Credit Management Fundamentals
Module Description
This module serves as an introduction to the fundamental concepts of credit management and will prepare students to manage multiple factors – financial, regulatory, and interpersonal. Students will be exposed to a basic understanding of credit management concepts, management processes, and techniques which support best practices in managing credit across the Maltese credit environment.
Furthermore, students will be introduced to real-life scenarios, involving shifting economic conditions or unexpected ethical dilemmas. The level of knowledge gained will assist the credit practitioner to deploy effective and efficient practices in managing day-to-day duties in the field of credit management.
This module will encourage learners to evaluate their own knowledge, identify areas for growth, and connect theoretical understanding with hands-on practice in varied, complex situations. This prepares students to be able to make critical decisions in tight timeframes or with limited resources, reflecting real- world complexities.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will possess:
- A qualification at MQF Level 4 (one ‘A’ Level or equivalent in any subject/ a related (professional) qualification)
- a pass in English Language* and Mathematics at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent).
In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning and/or related experience (e.g., assistant accountant, credit controller, etc.) is found then the applicant could still be accepted on the course.
Evidence may include:
- A detailed CV outlining relevant work experience and responsibilities.
- Employer reference letters outlining job role, duration, and key competencies.
- Related documentation demonstrating relevant skills (e.g. work portfolio).
- Such RPL process may subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their practical knowledge, experiences, and prior learning.
*Students whose first language is not English and do not possess an ‘O’ level pass in English Language will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.
Target Audience
This qualification targets:
- Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in Credit Management and Collections.
- Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of career paths within this field.
- Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess and communicate credit management related information.
Career Paths
This programme equips the audience with the competences, knowledge, and skills listed in this application. The potential positions for which this programme aims to prepare could be and are not limited to:
- Credit manager
- Credit controller.
- Credit analyst.
- Collections specialist.
- Financial assistant.
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Assessment 1
- Assessment 2
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Module Intake Dates
TBA 2025
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Comprehend the importance of credit in today’s Maltese business environment.
- Familiarise oneself with the credit needs of clients, including international customers.
- Demonstrate an understanding of credit sales approval.
- Describe and understand the role and importance of invoices and monthly statements.
- Understand the importance of Accounts Receivable and how to protect this asset.
- Discuss relationship management in Accounts Receivable.
- Analyse ways of achieving a competitive advantage in the market.
- Explain the importance of synergy between the Sales and the Credit Teams.
- Contribute to the development of an effective credit.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Comprehend the importance of credit in today’s Maltese business environment.
- Familiarise oneself with the credit needs of clients, including international customers.
- Demonstrate an understanding of credit sales approval.
- Describe and understand the role and importance of invoices and monthly statements.
- Understand the importance of Accounts Receivable and how to protect this asset.
- Discuss relationship management in Accounts Receivable.
- Analyse ways of achieving a competitive advantage in the market.
- Explain the importance of synergy between the Sales and the Credit Teams.
- Contribute to the development of an effective credit policy.
Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in establish customers’ credit requirements.
- Analyse the credit worthiness of customers and identify best sources of information for this purpose.
- Approve profitable credit sales efficiently and protect accounts receivable to reflect changes in the business world.
- Manage any aged debts/ overdues to mitigate any payments.
- Contribute to developing an effective credit policy.
- Create and maintain synergy between the Sales and the Credit Teams.
Module-Specific Learner Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Deploy good credit management policies and practices to achieve competitive advantage in the market.
- Build and maintain good customer relationship.
- Reflect on their performance, adapt their approach, and pinpoint further skill-development needs.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find, download, and upload assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials, etc.