An innovative, accessible and stimulating introduction to the world of business is now offered by the Open University's BA Honours degree in Business Studies via distance learning.

An innovative, accessible and stimulating introduction to the world of business is now offered by the Open University's BA Honours degree in Business Studies via distance learning.

The programme is distributed by eDegree, a subsidiary of Riverbend Learning, which specialises in partnering with both private and public institutions to ensure the dissemination of education in South Africa and throughout Africa.

The degree is offered by the Open University Business School, an internationally recognised and accredited business school, world-renowned for high quality programmes and part of the Open University in the UK

The BA (Hons) Business Studies degree, which offers and equips students to follow a number of career paths, provides a general understanding of business organisations and environments, markets and processes, and how these work collaboratively. Areas that students are taught include how to analyse businesses, develop strategies and essential business functions such as marketing and finance.

Case studies demonstrate the impact of the macro-environment on organisations and industry regionally, nationally and globally.

The degree develops a range of specific business concepts, theories and practical skills, as well as improved self-awareness and personal development appropriate for careers in business.

These include lifelong learning skills, study skills, personal development as well as the enhancement of a range of general transferable intellectual skills.

"This degree contributes to the career development of business studies graduates in two main ways," said Barbara Dale-Jones, general manager of eDegree. "It develops cognitive skills, which include critical thinking, analysis, paraphrasing and evaluation and, secondly, students explore how business organisations think and operate - skills and knowledge that are recognised as being essential in management and business, or in specialist areas such as management consultancy or business journalism."

While studying for the four-year BA (Hons) Business Studies degree, students achieve a Certificate in Business Studies or a Diploma in Business Studies, both qualifications within themselves and both of which are elective exit points.