The Professional Academy Diploma in Small Business Administration is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and current SME owners. Whether you're ready to start a business from scratch or seeking to optimise your existing small business admin practices, this comprehensive course provides practical knowledge and proven tools to successfully manage and grow your enterprise.
Learn how to oversee all aspects of daily operations, establishing sound administrative policies and procedures that drive success and support your strategic goals. You'll also have the chance to share experiences, exchange ideas, and tackle challenges alongside fellow small business owners.
COURSE LENGTH:
COURSE STRUCTURE:
- Introduction to Business Administration
- Compliance and Legal Requirements
- Financial Management
- People Management
- Marketing and Sales Strategies
- Government Supports and Grants
- Technology and Software Solutions
- Business Planning and Strategy
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Customer Service and Support
- Risk Management and Business Continuity
- Growth and Expansion Strategies
STUDY OPTIONS:
Part Time
1 x 3 hour live online evening class per week over 12 weeks
SUMMARY:
This course takes a practical, operational, and strategic look at small business administration, giving you a 360-degree view of how to run an SME effectively. You’ll learn how to execute business structure, registration, and compliance requirements; manage finances including bookkeeping, budgeting, and cash flow; and develop robust people management policies to build a productive, satisfied workforce.
You’ll explore sales and marketing strategies that drive customer engagement and revenue, and learn how to leverage technology, government support, and process improvements to maximise resources and efficiency.
The instructional style is interactive, collaborative, and experiential. You’ll take part in group work, class discussions, and scenario-based exercises, with quizzes and activities such as MCQs and crosswords to embed learning. Theory is brought to life with practical examples, videos, and case studies from a wide range of industries, making even complex concepts straightforward and easy to apply to your own business.
Learners on this course also gain access to the EBSCO Online Library for the full duration of the course, free of charge. Here, you can browse thousands of relevant journal articles and business texts such as Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Forbes Magazine to supplement your learning and assignments.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
Learners who complete this course will be equipped to start, grow, or manage a small business, or take on senior operational roles within SMEs. Possible career paths include:
- Small Business Owner / Co-Owner
- Business Manager
- Operations Manager
- Office Manager within an SME
- Business Consultant (SME focus)
- Administrative or Finance Lead in a small business environment
The skills gained can also be applied to consultancy or advisory work with small businesses across industries.
ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION
The Professional Academy Diploma in Small Business Administration is assessed through:
- A Weekly Learner Log (worth 40%)
- Written Assignment (worth 60%)
Learners will be expected to engage with the reports, articles and tasks assigned every week within the discussion forums. There are approximately 15 hours of self-study reading required, plus time working on the two assignments for assessment.
Your UCD Professional Academy Diploma will be issued electronically on a secure platform, with a link that you can share with employers and others wishing to verify your credentials. You’ll also be able to add the certification to your LinkedIn profile to demonstrate your achievement to your network as well as recruiters and potential employers searching for individuals with your skills and experience.
This course is not on the National Framework of Qualifications.
LEARNER PROFILE:
This course is suitable for SME owners, co-owners, and those in administrative or operational roles within small businesses (under 50 employees). It is equally relevant to those looking to start a business, as well as existing business owners or administrators seeking to improve operational efficiency, compliance, and growth potential. No prior knowledge is required.
Also 3rd party professionals who support small businesses from an administrative perspective e.g. consultant, financials advisor.
