BLUEPRINT

Education and Training Services Limited

Management qualifications

Which level is right for me?

Diagnostic pack
 Management Qualifications diagnostic pack
Introduction
Before starting a course that leads to to a management
qualification it is important to choose the correct level of
management study. Deciding which is the best level can be
difficult and your decision will need to take into account a
number of different factors:
Current job role
Previous experience
General standard of education
Time availability
To help you make this decision we have developed this diag-
nostic pack which will:
Help you match your current job role to appropriate
level of management study
Provide a guide to the previous experience and
general standard of education needed for each level
Give a brief outline of the requirements of the qual-
ifications at each level to enable you to judge the
commitment required.
Each level of study has a diagnostic questionnaire and facts
for you to review and take into account when making your
final decision. If you need to discuss this further you can
contact us on 0845 8620 140.
The panel opposite provides an outline of the different lev-
els of management study and corresponding job responsibil-
ities.
Use this outline to get a feel for the right level for you, and
then try the detailed diagnostic. This will either confirm the
level or refer you to another diagnostic.
DID YOU KNOW
there are a range of qualifications
available at each level of management
study
About our management courses
As a top quality training provider we are accred-
ited by the Chartered Management Institute to
offer a full range of nationally and internationally
recognised management qualifications.
Our distance learning courses have been specifi-
cally designed and produced to meet the needs
of today's modern manager. It is possible to en-
rol on these programmes at any time - no wait-
ing for the beginning of an academic year.
What the Chartered Management Institute said about our learning materials.
"All workbooks contain first-rate knowledge and understanding materials ....
..It is rare to see candidate support material of such high quality and they are highly
1 Blueprint Education and Training Services Limited 186 Kempshott Lane Basingstoke RG22 5LB
Three steps to management
success
1. Choose your management level
2. Select your qualification type
3. Complete the enrolment form
Different management levels
Team Leader Level 2
Team Leaders are part of the team they lead. They usually
undertake similar tasks to their team and being the team
leader is an added responsibility. They may be involved in
work allocation and developing the team, but decisions in
connection with finance, employment or discipline are re-
ferred to the next level up.
First Line Management Level 3
First Line Managers may also do the same work as team
members but their management role is the most important
part of the job. Such managers are often involved in planning
for periods of up to a year, and are involved in the decision
making process in respect of recruitment and discipline. They
may also have some budgetary responsibility.
Management and Leadership Level 5
Being a manager is the primary or most important job of a
Middle Manager. Their role clearly distinguishes them from
those they manage. Any other work tends to be of a special-
ist technical, professional or similar nature.
With a fair degree of autonomy to make decisions and chang-
es, they have responsibility for ensuring that people, equip-
ment, buildings etc. are used effectively, and for making
recommendations for future investment in resources and/or a
revised pattern of resource utilisation.
Strategic Management and Leadership
Level 7 (postgraduate)
Senior Managers reporting to the CEO, Board of Directors or
similar, are accountable for the long-term performance of
those who report to them. They play an active part in plan-
ning activities for several years ahead.
They rarely become involved in operational problems other
than the most significant or those involving important cus-
tomers and suppliers. Senior Managers often have wide pow-
ers to negotiate contracts and significant financial authority.
1
 Management Qualifications diagnostic pack

Level 2 Team Leading

Circle all the statements that describe your current job role. Then add the scores and read the notes below.

Circle

You regard yourself as being part of the team you lead. You undertake similar tasks to your team and being a team
1
leader is an extra responsibility. You have to plan for activities over the short term.

You have to consult your line manager before you make any significant changes in the way that the team operates. 1

You may be asked to support the recruitment of team members and help individual team members to perform their
1
jobs by coaching them or just giving them advice or guidance

You refer any concerns about employees behaviour or performance to your manager 1

You will allocate resources to team members and ensure they are used correctly 1

You may be expected to provide your manager with information to help with budget preparation. 1

You may be involved in dealing with suppliers in respect of reorders or delivery times. 1

You are responsible for the day-to-day performance of the teams tasks 1
Customers or suppliers complaints or problems passed you by members of your team if they cant easily deal with 1
them.

Scores Under 5 - It may be that you have not been able to agree with many of the statements because your job role does not
cover all of the responsibilities listed. However it may still be possible for you to undertake this qualification. Please contact us on
0845 8620 140 for an informal discussion.

Scores 5 - 8 You are almost certainly in a Team Leader role and this would be the right level of study for you.

Scores 9 -10 The Level 2 Team Leading is almost certainly right for you, but you should look at the Management and Leader-
ship Level 3 diagnostic before making your final decision.

Previous experience and general education Qualification available at this level - for full
Although it is highly desirable, it is not essential to be in course details please see course data sheet
a team leading role to undertake these qualifications.
Award An Award is a very short programme,
However, as assignments are work based so employer usually one unit of learning. It is ideal
support will needed to gain the opportunity to undertake for those new to their role, or those who
some Team Leading duties for assignment purposes. want to brush up on their skills in one
particular area.
No formal qualifications are required, but a reasonable
Certificate The Certificate is a medium range quali-
level of general education is required for this course
fication of about three units. It is ideal
which involves:
for covering the core essentials of the
role.
Reading and understanding learning materials
Completing written assignments - see assess- Diploma The Diploma is a larger qualification,
ment section for details. consisting of seven units. It is designed
to create a professional team leader
Assignments and timescales equipped with the skills required by
For each unit of study there is a written assignment. The team leaders today.
assignments are practical and based on the work of a
Team Leader. Each assignment is approximately 750 -
1000 words.
What our learners say ........
Each unit should take approximately 20 hours of study to
complete.
I feel I am more confident..... my
management skills have improved

Blueprint Education and Training Services Limited 186 Kempshott Lane RG22 5LB 2
 Management Qualifications diagnostic pack

L 3 First Line Management

Circle all the statements that describe your current job role. Then add the scores and read the notes below.

Circle

Being a first line manager is your primary or most important job although you may also do the same work as team
1
members.

You have some freedom to make decisions about how your team works. 1

You are asked to advise on decisions in relation to the appointment of new team members and are responsible for
ensuring the team members are competent, and for identifying any training and development needs they may 1
have.
You have some authority to initiate disciplinary action in consultation with your line manager. 1
You are expected to make decisions that may have a limited impact on the organisations costs such as agreeing or
recommending overtime or new suppliers. You may be involved in assessing and supporting decisions on supply 1
suitability.
You may be consulted about budgets your team and have some control over a limited budget for your area of ac-
tivity, on which you have to report regularly. 1

You are responsible for the performance of those working in your area of responsibility. 1
You are expected to be able to recognise or solve many straightforward operational problems and be able to judge 1
whether or not your manager needs to be informed.
You are expected to be aware of (or find out about) developments within the organisation that may affect your 1
teams activities in the longer term.
Total score

Scores Under 5 - It may be that you have not been able to agree with any of the statements because your job role does not
cover all of the responsibilities listed. However it may still be possible for you to undertake this qualification. Please contact us on
0845 8620 140 for an informal discussion. You can also try the Level 2 Team Leading diagnostic
Scores 5 - 8 You are almost certainly in a First Line Manager role and this would be the right course for you.
Scores 9 -10 The Certificate in Management is almost certainly the right course for you, but you should try the Level 5 Manage-
ment and Leadership diagnostic before making your final decision.

Previous experience and general education
It is essential to be in a management role to undertake
this qualification. Assignments are work based so em-
ployer support is needed to gain the opportunity to un-
dertake management tasks for assignment purposes.
No formal qualifications are required, but a reasonable
level of general education is required for this course
which involves:
Reading and understanding learning materials
Completing written assignments - see assess-
ment section for details.
Assignments and timescales
Each unit of study has a written assignment, they are
work related and are approximately 1500-2000 words.
Each unit should take about 20 hours of study.
Qualification available at this level - for full
course details please see course data sheet
Award An Award is a very short programme,
usually one unit of learning. It is ideal
for those new to their role, or those
who want to brush up on their skills in
one particular area.
Certificate The Certificate is a medium range qual-
ification of about three units. It is ideal
for covering the core essentials of the
role.
Diploma The Diploma is a larger qualification,
consisting of six units. It is designed to
create a professional leader equipped
with the skills required by managers
today.

What is distance learning

Distance learning courses have become increasingly popular over recent years as they offer the flexibility they need in the
busy 21st century environment. Distance learning is flexible learning that is identical to any traditional classroom based
learning, but with real convenience built in.

All our learners receive specially prepared learning materials and study guides. They are allocated an individual tutor who
will be an expert in their field and in distance learning. They provide proactive support over the phone and by email, giving
support guidance and assessing assignments. They will provide full feedback and support throughout the course.

3 Blueprint Education and Training Services Limited 186 Kempshott Lane Basingstoke RG22 5LB
 Management Qualifications diagnostic pack

Level 5 Management and Leadership

Circle all the statements that describe your current job role. Then add the scores and read the notes below.

Circle

Being a middle or operational manager is your primary almost important role. It clearly distinguishes you from
those you manage. Any other work you do tends to be of a specialist technical, professional or similar nature. You 1
may have other team leaders and first line managers report to you.

You are expected to play an active part in planning activities the periods of the year or more ahead. 1

You have a fair degree of freedom to make decisions about how the people you manage should work, to make
1
changes to systems and procedures.

You are able with appropriate professional advice, to instigate disciplinary or competence proceedings. 1
You have responsibility for ensuring that people, equipment, buildings et cetera are used effectively, and to make
1
recommendations the future investment in resources or revised patterns of resource utilisation.
You are able to negotiate with suppliers and customers agreeing main terms and conditions. 1
You are accountable to senior managers for the performance of those who report to you. 1
You are expected to ensure that operational problems are resolved and to deal personally with more significant 1
problems that arise with important customers and suppliers, advising senior managers only of those problems that
are particularly significant.
You are expected to be aware of any developments that are going on in the organisation and to be consulted about 1
how they impact upon your areas of responsibility.
Total score

Scores Under 5 - It may be that you have not been able to agree with any of the statements because your job role does not
cover all of the responsibilities listed. However it may still be possible for you to undertake this qualification. Please contact us on
0845 8620 140 for an informal discussion. You could also try the Level 3 First Line Management diagnostic.

Scores 5 - 8 You are almost certainly in a Middle Management role and this would be the right level for you.

Scores 9 -10 The Level 5 programme of study is certainly the right one for you, but you should try the Level 7 diagnostic before
making your final decision.

Previous experience and general education Qualification available at this level - for full
It is essential to be in a management role to undertake course details please see course data sheet
this qualification, assignments are work based so em-
ployer support is needed to gain the opportunity to un- Award An Award is a short programme of one
dertake management tasks for assignment purposes. unit. It is ideal for those new to their
role, or who want to brush up on their
No formal qualifications are required, but a good level of skills in one particular area.
education and previous management experience is re-
quired for this course which involves:
Certificate The Certificate is a medium range
Reading and comprehending learning materials qualification of about two units. It pro-
Completing substantial written assignments and vides a good development programme.
reports
Undertaking detailed analysis and project work Diploma The Diploma is more comprehensive
and can be achieved in five or six
Assignments and timescales units. It is designed to create a profes-
There are five/six units of study and each unit has a sional manager equipped with the
written assignment of approximately 2000-2500 words. skills required by middle managers
today.
Extended The Extended Diploma is a larger qual-
Each unit of study should take about 30 hours to com- Diploma ification, consisting of nine units. This
plete. is an ideal qualification for those seek-
ing progression to Higher Education.

Blueprint Education and Training Services Limited 186 Kempshott Lane RG22 5LB 4
 Management Qualifications diagnostic pack

Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership

Circle all the statements that describe your current job role. Then add the scores and read the notes below.

Circle

You are recognised as being a senior manager, report to the CEO, Board of Directors or similar and are accountable
for the long-term performance of those who report to you. Although you may have a specialist technical profession- 1
al responsibility your primary role is clearly as a manager. You will have other managers report to you.

You are expected to play an active part in planning organisational activities for several years ahead 1

You have autonomy to make decisions about how the people you manage should work, and to approve changes to
1
systems and procedures

You decide on appointments of new managers and senior technical or professional staff, and on overall employment
1
levels.
You ensure that there are procedures in place to confirm the competence of the people you are responsible for and
to identify and meet any training development needs they may have. You ensure that decisions about competence 1
and discipline are made in accordance with the correct procedures.
You ensure that people, equipment and buildings et cetera are used effectively, agreeing some investment in new
resources and proposing future major investments or revised patterns of resource utilisation. You ensure that ap- 1
propriate financial options have been evaluated.
You have control over and are accountable for a budget for your area and can reallocate finances within budget
1
headings or cost centres that report to you.
You rarely become involved in operational problems other than the most significant or those involving important 1
customers and suppliers. You advise other senior managers of problems that optically significant, or will have an
impact on their areas of activity or overall organisational performance.
You are aware of significant developments going on within the organisation and are involved in decisions about ma- 1
jor changes in operations, systems, finances et cetera.
Total score

Scores Under 5 - It may be that you have not been able to agree with any of the statements because your job role does not
cover all of the responsibilities listed. However it may still be possible for you to undertake this qualification. Please contact us on
0845 8620 140 for an informal discussion first. You can also try the Level 5 diagnostic.

Scores 5-10 You are almost certainly in a Senior Management role and the Level 7 is certainly the right study level for you.
Check out the assignment requirements and timescales before making your decision.

Previous experience and general education
It is essential to be in a management role to undertake
this qualification as assignments are work based .
A good level of education and senior management expe-
rience is required for this course which involves:
Qualification available at this level - for full
course details please see course data sheet
Award An Award is a short programme of one
unit. It is ideal for those new to their
role, or who want to brush up on their
skills in one particular area.

Reading and comprehending learning materials Certificate The Certificate is a medium range
Completing substantial written assignments and qualification of about two units. This
reports provides a good development founda-
Undertaking detailed analysis and project work tion.
Diploma The Diploma is more comprehensive
Assignments and timescales
and can be achieved in five or six
There are nine units of study and each unit has a written
units. It is designed to create a profes-
assignment of approximately 3000-3500 words.
sional manager equipped with the
skills required by middle managers
One of the assignments a management project must be
today.
undertaken with a concluding report of approximately
5000 words. Extended The Extended Diploma is a larger qual-
Diploma ification, consisting of nine units. This
Each unit should take approximately 30 hours of study is an ideal qualification for those seek-
ing progression to Higher Education.

5 Blueprint Education and Training Services Limited 186 Kempshott Lane Basingstoke RG22 5LB
 Management Qualifications diagnostic pack

Management qualification overview

You can study for an Award, Certificate, or Diploma at each management level. At level 5 and 7 you can also study an Extended
Diploma.

The difference between these options is essentially the number of units you study and pass.

The real advantage to this system is that if you can chose the size of qualification that is just right for you, your level of experi-
ence and time available. Later on, when the time is right you can add more units and upgrade your qualification until you ob-
tain the Diploma or Extended for your chosen management level.

Award An Award is a very short programme, usually one unit of learning. It

is ideal for those new to their role, or those who want to brush up on
their skills in one particular area.

Certificate The Certificate is a medium range qualification of 2/3 units. It is ideal

for covering the core essentials of the role.

Diploma The Diploma is a more comprehensive programme which can be

achieved in 5/6 units. It is designed to create a professional manager
equipped with the skills required at a strategic level.

Extended The Extended Diploma is a larger qualification, consisting of nine

Diploma units. It is for those seeking to be at the top of their profession or
progress to Higher Education e.g. MBA.

The difference between these three options is essentially the number of units you study and pass.

Each unit is given a credit value, and for each qualification there is a minimum number of credits to achieve.

The diagram below shows all of the management levels and the qualifications available for each level.

Management Level Qualifications available within the level

Certificate Diploma
Award
Level 2 Team Leading
6 Credits 15 Credits 38 Credits

Award Certificate Diploma

Level 3 First Line Management

6 Credits 13 Credits 37 Credits

Award Certificate Diploma Extended Diploma

Level 5 Management and Leadership

6 Credits 13 Credits 38 Credits 62 Credits

Award Certificate Diploma Extended Diploma

Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership
6 Credits 13 Credits 39 Credits 66 Credits

Apart from the Level 3 Diploma and Level 5 and 7 Extended Diploma options where certain units are mandatory, it is possible
to have a free choice over the units you wish to study for your qualification.

Blueprint Education and Training Services Limited 186 Kempshott Lane RG22 5LB 6
 Management Qualifications diagnostic pack

Next steps
Once you have decided which is the right level for you, you can start to make a decision about how to acquire your manage-
ment qualification.

A key issue is the learning mode that will suit you best. Management qualifications can be delivered through:

Traditional classroom teaching E-learning Correspondence courses

Which is best for you may depend on a number of factors. Take a look at the Which way to learn section below.

Other factors to take into account in choosing a training provider may include issues about fees, and course availability.

The Blueprint service

At Blueprint we provide high quality, supported distance learning courses that meet the needs of busy people. We understand
that today's hectic world demands more than ever a sense of work-life balance.

A personal, unique timetable of study is developed for each person, tailored to meet their own specific requirements.

Our courses are delivered through highly supportive distance learning using a combination of personal tutor support and access
to i-cademy, our online learning portal. On enrolment you gain instant access to i-cademy where you will find all your learning
materials and other study resources available for viewing and downloading.

With the i-cademy portal you gain 24/7 access to all your learning resources which means you can study when it suits you.

You will be allocated a personal tutor who will guide you through your course, undertaking telephone tutorials and assessing all
of your course assignments.

If you would prefer not to use our online portal and use traditional distance learning with physical learning materials this can be
provided also.

Technology requirements

If you would prefer not to use our online portal and use traditional distance learning with physical learning materials this can be
provided also.

You will need a PC, laptop or notebook with sound, internet access, and meet the minimum browser requirements of: Firefox 4,
Internet Explorer 8, Safari 5, Google Chrome 11, or Opera 9. You may need to disable pop-up blockers and enable cookies for
the learning portal.

You can try a demonstration course at www.i-cademy.org.

www.managers.gb.com 0845 8620 140

Blueprint Education and Training Services Limited 186 Kempshott Lane RG22 5LB
7
 Management Qualifications diagnostic pack

How to enrol
The information below will help you select the best method to enrol onto one of our distance learning courses. If you have
any questions about any of our courses you can contact us by phone or email.

Phone: 0845 8620 140

email: enquiries@managers.gb.com

Before enrolling please make sure you have read our terms and conditions, these can be found on our website
www.managers.gb.com.

You can enrol online, by phone or by post.

Enrol online
Enrolling on line is a straightforward process. Simply select the course you wish to enrol on and add it to your basket .once you
have completed your selection and finished browsing our website click on the checkout link on the left hand menu bar.

You will then be directed to our order system which will collect all your details such as name and address. When you have pro-
vided your personal details you will be asked how you want to pay. You will be given a number of choices on how to pay:

Pay by credit card

Pay by invoice
Pay by phone

Once your order has been processed you will receive an email from us confirming we have received your order.

We will also contact you by email to send you an enrolment form, which you will be asked to complete and send to us. This form
enables us to register you with the awarding body who will issue your certificate when you have passed your course.

You will also be provided with joining instructions for instant access to the learning portal.

Enrol by post
If you would like to complete your enrolment process by post please download a copy of the enrolment form from our download
page. Please complete with all your details and the course that you would like to enrol on. You can attach your cheque to the
enrolment form and then post it to us. Once we receive your enrolment form and cheque we will be able to process your order
and dispatch your learning materials and tutor details.

Enrol by phone
If you would like to complete your enrolment process over the telephone please call us on 0845 8620 140, and we will be
pleased to take your enrolment and payment details, as well as answering any questions you may have.

Employer paying
If your employer wishes to sponsor your learning we are happy to send them the invoice for payment. However, we will need to
have an official company purchase order number first, which you can insert into the relevant box on the enrolment form.

www.managers.gb.com 0845 8620 140

8 Blueprint Education and Training Services Limited 186 Kempshott Lane Basingstoke RG22 5LB
 www.managers.gb.com

186 Kempshott Lane Basingstoke Hampshire

RG22 5LB
0845 8620 140