Business

Build. Innovate. Thrive.

Courses within the business module are designed to give students a tool-box of Acumen they can use later in life when they are either running their own businesses or working in an organisation.

Topics covered range from the initial business plan and business strategy to marketing, finance, accounts, leadership and human resources. Experiential learning is the emphasis, using case studies and focussing on Project Management principles and practices. Application of the module content is expected to be the basis on which the students manage their Quest projects.

These projects are in a variety of areas, including agriculture, building, environmental and photography and constitute a major deliverable at the end of the course.

Introduction
to business &
business strategy

This course provides an introduction to the basic principles of business, including the process of turning inputs into outputs and achieving business success. It also covers different methods of analysing business positions, external influences on business performance, and factors influencing future strategic development.

Finance & Accounts

The Finance and Accounts course aims to equip students with the ability to differentiate between cost and revenue, understand the concept of profit, distinguish between profit and loss accounts and balance sheets, and interpret the key components of each to gain insights into a business.

Marketing

The marketing section of the business module focuses on two key aspects: market analysis and the marketing mix. The primary objective of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the marketing function, enabling them to effectively target their activities for greater success.

Through this module, students will learn how businesses break down markets and analyse them to gain insights. They will explore the significance of market analysis in identifying target audiences and understanding consumer behaviour. By delving into the marketing mix, students will gain knowledge about the various elements that businesses utilise to create successful marketing strategies.

The marketing module equips students with the skills to critically assess market dynamics, develop targeted marketing campaigns, and make informed decisions to optimize business outcomes.

Leadership
in business

The leadership aspect of this course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the significance of leadership in both business and everyday life. Throughout this module, students will develop the following abilities:

1. Identify different types of leadership styles and their key features.
2. Recognise and analyse various theories of leadership, including trait-based and transactional approaches.
3. Apply different leadership styles and characteristics to diverse business situations effectively.
4. Understand the challenges associated with leading organizational change.
5. Gain insight into how individuals and groups navigate and adapt to change.
6. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different leadership approaches when addressing problems.

By the end of this course, students will have a deepened understanding of leadership principles and their practical application, enabling them to excel in various business contexts and beyond.

Human resource management

The Human Resource Management segment of the course equips students with essential knowledge and skills in managing personnel within organizations. By the end of this module, students will demonstrate proficiency in several key areas.

They will acquire knowledge of different recruitment methods, enabling them to understand and evaluate various approaches to attracting talent. Students will explore the advantages and disadvantages of different selection processes, including interviews, presentations, and psychometric testing. They will gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each method and their suitability for different organisational contexts. Quest Africa Esigodini business Acumen human resource management.

Furthermore, students will identify and explain the advantages and disadvantages of the specific recruitment process described in the given scenario. This analysis will enable them to evaluate the effectiveness and potential challenges associated with the outlined approach.

As a culmination of their learning, students will produce a coherent, well-argued, and professionally presented written report addressing the issues arising from the scenario. This report will showcase their ability to apply their knowledge, critically analyze situations, and provide feasible solutions related to human resource management challenges.

Through the Human Resource Management module, students will develop a strong foundation in effectively managing personnel, understanding recruitment processes, and addressing HR-related issues in a thoughtful and strategic manner.