ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Startups

The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Startups is designed to provide learners with advanced entrepreneurial knowledge, practical business skills, and innovative strategies required to succeed in the global startup ecosystem. These learning outcomes ensure graduates are equipped to create, manage, and scale successful ventures while applying international best practices in business development and leadership.

Year 1 – Foundation in Entrepreneurship & Startups

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

• Understand the principles and concepts of entrepreneurship in modern business.
• Explore the characteristics, skills, and mindset of successful entrepreneurs.
• Identify opportunities and challenges in creating new ventures.
• Apply entrepreneurial thinking to small business development.

Business Environment and Market Analysis

• Analyze the impact of economic, political, and social factors on startups.
• Conduct market research to identify customer needs and opportunities.
• Evaluate competitive forces influencing business decisions.
• Apply strategic tools for market entry and growth.

Principles of Management and Leadership

• Explore key management functions within entrepreneurial ventures.
• Demonstrate leadership styles suitable for startups.
• Apply decision-making frameworks to solve business challenges.
• Evaluate the importance of vision and mission in new businesses.

Fundamentals of Finance for Startups

• Understand financial statements and their role in decision-making.
• Apply budgeting and forecasting techniques for small enterprises.
• Explore financing options available for startups.
• Manage cash flow effectively for business sustainability.

Marketing and Brand Development

• Develop branding strategies for new businesses.
• Apply marketing mix concepts in startup contexts.
• Use digital marketing tools to enhance visibility and reach.
• Create customer-focused marketing campaigns.

Business Communication and Negotiation Skills

• Apply professional communication skills in business settings.
• Demonstrate effective negotiation strategies for entrepreneurial success.
• Understand cross-cultural communication challenges.
• Build networks to support business growth.

Organisational Behaviour and Culture

• Explore the role of organizational culture in startups.
• Analyze human behavior and motivation in small teams.
• Develop strategies for team cohesion and performance.
• Apply ethical considerations in building organizational culture.

Introduction to Business Law and Ethics

• Understand legal structures available for startups.
• Explore basic principles of contract, intellectual property, and liability law.
• Apply ethical principles to entrepreneurial decision-making.
• Recognize compliance requirements in business operations.

Digital Tools and Technology in Business

• Explore digital solutions to improve efficiency in startups.
• Apply cloud-based tools for business operations.
• Understand the role of e-commerce and digital platforms.
• Use technology for customer engagement and brand visibility.

Creative Thinking and Innovation

• Apply creative problem-solving techniques in entrepreneurship.
• Explore innovation models for product and service design.
• Encourage an entrepreneurial mindset in teams.
• Generate innovative ideas for market opportunities.

Research Methods for Business

• Understand the fundamentals of business research.
• Design research frameworks for business decision-making.
• Apply quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection.
• Interpret and present research findings effectively.

Professional Ethics and Corporate Responsibility

• Explore the importance of ethics in entrepreneurship.
• Apply corporate responsibility principles in startup practices.
• Develop policies to ensure transparency and fairness.
• Recognize the role of sustainability in ethical businesses.

Year 2 – Intermediate Entrepreneurship & Startups

Strategic Business Planning

• Develop effective business plans for startups.
• Analyze long-term goals and align them with strategies.
• Apply tools such as SWOT and PESTLE analysis in planning.
• Evaluate risk factors in business development.

Financial Management and Investment Analysis

• Explore financial decision-making in entrepreneurial contexts.
• Analyze investment opportunities for new ventures.
• Apply tools for financial risk assessment.
• Evaluate capital structure options for startups.

Operations and Supply Chain Management

• Understand the role of operations in business success.
• Apply logistics and supply chain strategies in startups.
• Explore cost-reduction techniques for small enterprises.
• Analyze efficiency improvements through technology.

Human Resource Management in Startups

• Explore HR practices tailored to small businesses.
• Apply recruitment and selection methods for startups.
• Evaluate performance management in entrepreneurial settings.
• Develop strategies for employee retention and motivation.

Advanced Marketing and Sales Strategies

• Apply customer relationship management strategies.
• Explore advanced digital marketing and analytics.
• Develop targeted sales plans for business growth.
• Use innovative marketing strategies to create brand value.

Risk Management and Legal Compliance

• Identify potential risks facing startups.
• Apply frameworks for managing financial, operational, and strategic risks.
• Understand key legal compliance requirements.
• Develop policies to mitigate business risks.

Leadership and Team Development

• Apply leadership theories in startup environments.
• Explore strategies for building high-performing teams.
• Enhance interpersonal and motivational skills.
• Evaluate leadership effectiveness in entrepreneurial contexts.

Product Development and Innovation Management

• Explore processes for developing innovative products.
• Apply design thinking in product innovation.
• Manage product lifecycle for startups.
• Align product innovation with customer needs.

Business Analytics and Decision-Making

• Apply data-driven decision-making frameworks.
• Explore analytics tools to evaluate market opportunities.
• Understand predictive analysis for startups.
• Use performance metrics to improve operations.

Entrepreneurship in International Markets

• Explore opportunities and challenges of international expansion.
• Apply global trade concepts in entrepreneurial ventures.
• Understand cross-border regulations and compliance.
• Develop strategies for global market entry.

Project Management for Startups

• Apply project management principles in business ventures.
• Plan and execute startup-related projects.
• Manage resources and timelines effectively.
• Evaluate project performance and success factors.

Professional Development and Reflective Practice

• Explore continuous professional development practices.
• Apply self-reflection techniques to improve leadership.
• Develop lifelong learning strategies.
• Align career growth with entrepreneurial goals.

Year 3 – Advanced Entrepreneurship & Startups

Venture Creation and Business Model Design

• Explore frameworks for creating innovative business models.
• Apply lean startup methodology in venture creation.
• Test and validate business model assumptions.
• Adapt models for scalability and profitability.

Fundraising and Venture Capital Strategies

• Explore sources of funding for startups.
• Understand the role of angel investors and venture capital.
• Apply techniques for pitching and securing investments.
• Develop strategies for long-term financial sustainability.

Strategic Growth and Scaling Techniques

• Understand growth strategies for startups.
• Apply scaling models to expand operations.
• Explore mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships.
• Evaluate risks and challenges in scaling businesses.

Innovation and Technology Management

• Explore the role of technology in driving innovation.
• Apply innovation management frameworks.
• Use emerging technologies to enhance competitiveness.
• Develop strategies to foster continuous innovation.

Global Entrepreneurship and Trade

• Explore trends in global entrepreneurship ecosystems.
• Understand international trade regulations.
• Apply strategies for global supply chain integration.
• Evaluate challenges of operating in multiple markets.

Advanced Leadership and Organisational Change

• Apply change management theories in startups.
• Explore leadership skills for transformational change.
• Develop strategies for managing organizational resistance.
• Enhance adaptability in fast-changing business environments.

Corporate Governance and Compliance in Startups

• Understand governance structures in entrepreneurial ventures.
• Apply compliance frameworks for transparency and accountability.
• Develop policies to meet stakeholder expectations.
• Evaluate corporate governance in sustainable startups.

Strategic Marketing and Customer Experience

• Apply advanced strategies for customer experience design.
• Explore data-driven marketing strategies.
• Develop personalized marketing approaches.
• Enhance customer loyalty and brand equity.

Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship

• Explore principles of sustainable entrepreneurship.
• Apply strategies for social impact ventures.
• Evaluate environmental and social responsibilities.
• Align entrepreneurship with global sustainability goals.

Advanced Financial Planning and Control

• Apply advanced budgeting and forecasting techniques.
• Evaluate investment strategies for long-term growth.
• Understand cost control methods in scaling startups.
• Manage financial risks in entrepreneurial ventures.

Research and Evidence-Based Business Practice

• Apply research skills to entrepreneurial contexts.
• Explore evidence-based practices for startups.
• Collect and analyze business data to support decisions.
• Present research findings for business improvements.

Capstone Project in Entrepreneurship & Startups

• Develop a comprehensive entrepreneurial project.
• Apply multidisciplinary knowledge to real-world startup challenges.
• Demonstrate leadership and innovation in project execution.
• Present findings and solutions to professional standards.