Program Overview

Micro-Credential Courses & Award in SME Management (CPD)

This fully online programme is delivered in English and consists of a series of micro-credential courses, each accredited with 1 ECTS credit. Upon successfully completing ten of these courses, participants will earn the 10 ECTS credit Award in SME Management (CPD). The programme is offered on a part-time basis, with each micro-credential course typically requiring one to four weeks to complete.

Programme Objectives

By the end of this programme, the learner will be able to:

• Apply Key Management Principles: Demonstrate understanding and application of fundamental management principles in various business contexts.
• Execute Marketing Strategies: Develop and implement effective marketing strategies tailored to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Manage Financial Resources: Analyse financial data and make informed decisions to enhance organisational performance.
• Utilise Human Resource Practices: Implement effective human resource management practices to improve team dynamics and productivity.
• Integrate Technology in Business: Leverage modern technologies and tools, including AI, to support business growth and innovation.

Target Group

• Individuals already employed in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who are looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in management, marketing, finance, and other essential business domains.
• Start-up founders and business owners looking to develop a deeper understanding of SME management to effectively grow their businesses.
• Individuals who have recently completed their studies in business, management, or related fields, and are looking to gain practical skills and industry-recognised qualifications to enhance their employability.
• HR managers and training coordinators within SMEs looking to invest in the continued professional development (CPD) of their staff to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Employees of non-governmental organisations seeking to improve their management and operational skills relevant to the non-profit sector.

Learning Hours

• Micro-Credential Course Duration: Each micro-credential course typically requires 1 week of study, with 20 hours of access to course materials.
• Self-Learning Components:
  • 6 hours of self-learning training materials per subject module.
  • Additional reading materials and resources for further study.
• Total Award Duration: Completing the full Award in SME Management typically takes around 10 weeks.

Teaching & Learning

• Delivery Method: The programme is fully online, allowing for flexibility and accessibility for working professionals.
• Learning Components:
  • Self-Learning Materials: Each micro-credential course includes 6 hours of self-learning resources and training materials.
  • Interactive Tools: The platform provides downloadable PowerPoint presentations linked to audio-visual sessions, enhancing the learning experience.
  • Discussion Forums: An online forum is available for participants to engage in discussions, share ideas, and resolve issues collaboratively.
  • Reading Lists: Suggested reading materials, articles, and additional resources are provided for deeper understanding.
  • Self-Assessment: Participants can evaluate their understanding through self-assessment tests consisting of multiple-choice and true/false questions.
  • Remote Faculty Support: Online chat support from faculty is available for assistance throughout the learning process.

Assessment Methods

• Self-Assessment Test: Each session includes a self-assessment test with multiple-choice and true/false questions.
• Module Evaluation: Participants will answer a Module Evaluation Question, which will involve outlining personal or organisational actions needed to apply the learning outcomes.
• Remote Support: Faculty will provide remote support via online chat.
• Content Access: Participants have access to 20 hours of content per module, with no additional charges for online collaborative learning activities.
• Certification: Upon completing each module, registered users will receive a CPD certificate confirming their achievement.

Fee Structure

• Individual Micro-Credential Module:
  • Fee: €160
  • Duration: Up to 4 weeks
• Full Online Programme: Award in SME Management (CPD):
  • Total Fee: €1,600
  • Duration: Up to 40 weeks (10 modules)

Payment Terms

• Startup Payment: 25% of the total fee due at the application stage.
• Remaining Balance: 75% can be paid upon completion of the programme/course.

Scholarship Schemes

• Partial scholarships may be available.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Schemes for Employers

• Jobsplus: Investing in Skills Scheme (IIS)
  • This scheme offers employers a financial incentive to invest in their workforce by providing refunds of up to 70% of training hours for eligible training programmes.

Intakes

• 2024 to be announced

Admission Process

• Individuals: Award in SME Management CPD / Micro Credit Courses
• Employers: To apply and benefit from the Investing in Skills (IIS) Scheme, please fill in the online form.

Programme Details

• Programme: Award in SME Management (CPD) / Micro-Credential Courses
• EQF/MQF: Level 5
• Credits: 10 ECTS credits (1 ECTS credit per micro-credential course)
• Delivery & Duration: Fully online; typically completed over a period of 10 weeks (each micro-credential course takes approximately 1 week to complete)
• Language: English

Course Modules

• Award in Essentials of Management 1 (CPD)
• Award in Essentials of Management 2 (CPD)
• Award in Essentials of Marketing 1 (CPD)
• Award in Essentials of Marketing 2 (CPD)
• Award in Essentials of Human Resources Management 1 (CPD)
• Award in Essentials of Human Resources Management 2 (CPD)
• Award in Essentials of ICT 1 (CPD)
• Award in Essentials of ICT 2 (CPD)
• Award in Essentials of Financial Management 1 (CPD)
• Award in Essentials of Financial Management 2 (CPD)
• Award in Essentials of Digital Marketing 1 (CPD)
• Award in Essentials of Digital Marketing 2 (CPD)