Introduction - Diploma in Business Studies

Diploma in Business Studies (R3/0410/4/0002) (06/28)(MQA/FA5725)  

ISM introduced its home-grown Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) programme in January 2009. The programme aims to provide an option for students to continue their higher education in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia which increases the opportunities of secondary school leavers for higher education at affordable costs. The other foreseeable advantage of offering the ISM Diploma is to ensure that the local demand for qualified and skilled workers are met.

The programme started to recruit the first batch of students in January 2009. With the programme fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA) on 2 February 2011, ISM expects this programme to continue to grow. Starting year 2014, the programme has increased the number of intake to be two times per year which are in every January and May of the year. Another intake which falls in every September has been added starting year 2016 due to the programme expansion.

Having been designed to be industrial focused, the diploma programme would offer promising job prospects to graduates who have no immediate plan for further studies. However, students who wish to go on to pursue a degree upon successful completion of the programme may also enrol in any one of ISM’s collaborating universities with credit exemption.

Why Diploma?

• Equip students with knowledge, practical experience and various soft skills.
• Prepare students competently to join the workforce or to progress for further studies.
• Credits earned can be transferred to our collaborating universities with up to 2 years exemption for a related degree programme.
• Allow students to study at their own pace.
• Cost saving without compromising academic quality.

Aims

ISM’s Diploma in Business Studies provides a framework for developing the skills and knowledge needed for employment in the increasingly dynamic business environment. The Diploma is developed specifically for the local community and the Malaysia market, recognising the growing importance of employees equipped with appropriate problem solving skills in business context.

Objectives

The objectives of this programme are to prepare students to embark on a career in the commercial field or to further continuing education by providing them:

• knowledge and skills of accounting, economics, management, business law, business communications, numeracy and information technology;
• cognitive, communication and interpersonal skills;
• information technology skills;
• an educational experience to pursue life-long learning; and
• a strong sense of responsibility as a member of the society.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this programme, the students should be able to:

• demonstrate basic knowledge of business environment and operations;
• make day to day operational business decision;
• apply business knowledge in a scientific and ethical manner with moderate autonomy;
• work in teams and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills;
• communicate effectively;
• solve daily operational issues in a business environment; and
• develop and demonstrate values, ethics, skills necessary for lifelong learning and to function as a member of the society.

Entry Requirements

• Pass SPM/SPMV/O-Level with at least 3 Credits or equivalent qualification recognised by the Malaysia Government PLUS
• A pass in Bahasa Malaysia and History (for Malaysians only)

Duration

• 2 Years (6 Semesters)

Student Intakes

There are three student intakes in a year which fall in every January, May and September.

Programme Delivery

The programme is delivered in a conventional mode of lecture and tutorial. A period of 3-month industrial attachment forms part of the programme structure and it is compulsory to be undergone during the second year of study.