Diploma of School Business Management This document provides additional information about each phase of the programme to assist prospective applicants. At level 5 participants are expected to generate ideas through the analysis of concepts at an abstract level, with a command of specialised skills and the formulation of responses to well-defined and abstract problems; analyse and evaluate information; exercise significant judgement across a broad range of functions; and accept responsibility for determining and achieving personal and/or group outcomes. The QCF descriptors for level 5 are: generate ideas through the analysis of information and concepts at an abstract level command wide-ranging, specialised technical, creative and/or conceptual skills formulate appropriate responses to resolve well-defined and abstract problems analyse, reformat and evaluate a wide range of information utilise diagnostic and creative skills in a range of technical, professional or management functions exercise appropriate judgement in planning, design and/or supervisory functions related to products, services, operations or processes accept responsibility and accountability within broad parameters for determining and achieving personal and/or group outcomes These descriptors provide you with a clear view of the kinds of personal, professional and academic learning you will undertake on the programme. Learning Outcomes: By the end of your time on DSBM we expect you to have: developed your knowledge and understanding of the changing role of school business managers and the responsibility they have to contribute to the senior leadership and management of the school developed your critical thinking and study skills developed your skills in relation to personal effectiveness in leadership and management developed your skills to make systematic enquiries into professional practice developed your self-knowledge so that you can plan your personal professional development needs developed your ability to evaluate your personal and professional effectiveness developed your written and oral communication skills Page 1 of 5
Phase 1: Online induction Phase 1 enables you to define your starting point for professional learning. You will be introduced to study and research skills. The online environment will be explained to you and you will have opportunities to explore that environment. Phase 2: Leading and managing self and others Phase 2 engages you with the concept of management as a conscious activity which requires a particular set of skills for success. Three areas of activity are considered: self-management, management of internal groups and management of external groups. Module 1: Personal Effectiveness This module focuses on identifying the qualities that successful managers and leaders need. There is a strong emphasis on time management, delegation, wellbeing, stress management and effective communication. Upon successful completion of module 1 in phase 2, you will be able to: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key concepts that can contribute to your personal effectiveness as a manager demonstrate that your key decisions regarding colleagues and stakeholders are informed by ethical considerations demonstrate effective communication with a range of internal and external stakeholders Module 2: Leading and Managing Teams This module focuses on identifying qualities that enable teams to move forward effectively. There is an emphasis on motivational theory, coaching, giving and receiving feedback and performance management. Upon successful completion of module 2 in phase 2, you will be able to: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key characteristics of effective leadership, management and motivation of teams apply coaching and feedback skills in a range of workplace contexts, including performance management reviews Module 3: Stakeholder Engagement This module focuses on working with stakeholders, exploring the extended services agenda and discusses marketing theories. Upon successful completion of module 3 in phase 2, you will be able to: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of customer relationship management and be able to apply these to your school or workplace context Page 2 of 5
demonstrate that you can communicate effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders Phase 3: Leading and Managing the Business of Schools Phase 3 enables you to enhance your contribution to the strategic direction of the school and the management of initiatives to secure its sustainable development. Module 1: Thinking about strategy in schools This module focuses on future thinking and defining the school s vision for learning. It also considers the importance of strategy in the work of the school leadership team and how school business managers can make a contribution to this aspect of the school's work. Upon successful completion of module 1 in phase 3, you will be able to: show your knowledge and understanding of key concepts and techniques of guiding the strategic direction of your school demonstrate skills in development planning, futures thinking and the use of scenarios to inform the longer-term strategic development of schools evaluate your own contribution to the strategic leadership and management of your school and plan to enhance that contribution Module 2: Analysing the strategic direction in school This module focuses on enabling participants to use a range of different analytical approaches and planning techniques to evaluate the strategic needs of the school and translate these into priority areas for action. It also considers the involvement of stakeholders in the strategic decision-making process. Upon successful completion of module 2 in phase 3, you will be able to: apply the key concepts and techniques of strategic analysis and planning to their own school setting understand the importance of the engagement of school stakeholders in the strategic development of the school and consider different approaches to achieving this investigate a school setting and collect evidence to inform development proposals Module 3: Planning strategic initiatives in schools This module focuses on the practical steps necessary for the successful implementation of strategic initiatives. The need to link development planning to the school's financial planning is highlighted, and the module also considers approaches to risk management and business continuity planning. Page 3 of 5
Upon successful completion of module 3 in phase 3, you will be able to: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and techniques of strategic financial management and how to prepare a business case analyse the different kinds of business risk facing schools and develop business continuity plans to address these Phase 4: Leading and managing school improvement Phase 4 enables you to focus firmly on your role in contributing to the school as a strategic manager and leader. It brings together phases 2 and 3 and prepares you for progression to the Advanced Diploma in School Business Management (ADSBM) programme. Module 1: Understanding school improvement This module focuses on key policies that have influenced the school improvement agenda. Theories and models of school improvement are considered and placed in the context of national policy developments. Upon successful completion of module 1 in phase 4, you will be able to: demonstrate your knowledge of the key concepts of school effectiveness and improvement and of government policies in this area understand apply these concepts to a specific school setting understand how the school business manager can contribute to the school improvement agenda Module 2: Leading and managing change This module focuses on understanding how people react within the change process. A consideration of culture, transition and influences on change is also undertaken. Management of the tactical and strategic dimensions of change is discussed. Upon successful completion of module 2 in phase 4, you will be able to: demonstrate your knowledge of models of change in organisations and understand the complexities of managing change in a turbulent environment adopt a strategic approach to the management of change and apply a range of tools, theories and concepts to the analysis of change events reflect on the usefulness of the tools and techniques of change management in the professional practice of school business managers Module 3: Improving efficiency This module explores the particular contribution that school business managers can play in ensuring that strategic decision taking in their schools is informed by considerations of efficiency, effectiveness and value for money. Page 4 of 5
Upon successful completion of module 3 in phase 4, you will be able to: Demonstrate your knowledge of legal requirements and accountability frameworks relating to school spending and procurement processes Understand the complexities involved in determining value for money in schools Apply the principles of best value to a school context in order to secure the most efficient use of those resources the school devotes to improvement activities Phase 5: Programme reflection and completion Phase 5 requires you to reflect on your learning from the programme and your future development plans. You will also prepare a personal statement and respond to oral questions about your learning. Page 5 of 5