If you're looking for bachelor-level business studies via distance learning, look no further. SIT2LRN's Bachelor of Applied Management allows students to specialise in:

• Applied Management 
• Applied Marketing 
• Event Management 
• Human Resource Management 
• Project Management 

This degree programme offers a blend of theoretical and practical learning, with an emphasis on applied knowledge and skill. High importance is placed on the development of the soft skills for management (such as communication, business writing, presentation, interpersonal, and problem solving skills) in addition to the development of specific business knowledge and skills.

The Bachelor of Applied Management programme of study aims to produce graduates with the personal and professional skills necessary to be successful in demanding and evolving business environments, whether locally, nationally, or internationally.

Based in Kelson, Lower Hutt, Mark Reid wanted to study a programme that offered a broad range of topics.

The Southern Institute of Technology had the programme (Bachelor of Applied Management) he was looking for and gave him options as to which level of study to choose.

“Naturally the Zero Fees scheme was an attractive option, however the ability to study part time via the SIT2LRN distance programme was also an advantage,” says Mark.

Working in Centre Operations at Bowls Wellington, Mark says the programme has helped him with day-to-day functions within his role, which is quite varied.

“The programme I chose includes a broad range of topics that can be utilised in a number of roles,” he says.

“The feeling of achievement is always up there but being able to apply what you have learnt in a day-to-day work environment actually brings it home that you have learnt something.”

Mark says he found the tutors to be relaxed, friendly and approachable.

“Study can seem quite daunting when you have been in the work force for some time, however SIT made the transition back into study a fairly smooth ride.”

Since undertaking his studies with SIT, Mark has overhauled and updated the whole way his organisation communicates and interacts with its members.

“I have introduced newsletters, texting, Facebook, Twitter, regular emails, Google Drive for live scoring systems and online entries,’’ he says.

In the future, Mark would like to obtain a management role within a sporting or community-based organisation that provides a valuable service to the community.

Student Fungai Mabonga is currently studying the Master of Applied Management and says her expectations have been exceeded, her views expanded and she is being challenged in the best possible way. Fungai is improving her skills including researching management trends and issues, governance, business planning, strategic management and corporate social responsibility, all of which are incredibly valuable and transferable to various fields. 

“I am enjoying the discussion, debates and various experiences my fellow course mates bring. The tutors have been very professional, well prepared and helpful in guiding us in our learning, networking and industry contacts have been another great outcome of being part of this course.”

Originally from Zimbabwe, Fungai is now based in Southland and decided to undertake study at Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) as it is conveniently located, the Zero Fees Scheme makes it very affordable, and the programme itself is highly regarded and relevant to her previous experience and future goals.

“My experience is relevant to this course as I am involved in the management of our share milking business in Otautau and other projects. We have staff as well as shareholders and the learning I am gaining from this course contains skills that are very valuable and transferable to other fields I am involved in as well.”

Funagi’s long term plans involve bringing value to other business people by sharing and passing on what she has learnt. She would also love to apply the skills and knowledge from this course into growing her business and managing all resources entrusted to their care diligently.

“I had expectations of being challenged and extended in my thinking and views regarding management. So far, the papers I have done have lived up to these expectations”.

Funagi enjoys the fact that the research they conduct is very current and she appreciates case studies on successful and unsuccessful businesses around the globe and how they navigated the aftermath of global recession, as well as the technology explosion which has forced businesses to continuously improve their systems.

“The stand out so far has been the collaborative work with my peers. You navigate personality differences, insecurities, and push yourself to bring value to your team and come up with a great presentation which benefits the whole class. I am already applying the knowledge, skills and experience I am getting from this course. I definitely recommend the programme to anyone who is in a management role, plans to be, or is in business.”

Originally from Zimbabwe and with previous study including a Bachelors in Marketing from the Zimbabwe Open University, Patience was looking for a course that would complement both her study experience, as well as her work history.  With almost 20 years’ experience working for an international oil company in Zimbabwe in roles including operations, accounts and customer services, Patience has managed accounts for fuel (petrol, diesel and Jet A1) and lubricants customers.
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) offers a course Patience felt would enhance her career prospects, including papers she felt she needed further study in, such as: business planning, strategic management, innovation and entrepreneurship, and human resources.
“These are modules that have greatly improved my skills and have equipped me to handle any role in a professional manner”.
While Patience had expected a high level of academic training at SIT, her expectations were exceeded not only in this area, but also with regards to other support services on offer at SIT.
“I only imagined that SIT would solely cater for the academic aspect of my studies.  They exceeded my expectations through the other support services i.e. pastoral care, employment facilities, health care and a host of others which I did not even make use of, like the organised trips to Queenstown and Dunedin and the fitness centre”.
The course itself “was appropriately challenging, the assignments stretched us to think outside the box and to apply theory to real situations and scenarios within organisations.  Having a mixed bag of nationalities made the course very interesting and enriching”.
One of the papers Patience especially enjoyed was on innovation and entrepreneurship.  This paper opened her eyes to the fact that you can be an entrepreneur within the organisation you work for, and she thinks that the knowledge she gained from studying this is important for any organisation that wants to get the most out of its employees in a mutually beneficial way.
During her studies, Patience had the opportunity to land a work placement role with Crowe Horwath.  Arranged through SIT, Patience worked there for six weeks, finding the experience enriching.  “It helped me get a glimpse into the corporate world in New Zealand and the organisation gave me an employment offer after my placement, commencing in February 2018”.
Reflecting on the Master of Applied Management programme, Patience states that “I highly recommend the course to every employee who wants to make a meaningful contribution to their organisation.  It is a course that is packed with well researched theory that can be easily turned into practical solutions within organisations.  The course tries to cover every aspect relevant for an organisation to succeed – business planning, strategic management, entrepreneurship and innovation, communication, management practice, human resources and a whole lot more”.