	Digital Business Strategies E-commerce Operations Financial Technology Foundation Business Law and the Digital Economy
Business Sustainability	Business and Sustainability Sustainable Marketing Organisational Development
Business Innovation & Analytics	Business Innovation and Management Business Analytics and Visualisation

Module Synopses

1. Certificate in Business Fundamentals

Economics for Business

This module enables you to understand the general economic environment within which businesses operate. You will acquire skills to explain consumer demand, producer cost, markets and competitions as well as the impact these interlocking decisions have on resource allocation and profit maximisation.

You will also develop skills to look at the economy as a whole and examine how it is performing, the impact of government economic policies and importance of international trade.

Financial Management

Financial statements assist organisations in decision-making. They provide managers with information about the allocation and use of funds, the source and type of revenues, and to what extent resources were sufficient to meet expenditures. They also provide a snapshot of how much money was spent and for what purposes, and how cash needs were met. This module will equip you with the necessary skills to analyse and interpret financial information of organisations.

You will learn to assess corporate financial position, operational performance, and key financial information to make planning, controlling, and monitoring decisions.

Entrepreneurship

This module introduces you to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Designed specifically to equip students with core foundational know-how in setting up a business, this module will take you through the value creation process from generating and evaluating various business ideas to other key topics such as marketing and sales, finance, and the legal aspects of setting up a business. You will be encouraged to learn experientially as you develop the attributes, ways of thinking, and behaviours of an entrepreneur. You will gain first-hand practical insights through case studies that capture real-world entrepreneurial practices. From there, you will find out how to apply the concepts learnt to solve real-life situations.

2. Certificate in Business in a Global Market

International Business Perspectives

In this module, you will be introduced to the considerations, dynamics, and strategies of running an international business. You will discover key global forces and actors, the flow of international trade and investment, and its impact on the international business. You will also delve into contemporary strategies to start and operate an international business. In addition, you will learn how to manage the key functions of international business. These culminate in an individual project where you will get the opportunity to apply the skills learnt in a meaningful way.

Supply Chain Management

This module will explore the emerging dynamics that drive optimisation in today’s increasingly complex international supply chains. Designed with the objective of providing broad-based coverage, this module will examine the different aspects of supply chain management including purchasing processes, warehousing operations, transportation services, performance measurement, and reverse logistics.

You will also learn about the importance and impact of globalisation on logistics. In addition, the module will discuss different logistics functions, strategies used to improve logistics performance and cover case studies from growing industries.

Communication in Global Workplace

Information and communication technologies (from desktops to laptops, mobile phones and now artificial intelligence) have not only transformed the way companies conduct businesses but they have also expanded the concept of the workplace by going beyond local borders.

This module’s framework will be divided into three interconnected parts. The first addresses the importance of core communication principles such as CAPS (context, audience, purpose and structure) and ethics. These concepts remain essential because they are the building blocks of effective communication.

The second component is business communication. You will learn to craft emails, write minutes, create a proposal as well as a report which will culminate in a portfolio showcasing your business communication skills. You will also pick up oral presentation skills and the ability to present confidently in front of an audience.

In the last component, you will explore the significance of “global communication” by looking at how technology has made understanding cultural diversity a necessity. Through analyses of case studies and role-playing, you will learn how empathy and awareness of cultural differences can help build strong social ties and establish innovative business networks. You will also examine the importance of critical thinking in communication and social awareness for digital platforms. This will provide a holistic overview of how digital and media literacy can help in ascertaining the importance of effective communication in the digital world.

3. Certificate in Business Digitalisation

Digital Business Strategies

This module gives an overview of the various types of digital commerce models. It also discusses how technology is disrupting traditional business.

You will gain knowledge on how cutting-edge technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) are changing the way business decisions are made across the globe. In addition, the module will discuss opportunities brought about by technology and how to transform information to better connect with customers, while leveraging it to benefit a business.

You will understand how to tap on innovation to respond to changes, particularly those that are driven by digital transformation.

E-commerce Operations

This module examines the various E-commerce platforms in a digital business ecosystem where providers and consumers exchange goods, services, and social interactions. You will explore various Business-to-Consumer (B2C), Business-to-Business (B2B), and Customer-to-Customer (C2C) E-commerce platforms. You will also learn to evaluate various platform strategies that are essential for a digital business and develop an E-commerce platform. Furthermore, this module will equip you with operational knowledge of the various E-commerce platforms.

Financial Technology Foundations

This module provides an overview of the financial technologies that are being used in organisations today. You will explore the impact of these financial technologies on various industry segments and learn about various advancements in financial technology (FinTech) that are disrupting the way companies solve business problems.

Key topics include Regulatory Technology, Payment Technology, and Blockchain.

Business Law and the Digital Economy

Business Law is a fundamental business discipline as it provides a legal perspective on commercial transactions and the appropriate legal remedies should disputes occur.

This module aims to equip you with an in-depth awareness and understanding of the practical legal responsibilities, risks, and issues that may arise in today’s business environment in both face to face and digital transactions. This module aims to enable you to be more effective in your future role as a professional, executive or entrepreneur.

The key topics are organised such that you can systematically gain an appreciation of Business Law. The coverage includes the following: Introduction to the Singapore Legal Framework, Validity of Electronic Transactions, Personal Data Protection Compliance, Contract Law, Sale of Goods and Consumer Protection, and Intellectual Property Law.

You will explore legal issues involved in setting up both online and brick-and-mortar businesses. Issues such as applying the sale of goods and consumer protection law to protect customers, understanding the protection and licensing requirements of e-payment services, as well as ensuring proper data protection policies and processes will be covered. In addition, you will learn the elements required to create and execute legally binding contracts. Finally, you will learn the importance of protecting intellectual properties (IP), such as applying for a trademark, and IP infringement in relation to businesses.

4. Certificate in Business Sustainability

Business and Sustainability

Business sustainability is the process by which organisations manage their triple bottom line, namely the financial, social and environmental risks, as well as obligations and opportunities. As governments, investors, and consumers increasingly expect organisations to adopt sustainable business practices, more organisations are incorporating Sustainable Development Goals into their business models globally.

This module seeks to introduce you to the concept of corporate sustainability, its impact on the environment and society on top of financial viability. You will gain deeper insights on sustainability goals and learn to formulate strategies to incorporate sustainability into an organisation’s business models and practices.

In addition, you will learn to identify an organisation’s key stakeholders and develop a stakeholder engagement plan to incorporate their concerns in sustainability implementation.

Sustainable Marketing

This module is designed to provide you with a broad background on the principles and scope of marketing concepts used in business for a sustainable and digital world.

You will acquire skills in understanding customers’ needs, especially their growing demands to address environmental and social concerns. You will be introduced to a range of tools to create, communicate and deliver value to customers; and learn how to build relationships both online and offline. In addition, you will gain a good grasp of key elements needed for a sustainable marketing vision that serves company’s goals and societal priorities.

Organisational Development

In this module, you will examine the process of planning an organisation-wide effort to improve effectiveness and staff satisfaction, with emphasis on understanding organisational climate and change management. You will learn to measure and report survey results on organisational climate as well as identify suitable intervention programmes. In addition, you will learn to develop and implement a change management plan, as well as staff engagement strategies.

5. Certificate in Business Innovation and Analytics

With the Certificate in Business Innovation and Analytics, you will apply multiple disciplines, develop innovative solutions, analyse data and communicate business intelligence. The first module of this certificate — Business Innovation and Management — will run in the first year, parallel to Certificate in Business Fundamental and Certificate in Business in a Global Market. The second module — Business Analytics and Visualisation — will run in the second year parallel to Certificate in Business Digitalisation and Certificate in Business Sustainability.

Business Innovation and Management

Business innovation requires an application of multiple disciplines. This project-based module draws on your appreciation for business fundamentals (Certificate in Business Fundaments) and business in a global market (Certificate in Business in a Global Market); stringing them together with three core business concepts:

Identifying a business need or market gap
Managing resources and time to deliver defined goals
Building stakeholder confidence and support

Through this project-based module, you will apply design thinking frameworks to solve business issues and identify growth opportunities. You will also be tasked to plan, schedule, cost and manage projects from beginning to end. Lastly, you will delve into behaviour insight to predict and explain stakeholder decisions for an enhanced project performance.

Business Analytics and Visualisation

Business analytics centres on delivering business insights to improve decision-making and reporting in today’s data-driven world. This project-based module builds on your knowledge of business digitalisation (Certificate in Business Digitalisation) and business sustainability (Certificate Business Sustainability); levelling up your ability to take business information/data to deliver useful intelligence.

Through this module, you will apply knowledge of different methodologies to perform analytics for your projects. You will use relevant frameworks to uncover insights and develop visual representations to communicate insights through compelling storytelling in stakeholder reports. In addition, you will apply customer-based models to forecast revenue and use predictive analytics to identify patterns or future trends for your projects.

Commencement Date	Duration	Mode and Venue	Schedule	Application Start and End Date
Oct intake	2 years	Online learning & Face-to-face lesson at Republic Polytechnic	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and occasional Saturdays	Oct Intake: 17 July 2023 to 31 August 2023 Application outcome will be released at least 3 weeks prior to course commencement

Qualification	Requirement(s)
‘O’ Levels	At least three (3) O- Level passes in the following subjects: English Language (EL1 or EL2) Grade 1 – 7 Mathematics Grade 1 – 6 One (1) relevant subject Grade 1 – 6 and at least one (1) year relevant work experience
Higher Nitec	GPA ≥ 2.0 OR GPA ≥ 1.5 AND at least one (1) year relevant work experience
Nitec	GPA ≥ 3.5 OR GPA ≥ 3.0 AND at least 1 year relevant work experience
Higher Nitec in Technology/Services	GPA ≥ 2.0 AND at least one (1) year relevant work experience
Nitec in Technology/Services	GPA ≥ 3.5 AND at least one (1) year relevant work experience
Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ)	Relevant WSQ Advanced Certificate (or higher) AND at least one (1) year relevant work experience AND Level 6 WSQ Workplace Literacy SOA and Workplace Numeracy SOA
Do not possess any of the above qualifications	Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements may be considered for admission to the course based on evidence of at least two (2) years of relevant working experience

Please click here to view the updated course schedule and fees on the Skills Training & Enhancement Portal (STEP).

Last updated on 26 Jul 2024

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