How to approach the Strategic How to earn Tackling

Business Leader (SBL) exam Professional Skills the exam

SBL is a 4 hour integrated case study which examines a breadth of
marks
Each task will specify an answer format,
organisational functions. It assesses not only technical and ethical 20% of the total marks will be allocated to for example:
skills but the professional skills expected of effective leaders and Professional Skills:
advisers to senior management. n Prepare a briefing paper …
n Read each requirement: n Write a report for the board …
The rationale for the syllabus can be summarised as follows:
• Note the specified answer format (e.g. a memo) n Draft a letter …
n Leadership and governance
• Identify the professional skill (e.g. scepticism) and A task may have more than one requirement,
n Strategy requires an understanding of risk management
recall the sub-skills (e.g. probe, question, challenge) for example “evaluate… and recommend…”
n Technology and data analytics are transforming businesses
n Organisational control includes internal audit • Read the prompt for how to demonstrate
n Financial aspects support decision making (e.g. ‘by challenging the comments made at
n Innovation, performance excellence and change management the emergency meeting’)
Most frequently used
are essential to organisational success. n Bear this skill in mind as you: SBL exam verbs:
• Read the requirement again
• A
 ctively read the relevant exhibit (e.g. transcript of
SBL – Integrating technical emergency meeting)
and professional skills • Think about and plan your answer points
The aim of the syllabus is to combine the main functions n When you prepare your answer: EVALUATE DISCUSS RECOMMEND
of organisations in the context of leadership capabilities.
• Present it in the specified format Read this article for more
• Use suitable headings and subheadings about exam verbs
Communication Commercial Acumen
• Make only relevant points
• Avoid repetition
A B C • Write clearly and concisely
Leadership Governance Strategy
• Keep your tone professional Links to support
You should complete the Ethics and Professional Skills resources
Module before attempting any of the Strategic
Evaluation

H
Professional examinations.
Analysis

Innovation,
D n SBL Study support guide
performance
Risk
excellence and n Examiner’s approach article
change management
n The importance of effective communication
Tips for success n How to earn professional marks
G
Finance in
F
E
Technology
in the SBL exam n Professional Skills marking guide
Organisational
planning and and data n How to approach Reading and Planning
control and audit
decision-making analytics Time in an SBL exam
✓ Plan to study the syllabus content as quickly
as possible n Study support video: How to plan answers
Scepticism ✓ Start practicing case study questions as soon in the SBL exam
as possible n Specimen exams
✓ Work on your professional skills from the outset n Past exam questions and answers
✓ Attempt each specimen and past exam in 4 hours n Examiner’s reports
and in full.