Office Managers are involved in, and responsible for a wide range of activities. Their responsibilities include determining policy, setting targets and budgets, employing and controlling staff and ensuring that the highest level of service is provided to customers and other departments within the organisation.

This programme provides the essential management knowledge required by those who will ultimately assume positions as Office Managers.

Course Structure

Subjects

1. Introduction to Business Law (Business Law)
2. Theory and Practice of Human Resource Management (Human Resources Management)
3. Management Theory & Practice
4. Purchasing Management
5. Sales & Sales Management

Programme Objectives
This programme is designed for those who will ultimately seek positions as Office Managers and provides students with the knowledge necessary for the effective management and administration of staff and resources.

The programme is particularly suitable for experienced and mature office staff who seek a recognised Office Management qualification for career advancement purposes.

Recommended Course Duration
It is recommended that these courses are delivered over a suitable period of time to give learners the best opportunity for success. A standard delivery structure would involve six units per academic year, although 5-8 units per year are acceptable depending on the weekly timetable used.

Examination Grades

Status of Qualification
Professional Vocational Diploma. A Higher Technician/post A-level qualification.

Examinations
Externally set and marked by the Institute. Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year. Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they undertake the examinations.

Examination Closing Dates
Candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed Examination Entry forms and fees reach the Institute at least eight weeks before the date of the examinations. Examination timetables indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting.

Examination Results
These are normally distributed twelve weeks after each examination date.

Subject Exemptions
Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other professional bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis.

Entry Requirements
The minimum age for registration for this programme is 17. The Institute operates an ‘Open Entry’ policy in respect of many of its vocational programmes but prospective students should note that the following entry qualifications are recommended for those wishing to undertake this programme:

1. The ICM Certificate in Office Practice
2. The ICM Business Studies Group Certificate
3. Any qualification equivalent to one of the above.

Certification
On successful completion of the examinations students are awarded the ICM Diploma in Office Management and may apply for Associate Membership of the Institute.

Continuing Education
The Diploma in Office Management is accepted as an entry qualification for those wishing to undertake the ICM Diploma in Business Studies.

Study Methods
Your Teaching Centre has been provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject area. Each subject syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each subject. It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each subject syllabus from your Teaching Centre.

Each subject syllabus is normally linked to one main textbook and the examiners base their questions on the contents of the nominated text.

The subject syllabuses also give details of ‘Alternative Texts’ and texts recommended for further reading. Where possible you should read one or more of the ‘Alternative Texts’ in order to broaden your knowledge of the subject area.