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Introduction to Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
Being one of the Essential parts of ACCA Strategic Professional Exams, SBL is distinct in a number of ways like:
- It is 4-hour exam, unlike 3 hour + 15 minutes of other exams.
- Only one case study to be solved in these 4 hours.
- 20 Marks for Professional Skills.
Though, ACCA exams are known for testing the practical approach of candidates by solving the case study-based exam questions. SBL takes this to another realistic level by testing responses to a case study similar to what ACCA professionals might encounter in their workplace. Hence, it can be said that SBL exam is more of a role-playing, i.e. candidates are expected to play the role of a Manager/Senior Manager and respond accordingly, considering target audience being CFO to CEO.
Though, 4 hours seems to be long enough for single case study, but similar to any other ACCA Exam, time management is very crucial. Talking about that, Professional Skills can play deciding factor between a pass and fail. In comparison to 4 marks in other ACCA exams, Professional Skills in SBL are worth 20 Marks. Further, Professional Skills are expected to be applied collectively with technical knowledge and understanding. As a result, they are also important to score the remaining 80 marks. Hence, it is highly recommended to sit and complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM) before appearing for SBL.
ACCA examines Professional Skills as part of answer to the technical points only, i.e. it is not a distinct exercise separate from earning technical marks.
Five Professional Skills examined in ACCA SBL exam are briefly explained below:
Communication
It summarises that you have to express yourself clearly and convincingly through the appropriate medium while being sensitive to the needs of the intended audience. Wherein, Appropriate medium includes a range of formats like Reports, Memorandum, Presentation Slides, Letters, etc.
Further, intended audience may vary from someone junior in the organisation to CFO and CEO. Hence, effective communication will involve adjusting the response language considering the audience and their technical knowledge about the case, and their expectations from you.
Commercial Acumen
In the ACCA’s Strategic Business Leader – Examiner Approach Article, this is summarised as meaning that you have to show awareness of the wider business and external factors affecting business, using commercially sound judgement and insight to resolve issues and exploit opportunities.
Best way to acquire and practice this professional skill is reading more business news and journals. ACCA examiners are of the opinion that usage of real-life examples in exam can help you score good, specially in this professional skill.
Analysis
Under this skill, candidates are expected to be able to thoroughly investigate and research information from various sources and process it in order to suggest an appropriate action. This is basically examining something in detail to find its meaning or essential features.
Candidates often tend to confuse Analyse with Describe. Describe might simply involve commenting on the specific point asked in question. But Analysis will involve thoroughly investing the causes, context and consequences, to provide a wider picture and appropriate action. This might also involve Numerical Analysis as well.
Scepticism
In simple words, Scepticism is having a questionable mind, or challenging the information or facts provided, i.e. not accepting things at face value. Candidates are expected to probe into issues, question and challenge the information and views in order to attain an understanding of the business based on ethical and professional values.
Evaluation
ACCA expects the candidates to carefully assess situations in a balanced way, using professional and ethical judgement to predict future outcomes and consequences as a basis for sound decision making.
Evaluation involves
- Demonstrating balance between financial and non-financial indicators
- Focusing on needs of all stakeholders and not just the shareholders
- Demonstrating balance Risk and Return
- Prioritization of points, i.e. most important issues are to be discussed on priority.
Only one Professional Skill will be tested per requirement or part requirement of a question related to case study. But all five skills must be tested in each exam. Hence, reading and re-reading the requirements would help you to find and understand the skill being asked about.
PRO TIP: Quickly read the entire syllabus and finish it as soon as possible. Switch to practicing case studies and past questions from the very beginning.
Good Luck!
Maanvendra Singh ACCA
Hope you find the article insightful and will help you pass your ACCA SBL paper. Career compass wish you best in your career. Drop your comments below.