Overview

The module is aimed at students who wish to develop their understanding and knowledge of strategic management in the consumer and/or small business markets in financial services. The module is appropriate for a wide range of financial services organisations, including banks, building societies, insurance companies, financial intermediaries and retailers offering financial services.

The module focuses on the exploration of concepts, tools and techniques of use in the development and implementation of strategies that will lead to the achievement of growth in key business areas: in income, profitability, market share and shareholder value. Students will also examine a number of aspects that are integral to the attainment of these business goals, including customer retention and new business acquisition; building and sustaining high levels of customer satisfaction; creating differentiation; and exploiting sources of competitive advantage. While the regulatory environment is not expressly referenced in all sections, given its impact and influence on business strategy, it is an important consideration across all areas of the syllabus.

The module will enable students to build on previous studies and prepare them for strategic roles in financial services, in both the consumer and small business market segments.

Covers:

• achieving and sustaining growth
• organisational change
• satisfying the needs of stakeholders
• customer analysis
• delivering excellence in customer service
• branding
• building market share
• out-innovating the competition
• cost management, investment and payback

Course details

Cost

The cost of each module depends on the study method you select: 

Distance learning
£760.00

Flexible learning
£920.00

Approved Provider costs are arranged on an individual basis.  Please contact Admissions, Academic Management and Student Services Office on +44 (0) 1227 829499 to discuss.

Next course start date

1 November 2012 (registration deadline 30 September 2012)

Course duration

24 weeks (300 study hours)

Credits

This option module is worth 30 credits

Studying for this module

The course of study lasts 24 weeks and the overall study time for the module is 300 hours (approximately 12 hours per week), including assessment preparation time. You will be guided through your studies by the learning materials and supported by your Associate Lecturer.

Learning support

There are a number of study methods available, allowing you to select the approach that is best suited to your support needs. Choose from:

• Distance learning: a more flexible approach to studying, which allows you to fit your learning around your job and other commitments. You will be supported by a Associate Lecturer who can provide guidance on how to study and answer any questions you have about the course content.
• Approved provider (non-UK): the ifs School of Finance has an international network of approved academic centres that provide tuition and support to students. As a student at an approved centre you will have regular tutorials led by an ifs-approved tutor. You will benefit from access to the learning resources of the academic centre, as well as meeting regularly with your student colleagues.
• Flexible learning: allows you to fit your studies around your life but still benefit from face-to-face contact with your Associate Lecturer. A series of 1-day workshops, run by specialist tutors, are scheduled at regular intervals throughout the course of study. Workshops cover specific module topics and are an opportunity to ask questions and meet other students.

Learning resources

For each module you will receive a core text, written by industry experts and updated regularly to reflect the fast-changing nature of the financial services industry. ifs learning materials are developed specifically around each module syllabus and learning outcomes.

Through the ifs secure website you will have access to the following additional resources:

• a study guide that provides a week-by-week route through the syllabus, linking the textbook, additional readings, assignments and exam preparation, as well as suggesting further opportunities for research 
• student induction materials that provide guidance on study skills and tips on preparing for assessment
• our e-library, ifs KnowledgeBank, which contains a wide range of current research and management data to help you with your studies. It gives you the opportunity to access a wealth of study material, which includes textbooks, financial glossaries and articles from leading journals. ifs KnowledgeBank is an important tool in enabling you to expand your knowledge and read around particular subject areas 
• module discussion forums – you can use these to post questions to a web tutor, raise a query with the ifs or chat to other students
• electronic copies of learning materials, giving you greater flexibility to choose when and where you study
• specimen assessment material

Assessment

Comprises 2 assessment components: a 3-hour written exam and a summative assignment.

Further details

View the Retail Business Strategy summary syllabus.

View the full-length Retail Business Strategy module specification, which inlcudes the syllabus for the BSc (Hons) in Banking Practice and Management.

View the Retail Business Strategy module specification, which includes the syllabus for the BSc (Hons) in Financial Markets and Management.

If you are already registered for this module you should refer to your course website to view the module specification that relates to your session of study. You will need to log on to my ifslearning to access the course website for your module.

Click to view the coursework and examination sample assessments.

View other FHEQ Level 6 modules.