q3 2010 Abma Global

Student Magazine

GlobalABMA

All the latest ABMA news

ABMA Career Centre

ABMA Country Profile

ABMA Study Skills - Preparing for the Synopsis

And much more inside...

www.abma.uk.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

?

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' After receiving my ABMA Diploma my life has changed. I am now a manager at a local tourist resort. I have a bright future ahead.'Tshephang Ketshabetswe

The ABMA has qualifications available in:

Unlock your potential with an internationally recognised ABMA qualification

See your ABMA Co-ordinatoror visit www.abma.uk.com for more information

Business Management

Community Development

Computer Engineering

Computing and Information Systems

Entrepreneurship

HIV/AIDS ManagementHuman Resource Management

Leisure and Tourism Management

Marketing Management

Journalism and Media Studies

Public Relations

Clearing, Forwarding and Shipping Management

Contents

Turn to page 10 to read about the brand new ABMA Entrepreneurship programme

F E A T U R E S

ABMA Industry News........................P4Women in Work

ABMA Career Centre........................P7Continuing Professional Development

Entrepreneurship Launch.................P10The brand new programme on offer from the ABMA

ABMA Award Winners......................P14Celebrating outstanding achievements

R E G U L A R S

ABMA Notices.............. P5All your latest ABMA information

ABMA Study Skills....... P16A guide to preparing for the Synopsis

Life After ABMA............ P18An example of what can be achieved with an ABMA qualification

Plus a look at a number of ABMA programmes and a

to do between classes

word search puzzle

Views and opinions expressed by contributors to ABMA Global do not necessarily reflect the thoughts of the ABMA nor reflect ABMA policy.

All rights reserved. No part of ABMA Global may be reproduced, in any form, without the express permission of the ABMA.

The Association of Business Managers and Administrators

Venture House42 London RoadStainesMiddlesexTW18 4HFUK

Tel: +44 208 733 7000

Fax: +44 208 733 7033

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.abma.uk.com

ABMA Global 3

www.abma.uk.com Copyright© 2010 ABMA

NEWS

ABMA Global 4

Association of Business Managers& Administrators

Women in Work

www.abma.uk.com

Women play a pivotal role in national and global workforces. The role of women in the workplace will affect the future of developed regions and developing nations all over the world and women's increasingly significant contributions will redefine the modern social order.

The recent union of the African Women's Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) reflects the demand from women to be part of the movement towards regulating development, supporting business and accessing business opportunities. In its recent forum, the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) honoured 34 African female entrepreneurs who were attending the ninth annual U.S sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Forum.

The AWEP programme brings people together to discuss and contribute to each other's entrepreneurial activities including their use of modern technology, access to finance and communication across networks.Chief Executive Officer, Steve Hayes, commented that AWEP was 'one of the more innovative programs of AGOA (The African Growth and Opportunity Act) in many years. I think it is a very good first step that needs to be expanded to include more women.’

Ideologies surrounding womens’ role in society have changed as a result of an increasing acceptance of liberal government policies and changing cultural norms all over the world. Globalisation has played a significant part in allowing a greater exchange of information, cultural exchange and increased trade across the globe. Cultural exchange in particular has challenged the role of gender, encouraging a change in lifestyle and cultural regularities, particularly in altering the role gender plays within society.

The traditionally domestic role of women has changed as more women receive primary and secondary school

education than ever before. This has allowed women greater access to the same diverse opportunities as men in both their careers and lifestyle choices. Women now enjoy greater benefits and roles within business which enables both their drive and skills to come to the fore.

As regions develop, women increasingly occupy the highest level of corporate and political governance. Just as entrepreneurial activity is valuable in an economy, so is the role of women valued as providing worth

alongside male counterparts.

The attendance of girls at primary school is a key component of women’s education which the UN has identified as contributing to women’s effect on the global economy and national efficiency.

Development through education is widely regarded as the most successful platform in which to grow within national and international organisations. Integrating women

through education is one of the most fundamentally successful methods of development for any emerging nation. With growing demand for entrepreneurial skills and ability across all industries sectors, it would be expected to see training being given to develop these qualities. Following significant demand from students and employers for training within the entrepreneurial framework, ABMA has designed, with the help of industry experts, international employers and universities, an Entrepreneurship programme to meet this demand.

ABMA continues to support women's education across all levels of study, with an equal access education policy for all of its students.

Source: www.allafrica.com

Registration Fees:Examination Spreadsheets:Examination Fees:Dissertation Submissions:

23rd September 201023rd September 20104th November 20106th December 2010

N.B. Ensure your fees are despatched so that they are received in our Staines office at least 1 week prior to the deadlines to avoid the disappointment of failing to sit examinations during the December series.

ABMA Global 5

Important AnnouncementsDecember 2010 Deadlines

www.abma.uk.com

ABMA Signs Memorandum of Understanding with BOTA

During a recent visit to Botswana, the ABMA Senior Marketing Associate, Mr. Paul Roseveare (left), met with officials at the Botswana Training Authority (BOTA) to further cement the excellent relationship between the two organisations. Mr. Roseveare is pictured here holding the officially signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mr. Abel Modungwa, the Chief Executive Officer from BOTA. Mr. Roseveare states:

‘We are pleased to enter into this Memorandum of Understanding with BOTA that solidifies both organisations’ commitments towards safeguarding the education of ABMA students in Botswana.’

The ABMA has been successfully operating within Botswana for many years and the signing of this MOU, combined with the introduction of new programmes such as Community Development, HIV/AIDS Management and Entrepreneurship, will ensure that any student wishing to progress with their education can do so with a highly regarded, internationally recognised qualification from the ABMA.

December 2010 Examinations

Further to the successful completion of the 2010 ABMA Syllabus Review involving a number of ABMA programmes, we are happy to confirm that these new programmes, reviewed and updated with the help of industry experts, international employers and universities, will be examined for the first time in the December 2010 Examination Series.

These new programmes are available at Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma level and will help arm students with an instantly recognisable qualification and the skills to not only work within their chosen industry, but also to thrive within it. With the implementation of the new syllabi comes some alterations in the way in which students are assessed enabling them to better demonstrate the skills they have acquired.

There is no longer a Dissertation at Certificate and Diploma levels. However, a Synopsis has been introduced. This unit is assessed with a written examination that comprises a case study, to enable them to apply themes learnt to a practical example. This unit will be taught as a review of the previous four units of study. It should be carefully noted that this unit will not form part of the programme for Computer Engineering, Computing and Information Systems and Clearing, Forwarding and Shipping Management which will have an assigned title as Unit 5.

In addition, the allocated examination time has been reviewed. The maximum allowed time for Foundation Award will be 2 hours, the Certificate level will be 2 hours, the Diploma and Advanced Diploma will be 3 hours.

The new syllabi for Journalism and Media Studies, Clearing, Forwarding and Shipping Management and Public Relations will be available in due course. Any students wishing to register for one of the aforementioned programmes should speak to their college registrar.

We wish all ABMA students good luck in their forthcoming December examinations.

LEISURE AND TOURISMMANAGEMENT

Copyright© 2010 ABMA

See your ABMA Co-ordinatoror visit for more informationwww.abma.uk.com

ABMA Global 7

ABMA Career Centre

Once you have begun your new career, the hard work doesn’t stop and neither do the varied and new opportunities that will be available to you. Professional development is essential to your success within your current role and for your employability in the future. The world is rapidly changing and an increasing amount of competition within the employment market means that an added emphasis has been placed on developing varied skills and knowledge to ensure success within the employment market. Organisations must be adept at coping with change and increasing expectations from consumers has persuaded organisations to encourage individuals to develop their skills and broaden their knowledge to ensure their organisation remains competitive by employing and then developing their staff into more capable and effective professionals.

Continuous professional development is important in order to ensure that employees are able to complement their existing skills. Accessing the appropriate skills and knowledge based education through professional development training will enhance you in your existing role and develop your potential to pursue job opportunities in a new professional direction as industry demands.

A new direction could come down to a personal choice. Perhaps you feel that the skills you have learnt would be of better use in a different area of the organisation or that your ability to undertake your role could be enhanced by the development of your existing skills. An employer may feel that some employees could add to the success of an organisation if a new skills set was learnt and may take advantage of various courses and programmes to further increase their staff’s potential.

See overleaf for information on developing your career...

www.abma.uk.com

Professional Development

ABMA Global 8

DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER

Many people can help you in the development of your career. It is important to ask for help when you need it, listen and think critically on the advice given to you.

Some of the people you might be able to talk to about your career development include:

Teachers/lecturers

Friends

Parents

Managers at work

Professionals working in

the same or a similar

industry


CareerDevelopment

Positive thinking is an important aspect of professional development. Undertaking a new qualification or career direction requires an evaluation of how you can improve on your current skills and a self-assessment of why you feel that you could be successful in a different area of your organisation or industry. It is important to set realistic and obtainable goals that can be measured in order to progress effectively and will give you a sense of accomplishment as you advance your development.

Whether you feel that you could benefit from some additional professional development or would like to move into a different area of industry, there are many options available to you. It is important to plan your learning to ensure that on completion of your studies, you have achieved the development you were seeking. Vocational programmes, such as those available through the ABMA, offer students already in employment the opportunity to undertake a qualification that is recognised and is at the forefront of industry expectation.

As an internationally recognised awarding organisation, the ABMA updates its syllabi on a continual basis to ensure that anyone undertaking one of its qualifications can be assured that on completion of their Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma, they will be in a position to apply their learning to their chosen sector to help drive industry forward.

ABMA programmes are also flexible enough to be undertaken whilst continuing your current role, ensuring minimal impact on your employer who will ultimately benefit from the extra skills you gain from vocational learning.

Whichever way you are looking to progress in your employment, it is essential to have a plan. In order to get the most from your professional development, a plan outlining your objectives and what is required to attain these objectives will help. Something as simple as recording and visualising your career goals will help you focus and commit to improving your knowledge and increasing your skills and this will help you gain the potential rewards.

Writing a Professional Development Plan (PDP) is essential to getting the most out of your professional development and being able to achieve your targets and goals. Your career is your responsibility and how successful your career is will be up to you. However, you can do a great deal to enhance your knowledge and professional skills by understanding why you want to enhance your knowledge and skills and to take the time to reflect on your previous successes and why they provide the foundation for future professional development.

Professional Development

ABMA Global 9

WHAT INDUSTRIES COULD I WORK IN?

Your ABMA Qualification will help open the door to a wealth of opportunity in any of the following industries:

?Business

?Shipping and Logistics

?Travel and Tourism

?Media and Journalism

?Public Sector

?Health and Social Care

?IT

?Computer Engineering

?Starting your own Business

With the knowledge you will acquire through an ABMA Qualification you will be in an excellent position to secure a role in almost any industry.


Personal Information

Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Reason for Change

Learning Schedule

Timetable

Write down your name and some information surrounding the qualifications you currently have and your job role. This will serve as the foundation for your plan.

For some, identifying their strengths and weaknesses is a straightforward task. For others, it is harder to pinpoint aspects of your character or professional skills that can be developed or improved. It can be difficult to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. If you are struggling, try talking to family members or friends about how they see you and from there, you might gain some perspective.

Try choosing a couple of key traits or abilities to work on to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Once you have identified where you would like the plan to focus, for each highlighted area, write down in detail a number of ambitious but realisitc goals that will lead you towards your final objective.

Ask yourself why you want to move in a new direction, if this is the case or consider the threats to your advancement and consider in what ways will it improve your future

career prospects and how this will help you progress along your career path.

What qualifications or extra learning do you need to undertake to reach both your short term and long term goals and where can you obtain the training required? You must have the answer to both these questions in order to continue your professional development. Make sure you look at a number of options that are available to you.

Finally, set out a timescale for your PDP. Make sure you have a date in mind to give yourself something to aim for and ensure you take the time to review your progress along the way.

Below is a plan of a list of things to consider to help you make the first steps towards beginning your professional development. It is important to be positive when writing your PDP to get the most from it.

ABMA Global 10


THE QUALITIES OF AN

ENTREPRENEUR

Do you think you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?

These are some of the qualities you can work on or develop through your learning and professional development:

Self motivation

Business and industry knowledge

Organisational and management capabilities

Developing experience

Enhancing marketing and sales skills

Networking abilities

‘Visionary’ thinking

Creative thinking

EntrepreneurshipLaunch

References to visionary entrepreneurs, their daring and their ability to change the direction of industry can be found throughout the business world. Entrepreneurs have become some of the wealthiest and most successful individuals in business and are renowned for their business skills and insight.

Ask anyone to name an individual that has profoundly affected the business sector and perhaps they will mention entrepreneurs such as Bill Gates or Henry Ford. In this article we will examine what makes a person an entrepreneur and what makes them successful. We will also examine the fundamentals aspects of entrepreneurship and how undertaking an ABMA Entrepreneurship qualification can help you influence business today.

What is an Entrepreneur?

Some entrepreneurs are salesmen, some are inventors, others are leaders and some are excellent innovators.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines an entrepreneur as:

‘a person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risk in the hope of profit.’

Entrepreneurs are bold and daring individuals, who can identify opportunities, evaluate and anticipate risk and work independently to achieve their business goals. All industries need these creative thinkers and problems solvers.

Entrepreneurs drive business forward, implementing organic and future-led ideas and strategies which allow businesses to compete and thrive within industry. These qualities might be reflected in the ability to identify and engage in product innovation and invention, change and development.

What have entrepreneurs achieved?

Bill Gates' Microsoft Corporation has changed the world so significantly that computers using Microsoft software feature in billions of homes around the world as well as in the workplace of millions of businesses. Bill Gates is so synonymous with the computer that many think he is its inventor. Bill Gates was a very talented computer programmer who identified a gap in the market for personal computers, taking them out of the science laboratory and industrial workplace and making use of computers vast capabilities in business and eventually in domestic households.

Bill Gates’ insight in identifying this opportunity, together with his professional knowledge and skills to capitalise upon it, produce and sell it, has changed the world forever. His success is unprecedented and despite recently losing some of its brand strength through the increasing competition from other computing companies such as

Apple and IBM, Microsoft remains the most successful and significant multinational company in history to be inspired by an entrepreneur.

Henry Ford is another entrepreneur that has dramatically affected the world. In 1908 Ford produced a motor car that was affordable to the average American, by 1914 half the cars in the world were Ford’s Model T. The engineering and production methods Ford pioneered are still implemented to this day in manufacturing and automotive industries. Like other entrepreneurs Ford’s success was based on an idea, to make the motor car accessible to everyone. His singular idea was achieved by changing the way parts were manufactured by using assembly lines, which meant mass production at a low cost to the buyer.

CURRENT

TEXT BOOKS

Entrepreneurship

Hisrich, Peters

and Shepherd

McGraw-Hill

ISBN: 9780071259521

ABMA Global 11


QUOTES FROM FAMOUS

ENTREPRENEURS

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” - Steve Jobs (Apple Computers)

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” - Henry Ford (Ford Motor Company)

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” - Walt Disney (Disney Studios)

“I want to be looked back on as being very innovative, very trusted and ethical and ultimately making a big difference in the world.” - Sergey Brin (Google)

“It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” - Bill Gates (Microsoft)

ABMA’s Entrepreneurship Programme

ABMA Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma programmes in Entrepreneurship focus on developing an entrepreneurial mind-set on the foundations of a comprehensive understanding of business management. The qualifications have been created to develop a student’s knowledge and skill set and enable them to be able to apply a variety of the fundamental aspects of business management to entrepreneurial activity. This will lay the foundations to success that are essential when starting a new business venture or taking responsibility for business decisions within an existing business.

ABMA's new Entrepreneurship programme reflects demand from a broad range of industries for individuals that have entrepreneurial skills including business skills in numeracy, information technology and sales as well as the fundamental principles of entrepreneurship. The ABMA Entrepreneurship programme will also develop the student’s understanding of the creative process including basic idea generation to an advanced level of learning how to establish and utilise evaluative methods and problem solving techniques.

You cannot operate or successfully develop a business without understanding how to satisfy consumers needs whilst remaining efficient and productive. ABMA’s Entrepreneurship qualifications have been devised to ensure that all elements leading to the successful running of a business are well covered in addition to the factors commonly associated with success in business such as strategy and how to develop a business globally.

In addition, the new Certificate and Diploma level qualifications will incorporate a Synopsis in which an examination paper, containing a case study, based on the first four units will be examined. This examination will enable you to demonstrate what you have learnt and apply your own thoughts and knowledge to an example. Whereas information technology qualifications and more tradition disciplines within business contain essential concepts and factors that must be understood, a successful entrepreneur relies on individual ability, drive and ambition and not simply proficiency. Successful entrepreneurs do not simply understand business, they ensure their decisions and innovations change business and industry.

If you think you have the drive to become an entrepreneur or significantly contribute to an existing enterprise, then why not consider studying for a qualification to add to your existing knowledge and skills? An ABMA qualification at Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma level in Entrepreneurship will help you develop an entrepreneurial mind set on the foundations of a comprehensive understanding of business management. An entrepreneur's success can be attributed to their application of knowledge in a business environment and for many entrepreneurs their success comes from advanced skill, aptitude or an ability to critically apply a business model to a new situation or business organisation. Why not have a go at our entrepreneurial Word Search on page 19?

CURRENT

TEXT BOOKS

Entrepreneurship

and Small

Business

Burns,

Palgrave Macmillan

ISBN: 9781403947338

Some Famous Entrepreneurs

Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak

Walt Disney

Henry Ford

Larry Page and Sergey Brin

Bill Gates

Apple Computers

Disney Studios

Ford Motor Company

Google

Microsoft

ABMA Global 12


Ghana is located on the coast of West Africa neighbouring Togo, the Ivory Coast and Burkino Faso. Ghana's history, like much of West Africa is shaped by its environment. Early hunter gatherers settled near to what was subsequently called the gold coast and Ghana's early history is bound in the strength and control of the Ashanti Empire, the Ghana meaning ‘Warrior King’.

Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African state to gain independence in 1957 and has achieved considerable development since, in comparison to some of its West African neighbours. Ghana's first prime minister Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, did much to shape the future of Ghana following the country's independence, and his popular Pan-African ideals to create a united Africa have ensured his acclaim as a modern Ghanaian hero and, as such, his birthday is honoured with an annual public holiday celebrated on 21st September.

Ghana's education system is at the forefront of its West African neighbours, leading the way in primary school education with 83% of Ghanaian children in primary school, one of the highest enrolment rates in West Africa. The commitment to primary school education has until now not been replicated at secondary school and further education levels. However, the introduction of vocational and tertiary education is changing this. Vocational education is providing Ghanaian students with alternatives to traditional academic disciplines.

The countries recent success in the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup has brought further support for Ghana's sport of national obsession, football.

As in many other countries of the world sport transcends social boundaries and Ghana's success has positively effected its role on the world stage, and as the most successful African nation at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Ghana can proudly hope for a promising future from its national football side.

Clearing, Forwarding and Shipping Management remains one of ABMA’s most popular programmes, due in part to the importance of Ghana's capital city Accra as a major African port and the countries biggest transportation hub, exporting Ghana’s significant wealth of natural resources and minerals.

Ghanaian students are amongst the highest achieving ABMA student's worldwide with universally high standards of written and spoken English.

We wish all ABMA students in Ghana continued success in all their endeavours. If you would like to tell us your thoughts on the ABMA, or simply want to let us know where your studies have taken you, please contact us via email at [email protected] and you could be appearing in the next edition of .

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

The National Accreditation Board (NAB), established by the government of Ghana in 1993, is tasked with upholding the standard of vocational education and foreign qualifications offered within Ghana. The ABMA works closely with organisations such as the NAB to ensure that ABMA students continue to receive the highest level or service. ABMA students in Ghana have maintained a high level of success and have gone on to

successful and fulfilling careers.

ABMA Global

ABMA Country Profile

GHANA

ABMA Global is now available to download from the ‘Publications’ section of the ABMA website. Visit www.abma.uk.com to find out more.

COMPUTING ANDINFORMATION SYSTEMS


See your ABMA Co-ordinatoror visit for more informationwww.abma.uk.com

ABMA Global 14


December 2009 ABMA Outstanding Achievement Award Winners

Following the announcement of the December 2009 ABMA Outstanding Achievement Award winners in the previous edition of , we have received numerous photographs of ABMA students receiving their awards. Once again, the ABMA would like to extend its congratulations to those students recognised for their efforts during the December 2009 and previous examination series.

ABMA Global

Outstanding Achievement Awards

A proud Grace Muteedzi (centre), stands alongside her lecturer, Mr. Emmanuwell Chiwowa (right), whilst being presented with her certificate by the Principal, Mr. Jairos Nkhoma (left), at Mzuzu Polytechnic in Malawi.

Grace was recognised for her outstanding achievements in Community Development having excelled in the Advanced Diploma level.

ABMA’s Community Development programme has proved very popular throughout the regions in which it is offered and Grace, like many of her fellow students studying this discipline, can look forward to using her newly acquired skills to benefit communities both locally and internationally.

Samuel Muriuki (centre) receiving his ABMA Outstanding Achievement Certificate and Award from (left to right) Andrew Kamunya Kimani, Isaac Mwangi Njeri, Flaciah Wanjiru Gilchomo and Cecilia Wambui Kibochi of Nairobi Institute of Business Studies during a recent presentation in Kenya.

Samuel excelled during his examinations in Clearing Forwarding and Shipping Management. ABMA graduates in this discipline have gained access to a variety of career paths and further education programmes having taken the skills learnt in the classroom to the industry to help drive their business forward.

Samuel can look forward to working in an constantly evolving and diverse industry.

Munyaradzi Mupoperi (left) and Maqhawe Masiye (right) proudly displaying their ABMA Outstanding Achievement Awards outside Ranche House College in Zimbabwe.

Both Munyaradzi and Maqhawe have been recognised for achievements in ABMA’s Business Administration and Management Studies programme, now retitled and updated to Business Management, and follow many students before them well placed to find successful careers following graduation.

All ABMA programmes have been devised with the help of industry experts, international employers and universities meaning that both students, thanks to the skills they have obtained, will be excellent candidates for any employer.

ABMA Global 15


Samuel AiroAngella BisaniEdward ChondokaRabecca KachuleMadalitso Kaiche

Grace MuteedziMutumba MuukaAlice NdimaChristiana NkrumahPaul Phiri

March 2010 ABMA Outstanding Achievement Award Winners

Following a successful March 2010 series, the ABMA is delighted to announce that the following students have been awarded an ABMA Outstanding Achievement Award for their efforts during this examination series:

Chiyeye Chilufya Computer Systems Engineering and Hardware Maintenance

Rachel Gituiria Community Development

Nicholas Kalela Human Resource and Business Management

Brian Kambela Clearing Forwarding and Shipping Management

Alex Kanabi Professional Computing and Information Technology

Melayi Khunga Community Development

Lwendo Malabwa Human Resource and Business Management

Justine Manong'a Computer Systems Engineering and Hardware Maintenance

Chimwemwe Milanzi Clearing Forwarding and Shipping Management

Floberty Mizinga Human Resource and Business Management

John Mwaniki Clearing Forwarding and Shipping Management

John Nyamurundira Community Development

Moses Okumu Clearing Forwarding and Shipping Management

Sarudzai Shava Human Resource and Business Management

Carolyne Wainaina Human Resource and Business Management

Propitious Ziwende Human Resource and Business Management

The ABMA would like to congratulate all of the ABMA Outstanding Achievement Award winners and wish them all the best in their future ABMA studies and careers.

Be sure that you read the next edition of ABMA Global to see photos of the March 2010 winners, as well as the announcement of the June 2010 winners.

A complete list of December 2009 ABMA Outstanding Achievement Award winners

Velina KalizinjeMaqhawe MasiyeTupochele MilanziLuke MmolawaMunyaradzi Mupoperi

Junior SimutintaMiyoba VwaaliAlexander Zulu

ABMA Global 16

www.abma.uk.com

Study Skills - Guide to the Synopsis


What is the Synopsis?

The ABMA has introduced a Synopsis as the 5th unit at Certificate and Diploma levels in all programmes except Computer Engineering, Computing and Information Systems and Clearing, Forwarding and Shipping Management. This development is in line with industry expectations of Certificate and Diploma level business qualifications and will be examined for the first time in the 2010 December Examination Series.

There are two sections to the Synopsis. The first section of the Synopsis is a case study with one compulsory question and the second a selection of questions from which you have to pick two to answer. The Synopsis has been designed to test your knowledge and learning and to ensure that you comprehend the entire content of the programme and it will assess the level to which you have developed a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The purpose of this unit is to encourage you to be able to apply your learning to a wide variety of practical settings in an examination.

The Case Study The Objective

The Synopsis will be wholly based around a case study. Depending on the type of scenario, there may be material within the passage that describes a manufacturing process, an example of a business plan or different elements in the development, marketing or management of a business venture.

You may be required to address factors which affect the scenario including factors such as budget constraints and cost analysis. The case study may also be a scenario taken from a current or past news story.

The objective of the Synopsis is to encourage you to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding you have acquired throughout the course of your studies by encouraging you to apply your knowledge and understanding to a particular business scenario.

You will be given a passage that relates to a specific part of the syllabus and your comprehension and understanding of the topic should be reflected in your answer. You should be able to understand the scenario and be able to relate to the themes addressed within the passage allowing you to answer the questions posed at the end of that passage.

In the first part of the Synopsis examination, there will be one question to answer related to the case study. The question may or may not specifically refer to the case study passage but will be directly related to the area of study that the case study has been derived from.

You will be expected to show, at both Certificate and Diploma levels, that you can apply your knowledge and understanding of the subject as well as being able to use an appropriate level of autonomy and accountability whilst relating your answer to the subject area from which the Case Study passage is derived.

There is not a definitive ‘right answer’ to the case study question. The questions are designed to encourage you to demonstrate to the Examiner that you are able to apply, analyse and evaluate what you have learnt in a clear and logical discussion from the knowledge you have obtained during your studies. You can use examples of supplementary learning to support your answer but you will only receive marks for discussion which supports your answer to the question.

The Case Study

ABMA Global 17


Marks Grading Structure

Half of the marks available to students will be awarded for the single question at the end of the case study passage. It is also highly recommended that you spend at least 10 minutes reading the case study and the questions thoroughly and that you plan your response before you begin writing your answer.

Distinction 75% and above

Higher Credit 65% to 74%

Credit 50% to 64%

Pass 40% to 49%

Fail 39% and below

The Supplementary Questions

Preparing for the Synopsis

Planning your Answer

The second half of the examination will pose three questions from which you will need to choose two questions to answer. These questions will be general questions taken from any of the subject areas from your entire qualification level and are designed to test your understanding of a wide variety of topics from within the syllabus.

These questions will be similar in nature to the previous examinations you will have completed. You are advised to take careful notice of the marks allocated for each question. This will enable you to answer each question in full within the time period you have reserved.

?The objective of the Synopsis is to test your understanding of the whole subject area. In preparation, refresh yourself with the previous four units of study that make up the qualification.

?Ask your teacher to go over any of the areas of your studies which you are unsure about.

?Review your class work as this will serve as a refresher of the subjects you have learnt throughout your studies.

?Keep up-to-date with industry news in order to add to support your discussion.

?Remember, the questions in the Synopsis are not there to trick you but, it represents an opportunity for you to demonstrate what you have learnt throughout your studies.

?Take a highlighter into your examination to help you to identify key words and descriptors.

?Read the question, highlighting key elements that you will have to address and answer.

?Plan your answer thoroughly, it will provide your answer with structure and ensure that you answer the question.

?Divide your time according to the marks available.

?Remember, you are strictly prohibited from taking notes with you into the examination so ensure you read through your revision materials before the day of the examination.

ABMA Global 18

Life A fterABMA

Mohaladi Sarefo is an ABMA student currently in employment, he is also undertaking an ABMA qualification in Human Resource Management. A student at Delta Aquifer Academy in Botswana, Mohaladi has already completed his first ABMA qualification and is looking forward to continuing his studies.

Whilst studying with the ABMA, Mohaladi has been working for Wilderness Safaris in Botswana. Here he tells us how his ABMA qualification is helping to develop his career:

My employers are very happy, since they started noticing a change in my implementation of new skills in my work. They are convinced of the benefit of my new skills in particular my improved research skills which is a key area of my role’s requirements.

I am more marketable than I have ever been and I am confident that I will achieve my professional career ambitions.

How do you feel the skills you have obtained have helped you in your career?

How have your employers responded to your international qualification from ABMA?

What advantages do you think an ABMA qualification gave you in the job market?

How do you think you and other students benefit from an international qualification?

I feel proud of the skills I have gained from the my ABMA studies and I am hoping to progress to a higher position in my career as well as develop in my current role.

ABMA students benefit in many ways including learning about how to operate and manage businesses effectively. Developing good business management skills will enhance your prospects for success and promotion over those whose skills are limited by a lack of professional development. Managerial skills can even be beneficial out of the workplace. The programme has put me ahead of my contemporaries and has developed me personally to be more accountable and responsible in the workplace.

Mohaladi SarefoWilderness Safaris - Botswana


Would you recommend ABMA Programmes to other students?

A single promotion in your existing role can cover the cost of an ABMA programme. Education is becoming increasingly important and is a necessity to succeed within the business world. Developing further knowledge and skills such as being able to operate computers and demonstrate management skills can lead to more frequent and valuable promotion prospects and many firms now look for these attributes in new employees. Think carefully about your life and you will see how important ABMA is. I unreservedly recommend ABMA.

We are always pleased to hear from ABMA students in employment benefiting from putting the skills they have learnt into practice. Should you wish to contact us and let us know how your career is progressing or to read about other successful ABMA students, visit our website at www.abma.uk.com

If you would like to inform other students about how your ABMA qualification has helped to progress your career, email us at [email protected]

ABMA Global 19

Wilderness Safaris is a conservation organisation and ecotourism company dedicated to responsible tourism throughout the areas in which it operates in southern Africa. The company’s goal is to share these wild areas with guests from all over the world, while at the same time helping to ensure the future protection of Africa's spectacular wildlife heritage and sharing the benefits of tourism with local communities.

The 27-year-old company operates camps and safaris in Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Seychelles and is run by a group of like-minded wildlife enthusiasts who came together to build a successful safari business, delivering a unique experience for guests, fair returns for shareholders and stakeholders, while ensuring that southern Africa's pristine wilderness areas remain sustainably protected.

Wilderness Safaris operates privately on 3 million hectares (7 million acres) of southern Africa's finest wildlife reserves in more than 60 lodges and camps. There is no one style set in Wilderness camps but rather the difference and uniqueness of each area and its wildlife is celebrated so that each group of camps has its own identity, feel and character. This variety of accommodation, activities and product means that there is something for everyone wanting to go to Africa.

Wilderness Safaris employs approximately 2,800 staff members across seven countries, 85 per cent of which come from their neighbouring communities. The company operates via regional offices in each country as well as its Head Office located in Johannesburg, South Africa.

ABMA Word Search Puzzle

The objective of the ABMA Word Search Puzzle is to find the words below that relate to Entrepreneurship and are hidden in the grid. The words may be hiding horizontally, vertically, diagonally and may even be back-to-front.

Profit LossGross NetTax RevenueExpense SupplyAdvertising MarketingDemand InventoryCommission BuySell IncomePublicity

Good Luck!

If you would like to feature in ‘Life After ABMA’ then please forward us your details, including a photo and your employment information, to the address: [email protected] and you might be in the next edition of . ABMA Global

Wilderness Safaris


M W D D H S W D A T Y O R S K

B E B E W H I U I L N E T A P

L R P Y G V E F A D C J K D M

G D A N F W O S G T A X U V A

M S H H O R F D N I F P W E R

W U H E P I N S N E F I B R K

E P C U N A S C E L P I U T E

O P Q N M Q O S K L J X U I T

D L C E C M X H I W L A E S I

T Y D V E B F I U M Q R B I N

E N M E X F S V E Y M D D N G

V R G R O S S S J J Z O H G G

P B L D W K T K O O F W C B T

Y R O T N E V N I L A D U Z X

Y T I C I L B U P M I Y M D N

www.abma.uk.comAssociation of Business Managers and Administrators

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