218227 b014393 hn in business l4 specification (1)

BTEC

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher Nationals in Business

Issue 2

September 2004

Guidance and units

Edex

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4 B

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Hig

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Nat

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Busi

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London Qualifications is one of the leading examining and awarding bodies in the UK and throughout the world. It incorporates all the qualifications previously awarded under the Edexcel and BTEC brand. We provide a wide range of qualifications including general (academic), vocational, occupational and specific programmes for employers.

Through a network of UK and overseas offices, our centres receive the support they need to help them deliver their education and training programmes to learners.

For further information please call Customer Services on 0870 240 9800, or visit our website at www.edexcel.org.uk

References to third-party material made in this specification are made in good faith. London Qualifications does not endorse, approve or accept responsibility for the content of materials, which may be subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein. (Material may include textbooks, journals, magazines and other publications and websites.)

Authorised by Jim Dobson Prepared by Susan Hoxley

Publications Code B014393

All the material in this publication is copyright London Qualifications Limited 2004

EDEXCEL LEVEL 4 BTEC HIGHER NATIONALS IN BUSINESS

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Finance)

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Management)

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Marketing)

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Human Resource Management)

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Law)

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (E-Business Strategies)

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Information Technology)

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Finance)

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Management)

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Marketing)

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Human Resource Management)

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Law)

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (E-Business Strategies)

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Information Technology)

Contents

Qualification titles covered by this specification 1

Edexcel qualifications in the National Qualifications Framework 2

Introduction 3

Structure of the qualification 3 BTEC Higher National Certificate 3

BTEC Higher National Diploma 3

Key features 35 Aims of the qualification 35

Professional body recognition 36

National Occupational Standards 36

Qualification Requirement 36

Higher-level skills 37

BTEC Higher National Certificate 37

BTEC Higher National Diploma 38

Teaching, learning and assessment 38 Unit format 38

Learning and assessment 40

Grading Higher National units 40

Grade descriptors 42

Achieving a pass on a BTEC Higher National qualification 44

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) 44

Quality assurance 44 Centre and programme approval 44

Monitoring centres internal quality systems 45

Independent assessment 45

Supporting consistency and appropriateness of centre assessor decisions 45

Independence in confirmation of certificated outcomes 46

Programme design and delivery 46 Mode of delivery 46

Resources 47

Delivery approach 47

Meeting local needs 48

Locally-devised specialist units 48

Limitations on variations from standard specifications 48

Access and recruitment 48 Restrictions on learner entry 49

Learners with particular requirements 49

The wider curriculum 49 Spiritual, moral, ethical, social and cultural issues 50

Environmental issues 50

European developments 50

Health and safety issues 50

Equal opportunities issues 50

Useful publications 50 Professional body contact details 51

How to obtain National Occupational Standards 51

Professional development and training 52

Further information 52

Core units 53 Unit 1: Marketing 55

Unit 2: Managing Financial Resources and Decisions 61

Unit 3: Organisations and Behaviour 67

Unit 4: Business Environment 73

Unit 5: Common Law I 79

Unit 6: Business Decision Making 85

Unit 7: Business Strategy 91

Unit 8: Research Project 97

Specialist units 103

Finance 105 Unit 9: Management Accounting: Costing and Budgeting 107

Unit 10: Financial Reporting 113

Unit 11: Financial Systems and Auditing 119

Unit 12: Taxation 123

Management 127 Unit 13: Managing Professional Development 129

Unit 14: Working with and Leading People 133

Unit 15: Managing Activities to Achieve Results 139

Unit 16: Managing Communications, Knowledge and Information 145

Marketing 151 Unit 17: Marketing Intelligence 153

Unit 18: Advertising and Promotion 159

Unit 19: Marketing Planning 165

Unit 20: Sales Planning and Operations 171

Human Resource Management 177 Unit 21: Human Resources Management 179

Unit 22: Managing Human Resources 185

Unit 23: Human Resources Development 191

Unit 24: Employee Relations 197

Law 203 Unit 25: English Legal System 205

Unit 26: Business Law 211

Unit 27: Common Law II 217

Unit 28: European Law 223

E-Business Strategies 229 Unit 29: Introduction to the Internet and E-Business 231

Unit 30: Internet Marketing 237

Unit 31: E-Business Operations 245

Unit 32: E-Business Planning and Implementation 251

Information Technology 257 Unit 33: Information Systems 259

Unit 34: Networking Concepts 263

Unit 35: Multimedia Design and Authoring 267

Unit 36: Website Design 273

Unit 37: Networking Technology 279

Unit 38: MS Office Solution Development 285

Unit 39: Systems Analysis 293

Further specialist units 297 Unit 40: Purchasing 299

Unit 41: Purchasing Development 307

Unit 42: Quality Management 313

Unit 43: Small Business Enterprise 321

Unit 44: Operations Management 327

Unit 45: European Business 333

Unit 46: Employment Law 337

Unit 47: Company Law 343

Unit 48: Administrative Practices and Procedures 349

Unit 49: Financial Services 355

Unit 50: Insurance 359

Unit 51: Investment 359

Unit 52: Industry Experience 359

Unit 53: Contemporary Issues in Marketing Management 359

Unit 54: Computer Platforms 359

Unit 55: Human Computer Interface 359

Unit 56: Project Management 359

Unit 57: Administrative Services 359

Unit 58: Business Psychology 359

Unit 59: Business Ethics 359

Unit 60: Environmental Management 359

Unit 61: Facilities Operations 359

Unit 62: Property Law 359

Annex A 359 Qualification codes 359

QCA codes 359

Edexcel codes 359

QCA and Edexcel codes 359

Annex B 359 Qualification Requirement 359

Annex C 359 Wider curriculum mapping 359

Annex D 359 Mapping with NVQs 359

B014393 Guidance and units Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher Nationals in Business Issue 2 September 2004

1

Qualification titles covered by this specification

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Finance)

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Management)

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Marketing)

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Human Resource Management)

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Law)

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (E-Business Strategies)

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Information Technology)

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Finance)

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Management)

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Marketing)

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Human Resource Management)

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Law)

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (E-Business Strategies)

Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Information Technology)

These qualifications have been accredited to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The NQF (QANs) for these qualifications are listed in Annex A.

These qualification titles are as they will appear on the learners certificate. Learners need to be made aware of this when they are recruited by the centre and registered with Edexcel. Providing this happens, centres are able to describe the programme of study leading to the award of the qualification in different ways to suit the medium and the target audience.


2

Edexcel qualifications in the National Qualifications Framework NQF level

BTEC Professional Award, Certificate, Diploma

Key skills level 5 NVQ level 5

BTEC Higher National Diploma BTEC Higher National Certificate BTEC Professional Award, Certificate, Diploma

Key skills level 4

NVQ level 4

BTEC National Diploma BTEC National Certificate BTEC National Award BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design) BTEC Award, Certificate, Diploma

Key skills level 3

GCE A Level GCE AS Level VCE AEA

NVQ level 3

BTEC First Diploma BTEC Award, Certificate, Diploma

Level 2 Certificate in Adult Numeracy Level 2 Certificate in Adult Literacy

Key skills level 2 GCSE (A*C) GCSE (Double Awards) (A* A*CC) GCSE (Short Courses) (A*C) Intermediate GNVQ

NVQ level 2

BTEC Introductory Certificate BTEC Introductory Diploma BTEC Award, Certificate, Diploma

Level 1 Certificate in Adult Numeracy Level 1 Certificate in Adult Literacy

Key skills level 1

GCSE (DG) GCSE (Double Awards) (DDGG) GCSE (Short Courses) (DG) Foundation GNVQ

NVQ level 1

Entry Level Certificate in Skills for Working Life

Entry Level Certificate in Personal Skills

Entry Level Certificate in Adult Numeracy Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy

Entry Level Certificates


3

Introduction

This document contains the units and associated guidance for the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher Nationals in Business. Each unit sets out the required outcomes and content and includes advice regarding appropriate delivery and assessment strategies. The guidance contains further details of the teaching, learning, assessment and quality assurance of these qualifications. It includes advice about Edexcels policy regarding access to its qualifications, the design of programmes of study and delivery modes.

Structure of the qualification

BTEC Higher National Certificate

The BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business is a 10-unit qualification of which five units are mandatory core units.

The BTEC Higher National Certificate programme must contain a minimum of five units designated at H2 level.

BTEC Higher National Diploma

The BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business is a 16-unit qualification of which eight units are mandatory core units.

The BTEC Higher National Diploma programme must contain a minimum of eight units designated at H2 level.


4

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business

(Must consist of a minimum of five H2 units.)

Unit Core units all five units must be taken Unit levelH1 or H2

1 Marketing H1

2 Managing Financial Resources and Decisions H1

3 Organisations and Behaviour H1

4 Business Environment H1

8 Research Project H2

Specialist units five specialist units must be taken

5 Common Law I H1

6 Business Decision Making H2

7 Business Strategy H2

9 Management Accounting: Costing and Budgeting H1

10 Financial Reporting H2

11 Financial Systems and Auditing H2

12 Taxation H2

13 Managing Professional Development H2

14 Working with and Leading People H2

15 Managing Activities to Achieve Results H2

16 Managing Communications, Knowledge and Information H1

17 Marketing Intelligence H1

18 Advertising and Promotion H2

19 Marketing Planning H2

20 Sales Planning and Operations H2

21 Human Resources Management H1

22 Managing Human Resources H2

23 Human Resources Development H2

24 Employee Relations H2

25 English Legal System H1

26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2

28 European Law H2

29 Introduction to the Internet and E-Business H1

30 Internet Marketing H2

31 E-Business Operations H2

32 E-Business Planning and Implementation H2


5

Unit Specialist units five specialist units must be taken (continued) Unit level

H1 or H2

33 Information Systems H2

34 Networking Concepts H1

35 Multimedia Design and Authoring H1

36 Website Design H1

37 Networking Technology H2

38 MS Office Solution Development H2

39 Systems Analysis H2

40 Purchasing H1

41 Purchasing Development H2

42 Quality Management H2

43 Small Business Enterprise H2

44 Operations Management H2

45 European Business H2

46 Employment Law H2

47 Company Law H2

48 Administrative Practices and Procedures H1

49 Financial Services H2

50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2

52 Industry Experience H2

53 Contemporary Issues in Marketing Management H2

54 Computer Platforms H1

55 Human Computer Interface H1

56 Project Management H2

57 Administrative Services H2

58 Business Psychology H2

59 Business Ethics H2

60 Environmental Management H2

61 Facilities Operations H1

62 Property Law H2


6

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Finance)



1 Marketing H1





Compulsory specialist units all four units must be taken 9 Management Accounting: Costing and Budgeting H1



12 Taxation H2

Specialist units one unit must be taken 5 Common Law I H1
















26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2

28 European Law H2





7

Unit Specialist units one unit must be taken (continued) Unit level

H1 or H2









40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H2



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


8

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Management)



1 Marketing H1





Compulsory specialist units all four units must be taken 13 Managing Professional Development H2










12 Taxation H2










26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2

28 European Law H2





9


H1 or H2









40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H2



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


10

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Marketing)



1 Marketing H1





Compulsory specialist units four units must be taken 17 Marketing Intelligence H1










12 Taxation H2










26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2

28 European Law H2





11


H1 or H2









40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H2



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


12

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Human Resources Management)



1 Marketing H1





Compulsory specialist units all four units must be taken 21 Human Resources Management H1










12 Taxation H2










26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2

28 European Law H2





13


H1 or H2









40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H2



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


14

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Law)



1 Marketing H1





Compulsory specialist units all four units must be taken 25 English Legal System H1

26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2

28 European Law H2







12 Taxation H2

















15


H1 or H2









40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H2



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


16

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (E-Business Strategies)



1 Marketing H1





Compulsory specialist units all four units must be taken 29 Introduction to the Internet and E-Business H1










12 Taxation H2














26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2


17


H1 or H2

28 European Law H2








40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H2



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


18

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business (Information Technology)



1 Marketing H1





Specialist units five units must be taken 33 Information Systems H2









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BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business

(Must consist of a minimum of eight H2 units.)

Unit Core units all eight units must be taken Unit levelH1 or H2

1 Marketing H1




5 Common Law I H1




Specialist units eight specialist units must be taken 9 Management Accounting: Costing and Budgeting H1



12 Taxation H2














26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2

28 European Law H2






20

Unit Specialist units eight specialist units must be taken (continued) Unit level

H1 or H2








40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H2



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


21

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Finance)



1 Marketing H1




5 Common Law I H1




Compulsory specialist units all four units must be taken 9 Management Accounting: Costing and Budgeting H1



12 Taxation H2

Specialist units four units must be taken 13 Managing Professional Development H2













26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2

28 European Law H2





22

Unit Specialist units four units must be taken (continued) Unit level

H1 or H2









40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H1



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


23

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Management)



1 Marketing H1




5 Common Law I H1




Compulsory specialist units all four units must be taken 13 Managing Professional Development H2




Specialist units four units must be taken 9 Management Accounting: Costing and Budgeting H1



12 Taxation H2










26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2

28 European Law H2





24


H1 or H2









40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H2



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


25

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Marketing)



1 Marketing H1




5 Common Law I H1




Compulsory specialist units all four units must be taken 17 Marketing Intelligence H1







12 Taxation H2










26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2

28 European Law H2





26


H1 or H2









40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H2



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


27

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Human Resources Management)



1 Marketing H1




5 Common Law I H1




Compulsory specialist units all four units must be taken 21 Human Resources Management H1




Specialist units four specialist units must be taken 9 Management Accounting: Costing and Budgeting H1



12 Taxation H2










26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2

28 European Law H2





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Unit Specialist units four specialist units must be taken (continued) Unit level

H1 or H2









40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H2



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


29

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Law)



1 Marketing H1




5 Common Law I H1




Compulsory specialist units all four units must be taken 25 English Legal System H1

26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2

28 European Law H2




12 Taxation H2

















30


H1 or H2









40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H2



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


31

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (E-Business Strategies)



1 Marketing H1




5 Common Law I H1




Compulsory specialist units all four units must be taken 29 Introduction to the Internet and E-Business H1







12 Taxation H2














26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2


32


H1 or H2

28 European Law H2








40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H2



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


33

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Information Technology)



1 Marketing H1




5 Common Law I H1




Compulsory specialist units four units must be taken 33 Information Systems H2







12 Taxation H2














26 Business Law H2

27 Common Law II H2


34


H1 or H2

28 European Law H2








40 Purchasing H1







47 Company Law H2



50 Insurance H2

51 Investment H2











62 Property Law H2


35

Key features

BTEC Higher Nationals are designed to provide a specialist vocational programme, linked to professional body requirements and National Occupational Standards where appropriate, with a strong work related emphasis. The qualifications provide a thorough grounding in the key concepts and practical skills required in their sector and their national recognition by employers allows progression direct into employment. BTEC Higher Nationals offer a strong emphasis on practical skills development alongside the development of requisite knowledge and understanding in their sector. Learners are attracted to this strong vocational programme of study that meets their individual progression needs whether this is into employment or to further study on degree or professional courses.

A key progression path for BTEC Higher National Certificate and Diploma learners is to the second or third year of a degree or honours degree programme, depending on the match of the BTEC Higher National units to the degree programme in question.

The BTEC Higher Nationals in Business have been developed to focus on:

providing education and training for a range of careers in business such as administration, personnel, marketing, finance, law, purchasing and management

providing a general qualification which allows flexibility of study to meet local or specialist needs

providing specialist options which meet the needs of the major functions in business and allow specialisation with career progression and professional recognition in mind

providing opportunities which underpin some of the knowledge and understanding required for the relevant NVQ level 4 units in Accounting, Management, Personnel, Administration and Procurement

providing opportunities for learners to focus on the development of higher-level skills in a business context

providing opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life

providing opportunities for individuals in employment to achieve a nationally recognised level 4 vocationally specific qualification

providing opportunities for learners to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment in business or progress to higher education vocational qualifications such as a full-time degree in business or a related area.

Aims of the qualification

This qualification meets the needs of the above rationale by:

equipping individuals with knowledge, understanding and skills for success in a range of administrative and management positions in business

providing specialist routes of study which relate to individual professions within the business world in which learners are working or intend to seek employment

enabling progression to an undergraduate degree or further professional qualification in business or a related area

supporting individuals employed or entering employment in the business field developing the individuals ability in the business field through effective use and

combination of the knowledge and skills gained in different parts of the programme


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developing a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life and thereby enable learners to make an immediate contribution to employment

providing flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development in business.

Professional body recognition

Higher National qualifications in Business, especially the endorsed title routes, have been developed with career progression and professional recognition in mind. The following professional bodies recognise the Higher Nationals in Business.

Association of Accounting Technicians Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Association of International Accountants Chartered Institute of Bankers Chartered Institute of Management Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Chartered Institute of Marketing Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Chartered Insurance Institute Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators Institute of Financial Accountants Institute of Legal Executives Institute of Personnel and Development Varying degrees of exemption from professional body examinations are available, details are available from individual professional bodies.

Further details of professional body recognition and exemptions for BTEC Higher Nationals are given in the publication BTEC Professional Recognition which is available on Edexcels website (www.edexcel.org.uk).

National Occupational Standards

There is the opportunity for programmes in business to provide some of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for level 4 NVQs in Management, Accounting, Personnel, Administration and Procurement see Annex D, Mapping with NVQs, on page 447.

Qualification Requirement

Edexcel has published Qualification Requirements as part of the revision of BTEC Higher Nationals. Qualification Requirements set out the aims and rationale of the qualifications and provide the framework of curriculum content. They also identify the higher-level skills associated with the qualifications and any recognition by relevant professional bodies. The Qualification Requirement for BTEC Higher Nationals in Business is given in Annex B.


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Edexcel standard specifications titles are developed from the Qualification Requirements. Licensed centres comply with Qualification Requirements when developing BTEC Higher Nationals under these standard titles.

Qualification Requirements provide consistent standards within the same vocational area and clearly identify the skills and knowledge that can be expected of any holder of an identical BTEC Higher National. This will allow higher-education institutions, employers and professional bodies to confidently provide progression opportunities to successful learners.

Higher-level skills

Learners studying BTEC Higher Nationals in Business will be expected to develop the following skills during the programme of study:

cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis effective problem solving and decision making using appropriate quantitative and

qualitative skills including identifying, formulating and solving business problems

effective communication, oral and in writing, using a range of media widely used in business eg the preparation and presentation of business reports

numeric and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation; the use of models of business problems and phenomena

effective use of communication and information technology for business applications effective self-management in terms of time, planning and behaviour, motivation, self-

starting, individual initiative and enterprise

developing an appropriate learning style self-awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures, business

and management issues

effective performance within a team environment including leadership, team-building, influencing and project-management skills

interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuading and presentation abilities to conduct research into business and management issues. BTEC Higher National Certificate

The 10-unit BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business provides a specialist work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required in the sector. It also offers specialist emphasis through the choice of specialist units.

The qualification offers endorsed title routes in Finance, Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Law, E-Business Strategies and Information Technology. In addition, there is a large number of specialist units which offer scope for developing specialist knowledge and skills in areas such as administration, purchasing, financial services or project management. Each endorsed title route consists of four units and study of all four units in a route will add that endorsement to the title of the qualification gained. This is useful for learners already employed in a specific business field, who are looking to continue and progress in that business field and gain professional recognition.

Alternatively, a learner may prefer to undertake a range of specialist units, to gain a broader business base.


38

BTEC Higher National Certificates provide a nationally recognised qualification that offers career progression for those already in employment. The qualifications are mode free but they are primarily undertaken by part-time learners studying over two years. In some sectors there are opportunities for those wishing to complete an intensive programme of study in a shorter period of time.

The qualification offers learners access to suitable business-related work situations and the opportunity to achieve units in administration, accounting, personnel, procurement and management with links to NVQ qualifications.

The BTEC Higher National Certificate in Business mainly offers a progression route for learners who are employed in the business sector.

BTEC Higher National Diploma

BTEC Higher National Diplomas provide greater depth and specialisation than BTEC Higher National Certificate qualifications. These qualifications are mode free but are predominately followed by full-time learners and allow progression into or within employment in the sector, either directly on the achievement of the award or following further study to degree level.

The BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business mainly offers a progression route for learners who are studying a business programme.

The BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business provides suitable work experience so that learners can apply their knowledge and practical skills in the workplace during their study.

The qualification prepares learners for employment in the sector and is suitable for those who have already decided that they wish to enter this area of work. Some adult learners may wish to make the commitment required by this qualification in order to enter a specialist area of employment in the sector or progress into higher education. Other learners may want to extend the specialism that they followed on the BTEC Higher National Certificate programme. Progression from this qualification may well be into or within employment in the sector where learners may work towards professional membership or study for professional body examinations.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The assessment of BTEC Higher National qualifications is criterion-referenced and centres are required to assess learners evidence against published learning outcomes and assessment criteria. All units will be individually graded as pass, merit or distinction. To achieve a pass grade for a unit learners must meet the assessment criteria set out in the specifications. This gives transparency to the assessment process and provides for the establishment of national standards for each qualification.

The units in BTEC Higher National qualifications all have a standard format which is designed to provide clear guidance on the requirements of the qualification for learners, assessors and those responsible for monitoring national standards.

Unit format

Each unit is set out in the following way.

Unit title, learning hours and NQF level

The unit title is accredited by QCA and this form of words will appear on the learners Notification of Performance. In BTEC Higher National qualifications each unit consists of 60 guided learning hours. The level refers to the level in the NVQ.


39

Each unit is assigned a notional level indicator of H1 or H2, indicating the relative intellectual demand, complexity and depth of study, and learner autonomy.

At H1 level the emphasis is on the application of knowledge, skills and understanding, use of conventions in the field of study, use of analytical skills and selection and organisation of information.

At H2 level the emphasis is on application and evaluation of contrasting ideas, principles, theories and practices, greater specialisation in the field of study, and an increasing independence in systematic enquiry and analysis.

Description of unit

A brief description of the overall purpose of the unit is given, together with the key areas of study associated with the unit.

Summary of learning outcomes

The outcomes of the unit identify what each learner must do in order to pass it. Learners must achieve all the outcomes in order to pass the unit.

Content

This section picks up highlighted words from the outcomes and amplifies the content coverage required when addressing the outcomes. The content section will often provide lists of topics. Please note all aspects of the listed topics should be covered, except those that begin with eg, where items listed are merely indicative.

Outcomes and assessment criteria

Each unit contains statements of the evidence that each learner should produce in order to receive a pass.

Guidance

This section is not prescriptive but provides additional guidance and amplification related to the unit to support teachers/deliverers and assessors. Its subsections are given below. Only those subsections which apply to the unit will appear.

Delivery offers guidance about possible approaches to delivery. The guidance is based on the more usual delivery modes and is not intended to rule out alternative approaches.

Assessment provides advice about the nature and type of evidence that learners are likely to need to produce. This subsection should be read in conjunction with the assessment criteria and the generic grade descriptors.

Links sets out the links between units. Provides opportunities for integration of learning, delivery and assessment. Any links to the National Occupational Standards will be highlighted here.

Resources identifies the specialist resources likely to be needed to allow learners to generate the evidence required by each unit. The centre will be asked to ensure that this resource requirement is in place when it seeks approval from Edexcel to offer the qualification.

Support materials identifies, where appropriate, textbooks, videos, magazines, journals, publications and websites that may support the delivery of the unit.


40

Learning and assessment

The purpose of assessment is to ensure that effective learning of the content of each unit has taken place. Evidence of this learning, or the application of the learning etc, is required for each unit. The assessment of the evidence relates directly to the assessment criteria for each unit, supported by the generic grade descriptors.

The process of assessment can aid effective learning by seeking and interpreting evidence to decide the stage that learners have reached in their learning, what further learning needs to take place and how best to do this. Therefore, the process of assessment should be part of the effective planning of teaching and learning by providing opportunities for both the learner and assessor to obtain information about progress towards learning goals. The assessor and learner must be actively engaged in promoting a common understanding of the assessment criteria and the grade descriptors (what it is they are trying to achieve and how well they achieve it) for further learning to take place. Therefore, learners need constructive feedback and guidance about how to improve, capitalising on strengths, with clear and constructive comments about weaknesses and how these might be addressed.

Assessment instruments are constructed by centres. Assessment instruments should collectively ensure coverage of all assessment criteria within each unit and should provide opportunities for the evidencing of all the grade descriptors. It is advised that assessment criteria and contextualised grade descriptors are clearly indicated on each assessment instrument to provide a focus for learners (for transparency and to ensure that feedback is specific to the criteria) and to assist with internal standardisation processes. Tasks/activities should enable learners to produce evidence that relates directly to the assessment criteria and grade descriptors.

When centres are designing assessment instruments, they need to ensure that the instruments are valid, reliable and fit for purpose, building on the application of the assessment criteria. Centres are encouraged to place emphasis on practical application of the assessment criteria, providing a realistic scenario for learners to adopt, making maximum use of work-related practical experience and reflecting typical practice in the sector concerned. The creation of assessment instruments that are fit for purpose is vital to achievement and their importance cannot be over-emphasised.

Grading Higher National units

The assessment of BTEC Higher National qualifications will be at unit level and there will be no overall grade for either the Certificate or the Diploma. Learners are able to access the qualification in a unitised approach if this is appropriate.

The assessment will be made against the published learning outcomes and assessment and grading criteria which centres are expected to make available to learners. Recognition of achievement at merit and distinction level will be based on the application of the generic grade descriptors to the evidence presented. These grade descriptors will require a qualitative improvement rather than a quantitative increase in the evidence presented.

In order to ensure transparency of assessment, centres are expected to ensure that all assessment briefs clearly set out the tasks required, the learning outcomes to be met and the assessment criteria and grade descriptors that will be applied. Centres will need to ensure that there is a clear audit trail for both internal verification and to satisfy the needs of the Edexcel external examiner.

Each unit will be graded as a pass, merit or distinction. A pass is awarded for the achievement of all outcomes against the specified assessment criteria. Merit and distinction grades are awarded for higher-level achievement.


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In order to demonstrate achievement, learners typically undertake assessment activities that include a series of tasks or assignments, reflecting typical practice in the sector concerned. In order to judge the level of achievement, assessment criteria are used for the pass grade and grade descriptors for the merit and distinction grades.

Achievement of a pass grade

A pass grade is achieved by meeting all the requirements defined in the assessment criteria for each individual unit.

Achievement of a merit or distinction grade

All the assessment criteria and merit grade descriptors need to be completed within a unit to achieve a merit grade.

All the assessment criteria, merit and distinction grade descriptors must be completed within a unit to achieve a distinction grade.

The generic merit and distinction grade descriptors listed on pages 4243 are for grading the total evidence produced for each unit and describe the learners performance over and above that for a pass grade. The evidence produced needs to be qualitative and of a substantial/significant nature in the context of the sector.

The merit and distinction grade descriptors can be achieved in a flexible way to reflect the nature of the sector concerned, eg in a sequential or holistic mode.

Each of the generic merit and distinction grade descriptors can be amplified by use of indicative characteristics. These give a guide to the expected learner performance and support the generic grade descriptors. The indicative characteristics should reflect the nature of a unit and the context of the sector programme.

The indicative characteristics shown in the table below that amplify each of the generic grade descriptors are not exhaustive. Consequently, centres should select from the list or may construct other appropriate indicative characteristics for their sector programme for the merit and distinction grade descriptors for each unit. The descriptors should be contextualised and incorporated into the design of assessment activities. It is important to note that each assessment activity does not need to incorporate all the merit and/or distinction grade descriptors.

Contextualising the generic grade descriptors

The generic merit and distinction grade descriptors need to be viewed as a qualitative extension of the assessment criteria within each individual unit. The grade descriptors should be contextualised to meet the needs of the unit and be incorporated into the design of the assessment activities.

In all cases for merit and distinction grades the relevant contextualised grade descriptors (and possibly the indicative characteristics) must be made explicit to learners and all those involved in the assessment and internal verification process.


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Grade descriptors

A pass grade is achieved by meeting all the requirements defined in the pass assessment criteria for each unit.

Merit descriptors Indicative characteristics Distinction descriptors Indicative characteristics

In order to achieve a merit the learner must:

The learners evidence shows: In order to achieve a distinction the learner must:

The learners evidence shows:

identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions

relevant theories and techniques have been applied

effective judgements have been made complex problems with more than one

variable have been explored an effective approach to study and

research has been used

use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions

synthesis has been used to generate and justify valid conclusions

the validity of results has been judged

self criticism of approach has taken place

evaluation has taken place using defined criteria

realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success

select/design and apply appropriate methods/techniques

a range of methods and techniques have been applied

a range of sources of information used the selection of methods and

techniques/sources justified the design of methods/techniques

justified complex information/data have been

synthesised and processed appropriate learning

methods/techniques applied

take responsibility for managing and organising activities

autonomy/independence demonstrated

substantial activities/projects or investigations have been planned, managed and organised

joint/activities of others have been managed

the unforeseen has been accommodated

the importance of interdependence has been recognised


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Grade descriptors

Merit descriptors Indicative characteristics Distinction descriptors Indicative characteristics

In order to achieve a merit the learner must:

The learners evidence shows: In order to achieve a distinction the learner must:

The learners evidence shows:

present and communicate appropriate findings

appropriate structure and approach has been used

logical and coherent arguments have been presented

technical language accurately used a range of methods of presentation has

been used appropriate media used familiar and unfamiliar contexts have

been used it is appropriate for familiar and

unfamiliar audiences

demonstrate convergent, lateral and creative thinking

ideas generated and decisions taken self evaluation has taken place convergent and lateral thinking have

been applied problems have been solved capacity for innovation and creative

thought has been used receptiveness to new ideas have

been demonstrated unfamiliar contexts have been

applied


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Achieving a pass on a BTEC Higher National qualification

The grades awarded for each unit will form the main factor in determining whether a learner has achieved a pass overall. If the full qualification is achieved, certification for BTEC Higher Nationals will show the details of performance in each individual unit.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

Edexcel encourages centres to recognise learners previous achievements and experience through the Accreditation of Prior Learning. Learners may have evidence that has been generated during previous study, in their previous or current employment or whilst undertaking voluntary work that relates to one or more of the units in the qualification. Assessors should assess this evidence against the Higher National standards in the specifications in the normal way. As with all evidence, assessors should be satisfied about the authenticity and currency of the material when considering whether or not the outcomes of the unit have been met.

Full guidance about Edexcels policy on APL is provided on our website (www.edexcel.org.uk).

Quality assurance

Quality assurance of Edexcel Level 4 BTEC Higher Nationals

The quality assurance system for BTEC Higher National programmes, as higher-level vocational qualification at level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework, will comprise three main components.

1 Approval process

A control measure to confirm that individual centres, (and programme teams), are appropriately resourced and competent to deliver a BTEC level 4 programme of study.

2 Monitoring of centres

A method of monitoring centres internal quality systems to ensure ongoing fulfilment of initial requirements and, where appropriate, enhancement of those requirements to accommodate new qualifications.

3 Independent assessment

A measure that provides independence within the assessment process, such that the certificated outcomes for each learner are not reliant upon determinations by individuals or groups with a vested interest in the outcome. This measure should be consistent and reliable over time, and should not create unnecessary barriers.

Centre and programme approval

Centres intending to offer BTEC Higher National qualifications will be required to demonstrate that they have all the resources necessary to deliver individual programmes to the specification requirements. They will also demonstrate that they have in place policies and procedures for recruitment of learners that are fair, clear and explicit, and that recruitment with integrity is evident.


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Centres may submit to Edexcel scrutiny of their provision. Alternatively, centres may present evidence of their working within the context of a recognised code of practice, such as that of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, or body of similar standing and having a review regime, for the purpose of confirming the application of the relevant code. Edexcel reserves the right to confirm independently that these processes are operating to our satisfaction.

Monitoring centres internal quality systems

Centres will be required to demonstrate ongoing fulfilment of approval criteria over time and across all programme areas. This will include consistent application of policies affecting learner registrations and learner appeals, and the effectiveness of internal verification or standardisation processes.

Centres may submit to Edexcel scrutiny of their provision. Alternatively, centres may present evidence of their working within the context of a recognised code of practice, such as that of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, or body of similar standing and having a review regime, for the purpose of confirming the application of the relevant code. Edexcel reserves the right to confirm independently that these processes are operating to our satisfaction.

Independent assessment

Supporting consistency and appropriateness of centre assessor decisions

For all BTEC Higher Nationals, accredited at level 4 on the NQF, Edexcel will appoint appropriately qualified subject-specific external examiners to each programme in each centre. The selection, appointment and training process; and the role, powers and responsibilities will be defined by Edexcel in a formal manner, so that external examiners and centres are fully aware of the scope of this role. Their function will be to objectively evaluate the assessment process and standards of learner attainment, by independently reviewing, in the first year of a programme, a representative sample of learner work (including the centre-devised assignments upon which the samples are based) selected by the external examiner, from across a programme (guidance on criteria will be provided by Edexcel in the formal definition of role, powers and responsibilities of external examiners).

Visiting external examiners must be afforded reasonable access to the assessed parts of any programme, including evidence of a learners performance on placement, where this is an assessed part of the programme. A primary purpose of this evaluation is to verify that standards are appropriate for the award, its elements, and to assist institutions in the comparison of academic standards across similar awards nationally. The external examiner will also report on the extent to which the institutions processes for assessment, are sound and have been fairly conducted.

In the event of a disparity between the judgement made by centre assessors and those of the Edexcel external examiner, this will be formally reported to Edexcel and to the centre. Such an instance will require a centre to agree corrective action with Edexcel


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Independence in confirmation of certificated outcomes

In the final year of a programme the Edexcel-appointed external examiner will re-visit the centre to independently assess learner work and to evaluate centre assessor decisions on the final outcomes of learners work. This evaluation may focus upon external examiner-selected work in units that present the most appropriate evidence for this exercise. The external examiner will review the work of all learners, not previously included in the representative sample in the first year, and make judgements separately from internal examiners. Resolution of internal and external assessments will normally be confirmed at the centres final programme review board. The external examiner will endorse the outcomes of assessment before certification is authorised. In the event of an external examiner being unable to provide such endorsement for a programme, Edexcel will agree appropriate corrective action with the centre.

The Edexcel-appointed external examiner will be required to prepare, at agreed times, a written report that provides comments and judgements on the assessment process and the standards of le

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