Diploma and Foundation Degree in Merchanting Developing leadership for tomorrow
Diploma in Merchanting Introduction The BMF Diploma in Merchanting is a management development programme which can lead on to a merchant specific Foundation Degree. It offers managers and trainee managers advanced leadership development training that is specifically tailored to the needs of the builders and timber merchant sector. The programme of learning is designed to be studied on a part time basis. The content of the learning focuses on the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to carry out the role of front-line manager effectively within a merchant s branch or office. High priority is given to ensuring that skills taught can have a direct benefit to the learner s company. The BMF Diploma is designed to change the way managers think by.. Enhancing their ability to think both operationally and strategically (i.e. short-term and long-term). Developing their ability to recognise good practice and how it can be applied to other people and situations - to the benefit of staff development and business procedures and performance. Building their awareness of a 360 degree business perspective; to appreciate how good (or poor) working practices in one area will not only affect those directly involved but also other staff, customers and other stakeholders alike. Giving an understanding and recognition of how good management and leadership principles effect the overall performance of the business. Developing their ability to research, audit and investigate areas of performance for which they are responsible, to interpret their findings and plan and organise a response and to monitor the results of what they have put in place. Improving their ability to communicate and present information to staff, customers and other stakeholders and to do this to empower and motivate others to believe in or follow a particular course of action or idea. Enhancing their ability to use the key skills that are necessary for anyone in a leadership or management position to have. Such skills as speaking, listening, questioning, writing, self motivation, self organisation, reasoning and empathy.
Diploma in Merchanting The BMF Diploma Programme will.. Equip the learner with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable him/her to carry out a front-line managerial role effectively within the builder s or timber merchants industry Enable the learner to apply such knowledge, skills and attitudes to real situations within the workplace Enable the learner to develop and practise those skills needed to undertake the Diploma s work-based programme of study successfully Encourage and motivate the learner to enjoy the very positive experience of learning new skills. The BMF Diploma Programme achieves these objectives through a comprehensive programme of assessments, which make this training different to all other available training in our sector. These assessments test learners understanding and interpretation of their business knowledge with the practical application of their management skills. Their management thinking is tested and challenged to the highest standards necessary for their success in managing the areas of the business with which they have been entrusted and on which the overall prosperity of their businesses depend. This programme has been written around the National Management Standards which describe what all managers in all industries should be able to do. But, in addition to this, the Diploma in Merchanting programme has been written with the special needs of the builders and timber merchant industry in mind. Learners will notice that most of the case studies are based on situations which will be familiar to them. BMF Diploma graduates can continue and enhance their learning through a University course that builds on the Diploma syllabus and gives eligibility for a Foundation Degree in Integrated Professional Development (Merchanting), awarded by the University of the West of England, Bristol. 3
Diploma in Merchanting What does the BMF Diploma Programme contain? The course covers the four key skills areas of Managing People, Managing Yourself, Managing Operations and Managing Resources. These are dealt with in nine individual Modules as follows: Managing People Module 1 Team Development Leadership Managing Change Managing the Sales Process Module 2 Manpower Planning and Recruitment Induction Training Training and Developing Individuals Managing Yourself Module 3 Self Motivation Time Management Stress Management Decision Making Negotiation Skills Module 4 Communicating 1 to 1 Communicating with Groups Written Communication Managing Operations Module 5 Branch Management Conditions of Employment Health and Safety Branch Security Module 6 Marketing the Branch Customer Service Quality Management Conditions of Trading Managing Resources Module 7 Managing Stock Module 8 Managing Finance Module 9 Managing Information Managing Energy and Environmental Issues Managing Transport and Distribution Vehicles and the Law 4
Diploma in Merchanting How is the BMF Diploma Programme structured? Self study notes covering the main knowledge, skills and attitudes content of the programme. A Workshop for each module that is designed to: reinforce key areas of the knowledge, skills and attitudes content of the programme; practise the process or transferable skills required to undertake the programme successfully; support the learner in the successful completion of the assessments. Written and non-written assessments designed to measure the learner s understanding of the programme s learning outcomes based on defined assessment criteria Each module should normally be completed in two months with the full programme progressing over an 18 month period. These elements are integral to the whole programme and are consistent throughout the nine modules. All Diploma Assessments are marked against clear criteria laid out in the Diploma in Merchanting marking scheme. This means that learners gaining the Diploma will have a quality assured management and leadership qualification. 5
Foundation Degree in Merchanting There is the opportunity to progress to a University Qualification. Beyond the Diploma there will be the opportunity to study for a Foundation Degree in Integrated Personal Development (Merchanting) that builds on the Diploma syllabus. The BMF is working with the University of the West of England, Bristol who will award the Foundation Degree. The Foundation Degree consists of study via a work-based project that will enable learners to work on real company issues. What is a Foundation Degree? A Foundation Degree is equivalent to the first two years of an Honours Degree and consists of academic study integrated with relevant work-based learning undertaken with the learner. A Foundation Degree can then lead on to a University Honours Degree if desired. The University of the West of England (UWE) will confer the award of Foundation Degree in Integrated Professional Development (Merchanting) to those who successfully complete the BMF Diploma and University course. What does the BMF/UWE Foundation Degree course contain? The BMF Diploma in Merchanting syllabus is the core of the BMF/UWE Foundation Degree. The syllabus is arranged around the four areas of Managing People, Managing Yourself, Managing Operations and Managing Resources. Successful completion of the Diploma counts towards the BMF/ UWE Foundation Degree through a credit recognition agreement between BMF and UWE. The final part of the Foundation Degree curriculum will be in the form of a University work-based learning project where learners will have the opportunity to reflect on what they have already learnt and how it could be implemented into their company and how the impact of environmental sustainability issues will affect their workplace. Who is eligible to take the BMF/UWE Foundation Degree? The Foundation Degree is open to employees of UK builders merchants companies who have completed the BMF Diploma in Merchanting course, successfully passing all of the nine modules, normally with a Pass Plus attainment.
Foundation Degree in Merchanting How difficult is it? Learners who have successfully completed the BMF Diploma will have demonstrated their ability to study at the necessary higher education level. To be precise the University of the West of England consider that the BMF Diploma is equivalent to Levels 4 and 5. How long does it take? Having completed the BMF Diploma in Merchanting, the Foundation Degree timetable envisages a further eight months to complete the course project; although individuals would be able to complete it in a shorter time frame if they wished. When will the BMF/UWE Foundation Degree course run? The BMF/UWE Foundation Degree course will normally run from January - August each year and marks and eligibility for the Foundation Degree award be considered by the University examining boards in September. Those awarded the Foundation Degree in Integrated Professional Development (Merchanting) will be announced at that year s BMF Members Day and invited to attend an award ceremony at Bristol Cathedral. 7
1180 Elliott Court, Coventry Business Park Herald Avenue, Coventry CV5 6UB Tel: 02476 854980 Fax: 02476 854981 Email: info@bmf.org.uk www.bmf.org.uk