Getting started!
We know that starting a new course can be difficult! There’s always that feeling of ‘where do I begin?’, ‘what do I do next?’ and ‘where do I go to find out about xyz?’
That’s why we’ve created this ‘getting started’ page. To guide you through the course and all the resources you’ll need!
Take a look at your own pace or watch the video for a guided tour!
Completing your course in six easy steps!
Step 1 - Get set up on the communication hub
When you join the course, a member of our course admin team will email you with a link to join the course communication hub; use this to contact your tutor and discuss your course with fellow students.
If you do not receive this within the first week of joining the course, please get in touch with the team at: enquiries@astranti.com. Before getting in touch, please check your junk/spam folders, as emails can sometimes end up there.
Step 2 - Get to grips with the course structure
Familiarise yourself with the advice and resources on this page (getting started).
This will be your content hub as you progress through the course, providing you with information on how to:
- Get the most out of ManagementDirect
- Complete your assignments effectively
- Submit your completed assignments correctly
Step 3 - Find your course module pages
The next step is to navigate to your chosen module pages! You will be able to access these module pages through two different locations:
- Through the CMI resources button in the studyHUB
- Through the ‘my products’ links on your account page
The module pages contain links to the tasks and the materials that will help you complete them!
Step 4 - Download your assignment brief
Once on the module page, we recommend downloading your assignment brief and saving it somewhere secure.
Open it up and take a look through it; you will be able to see all the tasks you have been given and areas to write your answers.
You should complete each task in order, starting with task 1 (obviously!). Which in turn may be broken down into several sub-tasks. Follow the task links on the module homepages for guidance on completing each task.
At this point, you may also want to check out the assignment guide for advice on how to approach the tasks and structure your answers!
Step 5 - Complete your assignment tasks
When you arrive on the task page, you will be given an overview of the task and what is expected of you.
You will then be directed to the study resources that will help you kickstart your research. These will be given to you by sub-task (task 1a, task 1b etc.).
Read the sub-task and then look through the materials. These materials will give a concise explanation of the theories and topics you need to know to assist you in answering the question effectively. There will also be a link for you to follow to learn about the topic in more depth.
At this stage you should also use ManagementDirect; use this resource to expand your knowledge and enhance your task answers, getting the most out of your course.
Step 6 - Submit your completed assignment
Once you have completed all of your module tasks, you will need to give it a thorough proofread and add in the finishing touches, such as the executive summary and bibliography. Read the assignment guide for more information on these (Don’t worry! They are pretty straightforward).
You’ll then need to submit your assignment, along with your learner statement, to your tutor (through the communication hub in step 1!).
Your tutor will then send it off for marking! Job done! Unless you are taking a certificate or diploma, in which case you need to start your next module!
Course communication hub
A guide to accessing and using the course discussion area
Our external communication hub gives you the chance to discuss topics and share information with fellow students.
From this area, you’ll also be able to contact your tutor privately and send your completed assignments safely and securely.
Sign in to the communication hub area using the details that were sent to you when you enrolled on the course.
If you did not receive this within the first week of joining the course, please contact the team at: enquiries@astranti.com
Note: Before getting in touch, please check your junk/spam folders as emails can sometimes end up there!
For more advice on joining and using the communication hub, please see this instructional video:
ManagementDirect
Using ManagementDirect
ManagementDirect is a fantastic resource that is provided by CMI to all members.
Not only will it provide you with resources to help you write your assignments, but it will become an invaluable resource for improving your management and leadership practices throughout your career.
It’s filled with advice on how to develop skills and practical checklists and templates for everything, from building a team to designing a strategy.
You will receive your login details 3-4 weeks after joining the course and can access ManagementDirect by visiting the CMI website here:
A ManagementDirect video guide!
CMI has also provided a series of videos to help you get the most out of this great, free resource!
How to complete your assignments
Getting the assignment technique right!
Each CMI assignment is between 2,000 and 4,500 words long! Although this is split across several requirements ranging from 300 to 1,500 words each, it can still be pretty tough!
Fortunately, we’ve got a comprehensive guide to help you complete your assignments.
This guide has been written based on the first-hand experience of our tutors and even features the creation of a full requirement answer from scratch. In this guide you’ll learn:
- How to approach the material with regards to the assignment
- To identify and breakdown your assignment requirements
- To structure your assignments effectively
- How to cover all sub-requirements
- How to apply theory and workplace experience
- The writing rules!
- How to find and reference sources
Assignment guidance from CMI
As part of your course, you’ll be registered with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
Please be advised that it may take 3-4 weeks from the start of the process for your registration with CMI to be confirmed.
CMI provide a range of resources that are free for members to use. These include assignment guidance and a range of resources to help you improve your skills.
You can access these materials on ManagementDirect, or by following these links:
Submitting your assignments and the finishing touches!
When you have completed your assignment you will need to submit it for marking.
Export your assignment as a PDF and name the file using the following format:
Your full name – CMI module number xxx – Your CMI number P0xxxxxxx
Note: The CMI module number will be included in the assignment brief and you will be assigned a CMI number when you have been registered.
For example: Sample Name – CMI module 503 – CMI number P01234567
Send it to your tutor using the discussion area, along with your ‘Learner Statement of Authenticity’.
You will need to complete this form for each assignment. It is a simple form whereby you confirm that your assignment is all your own work, and when you have used the thoughts and opinions of others, these have been correctly referenced.
Astranti policies
Here are the Astranti policies for you should you need them!