Qualification Structure

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Innovation is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with 120 credits.

Assessment for the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Innovation is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with Qualifi assessment and quality assurance requirements to ensure that learners demonstrate the required knowledge, understanding and application of strategic management and innovation principles.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete any eight mandatory units.

Core Study Units

Learners must complete 8 units to achieve a minimum of 120 credits total.

1. Finance for Managers

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to analyse financial information and data.
• Be able to assess budgets and their ability to support organisational objectives.
• Be able to evaluate financial proposals for expenditure provided by others.

2. Strategic Direction

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to review and determine the organisation’s strategic aims and objectives.
• Be able to evaluate progress towards achieving organisational strategic aims and objectives.
• Be able to determine and evaluate strategic options to support a new strategic position.

3. Strategic Marketing

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to understand the relationship between the marketing plan and strategic objectives.
• Be able to produce a strategic marketing plan.
• Be able to promote the marketing plan in support of strategic objectives.

4. Innovation, Change and Enterprise

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to evaluate approaches to innovation.
• Be able to evaluate models of change and risk management.
• Be able to understand entrepreneurship in business.

5. Operations and Global Supply Chain Management

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to understand the nature of supply chains.
• Be able to appraise product and process design and their connections with operations and global supply chains, competitive performance indicators and business economics.
• Be able to deliver organisational supply chain management goals through planning and control of supply and demand.
• Be able to evaluate the effectiveness of techniques for operations and supply chain improvement.

6. Manage Team Performance to Support Strategy

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to set performance targets for teams to meet strategic objectives.
• Be able to agree team performance targets to contribute to meeting strategic objectives.
• Be able to monitor actions and activities defined to improve team performance.
• Be able to apply influencing skills to respond to the dynamics and politics of personal interactions

7. Information Management and Strategic Decision Taking

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to understand the importance of management information on strategic decisions.
• Be able to understand the importance of information sharing within an organisation.
• Be able to use information to support strategic decision making.
• Be able to monitor and review management information.

8. Leading a Strategic Management Project

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to identify and justify a strategic investigative project.
• Be able to conduct research using different data sources and synthesise data and options.
• Be able to draw conclusions and make recommendations that achieve the project aim.
• Be able to develop and review the results of the investigative project.

9. Human Resource Planning

Learning outcomes:

• Understand how the HR plan supports strategic objectives.
• Understand the legal and organisational frameworks for the employment of staff.
• Understand the effect of the organisational environment on employees.

10. Marketing Strategy for a Social Enterprise

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to analyse the critical success factors for an SMSE.
• Be able to design a marketing strategy for an SMSE.
• Critically appraise the role of marketing in the not-for-profit sector and design relevant strategies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of marketing in a public sector organisation.

11. Global Marketing

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to apply appropriate tools and techniques to identify and select new products or service ideas.
• Evaluate the importance of innovation protection for new products and services.
• Be able to develop appropriate marketing strategies for particular international markets.
• Be able to design internationalisation strategies for selected large organisations in global markets.

12. Strategic Management

Learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the nature, scope and context of strategic management.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the internal and external factors affecting an organisation.
• Be able to review existing business plans and strategies of an organisation.
• Be able to design internationalisation strategies for selected large organisations in global markets.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Innovation is designed for professionals and aspiring senior managers who want to develop advanced knowledge of strategic management, leadership, innovation and organisational decision-making. As a Level 7 RQF qualification, it is suited to learners seeking postgraduate-level professional development in strategic business management.

This qualification is particularly suitable for:

• Senior managers and business leaders who need to strengthen strategic planning, organisational leadership and decision-making capabilities.
• Strategic management professionals responsible for developing, implementing or reviewing organisational strategies in changing business environments.
• Entrepreneurs and business owners seeking structured knowledge of innovation, enterprise, strategic direction, finance, marketing and business growth.
• Management professionals progressing towards senior roles who want to broaden their understanding of strategic leadership, team performance, operations and organisational strategy.
• Marketing and business development professionals seeking advanced knowledge of strategic marketing, global marketing and market-oriented decision-making.
• Operations and supply chain professionals who want to develop strategic understanding of global supply chains, operational performance, planning and improvement.
• Human resource and people management professionals interested in strategic workforce planning and aligning people management with organisational objectives.
• Professionals involved in innovation and organisational change who need to evaluate innovation approaches, manage change and understand enterprise within contemporary organisations.
• Consultants and management advisers who require a structured framework for analysing organisational challenges and developing strategic recommendations.
• International professionals and aspiring managers seeking a UK-regulated Level 7 qualification that develops transferable strategic management and innovation knowledge for diverse organisational and international business contexts.

The qualification is also appropriate for learners intending to progress to further postgraduate study, subject to the admission and progression requirements of the receiving institution. It provides a broad academic and professional foundation across strategic management, innovation, finance, marketing, operations, information management, team performance and strategic projects.

Career Opportunities

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Innovation provides learners with advanced knowledge of strategic management, leadership, innovation and organisational decision-making. The qualification develops capabilities in strategic direction, finance, marketing, operations, global supply chain management, team performance, information management and strategic project leadership. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally seeking to strengthen their strategic management expertise, progress to higher-level study, or develop knowledge relevant to senior management and business leadership pathways.

Future Progression

The Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Innovation gives learners the opportunity to build advanced knowledge in strategic management, business leadership, innovation and organisational decision-making. It brings together important areas such as strategic direction, finance, marketing, innovation and change, operations, global supply chains, team performance, information management and strategic project work.

For further study, the qualification can provide a foundation for progression to postgraduate programmes in areas such as strategic management, business administration, leadership, innovation, international business, marketing and related subjects. Progression will depend on the entry requirements and recognition policies of the university or institution concerned.

From a professional perspective, the knowledge gained can be relevant to roles such as Strategic Manager, Business Development Manager, Strategy Consultant, Business Consultant, Innovation Manager, Operations Manager, Marketing Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Strategic Project Manager, Business Analyst and Corporate Planning Manager. The actual role available will depend on previous experience, existing qualifications and employer requirements.

The qualification helps learners develop a practical understanding of how organisations set strategic priorities, assess business information, respond to change, manage resources, explore innovation and make informed decisions. These skills can be valuable across a range of business and management environments in the UK and internationally.