OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Business Management Assignment Briefs 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUALIFICATION OBJECTIVES
QUALITY, STANDARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
REGULATORY INFORMATION
EQUIVALENCES
QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE
DEFINITIONS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
PROGRESSION
DELIVERY OF OTHM QUALIFICATIONS
ASSESSMENT AND VERIFICATION
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING AND ACHIEVEMENT
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
LEVEL 5 UNIT SPECIFICATIONS
PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF STRATEGY
THE MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
MARKETING FOR MANAGERS
BUSINESS LAW FOR MANAGERS
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING AND DECISION MAKING
BUSINESS START-UP: CONCEPTION TO MARKET
IMPORTANT NOTE
QUALIFICATION OBJECTIVES
The objective of the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Business Management qualification is to provide learners with an excellent foundation for a career in a range of organisations. It is designed to ensure that each learner is ‘business ready’: a confident, independent thinker with a detailed knowledge of business and management and equipped with the skills to adapt rapidly to change.
The content of the qualification is focused on human resource management, marketing, management accounting, business law, and business principles and strategy. Learners will also integrate their knowledge and skills from these disciplines and gain knowledge about how to start a business and produce a viable business plan.
The qualification is ideal for those who have started, or are planning to move into, a career in private or public sector business. Successful completion of the Level 5 Diploma in Business Management qualification will provide learners with the opportunity to progress to further study or employment.
QUALITY, STANDARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
OTHM Qualifications are approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). Visit the Register of Regulated Qualifications.
OTHM has progression arrangements with several UK universities that acknowledges the ability of learners after studying Level 3-7 qualifications to be considered for advanced entry into corresponding degree year/top up and Master’s/top-up programmes.
QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE
The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Business Management qualification consists of 6 mandatory units, 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and the recommended Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for this qualification is a minimum of 600 hours.
|
Unit Ref. No. |
Unit title |
Level |
Credit |
GLH |
TQT |
|
F/650/1150 |
Principles and Concepts of Strategy |
5 |
20 |
100 |
200 |
|
H/650/1151 |
The Management of Human Resources |
5 |
20 |
100 |
200 |
|
J/650/1152 |
Marketing for Managers |
5 |
20 |
100 |
200 |
|
K/650/1153 |
Business Law for Managers |
5 |
20 |
100 |
200 |
|
L/650/1154 |
Management Accounting and Decision Making |
5 |
20 |
100 |
200 |
|
M/650/1155 |
Business Start-up; Conception to Market |
5 |
20 |
100 |
200 |
DELIVERY OF OTHM QUALIFICATION
OTHM do not specify the mode of delivery for its qualifications, therefore OTHM centres are free to deliver this qualification using any mode of delivery that meets the needs of their learners. However, OTHM centres should consider the learners’ complete learning experience when designing the delivery of programmes.
It is important that centres develop an effective delivery method to teaching and learning that supports the progression and stretch of learners.
OTHM Centres must ensure that the chosen mode of delivery does not unlawfully or unfairly discriminate, whether directly or indirectly, and that equality of opportunity is promoted. Where it is reasonable and practicable to do so, it will take steps to address identified inequalities or barriers that may arise.
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) which are listed in each unit gives centres the number of hours of teacher-supervised or direct study time likely to be required to teach that unit.
ASSESSMENT AND VERIFICATION
All units within this qualification are assessed and internally quality assured by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the assessor.
Specific assessment guidance and relevant marking criteria for each unit are made available in the Assignment Brief document. These are made available to centres immediately after registration of one or more learners.
The assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.
Assessment Tracking and Recording Learner Progress
It is necessary to track and record learner achievement throughout the delivery period of the OTHM Level 5 Diploma and this should not be left until the end of the course.
This will include regular review of learner work through formative and summative assessment and internal quality assurance at planned intervals during the programme:
● before decisions have been made on any unit
● sampling evidence once one or two of the units or assignments are completed
Tracking learner progress, recording the achievement of each learner per criteria on a unitby-unit basis ensures:
● the assessment evidence is clearly measured against national standards
● learner progress is accurately tracked
● the assessment process can be reliably verified
● evidence is valid, authentic and reliable for the safety of certification
● identification of which assessments are outstanding
● internal verification is timely
● samples for standards verification and other external audits can be made available as required
● up to date, securely stored assessment records help to minimise the risk of assessment malpractice and potential issues; maintaining the integrity of the qualification.
Tutors/Assessors should provide learners with formative and summative feedback to aid development during their studies.
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is an integral part of the assessment process, involving both the Tutor/Assessor and the learner about their progress during the course of study.
Formative assessment takes place prior to summative assessment and focuses on helping the learner to reflect on their learning and improve their performance and does not confirm achievement of grades at this stage.
The main function of formative assessment is to provide feedback to enable the learner to make improvements to their work. This feedback should be prompt so it has meaning and context for the learner and time must be given following the feedback for actions to be complete. Feedback on formative assessment must be constructive and provide clear guidance and actions for improvement.
All records should be available for auditing purposes, as we may choose to check records of formative assessment as part of our ongoing quality assurance.
Summative Assessment
Summative assessment is used to evaluate learner competence and progression at the end of a unit or component. Summative assessment should take place when the assessor deems that the learner is at a stage where competence can be demonstrated.
Learners should be made aware that summative assessment outcomes are subject to confirmation by the Internal Verifier and External Quality Assurer (EQA) and thus is provisional and can be overridden. Assessors should annotate on the learner work where the evidence supports their decisions against the assessment criteria. Learners will need to be familiar with the assessment and grading criteria so that they can understand the quality of what is required.
Evidence of both formative and summative assessment MUST be made available at the time of external quality assurance – EQA.
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING AND ACHIEVEMENT
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a method of assessment that considers whether learners can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and do not need to develop through a course of learning.
RPL policies and procedures have been developed over time, which has led to the use of a number of terms to describe the process. Among the most common are:
● Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
● Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
● Accreditation of Prior Achievement (APA)
● Accreditation of Prior Learning and Achievement (APLA)
All evidence must be evaluated with reference to the stipulated learning outcomes and assessment criteria against the respective unit(s). The assessor must be satisfied that the evidence produced by the learner meets the assessment standard established by the learning outcome and its related assessment criteria at that particular level.
Most often RPL will be used for units. It is not acceptable to claim for an entire qualification through RPL. Where evidence is assessed to be only sufficient to cover one or more learning outcomes, or to partly meet the need of a learning outcome, then additional assessment methods should be used to generate sufficient evidence to be able to award the learning outcome(s) for the whole unit. This may include a combination of units where applicable.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
OTHM provides equality and diversity training to staff and consultants. This makes clear that staff and consultants must comply with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, and all other related equality and diversity legislation, in relation to our qualifications.
We develop and revise our qualifications to avoid, where possible, any feature that might disadvantage learners because of their age, disability, gender, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.
If a specific qualification requires a feature that might disadvantage a particular group (e.g. a legal requirement regarding health and safety in the workplace), we will clarify this explicitly in the qualification specification.
LEVEL 5 UNIT SPECIFICATIONS
PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF STRATEGY
| Unit Reference Number | F/650/1150 |
| Unit Title | Principles and Concepts of Strategy |
| Unit Level | 5 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 200 hours |
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 100 hours |
| Mandatory / Optional | Mandatory |
| Sector Subject Area (SSA) | 15.3 Business Management |
| Unit Grading Type | Pass / Fail |
Unit Aims
The Principles and Concepts of Strategy module explores the fundamental elements that guide strategic decision-making in organisations. It covers the analysis of internal and external environments, competitive positioning, and strategic resources and capabilities. Key frameworks such as SWOT, PESTEL, and Porter’s Five Forces are examined to understand how they influence strategic choices. This unit also delves into the development and implementation of business strategies, emphasising the importance of alignment with organisational goals and the dynamic nature of the strategic landscape.
Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criteria – The learner can: | Indicative Content |
| 1. Understand the principles of business strategy. |
1.1 Explain what is meant by the term ‘business strategy.’ 1.2 Compare different levels of business strategy. 1.3 Compare elements of a strategic framework. 1.4 Explain strategy development processes. |
|
| 2. Understand key business strategy theories and concepts. |
2.1 Differentiate between different types of business strategies. 2.2 Compare the elements of a strategic management process. 2.3 Discuss key organisational theories which impact business strategy. |
● Types
|
| 3. Be able to measure a business’s micro and macro environment. |
3.1 Explain different techniques used to measure a business’s micro environment. 3.2 Apply techniques to measure a business’s micro environment. 3.3 Explain different techniques used to measure a business’s macro environment. 3.4 Apply techniques to measure a business’s macro environment. |
Internal vs external environment Micro (internal and industry) vs Macro environment (broader external) Internal environment Value chain analysis
PESTLE: political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal. Scenario analysis SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats |
| 4. Understand a business’s strategic options. |
4.1 Explain what is meant by the term ‘strategic option.’ 4.2 Compare different strategic options available to a business. 4.3 Recommend and justify a relevant strategic option which a business could implement. |
Ansoff matrix Porter’s Generic strategies
|
THE MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
| Unit Reference Number | H/650/1151 |
| Unit Title | The Management of Human Resources |
| Unit Level | 5 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 200 hours |
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 100 hours |
| Mandatory / Optional | Mandatory |
| Sector Subject Area (SSA) | 15.3 Business Management |
| Unit Grading Type | Pass / Fail |
Unit Aims
The ability to attract, develop and retain talented employees is a key factor in a business’s success. Human resource management has its focus on supporting and enhancing business success and performance through its strategic vision and operational functions. The aim of this unit is to introduce learners to the key human resource management principles and concepts so they can support a sustainable approach to people management through an understanding of the purpose and scope of the human resource management function.
Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: | Indicative Content |
| 1. Understand the purpose and objectives of human resource management. |
1.1 Explain how human resource management has evolved. 1.2 Discuss the purpose of human resource management. 1.3 Explain the objectives of human resource management. |
● Concept of human resource management ● People – process – performance |
| 2. Understand the functions of human resource management. |
2.1 Explain key operational functions of human resource management. 2.2 Explain key strategic functions of human resource management. 2.3 Assess the relationship between business strategy and human resource management.
|
Employee welfare
|
| 3. Understand how internal and external factors impact the human resource management function. |
3.1 Compare the internal factors which affect human resource management. 3.2 Compare the external factors which affect human resource management. |
Micro (internal and industry) vs Macro environment (broader external) Internal environment Value chain analysis
|
| 4. Understand a business’s strategic options. |
4.1 Explain what is meant by the term ‘strategic option.’ 4.2 Compare different strategic options available to a business. 4.3 Recommend and justify a relevant strategic option which a business could implement. |
Porter’s Generic strategies
|
THE MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
| Unit Reference Number | H/650/1151 |
| Unit Title | The Management of Human Resources |
| Unit Level | 5 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 200 hours |
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 100 hours |
| Mandatory / Optional | Mandatory |
| Sector Subject Area (SSA) | 15.3 Business Management |
| Unit Grading Type | Pass / Fail |
Unit Aims
The ability to attract, develop and retain talented employees is a key factor in a business’s success. Human resource management has its focus on supporting and enhancing business success and performance through its strategic vision and operational functions. The aim of this unit is to introduce learners to the key human resource management principles and concepts so they can support a sustainable approach to people management through an understanding of the purpose and scope of the human resource management function.
Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: | Indicative Content |
| 1. Understand the purpose and objectives of human resource management. |
1.1 Explain how human resource management has evolved. 1.2 Discuss the purpose of human resource management. 1.3 Explain the objectives of human resource management |
People – process – performance |
| 2. Understand the functions of human resource management. |
2.1 Explain key operational functions of human resource management. 2.2 Explain key strategic functions of human resource management. 2.3 Assess the relationship between business strategy and human resource management.
|
Recruitment and selection Training and development
|
| 3. Understand how internal and external factors impact the human resource management function. | 3.1 Compare the internal factors which affect human resource management. 3.2 Compare the external factors which affect human resource management. |
|
| 4. Understand modern development in human resource management function in a business. |
4.1 Discuss the impact of technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and automation, on HRM functions. 4.2 Discuss the effectiveness of initiatives such as flexible working arrangements, mental health programs, and diversity training. |
● Impact of Technology o Streamlined recruitment processes o Automated screening and candidate matching
o Offer resources for stress management and coping strategies |
MARKETING FOR MANAGERS
|
Unit Reference Number |
J/650/1152 |
|
Unit Title |
Marketing for Managers |
|
Unit Level |
5 |
|
Number of Credits |
20 |
|
Total Qualification Time (TQT) |
200 hours |
|
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) |
100 hours |
|
Mandatory / Optional |
Mandatory |
|
Sector Subject Area (SSA) |
15.3 Business Management |
|
Unit Grading Type |
Pass / Fail |
Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with a detailed understanding of the marketing planning process and to apply these principles to a variety of business contexts. The unit also provides a comprehensive understanding of environmental analysis and how this can lead to the development of appropriate objectives and strategies to enhance operational marketing performance.
Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: | Indicative Content |
| 1. Understand the context and concept of marketing. | 1.1 Explain what is meant by the term ‘marketing.’ 1.2 Explain different marketing eras. 1.3 Compare ways in which a business can determine its marketplace. 1.4 Discuss the concept of buyer behaviour in consumer and business markets. |
● Marketing eras o Simple trade era o Production era o Sales era o Marketing era ● 4 P’s of marketing: price, product, promotion, and place |
| 2. Understand the functions of marketing. | 2.1 Explain key operational functions of marketing. 2.2 Explain key strategic functions of marketing. 2.3 Discuss the relationship between business strategy and marketing. |
● ● ● Advertising Public relations Market research ● Campaign planning ● Customer service ● Customer acquisition ● Customer retention ● Establishing distribution channels ● Product development |
| 3. Understand how internal and external factors impact the marketing function. | 3.1 Compare the internal factors which affect marketing. 3.2 Compare the external factors which affect marketing. |
● Internal factors: o Current business strategy |
| 4. Understand how a business uses its marketing function. | 4.1 Discuss techniques to measure the effectiveness of a business’s marketing function. 4.2 Suggest ways in which a business could improve the effectiveness of its marketing function. |
● ● ● Conversion rates Website Traffic Customer life-cycle ● Average customer value ● Customer acquisition costs ● Customer retention costs ● Level of customer loyalty |
BUSINESS LAW FOR MANAGERS
|
Unit Reference Number |
K/650/1153 |
|
Unit Title |
Business Law for Managers |
|
Unit Level |
5 |
|
Number of Credits |
20 |
|
Total Qualification Time (TQT) |
200 hours |
|
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) |
100 hours |
|
Mandatory / Optional |
Mandatory |
|
Sector Subject Area (SSA) |
15.3 Business Management |
|
Unit Grading Type |
Pass / Fail |
Unit Aims
All businesses and those employed by it must operate within the laws, legislation and regulations of the countries in which it conducts its activities.
Some law only applies to specific types of business and their legal structure whereas other laws apply to any business irrespective of their operations and location. The aim of this unit is, therefore, to support a learner’s exploration of laws, legislation and regulations which apply in their home country and to different types of business.
Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: | Indicative Content |
| 1. Understand generic business law. | 1.1 Explain why it is important to have business related laws. 1.2 Explain the principles of business law. 1.3 Differentiate between civil and criminal law. |
● Protect rights o Common law
|
| 2. Understand legal and justice systems within a business context. | 2.1 Explain what is meant by the term ‘legal system.’ 2.2 Describe a legal system. 2.3 Explain what is meant by the term ‘justice system.’ 2.4 Describe a justice system. |
● System for interpreting and enforcing the laws: o Legislation o Directives o Case law o Treaties ● Court structures ● Role of government ● Role of government agencies ● Law enforcement ● Courts ● Correction |
| 3. Understand key business related laws. | 3.1 Describe key features of consumer law. 3.2 Describe key features of contract law. 3.3 Describe key features of law of tort. 3.4 Describe key features of international laws. |
● ● International economic, security and criminal law |
| 4. Understand how laws impact on businesses. | 4.1 Explain how businesses are legally formed. 4.2 Describe the impact of key legislation on a business. 4.3 Explain why contractual obligations are important to a business. 4.4 Explain how a business could resolve different legal disputes. |
● ● ● ● Self-employed/individual registration Incorporation Data protection Health and safety ● Consumer laws ● Employment laws ● Duty to fulfil a contract ● Protect both parties ● Legally binding ● Mediation ● Arbitration ● Litigation |
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING AND DECISION MAKING
|
Unit Reference Number |
L/650/1154 |
|
Unit Title |
Management Accounting and Decision Making |
|
Unit Level |
5 |
|
Number of Credits |
20 |
|
Total Qualification Time (TQT) |
200 hours |
|
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) |
100 hours |
|
Mandatory / Optional |
Mandatory |
|
Sector Subject Area (SSA) |
15.3 Business Management |
|
Unit Grading Type |
Pass / Fail |
Unit Aims
Management accounting provides business managers with financial information required to achieve business objectives. This requires effective decision making based on the timeliness and accuracy of financial information. The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an awareness of the scope and purpose of management accounting, so they are able to support effective decision making within a business.
Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: | Indicative Content |
| 1. Understand management accounting and decision making. |
1.1 Explain what is meant by the term 1.2 Explain what is meant by the term ‘decision making.’ 1.3 Differentiate between management accounting and financial accounting. |
● Management accounting: o Cost management o External reporting o Investment appraisal o Budgetary control ● Recording transactions |
| 2. Understand technical procedures used in management accounting. |
2.1 Describe different management accounting concepts. 2.2 Describe different tools and techniques used in management accounting. |
● Concepts: o Financial planning o Decision making and control o Business activity evaluation o Financial risk management ● Tools/Techniques o Cost accounting o Financial statement analysis o Cashflow analysis o Budgetary control o Investment analysis |
| 3. Be able to use management accounting to solve problems and inform decision-making. |
3.1 Apply management accounting techniques to solve business problems. 3.2 Apply management accounting techniques to inform business decision making. |
● Application of tools and techniques: o Cost accounting o Financial statement analysis o Cashflow analysis o Budgetary control o Investment analysis |
BUSINESS START-UP: CONCEPTION TO MARKET
| Unit Reference Number | M/650/1155 |
| Unit Title | Business Start-up: Conception to Market |
| Unit Level | 5 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 200 hours |
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 100 hours |
| Mandatory / Optional | Mandatory |
| Sector Subject Area (SSA) | 15.3 Business Management |
| Unit Grading Type | Pass / Fail |
Unit Aims
Many people dream of setting up their own business but are not aware of what is required, what support is available and what personal qualities are required. The aim of this unit, therefore, is to consolidate previous learning where learners employ the knowledge and skills of disciplines such as marketing and management to produce a viable business plan.
Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: | Indicative Content |
| 1. Understand the fundamental requirements for starting a new business. |
1.1 Describe the range of resources required to start a business. 1.2 Describe the personal skills and qualities required to start a business. 1.3 Describe the legal requirements when starting a business. |
Legal requirements: formalised business structure, operating licence, business insurance, register for taxation |
| 2. Understand sources of support available to new businesses. |
2.1 Compare sources of financial support. 2.2 Describe support provided by governments. 2.3 Describe support provided by nongovernment organisations. |
Friends and family Interest bearing loans
|
| 3. Be able to create a business plan for a new business to gain stakeholder support. |
3.1 Produce a business plan for a start-up business. 3.2 Demonstrate effective communication when seeking stakeholder support for a new business. |
● Business Plan:
|
