Strategic Business Leader (SBL)

In the ACCA Strategic Professional level, SBL (Strategic Business Leader) is a unique, integrated case study exam that simulates a real-world boardroom environment. It tests your ability to act as a senior advisor or leader. 

SBL Syllabus Overview

The syllabus is designed around nine main capabilities: 

• Leadership: Understanding leadership styles, cultural dimensions (e.g., Hofstede), and professional ethics (the IESBA code).
• Governance: Evaluating board structures, agency theory, and the role of stakeholders and institutional investors.
• Strategy: Applying models like Porter’s Five Forces, the BCG Matrix, and SWOT to evaluate strategic options.
• Risk: Identifying and managing strategic, operational, and financial risks through TARA (Transfer, Avoid, Reduce, Accept).
• Technology & Data Analytics: Assessing the impact of E-business, Cloud computing, and Big Data on business strategy.
• Organizational Control & Audit: Reviewing internal control systems and the role of internal/external audit.
• Finance in Planning & Decision Making: Evaluating investment appraisals, funding options, and financial performance.
• Innovation, Performance Excellence & Change Management: Using Six Sigma, Business Process Re-engineering (BPR), and Lewin’s 3-stage model for change.
• Professional Skills: Demonstrating Communication, Commercial Acumen, Analysis, Scepticism, and Evaluation. 

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

1. Apply excellent leadership and ethical judgment.
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of an organization’s governance and internal control systems.
3. Analyze the strategic position of an entity and recommend sustainable strategic choices.
4. Identify and manage risks that threaten the achievement of business objectives.
5. Use data and technology to improve business performance and value creation.
6. Communicate complex ideas professionally to different audiences (Board, employees, investors). 

Exam Format (New 3-Hour 15-Min Format)

• Pre-seen Material: ACCA releases information about a fictional organization two weeks before the exam. You must research the industry and context.
• Integrated Case Study: The exam consists of one large case with several tasks.
• Marks: 80 marks for technical content and 20 marks for professional skills.
• Format: On-demand professional Computer-Based Exam (CBE).