Understanding Business Improvement Techniques: Level 2 Certificate
For learners looking to increase their knowledge and understanding of business improvement techniques.
Course summary
- Qualification
- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Business Improvement Techniques
- Level
- Level 2
- Awarding body
- NCFE
- Qualification number (QAN)
- 603/4306/0
- Guided learning
- 110 hours
- Total time
- 155 hours, including study and assessment
- Cost
- Free if you are eligible
Who it's for and what you'll learn
This Understanding Business Improvement Techniques NCFE Level 2 qualification is designed to provide learners with knowledge and understanding of business improvement techniques, which can be applied across many different sectors and job roles. It is suitable for learners who wish to learn about lean business improvement techniques, learners with responsibility for improving business performance, and learners who are looking for a career change or wish to learn new skills.
This qualification aims to:
- focus on the study of business improvement techniques
- offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge
The objectives of this qualification are to provide the knowledge and understanding in a range of areas, including:
- safe and effective team working
- the principles and techniques that support workplace organisation
- an understanding of continuous improvement techniques (Kaizen) and their application in the workplace
- visual management systems
- problem solving
- flow process analysis
What the course covers
To be awarded the Understanding Business Improvement Techniques level 2 qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 6 mandatory units:
Unit 1 - Safe and effective team working
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of how to work safely and effectively as part of a team. Learners will understand regulations, safe working practices and procedures that apply to a work area, and be able to identify hazards and risks and how they can be reduced. Learners will also understand effective team working, the importance of building effective teams and working relationships, the types of problems that can occur and how to deal with them.
The learner will:
- Understand how to work safely
- Understand effective team working
Unit 2 - Workplace organisation
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with knowledge of workplace organisation. Learners will understand the principles and techniques that support workplace organisation and the benefits of having an organised work environment.
The learner will:
- Understand workplace organisation
Unit 3 - Continuous improvement (Kaizen)
This unit aims to provide learners with an understanding of continuous improvement techniques (Kaizen) and their application in the workplace. It also covers the benefits of standard working methods and standardised work documents.
The learner will:
- Understand continuous improvement techniques (Kaizen)
Unit 4 - Visual management systems
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of visual management systems and how they can be used to improve the work environment.
The learner will:
- Understand visual management systems
Unit 5 - Problem solving
The aim of this unit is for learners to understand how to identify and solve problems using formalised problem solving processes. Learners will understand how to identify and verify the root cause of a problem to prevent recurrence.
The learner will:
- Understand how to identify and solve problems
Unit 6 - Flow process analysis
This unit aims to give learners an understanding of flow process analysis. Learners will understand how to map out a process using recognised symbols within a process map and how to identify value added and non-value added activity to suggest improvements for a given work area.
The learner will:
- Understand flow process analysis
How these courses usually work
Every provider does things a little differently, so check the details with them before you apply.
Where and how you study
Most of these courses are studied online, from home. You'll usually need internet access and a laptop or desktop computer. A phone or tablet may not be enough. Some providers can send paper workbooks if you ask.
How long it takes
- This qualification is designed to take about 155 hours in total, including study and assessment.
- Many learners finish in around 6 weeks by studying 4 to 5 hours a week. You can go faster if you have more time.
- Providers usually set a deadline, often 10 to 12 weeks after you start.
Support
Providers usually give you a tutor who marks your work and answers your questions by email, phone or message.
Assessment
There are usually no exams. Instead, you answer assessment questions as you work through the course and send them to your tutor to mark. If an answer needs more work, you can usually change it and send it again.
Your certificate
When you pass, your certificate comes from the awarding body, NCFE. It often takes 8 to 12 weeks to arrive after your final assessment.
Things to check before you start
- Many providers only let you study one funded course at a time.
- If you leave the course early, or don't finish by the deadline, some providers charge an admin or withdrawal fee, often around £125. Ask about this before you sign up.
Can I do this course for free?
ASF local flexibility: 19+, England resident, unemployed or earning under £26,800 (devolved areas vary).
Check if you're eligible for this course using the "Am I eligible?" form below. It also shows which providers offer it. The provider makes the final decision.
You can also read who can get a free course.
Where can I study this?
We've found 6 providers offering this course for free to eligible learners.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re likely to get this course for free. We’ll then show you which providers offer it.
What could I do next?
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Sources
- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Business Improvement Techniques - List of Qualifications approved for fundingqualifications.education.gov.uk
- NCFE qualification factsheet (603/4306/0)ncfe.org.uk (PDF)
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