Diplomas (Equivalent to UK University Year 2)
Develops advanced managerial decision-making, strategic planning, and specialized operational skills.
OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Business Management
Qualification Structure & Unit Specifications
Program Overview
- Total Credits: 120 Credits
- Qualification Level: Level 5 (Equivalent to Higher National Diploma / UK University Year 2)
- Structure: 6 Mandatory Units (20 Credits each)
- Assessment Method: 100% Coursework & Presentations (No Written Exams)
- Grading System: Pass / Fail
Course Modules
1. Principles and Concepts of Strategy
Unit Level: Level 5 | Credits: 20
Overview: Explores the fundamental elements that guide strategic decision-making in organisations. Covers the analysis of internal and external environments, competitive positioning, and strategic resources using key frameworks such as SWOT, PESTEL, and Porter’s Five Forces to influence strategic choices.
Key Topics:
- Business strategy principles, strategy levels (corporate, business, operational), and strategic frameworks
- Strategic management processes, deliberate vs. emergent strategies, and key organizational theories (Taylor, Fayol, Mayo, McGregor, Fiedler)
- Measuring micro and macro environments using Value Chain, VRIO, Porter’s Five Forces, PESTLE, and SWOT analysis
- Evaluating and recommending strategic options (Ansoff Matrix, Generic Strategies, Integration, Joint Ventures)
2. The Management of Human Resources
Unit Level: Level 5 | Credits: 20
Overview: Focuses on supporting and enhancing business performance through strategic vision and operational functions. Introduces key HR management principles and concepts to foster a sustainable approach to people management.
Key Topics:
- Evolution, purpose, and core objectives of human resource management
- Key operational functions (recruitment, training, welfare) and strategic functions (workforce planning, human capital development)
- Internal and external factors impacting HRM strategy and functions
- Modern developments in HR (AI and automation, flexible working, mental health programs, diversity training)
3. Marketing for Managers
Unit Level: Level 5 | Credits: 20
Overview: Provides a detailed understanding of the marketing planning process and its application across various business contexts. Covers environmental analysis to develop strategies that enhance operational marketing performance.
Key Topics:
- Marketing context, historical marketing eras, marketplace positioning, and buyer behavior in consumer and business markets
- Operational and strategic marketing functions (the 4 Ps, customer acquisition, retention, and distribution)
- Internal and external environmental factors impacting the marketing function
- Techniques for measuring and improving marketing effectiveness
4. Business Law for Managers
Unit Level: Level 5 | Credits: 20
Overview: Explores the laws, legislation, and regulations that apply to businesses within their operating environments. Covers legal requirements across different legal structures and business contexts.
Key Topics:
- Principles and importance of business law, including the differentiation between civil and criminal law
- Structure and operation of legal and justice systems
- Key features of consumer law, contract law, law of tort, and international law
- Legal business formations, contractual obligations, and dispute resolution methods (mediation, arbitration, litigation)
5. Management Accounting and Decision Making
Unit Level: Level 5 | Credits: 20
Overview: Examines how management accounting provides managers with financial information needed to achieve business objectives. Focuses on using timely and accurate financial data to support effective decision-making.
Key Topics:
- Scope and purpose of management accounting vs. financial accounting
- Technical concepts, tools, and procedures (budgetary control, financial planning, investment appraisal, cash flow analysis)
- Applying management accounting techniques to solve business problems and inform strategic decisions
6. Business Start-up: Conception to Market
Unit Level: Level 5 | Credits: 20
Overview: Consolidates learning from disciplines like marketing and management to understand start-up requirements. Enables learners to combine knowledge and skills to produce a viable business plan.
Key Topics:
- Fundamental start-up requirements, including resources, personal skills, and legal/tax obligations
- Sources of financial support (angel investors, loans, grants) and non-financial support (mentoring, government schemes)
- Creating a comprehensive business plan and pitching it effectively to gain stakeholder support
Assessment Method & Progression
- Assessment Approach: Assessed 100% through coursework assignments, reports, and individual presentations (10-minute presentations required for Marketing for Managers and Business Start-up) with no written examinations.
- Degree Pathway Progression: Direct progression to the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Business Management or entry into Year 3 (Top-up) of a UK Bachelor’s Degree program.
OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Qualification Structure & Unit Specifications
Program Overview
- Total Credits: 120 Credits
- Qualification Level: Level 5 (Equivalent to Higher National Diploma / UK University Year 2)
- Structure: 6 Mandatory Units (20 Credits each)
- Assessment Method: 100% Coursework & Presentations (No Written Exams)
- Grading System: Pass / Fail
Course Modules
1. Digital Marketing Management for Tourism and Hospitality
Unit Level: Level 5 | Credits: 20
Overview: Provides a critical understanding of marketing management and digital marketing within tourism and hospitality. Focuses on applying the digital marketing mix and understanding the role of digital marketing strategies in sector-specific organisations.
Key Topics:
- Principles of digital marketing and the digital marketing mix (The 9Ps in a digital context)
- Managing digital marketing activities and integrating digital and non-digital marketing strategies
- Technological trends (Mobile, VR, AR, Social Media, Metaverse, Micro-payments) and regulatory frameworks (Data protection, Content regulation)
- Conducting primary and secondary market research in the digital marketing space
2. Operations Management
Unit Level: Level 5 | Credits: 20
Overview: Delivers a comprehensive understanding of operations management, focusing on systems, processes, project, and quality management skills within tourism and hospitality businesses.
Key Topics:
- Evolution of operations management and its role in creating customer value and competitive advantage
- Systems/process design, product and process innovation, and logistics/supply chain management (SCM)
- Operational activities, impact of external/environmental factors, online operations, and disaster planning/service recovery
- Visitor attraction management, revenue/expenditure sources, funding, quality assurance, and sustainability
3. Management Accounting
Unit Level: Level 5 | Credits: 20
Overview: Covers essential principles of financial accounting, financial management, and budgeting within local, national, and international legal frameworks to support strategy development.
Key Topics:
- Purpose of finance and accounting, regulatory/legal influences, and strategic decision support
- Preparation and adjustment of financial statements for sole traders and partnerships (Income Statements, Balance Sheets, Cash Flows)
- Financial ratio analysis (Profitability, Liquidity, Solvency) and performance evaluation using historical data
- Sources of finance, working capital management, cash budgeting, and revenue management metrics (ADR, RevPAR, GOPPAR)
4. The Management of Human Resources
Unit Level: Level 5 | Credits: 20
Overview: Introduces core HR management principles and concepts to build a sustainable approach to managing people, supporting strategic vision and operational functions.
Key Topics:
- Historical evolution, purpose, and key objectives of human resource management
- Operational functions (recruitment, training, compliance) and strategic HR planning
- Internal and external environmental factors impacting human resource strategies
- Modern HR developments, technological impacts (AI, automation), flexible working, mental health initiatives, and diversity training
5. Tourism and Hospitality Customer Relationship Management
Unit Level: Level 5 | Credits: 20
Overview: Develops in-depth expertise in customer service management and customer relations, enabling supervisors and managers to foster high-quality guest experiences.
Key Topics:
- Importance of CRM, customer service culture, complaint management, and conflict resolution
- Consumer decision-making processes, factors influencing purchase decisions, and brand loyalty strategies
- Role and characteristics of effective teamwork in delivering customer service excellence
- Measuring customer experience (NPS, KPIs, Benchmarking) and implementing continuous service improvements
6. Contemporary Issues in Tourism and Hospitality
Unit Level: Level 5 | Credits: 20
Overview: Focuses on evaluating dynamic trends and contemporary issues impacting tourism and hospitality organizations, analyzing how businesses adapt to driving factors of change.
Key Topics:
- Social, environmental, and technological issues influencing industry growth
- Evaluating the direct impacts of contemporary social, environmental, and tech issues on sector development
- Trend analysis frameworks distinguishing consumer, business, and destination management trends
- Organizational response strategies to external drivers of change (Low-cost carriers, climate factors, pandemics, economic fluctuations)
Assessment Method & Progression
- Assessment Approach: Evaluated 100% through coursework assignments, analytical reports, case studies, and presentations (Presentations are required for Digital Marketing, Operations Management, HR, CRM, and Contemporary Issues) with no written examinations.
- Degree Pathway Progression: Direct academic progression to the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management or entry into Year 3 (Top-up) of a UK Bachelor’s Degree program.