Diploma in Small Business & Project Management

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, or want to increase your business objectives, this diploma programme is for you.

Learn new skills and progress your business at the same time. You’ll use project management techniques to carry out two different projects to grow your business – a marketing and operations project, and a project of your choice – all supported by one-on-one business mentoring to help speed up your learning.

At the end of the programme, you may already notice positive changes in your business – but more importantly, you’ll be well prepared to grow your business and apply project management skills in a variety of business situations.

When you pass this programme, you'll get this qualification:

• New Zealand Diploma in Business (Project Management) Level 5

• business and project planning
• industry and market analysis
• operations and customer service
• marketing, accounting and finance.

• analyse the operational impact of internal and external environments on a business entity to inform decision-making
• apply broad knowledge of the principles and current practices of operations, accounting, marketing/sales, human resources, and risk management, to support the performance of a business entity
• contribute operationally to innovation and organisational change in a business entity
• develop and maintain operational business relationships with stakeholders, to support the performance of a business entity
• apply knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to analyse how the resulting bi-cultural partnership can be applied to operational business activities and relationships
• apply professional and ethical practices with integrity, in accordance with the operational environmental, social and cultural requirements of the context, and apply personal and interpersonal skills to contribute to the achievement of business operational objectives
• manage projects through their entire life cycle, using project management knowledge, tools, and techniques
• manage stakeholder engagement through the project life cycle

The purpose of this qualification is to provide Aotearoa with people who have business knowledge and skills that can be applied in a range of operational business contexts.

Graduates will be able to contribute to the achievement of business operational objectives, through the application of knowledge and skills, in an ethical and inclusive manner, in accordance with ngā kaupapa o te Tiriti o Waitangi (the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi), and in a multi-cultural environment.

The qualification includes strands that allow graduates to apply knowledge and skills in a range of specialised business operational contexts. Some strands can lead to further credentialing by professional bodies.

This is a full-time programme that consists of 120 credits delivered over 38 weeks. Throughout the programme you will be required to attend:

• 1 x 3-hour class per week
• 12 hours of mentoring across the programme (3 hours per kōnae ako, negotiated between you and your kaiako)
• 2 x 1-day wānanga (6 hours each)

In addition to these attendance hours, you’ll be expected to complete learning activities designed to enhance your learning for approximately:

• 29 hours per week

In some locations this programme might be provided by an approved sub-contract arrangement.

To enrol in this programme, a potential student must:

• be at least 18 years of age
• be a New Zealand citizen or resident (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue or the Cook Islands)
• reside in New Zealand
• have successfully completed a Level 4 qualification or higher AND
• attend an interview with your kaiako to discuss your reasons why you should be permitted to enrol onto the programme
• satisfy one of the following requirements:
  • be in the process of establishing a business for which they already have a business plan
  • be an existing business owner, or
  • be involved in the management of an existing small business for which they can initiate and implement projects
• have access to an internet-connected device to access, engage and participate with programme requirements in our learner management system

I want to keep studying

Further higher-level business studies at other institutions may be an option. If you're interested in teaching, you can apply to study He Korowai Ākonga - Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching).

I want to use my qualification

You'll graduate with a NZQA-approved qualification showing you have the academic and practical knowledge to run a business. Plus you'll have two completed projects to show your ability to manage projects successfully.

Te Tātari Pakihi - Business Development Analysis | 30 Credits

1. Analyse current business position and develop strategies to achieve desired future position
2. Analyse potential risks and identify mitigation strategies
3. Evaluate business development needs, opportunities and impacts (range: internal and external environments)
4. Analyse the bi-cultural partnership principles illustrated by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and apply to business activities and relationships
5. Select and apply appropriate project planning knowledge, tools and techniques specific to a business
6. Apply broad knowledge of the principles and current practices of operations, accounting, sales and marketing, human resources, and risk management to a business

Te Hokohoko me te Whakatairanga - The Sales and Marketing Project | 30 Credits

1. Select and apply appropriate project planning knowledge, tools and techniques specific to a sales and marketing project
2. Implement a project brief using project management knowledge, tools and techniques relevant to sales and marketing
3. Apply broad knowledge of the principles and current practices of operations, accounting, sales and marketing, ruman resources, and risk management to a sales and marketing project
4. Demonstrate effective problem-solving and rational decision making, to improve business performance, throughout the implementation of a sales and marketing project
5. Demonstrate effective negotiation noting a positive influence on others in the implementation of a sales and marketing project
6. Demonstrate the development and maintenance of operational business relationships in a sales and marketing project
7. Review and evaluate the implementation of a sales and marketing project to improve business performance

He Paemahi Whakahaere Pakihi - The Operations Project | 30 Credits

1. Select and apply appropriate project planning knowledge, tools and techniques specific to an operations project
2. Implement a project brief using project management knowledge, tools and techniques relevant to an operations project
3. Apply broad knowledge of the principles and current practices of operations, accounting, sales and marketing, human resources, and risk management to an operations project
4. Demonstrate effective problem-solving and rational decision making, to improve business performance, throughout the implementation of an operations project
5. Demonstrate effective negotiation noting a positive influence on others in the implementation of an operations project
6. Demonstrate the development and maintenance of operational business relationships in an operations project
7. Review and evaluate the implementation of an operations project to improve business performance

He Paemahi Kōwhiringa - The Elective Project | 30 Credits

1. Select and apply appropriate project planning knowledge, tools and techniques specific to a selected project
2. Implement a project brief using project management knowledge, tools and techniques relevant to a selected project
3. Apply broad knowledge of the principles and current practices of operations, accounting, sales and marketing, human resources, and risk management to a selected project
4. Demonstrate effective problem-solving and rational decision making, to improve business performance, throughout the implementation of a selected project
5. Demonstrate effective negotiation noting a positive influence on others in the implementation of a selected project
6. Demonstrate the development and maintenance of operational business relationships in a selected project
7. Review, evaluate and report on the implementation of a selected project to improve business performance