LESSON STRUCTURE:

This course is comprised of:

*Core Modules:   – Four (4) units (400 hours) of compulsory subjects for all students.

*Elective Modules: – Three (3) stream units for the development of knowledge in a chosen industry sector.

*Project: – a workplace project of 200 hrs relevant to your field of study. The project specifically aims to provide the student with the opportunity to apply and integrate skills and knowledge developed through various areas of formal study. Contact the school for more information.

Modules
Core Modules: These modules provide foundation knowledge for the Advanced Certificate In Applied Management (Retail Nursery).
Business Operations VBS006
Management VBS105
 Marketing Foundations VBS109
Office Practices VBS102

Stream Modules: Studied after the core modules, stream modules cover more specific or niche subjects.
Horticulture I BHT101
Nursery Sales Assistant VHT103
Garden Centre Management BHT213

Elective Modules: In addition to the core modules, students study any 2 of the following 4 modules.
Industry Project BIP000
Industry Project II BIP001
Research Project I BGN102
Workshop I BGN103

Please Note:   each module in the Advanced Diploma In Applied Management (Retail Nursery) is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.

What is Covered?

CORE UNITS Click on each module for more details

Office Practices
Develops basic office skills covering use of equipment, communication systems (telephone, fax, etc) and office procedures such as filing, security, workplace organisations, etc.

Business Operations
Develops knowledge of basic business operations and procedures (eg. types of businesses, financial management, business analysis, staffing, productivity, etc) and the skills to develop a 12 month business plan.

Management
Develops knowledge of management structures, terminology, supervision, recruitment and workplace health and safety.

Marketing Foundations.
Develops a broad understanding of marketing and specific skills in writing advertisements, undertaking market research, developing an appropriate marketing plan and selling.

STREAM STUDIES:

HORTICULTURE I

There are 12 lessons in this course:

1.  Plant Identification: Naming plants; distinguishing the taxonomic divisions of plants including family, genus, species and variety or hybrid; identifying the
different parts of a flower; distinguishing the  morphological characteristics of leaves.
2.     Planting: Planting methods used for different types of plants including annuals, perennials, evergreen and deciduous plants; influence of environmental factors on planting techniques.
3.  Soils: Classifying soils; sampling and testing soils; chemical and physical properties of soils; soil improvement techniques; composting; potting mixes.
4.  Nutrition: Major and micro elements necessary for plant growth; nutrient deficiencies and toxicities; fertilisers.
5.     Water Management: Irrigation systems – characteristics, advantages and disadvantages; drainage systems; waterwise gardening.
6.  Pruning: Pruning techniques; importance of pruning to growth, flowering and fruiting; pruning tools.
7.  Weeds: Identifying common weeds; characteristics of weeds; control techniques; herbicides.
8.  Pests and Diseases: Identifying common insect and disease problems; control methods; Integrated Pest Management; pesticides; hygiene procedures; chemical safety.
9.  Landscaping: Stages of landscaping; design procedures; collating pre-planning information; preparing plans; selecting plants for specified sites.
10.Propagation: Asexual and sexual propagation; taking cuttings; sowing seeds; aftercare of propagated plants.
11.Lawns: Turf grass varieties; laying a new lawn; cultural techniques including watering, fertilizing, topdressing, aerating, pest and disease control.
12. Arboriculture: Tree management techniques including pruning, removal and tree surgery; identifying tree problems.

GARDEN CENTRE MANAGEMENT

There are 12 lessons:

1.  Introduction: Plant classification, plant cultural requirements, soil and nutrition, watering requirements, drainage, temperature, light, humidity.
2.  Plant Health: How to diagnose a problem, pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, frost, sunburn, chemical damage, insufficient light, overwatering.
3.  Stock Maintenance: Quality standards, buying new stock, inspecting stock, extending stock life, disposing of below-standard stock, watering techniques, fertilising, pest and disease control.
4.  Display and Display Techniques: Display units, product location, sales area layout.
5.  Garden Product Knowledge I: Plant containers, tags, soil mixes, equipment, tools.
6.  Garden Product Knowledge II: Chemicals, fertilisers, baskets, terrariums, cut flowers.
7.  Indoor Plants: Major groups, common problems, plants for specific situations, customer attitudes.
8.  Container Stock: Trees and Shrubs.
9.  Seedlings, Bulbs, Herbs and Perennials.
10.  A: Deciduous Trees, Fruit, Nuts, Berries. B. Seed.
11.  Marketing: Pricing strategy, advertising, promotions.
12.  Management: Staff control, staff productivity, work scheduling.

NURSERY SALES SKILLS

There are 5 lessons:

1.  Introduction to Plant Identification: Understanding plant classification and pronunciation of plant names.
2.  Sales Skills: Determining different types of customers; developing the communication skills to sell, including how to open and close a sale.
3.  Caring for Plants: Planting techniques, understanding soils, plant nutrition and pest management.
4.  Selecting the Right Plant for the Right Place: How to create different moods using plants.
5.  Advising Customers in a Nursery: Developing good communication skills, knowing your product, plant placement.

Please see lesson titles for your learning goals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.