Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) Courses
Business Studies/IT Focus/Finance Focus/Reception Focus
(BBSXX Level 5)

This one year full time course is designed to meet the needs of those seeking positions in general office administration in the public and private sectors. Business Computer Applications is a major component of this programme.

The remaining credit can be obtained using one or more components from Levels 4, 5 or 6.

Note: Learners may submit a maximum of two components from Level 4 and a maximum of one component from Level 6.
Components from Level 4 will have a value of 0.5 while those from Level 6 will have a value of 1 unless otherwise specified.

Business Management Level 6
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• appreciate the role and importance of the management function
• understand how organisations need to adapt to a dynamic and changing environment
• develop their knowledge and understanding of the management process
• develop effective management skills
• appreciate the importance of effective communication within organisations.

Word Processing Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• acquire a thorough working knowledge of a word processing package
• be familiar with an operating system
• develop the skills of personal initiative and resourcefulness
• develop good work practices in relation to the use of the computer, printer and materials
• acquire the skills necessary to produce attractive documents to mailable standard

Behavioural Studies Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• identify the factors which influence perception
• understand how consumers learn about company products and services
• explain the motivation for different purchasing decisions
• investigate the extent to which personality influences purchasing decision making
• understand the formation of attitude and change in consumer decision making
• analyse the impact of social groups and social class on behaviour
• appreciate the influence of cultural differences (nationally and internationally) on business practices
• understand the interaction of individuals and groups within organisations
• analyse the motivating factors within an organisation

Communications Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• develop an awareness of the essential role played by communication in human interaction
• acquire communication skills relevant to vocational and personal development
• understand the communicative principles and practices involved in gathering and relaying information
• acquire the skills and confidence to convey and interpret meaning, in writing, orally and visually
• develop a critical awareness of communications messages and media
• explore the use of modern communication and information technology, and its application in personal and vocational life

Customer Service Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• understand the role of customer service in organisational effectiveness
• understand the role and responsibilities of a representative of an organisation and work effectively as part of a team
• acquire a range of verbal and non- verbal skills in order to meet customer needs, handle customer complaints and deliver good customer care
• become familiar with consumer protection legislation
• appreciate the rights of all customers regardless of gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or culture

Desktop Publishing Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• appreciate the impact of the print medium in our lives
• develop creativity and visual awareness
• analyse critically the layout of printed publications from the points of view of design, style and harmony
• develop a knowledge of the complete desktop publishing process incorporating briefing, concept, design and production
• acquire basic technological skills and key crafts to process text and graphic images on an electronic page and reproduce them as a printed page
• recognise appropriate hardware/software configurations, and the potential and limitations of the desktop publishing technology to which the learner has access
• develop an awareness of security, legal and cost considerations

eBusiness Studies Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• appreciate the role played by technology in business today
• appreciate the opportunities presented by eBusiness
• understand the potential social, legal and economic impact of eBusiness
• recognise the importance of network security to eBusiness activity

Marketing Practice Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• be familiar with the principles and practices of marketing
• be able to work effectively as a marketing assistant
• understand the functions of a marketing department
• understand the role of marketing in everyday life

Spreadsheet Methods Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• understand spreadsheets and their range of application
• design spreadsheets for a range of tasks
• create spreadsheets from design specification(s)
• utilise a wide range of functions, including macros and other functions
• create a spreadsheet, according to a given brief, under time constraints
• demonstrate personal initiative and resourcefulness in responding to spreadsheet assignments

Statistics Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• acquire an understanding of the characteristics of data
• gain an introduction to methods of data collection
• compile statistical information
• select and use appropriate means of presenting data
• analyse and interpret statistical information