Diploma in International Trade & Business (N85)

Gain insights into global trade operations by learning about the core business functions of the sector, which includes logistics, transportation and supply chain management. For example, you will learn the skills and knowledge to manage warehousing, transportation and freight operations, as well as implement sustainable logistics solutions.

As more companies leverage digital technologies to drive growth and expansion, ITB will equip you with the competencies and skill sets for this new landscape. In this course, you will learn data analytics skills and get exposed to artificial intelligence, robotics, e-commerce and automation know-how, so you will be ready to take on new roles in the digitalised workplace. In addition, with green logistics integrated into the ITB curriculum, you will be well-equipped to help organisations develop sustainable supply chain strategies and solutions.

Our strong links with industry partners will provide you with up-to-date and real-world learning as well as mentorship. You will get opportunities to apply your skills in integrated and capstone projects to solve real-world problems.

Besides mastering transferrable critical core skills and business management skills, these projects will provide you with hands-on experience in leading and managing business transformation initiatives.

In your final year, choose either a six-month local or overseas internship, or the one-year JobReady Programme aimed at further deepening your industry exposure. Our partners include multinationals such as Robert Bosch, global logistics companies such as Bollore, global trading companies such as Wilmar, and local companies with well-developed logistics arms such as ST Engineering and Culina.

Aimed at preparing you to seize future opportunities, the curriculum for internship and the one-year JobReady Programme offer exposure to knowledge and skills in emerging areas – so you can be prepared for in-demand roles such as a Risk & Resilience Analyst, Sustainable Supply Chain Specialist, Logistics Solutions Executive and Green Logistics Executive! 

Economics (3 Credit Units)
This module provides students with an understanding of the core principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics with an application of these concepts in real-world business scenarios. Topics include Demand and Supply, Price Elasticity, Market Structure, Gross Domestic Product, Unemployment, Inflation, Fiscal and Monetary policy.

Global Business (3 Credit Units)
This module provides students with fundamental knowledge of how the external business environment, consisting of country and industry level factors, affects the overall strategy, organisational structure and various internal functions of international businesses. Students will also discuss how contemporary world affairs, such as the impact of globalisation, terrorism, pandemics, emergence of economic powers in Asia and digitalisation present both opportunities and challenges to international businesses.

Makings of a Business (4 Credit Units)
Students will gain hands-on and real-world experience as they actively learn to integrate and apply knowledge and skills acquired in various modules to manage different types of businesses through game simulation. They will gain understanding of the inter-dependence of the different business functions, and to make data-driven decisions to address day-to-day operations of a business. They will also develop critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills as they analyse performance data and evaluate decisions to improve overall company performance.

Programming for Business (3 Credit Units)
This module provides students with fundamental programming concepts and best coding practices through the extensive use of in-class demonstrations and hands-on practices. Students will learn how technology functions by building digital solutions such as business applications and tasks automation by applying their programming skills. Students will learn how to problem solve through computational thinking.

Statistical Applications for Business (4 Credit Units)
This module introduces students to basic statistical concepts, tools and models. Students will learn how to organise and analyse data, as well as interpret results for decision-making in the business world. Students will apply and reinforce their learnings through data presentation and performing descriptive analysis on data generated from the Business Simulated Game.

Health & Wellness (1 Credit Unit)
This is a Level 1 Core module for all Year 1 students. The module will introduce students to the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health through the knowledge and monitoring of health indicators, and application through appropriate exercises. The aim of the module is to empower students with basic knowledge and skills to be independent and responsible in maintaining overall personal health. 

Innovation Made Possible^ (3 Credit Units)
English Language Express* (Credit Units - NA)
English Language Express aims to give you a better grounding in the English Language and to strengthen the written and oral communications skills that you will need in your academic and professional careers. You will be engaged in writing, reading, listening and speaking activities that will develop your ability to speak and write grammatically, coherently and clearly. You will also hone your reading and listening comprehension skills.

* This module is only offered to students who are weaker in the English Language.

^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

Business Communication 1 (3 Credit Units)
This module teaches students to effectively refine their written and spoken communication skills, discussion techniques, and people skills. Students will learn techniques to think on their feet to deliver an effective business pitch confidently. They will learn to persuasively communicate opportunities and ideas by creatively tailoring their business message for their target audience using storytelling techniques. Students will also develop their information literacy skills to craft clear business messages using APA style referencing.

Business Law (3 Credit Units)
This module provides students with an understanding of the basic knowledge of the law and its application in a business environment. Topics include the Singapore Legal System, Law of Contract, Law of Tort, Law of Agency/E-Commerce/Artificial Intelligence Law (E-Comm/AI Law), Law of Business Organisations, Introduction to Company Law and Intellectual Property Law. Students will also develop clarity of thought that requires a critical discerning eye and logical reasoning when applying legal principles to practical business decisions.

Kickstart a Business (4 Credit Units)
The module is designed for students to integrate and apply learning from the different modules to address real-world challenges provided by industry partners. Using the Lean methodology, students will build a Lean Canvas Model to develop and showcase a minimum viable product to address challenges and evaluate opportunities. They will learn about resource optimisation and value creation for businesses.

Finance & Accounting for Business (3 Credit Units)
The module imparts basic accounting and finance knowledge to students, in areas such as accounting equations, accounting principles, financial statements, ratio analysis, cash budgeting, short-term financing strategies, time value of money and capital investment analysis. Students will demonstrate their understanding by using financial software to interpret financial accounting information for decision-making in business environments when working on integrated project scenarios.

User-Centred Design for Business (3 Credit Units)
The module covers digital media design competencies with user-centered design principles. Students will learn to use design software and apply the design competencies on digital platforms such as web, mobile and desktop. Students will also learn to address digital design issues related to the user experience, presentation of the information, the imagery and the visualisation during their designing process.

Career & Professional Preparation (2 Credit Units)
This module supports students in their journey of self-discovery, character-building, NP values-inculcation, development of education and career goals via experiential activities and guided reflections with CPP coaches. To prepare them for their career and the future, students will also deepen their knowledge of the respective diploma curriculum and industries through learning journeys, mentorship and opportunities for interactions with alumni and industry practitioners. The module will incorporate a more comprehensive feedback and reflective approach from self, peers, tutors and the industry mentor to support students’ holistic growth and development.

Business Communication 2 (4 Credit Units)
This module builds on the foundation of Business Communication 1 and creates opportunities for students to strengthen their oral and written communication. Students will be required to enhance their presentation skills through impromptu speeches. Students will also learn how to prepare a business proposal. Job hunting and employment skills will be introduced to prepare students for a positive start to their careers. Students will learn about personal branding and will be taught to write application letters and resumes. Additionally, students will learn job interview techniques through role-plays and simulations.

Business Optimisation Project (4 Credit Units)
Business Optimisation Project is an integrated project module which introduces students to the mindset for change. The module requires students to blend and apply the skills and knowledge learnt in other modules in the semester to work on an industry project focused on optimising business processes for warehousing and/ or procurement.

International Procurement & Supply Management (4 Credit Units)
In Procurement & Supply Management, students will learn how to select, engage and manage suppliers around the world. From prioritising requisitions to conducting financial analysis of suppliers to ensuring supplier compliance, students will be trained to conduct negotiations and manage the entire procurement process. Professional practices are highlighted through introduction of laws and ethics in procurement.

Supply Chain Technology & Sustainability 1 (4 Credit Units)
Besides enterprise resource planning and warehouse management systems, Supply Chain Technology & Sustainability 1 aims to equip students with the knowledge of emerging technologies and their applications in warehousing and procurement. It also introduces sustainability as one of the key drivers in businesses today and the roles played by technology in sustainable business practices.

Warehouse & Fulfillment Management (4 Credit Units)
Through this module, students will understand how planning and automation drive efficient inventory control and storage management. The module will cover the concepts of inventory planning and fulfillment, warehouse functions and decisions, handling and storage of products, and warehouse design and strategy. Students will also be introduced to storage for temperature-controlled and hazardous products.

Business Improvement Project (5 Credit Units)
Business Improvement Project further develops students' ability to initiate and manage changes in organisations. In this integrated project module, students tap on the skills and knowledge they picked up in other modules in the semester to work on an industry project to improve business processes for trade, freight forwarding and/ or transportation.

Supply Chain Technology & Sustainability 2 (4 Credit Units)
Apart from hands-on learning on freight forwarding and transportation solutions, Supply Chain Technology & Sustainability 2 also highlights the importance of sustainability in the movement of goods. Students will be further introduced to application of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as artificial intelligence and basic analytics.

Global Trade & Forwarding Management (4 Credit Units)
This module covers a wide range of topics such as international trade logistics, trade restrictions and customs practices. The management issues of import and export financing will also be covered. The module will enable students to understand the policies, operations, logistics solutions, regulations and documentation related to freight forwarding.

Global Transportation Management (4 Credit Units)
This module introduces the different modes of transport, namely land, air and sea, which are vital in facilitating international trade. The module will enable students to understand route optimisation, and handling and transportation of different types of products, such as foodstuff, chemical and pharmaceutical products. Students will also be introduced to last-mile logistics and how it is shaping the future of urban transportation.

World Issues: A Singapore Perspective^ (2 Credit Units)

^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

Business Transformation Project (5 Credit Units)
Business Transformation Project is a capstone project requiring students to synthesise and apply the skills and knowledge they learnt in the other modules in the semester. Through working on an industry project in this module, students are expected to gain insight into making transformational changes to the supply chain and/ or marketing processes in a business.

International Marketing & Customer Management (4 Credit Units)
This module introduces students to the principles of international marketing and customer relationship management. Delivered via discussion-based learning and service-learning pedagogies, key concepts covered include marketing segmentation, targeting and positioning, development and pricing, promotion and advertising, sales forecasting, proposal drafting, sales persuasion techniques and customer relationship management.

Supply Chain Solutioning (5 Credit Units)
This module provides students with a deep understanding of the vital role of supply chain management in end-to-end trade operations. Coverage on supply chain strategies, network designs and performance will train students in skills such as solutions design thinking, systems thinking and business planning. Through this module, students will gain an appreciation of the importance of having an agile and resilient supply chain.

Supply Chain Technology & Sustainability 3 (4 Credit Units)
Digital interconnectedness is driving businesses around the world. Supply Chain Technology & Sustainability 3 will introduce students to the use of technologies such as e-commerce and digital marketing in trade, logistics and supply chain management. Students will also appreciate the power which Internet of Things and analytics bring to the decision-making process to facilitate productive and sustainable businesses.

Project ID: Connecting The Dots^ (4 Credit Units)

^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

6-Month Internship (20 Credit Units)
The internship module provides a real-world, holistic, practice-oriented and self-driven learning environment where students learn by putting into practice the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course. The students will be attached to international or local companies in relevant areas such as supply chain management, international trade, etc. They will be coached by a mentor in the company throughout the period of attachment.

Industry Attachment 1 (18 Credit Units)
This industry attachment provides authentic learning experiences in a real-world, and self-driven learning environment for students to apply their competencies to practical work issues. Students will have the opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge by being placed in real-world work situations. Throughout the period of attachment, they will be coached by a mentor in the company.

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Industry Attachment 2 (18 Credit Units)
This industry attachment provides students with an additional opportunity for on-the-job training. Besides gaining skills and knowledge through service-learning as well as first-hand experience in the professional world, students are able to build up their network and portfolio. They will be coached by a mentor in the company throughout the period of attachment.

Project ID: Connecting The Dots^ (4 Credit Units)

^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.