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:
- Apply excellent leadership and ethical judgment.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of an organization’s governance and internal control systems.
- Analyze the strategic position of an entity and recommend sustainable strategic choices.
- Identify and manage risks that threaten the achievement of business objectives.
- Use data and technology to improve business performance and value creation.
- 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).