Level 2 Award in Strategic Management

1. Introduction to Strategic Management Defines strategy, its importance, and the role of managers in strategic planning.

2. Vision, Mission, and Organizational Goals Explains how to set clear objectives and align them with organizational purpose.

3. Environmental Scanning and Analysis Introduces tools such as SWOT and PESTLE for analyzing internal and external environments.

4. Competitive Advantage and Positioning Reviews basic concepts of competitive strategy and market positioning.

5. Resource Allocation and Strategic Choices Covers how organizations allocate resources to achieve strategic objectives.

6. Strategy Implementation Basics Explains the processes of putting strategies into action, including communication and coordination.

7. Monitoring and Evaluating Strategy Introduces performance measurement and feedback mechanisms for strategy review.

8. Leadership and Decision‑Making in Strategy Highlights the role of leadership and decision‑making in shaping strategic outcomes.

9. Ethics and Corporate Responsibility in Strategy Reviews the importance of ethical considerations and sustainability in strategic management.

10. Practical Case Study in Strategic Management Applies knowledge to a real‑world scenario, reinforcing problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.

• Builds foundational knowledge of strategic management principles

• Enhances ability to analyze environments and set organizational goals

• Strengthens decision‑making and leadership skills

• Provides practical tools for implementing and evaluating strategies

• Offers recognized certification to support career progression in management

• Entry‑level managers and supervisors

• Business students seeking foundational strategy knowledge

• Professionals preparing for higher‑level management qualifications

• Entrepreneurs and small business owners

• Junior staff aspiring to management roles

• Assessment Type: Written exam + case study

• Format: MCQs, short answers, and applied case study analysis

• Total Questions: 50 theory + 1 case study

• Passing Score: 70%

• Duration: 90 minutes (written) + 1 week (case study submission)

• Certification: Level 2 Award in Strategic Management Certificate

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Upon successful completion of the Level 2 Award in Strategic Management, learners may progress to:

• Level 3 Certificate in Strategic Management
• Level 3 Certificate in Business Management
• Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management
• Level 3 Certificate in Business Administration
• Level 4 Diploma in Strategic Management
• Level 4 Diploma in Business Management
• Higher qualifications in Strategic Management, Leadership, Business Administration, Operations Management, Project Management, or Organisational Development.

The Level 2 Award in Strategic Management also supports progression into employment or career advancement in roles such as:

• Administrative Assistant
• Junior Management Assistant
• Team Coordinator
• Office Assistant
• Business Support Assistant
• Operations Assistant
• Project Support Assistant
• Customer Service Team Member
• Junior Supervisor
• Trainee Manager

Note: While the HiQual Level 2 Award in Strategic Management introduces the fundamentals of strategic thinking and organisational planning, strategic management is typically practised at supervisory and management levels. This qualification is therefore designed as a foundation for further study and career development rather than preparation for senior strategic management positions.