The learning for the module requires the learner to commit 150 learning hours. Of this there will be 36 hours of tutor support and 114 hours of self-directed study. Learning support material will be provided for the module. The module will draw on the following:

- Tutor-led sessions
- Group discussions
- Simulation of case study and analysis
- Directed reading

Introduction to Concepts for Commercial Awareness
- Forcasting
- Business finance fundamentals ? P&L Account, Balance Sheets, EBITDA, Capital, Revenue growth
- Job costing & resource planning
- IT tools for business (spreadsheets and other business tools)

Customer care and customer focus
- Defining value from the perspective of customers
- Planning and managing the delivery of customer value and ensuring the quality of its delivery
- Customer relations management

Application of business planning and management techniques
- See the impact of decisions made on a real-life simulated example
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different decisions and techniques
- Share findings with other learners and critically evaluate learning

Learning support material will be provided for the module including access to VLE material. Appropriate texts will be available at each delivery centre through the library facilities. Limited copies of key texts may be provided by learners? employers.

A simulated learning/assessment exercise assessing the students' critical analysis and reflection on the impact of their decisions with final assessment by presentation (10mins) (50%) and written assignment (1000 words) (50%)

Commercial Awareness and Business Decision, by Paul Rodgers, Publisher: CIMA, (August 2007), ISBN: 0139780750683845