Postgraduate Diploma in Business Enterprise

This programme is designed to meet the needs of graduates who wish to start their own business as well as those who want to learn about entrepreneurship, innovation and business enterprise management. Students in the programme will not only be focused on creating new business ventures, but will also have a willingness and commitment to learn about new enterprise creation and development from theoretical and research based perspectives.

Students are required to study and successfully complete the following taught papers:

• GBE.801 - Business Enterprise Management (Level 8, 10 credits)
• GBE.802 - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Level 8, 10 credits)
• GBE.803 - Enterprise Information Communications Technology (Level 8, 10 credits)
• GBE.804 - Marketing for Business Enterprise Operations (Level 8, 10 credits)
• GBE.805 - Human Resource Management in Innovation (Level 8, 10 credits)
• GBE.806 - Financing Enterprise (Level 8, 10 credits)
• GBE.RM – Research Methodology (Level 7, 6 credits)

The taught papers are intended firstly, to provide students with the advanced business knowledge and skills required to establish, manage or work within innovative and entrepreneurial enterprises; and secondly, to equip them with the broad-based knowledge and techniques which are applied to designing and managing a specific research dissertation.

The Research Dissertation

Before students commence the research dissertation they must have completed papers GBE801-806, the research methodology paper (GBE:RM), and had a research proposal approved. 

The research dissertation allows students to select a topic of choice centred on an innovative, knowledge based business venture, for which they formulate an initial research proposal and feasibility study (including marketing and financial plans), with a view to developing a full research based business or strategic plan which forms the major part of the dissertation proper.  The topic of choice must have a sound academic base from which the business or strategic plan is developed.

The dissertation itself is carried out by each student working independently and without direct supervision, except for regular meetings with the designated dissertation supervisor who will ensure that progress with the research and presentation continues satisfactorily. 

All applicants are required to submit a concept and initial business plan and will be required to be interviewed face to face or over the phone.

PAPER OUTLINES:

Course One

GBE.801 Business Enterprise Management

This paper aims to build on the principles, theory and practice of innovation and new venture development by providing students with a detailed and particularised overview of the business enterprise and innovation sector within the contemporary New Zealand economy.  It also seeks to provide students with the opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to establish a new business enterprise and operate it successfully in a competitive commercial environment, and gain an assured understanding of the purpose, nature and processes of developing a business model and plan.

GBE.802 Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The aim of this paper is to provide students with a detailed understanding of the principles, theory and practice of enterprise and new venture development; an awareness of and the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills, attitudes and attributes; a theoretical and practical understanding of the nature and applications of entrepreneurship; entrepreneurial management; the entrepreneurial organisation; and the nature and processes of innovation and new venture development.  It will also provide students with the skills, knowledge and strategies needed to establish and manage an innovative enterprise, by emphasising the application of historical and theoretical constructs to practical, contemporary outcomes.

GBE.803 Enterprise Information Communications Technology

This paper aims to provide students with an understanding of the forms and methods of information communications technology, and with the knowledge of how information is processed and transmitted through electronic means. To develop students' knowledge, skills and ability to communicate effectively, knowledgeably and efficiently and to assist them to identify those communication styles and processes that will best promote optimum communication in business and entrepreneurial contexts.

GBE.804 Business Enterprise Operations: Marketing

This paper develops the theoretical and practical constructs that define business enterprise management, by providing students with a detailed, practically based, understanding of the operational aspects of a new business enterprise.   In particular, students will gain knowledge of marketing strategies for business enterprise; auditing and planning for competitive marketing environments; target marketing and customer profiling, marketing mix strategies (product, pricing, distribution and promotion); strategic analysis tools and marketing intelligence; and marketing growth strategies.

GBE.805 Human Resource Management in Innovation

The aim of this paper is to provide students with high level skills in assessing human resource performance and management issues in the context of new business enterprise, while evaluating factors such as the purpose and role of human management, its core activities, and its function in the establishment, management and expansion of new business ventures.

It also aims to provide students with an assured understanding of issues that are crucial to the effective and strategic management of human performance and resources in today's competitive commercial environment.

GBE.806 Financing Enterprise

This paper aims to provide students with a sound grasp of the theory, principles and practice of financial management of business enterprises, including those that are owner operated and controlled.  Emphasis is on finance theory, and the application of this theory to the specific circumstances of new business enterprises.  This paper also aims to familiarise students with practical techniques that will assist in asset management, arranging finance, analysing enterprise performance, and planning the future of the business, and ensuring that the principles of sound financial management are fully understood and recognised as critical to the survival and success of new business enterprises.

GBE.RM: Research Methodology

To introduce students to statistical analysis techniques that are commonly applied within a business environment; outline research methodology, design and ethical considerations; and provide a “thinking framework” for formulating a dissertation proposal which will subsequently be developed into a comprehensive, research based, strategic or business plan.

GBE.807 Research Dissertation

The aim of the research dissertation is to allow students to carry out the specific research for which initial planning was completed in paper GBE.RM: Research Methodology.  This enables the student to generate an extended piece of original work, that tests his or her ability to, apply accrued skills in research, data collation and analysis, draw valid conclusions, formulate recommendations, and report findings from the investigation in an appropriate academic format that complies with current good practice.

It provides students from any discipline or background with the opportunity to select a topic of choice centred on any innovative business product, service, venture or facility, for which they develop an initial scoping study that is subsequently developed into a comprehensive, research based business or strategic plan.

The dissertation is expected to reflect the cumulative knowledge and skills gained from the taught papers, in particular the application of principles and concepts underpinning entrepreneurship, to a theoretical construct and viable contemporary market model.  It is also expected to reflect the level and depth of original research required at this level, to the degree that it advances both the theoretical bases, as well as the practice, of models of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Enrolment: Application forms are filled out on a year by year basis and students are welcome to apply for multiple intakes on the one application form.  Further enrolment is the responsibility of individual students.  There is no automatic enrolment rollover.

Transfers:  All study selected for a particular intake must be completed within that intake period and cannot be carried over to another intake, unless a transfer is requested within the first two weeks after the start date.  Each transfer requested into an alternative intake will incur an admin fee of $50.  Transfers are not permitted two weeks after the intake start date or between academic years.

Withdrawals:  In order to get a refund of fees, students must advise SIT2LRN of their application withdrawal, in writing, 14 days prior to programme start date.  Students can withdraw up to 75% of the way through the course, but will still be liable for the fees. Students must advise SIT2LRN in writing of their programme withdrawal.

This programme requires a computer and internet access. All students are required to use their SIT webmail only. All course materials and information, including assessments and due dates, are located on the online Blackboard system, for which access will be given during the period of study.

Facilitator Assistance:  During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to Facilitators, who endeavour to respond to emails within 48 hours (week days only).  When completing the research dissertation phone or Skype meetings may also be arranged. All students are required, within the first two weeks of intake, to send an email to their Facilitator confirming their start on the programme of study.  Students who have not completed this enrolment process or embarked upon their course of study by the end of the 2^nd week of intake, will be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme.  Such withdrawals may impact on future access to SIT Zero Fee Scheme and Student Direct Material Costs are still liable for payment.

We recommend students new to SIT2LRN read through the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section of our website at http://www.sit.ac.nz/pages/faq/faqs for further study and enrolment information.

All SIT2LRN courses are approved by Studylink.  Any queries regarding Studylink allowances, loans, and terms and conditions should be made directly to Studylink on 0800 88 99 00 or www.studylink.govt.nz. 

There are several required textbooks for this course:

These are available for short term loan through the SIT Library by mail.  It is recommended students purchase texts so that they have them available throughout the duration of their study.  For a quote from the SIT Bookshop please call: 0800 888 220 or email: bookshop@sit.ac.nz.

Application by Academic Qualification

Applicants in this category will have: Graduated with a degree or honours degree in any discipline from a New Zealand tertiary institution accredited to offer qualifications at this level, or graduated with a degree from an overseas tertiary institution, deemed by the Business Enterprise Board of Studies to be of equivalent standing.

Special Application

In exceptional circumstances an applicant who does not hold a prescribed tertiary qualification may be eligible for special application to the programme if he or she can demonstrate knowledge and skills equivalent to a bachelor level graduate, and can provide evidence of relevant work experience. Applicants seeking entry under this criterion must also be able to demonstrate that they have the aptitude, commitment and personal skills such as suggest the likelihood of successful programme completion. In some cases the applicant may have to complete an approved course or programme which is deemed to prepare students for the required academic standard for entry.

Additional Criteria

In addition, the following requirements apply to all applicants:

• Applicants are required to provide two confidential references from people who are able to affirm that the applicant is of good character and reputation.
• Applicants whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, must provide evidence of having passed such tests of English language competence as have been approved by the Academic Board.
• All applicants must supply a completed Concept and Initial Business Plan (click here to download template).

SIT have a memorandum of understanding with AUT, recognising the cross credit transfer for SIT Postgraduate Diploma in Business Enterprise (PG DipBE) students into AUT’s Masters of Business Administration (MBA) programme.  The arrangement will give SIT students recognition of their PGDipBE and allow them to finish the MBA in just one year.

The agreement will be on the following basis:

1. That AUT will consider accepting SIT PGDipBE graduate into the AUT MBA program if they have the following:
   • “B” Grade average
   • Three years appropriate professional work experience prior to undertaking the PGDipBE
2. If the SIT PGDipBE graduate student is accepted by AUT MBA
   • The student is only required to undertake one year study (120 credits) for the AUT MBA

For more information about AUT's application criteria, please download this document.

Every candidate for the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Enterprise is required to follow to the satisfaction of the Board of Studies, a programme of study for a minimum period of one and a half years.  The overall programme of study for every candidate requires 186 credits.

Every candidate is required to: Pass six papers totalling 60 credits. Attend the research methodology classes (six credits) and have an approved research proposal. Pass the research dissertation (120 credits).