Online courses directory (4179)

The free online course Diploma in Change Management will help you develop the skills necessary to play an active and effective role within an organization that is going through a period of change. With increased competition and technological advancements businesses need to be able to change the way they provide their services in accordance to their customers' demands. Should they fail to do so, they face the real risk of loosing customers and even going out of business. The course begins by introducing you to the theory of change management. You will examine contemporary forms of organizational structures and analyse the strategies that are used to implement change in each structure in the most efficient manner. You will then be introduced to a more practical approach to change management. You will examine the factors needed to successfully implement change and develop a positive attitude towards change within an organization. You will learn that through communicating effectively, establishing a sense of trust and allowing an input from all departments, change can be embraced rather than feared. You will examine the fears and apprehensions that employees may encounter during periods of change and learn how to develop the skills needed to empathise with them, help them see the positive aspects of change and even become champions of change. Finally, you will study key factors that research suggests helps develop a positive organizational capacity for change. Each factor focuses on a different element of the organization such as: the role of middle management, the creation of a culture of accountability, and the role trust plays in the process. You will study a range of tools and processes that help implement change across an organization, and these will give you the skills necessary to help individuals, teams, and large systems adapt to change. This free Diploma in Change Management course will be of great interest to professionals working in an industry that is currently experiencing or will soon be experiencing change, and wish to play a prominent role in the change management process. The course will also be of interest to small business owners who wish to learn more about guiding their business and employees through a period of change.<br />

Children from birth to the age of 18 are now considered academically to represent a distinct sociological and cultural class. This means that children are studied as complete individuals in their own right, separate and distinct from adults.<br /><br />ALISON's free online course is multi-disciplinary in nature, covering developmental, psychological, familial and sociological aspects of children's studies. It begins by reviewing the psychological development of children and how they learn, then looks at the role of the family and the place of the child within modern family structures.<br /><br />The sociological aspects of children’s studies review how the modern state looks after the well-being of its children in a modern society.<br /><br />ALISON’S Diploma in Children’s Studies will be of great interest to all professionals who work with children or who are responsible for their well-being, and to learners who would like a career working with children in the health, social or caring professions.<br /><br />It will also be of interest to parents, or those who want to relate, support, encourage and understand their children better.<br />

The free online course Diploma in Clinical Nursing Skills will be of great interest to anyone who wants to learn more about the clinical nursing skills needed to treat a range of diseases and disorders of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the digestive system and the central nervous system.<br /><br />The course begins by explaining the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system. You will then review the duties that nurses must perform to ensure that their patients are both physically and mentally prepared for clinical procedures. This section concludes by examining a range of cardiovascular disorders which you are likely to encounter as part of your clinical nursing career. <br /><br />The course then explains the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system. Here you will study the organs that combine to form the respiratory system. You will learn about the role that each organ plays in respiration and examine the most common factors that cause each organ to become diseased within the body. You will then study a range of physical examinations and procedures that medical personnel use to examine a patient.<br /><br />The course then continues to focus on the lower digestive system, such as the intestines, pancreas and liver and how they produce enzymes and gastric juices to help in the absorption of food. You will learn about the steps and procedures for gastric and intestinal intubation, and how to identify the various signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders as well as emergency treatment procedures. The course then reviews various disorders of the respiratory system that you may encounter during your nursing career. You will examine disorders of the upper and lower respiratory systems. Here you will learn how to identify and help treat various disorders of the upper and lower respiratory systems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. You will also examine the implications that these disorders can have on the care you provide to your patient.<br /><br />Next, you will learn about the digestive system and how each part functions in order to ingest, break up and carry food so that digestion can take place. The course then focuses on the various diagnostic procedures for identifying disorders of the gastrointestinal system such as auscultation, endoscopy, stool samples and gastric analysis. You will learn about the different types of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis, gastroenteritis, peritonitis, ulcers and intestinal obstructions. You will learn how to identify the symptoms and differing treatments for each disorder. Hepatitis and cirrhosis are also explained as well as the steps involved in the assessment and monitoring of a patient's status to aid recovery. You will also learn about diabetes, how it is caused, how to identify the symptoms, as well as emergency treatment procedures.<br /><br />In the final section of the course you will learn about the structure and the function of the central nervous system (CNS). You will then learn about neurological assessment and how to accurately and completely evaluate the patient's vital signs, mental status, sensory function, motor function, and level of consciousness. . You will learn the steps and procedures involved in administering brain scans, electroencephalogram (EEG) and lumbar punctures. You will also learn about the proper positioning and care for an unconscious patient and the different types of infectious neurological diseases (Meningitis, Encephalitis) and degenerative neurological diseases (Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)). You will learn how to identify the symptoms and the differing treatments for each disorder. <br /><br />This free online Diploma course will be of great interest to all health care professionals who would like to learn more about nursing practices and assessment techniques in relation to patient care and treatment.<br />

This free online course Diploma in Communication Skills will help you to understand the art of communication, perception, group dynamics, and persuasion. The course will look at the impact which these soft skills can have upon your daily life if used effectively.<br /><br />First, you will be introduced to the basics of communication. Concepts such as communication channels, interpretation, and barriers will be explained to you. You will also explore the basics of body language, and the context’s which affects your communications. <br /><br />You will also examine the important aspects of conversation. Listening is an important skill, and you will be walked through effective listening. You will also be shown techniques to help improve your listening ability and concentration. Speaking is also a vital part of conversation and the course will show you how to speak considerately and politely. The importance of silence within conversation is discussed, as is the importance of culture, context, and body language. <br /><br />You will be introduced to the basics of perception. Concepts such as visual culture and perception will be explored. You will also explore the basics of aural perception, and the impact which it can have upon your communicative relationships. <br /><br />You will also examine the important aspects of nonverbal communications. Nonverbal communication is an important skill, and you will be walked through its importance to communication. You will be look at the ways in which the body communicates, including concepts such as space and gestures. Facial expressions are also a vital part of nonverbal communication and the course will show you how to interpret facial expressions effectively. <br /><br />You will be introduced to the basics of building and maintaining relationships. Theories surrounding group dynamics will be examined in detail, including group structures and different types of group. You will also look at the different factors which can affect groups. <br /><br />You will also examine the important aspects of conflicts, including conflicts within groups. You will look at verbal and nonverbal communication strategies, as well as looking at conflict handling styles. Networking is a vital part of today’s society, and this course will walk you through networking in relation to social media. <br /><br />You will be introduced to the basics of persuasion. Theories surrounding the art of persuasion will be examined in detail including manipulation, brainwashing, and Stockholm syndrome. You will also look at the role which persuasion plays in negotiation, and the difference between the two. <br /><br />You will also examine the importance of motivating both oneself and others. You will look at the importance of motivation to leadership, and the motivation techniques which team leaders can utilize. <br /><br />This course will be of interest to professionals who are required to communicate as part of their job, either to customers or colleagues. It will also be of interest to anyone who is hoping to enhance their daily lives through improving their soft skills.<br />

The free online course Diploma in Community Development introduces how community development can bring significant positive changes to a local community, and reviews the techniques needed to run successful community projects.<br /><br />The course begins by introducing you to what is needed to get a community group started and how to organise a community group to take action. Using community health as a springboard for understanding community development, you will learn about the values, concepts and practices commonly found in the community development sector. You will learn how to define the community and its characteristics, and identify an issue to be actioned within the community. You will look at the various roles within a community group and the strategies it can use to further its objectives.<br /><br />The course then guides you on how to maintain momentum during a community development project and how to evaluate the effectiveness of the project. You will learn about media communication techniques, how to work with other organisations in the community, how to recruit community volunteers and what makes for a successful volunteer program. You will also learn about the methods you can use to evaluate the community project and what you need to do to sustain progress in a community group.<br /><br />You will get an overview of the challenges of including minorities in a community development project and you will learn about the benefits that accrue to an organisation or community that is inclusive. You will learn to identify diversity in the community and how to include minority groups who may have been overlooked in the decision making process. You will be introduced to a number of tools and techniques, such as how to use a template for the terms of reference or how to conduct a focus group, that will help you implement inclusiveness. You will be guided through ethical practice and principles in the context of community development and who should abide by these guidelines as well as reviewing examples of unethical behaviour.<br /><br />You will be taken through the process of planning a promotional program using a health promotion program as a case study. You will learn how to create specific promotional objectives and outcomes, choose appropriate strategies and resources, and set indicators for measuring the success of the promotion. You will learn how identify and apply for sources of funding for your community development project. You will learn how to manage the process of developing the funding proposal, how to package the proposal, how to submit it for consideration and how to follow up after submission. Sample documents and worksheets for the various steps are included with the course. <br /><br />This free Diploma course will be of great interest to professionals or volunteers working in community development and with community organisations. It will also be of interest to learners who would like to know more about community development and its role in changing and improving local communities.<br />

The free online course Diploma in Computer Networking introduces the key devices found on local area networks (LANs), explains the structure and function of different types of LANs and WANs, and introduces you to the network architecture and protocols used in network security.<br /><br />The course begins by introducing you to the key devices found on LANs such as hubs, switches and routers, and how each of these devices functions to allow for effective and efficient communication on the LAN. You will then learn about the functions of IP addresses and how they are broken down into Network ID and Host ID components. The course then moves on to explain the seven layers of the OSI Model. You will learn about the structure and function of each layer and how data is passed through the seven layers to allow two devices communicate with each other.<br /><br />You will learn about the structure of Internet Protocol addresses in detail, including IP Ranges and their classes. You will compare and contrast the structure and function of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses and will learn about the role of Default gateway and DNS server in networking. The course introduces you to basic TCP/IP tools such as command prompt, ipconfig and ping, and the use of these tools will be demonstrated. Next, you will be introduced to advanced TCP/IP tools such as Netstat, Pathping, Nslookup, Telnet, NbtStat and Netsh. Again, these tools and their uses will be demonstrated.<br /><br />Next, you will learn about Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, which is a client/server protocol that enables configured client computers to obtain IP addresses automatically. You will also learn about Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) which is a protocol within the TCP/IP suite that encrypts and authenticates IP packets. You will learn about Routing which is the process of managing the flow of data between network segments and between hosts or routers. You will review common dynamic routing protocols such as Distance vector routing (Routing Information Protocol (RIP) and Link state routing (Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)). <br /><br /><br />Next, the courses introduces the features and functions of VPN protocol: Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP). You will learn how Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) encapsulates Point-to-Point (PPP) frames into IP datagrams for transmission over an IP-based network. You will then learn about Firewalls which are the most commonly used type of security device in an organization's perimeter and how they protect a network from malicious attack and unwanted intrusion. <br /><br />You will learn about the two types of Packet filtering (Stateless and Stateful) and their functions. Finally, you will learn about the Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) which detects malicious network activities by monitoring network traffic, and the Network Intrusion Prevention System (NIPS) which inspects network traffic and can remove, detain or redirect malicious traffic.<br /><br />This course will be of interest to all learners who would like to learn more about computer networking, the different types of LANs and WANs found in networks, the protocols used to allow secure communications between networks and network architecture and protocols used in network security. It will also be of great interest to all learners who are considering computer networking as a career or who are considering doing professional computer networking exams. <br /><br />

Providing excellent customer service is essential to the long-term viability of every business. ALISON's free online Diploma in Customer Service course introduces the fundamental elements of customer service and explains how they can be applied in any organization. Following this, it describes how a business can develop its customer service program to the highest level. <br /><br />ALISON's customer service certification course also details the role of customer service in the hospitality industry, the retail industry and the public sector. These sections explain the elements of customer service that should be focused on in these sectors. <br /><br />This free online Diploma course is ideal for business managers, business owners and entrepreneurs who wish to learn how to implement an effective customer service program in their organization. This course will also be of great interest to retail staff, hospitality workers and public servants who want to become more proficient at providing friendly and effective customer service.<br />

The free online course Diploma in Databases and T-SQL will introduce you to the core concepts of databases and their structure. You will also learn about retrieving data from a database using Structured Query Language (SQL) and using Microsoft’s variant Transact-SQL (T-SQL). You will learn about queries, and various constraints and clauses you can include in them. The course also teaches about administrative tasks you can perform on a database, from security to dealing with errors.<br /><br />The course begins by introducing you to databases and the key components of a database structure - normalization and referential integrity. You will also learn about objects that make up your database and the datatypes that you can save data as. The course teaches you about the Data Definition Language and how to create, alter and delete databases.<br /><br />You will be introduced to DML or Data Manipulation Language. This course teaches you about retrieving data from a database with the SELECT statement. You will learn to apply functions and clauses to your SELECT statement, and how to update and delete data in a database. The course also teaches about security levels and applying security to your databases.<br /><br />Next, you will learn about T-SQL and using the SELECT statement to create queries. You will learn about the various data types, working with them and using NULL values in your database. It also includes sorting and removing duplicates, using joins and knowing about different types of joins. You will learn about using INTERSECT and EXCEPT in your queries, and other functions you can use in your queries.<br /><br />Finally, you will be introduced to subqueries and their function. You will learn to use apply operators, present your data with views, build temporary tables, and pivot your data. The course also includes methods for modifying and deleting data in database tables, as well as using batches, comments and declaring variables for your queries. You will learn how to create conditional branching and looping within your queries. Lastly, you will learn about errors in a database engine, and how to delete them.<br /><br />This free Alison course will be of great interest to learners who wish to learn more about databases and the use of T-SQL to create queries for retrieving data from databases. <br />

In this free online course Diploma in Design Thinking you will be introduced to design thinking and activities that designers apply during the process of designing. Design thinking is a methodology that's not exclusive for designers as it can help people understand and develop creative ways to solve a specific issue, generally business oriented.<br /><br />The course begins by introducing you to design thinking for people centred design. You will learn about the seven mindsets for designers, how there is more than aesthetics to design, and the perceived value that people place on what they see.<br /><br />Next, you will learn how to examine and reflect on design problems. You will learn about the questions you should ask and how to examine a problem by looking at it from different angles.<br /><br />The course then introduces you to research for design. You will learn about the main difference between market research and design research. You will learn about questions you should consider when designing and how to frame these questions for interviewing. You will also learn about a user's mental model and what it is.<br /><br />Next, you will be introduced to the storytelling approach to design. You will learn about creating storyboards to visualize your concept and how storyboards can help you with the design process. Finally, you will learn about prototyping, what it is and how it helps your design development. You will learn about paper prototyping and how helpful it is as part of the design process.<br /><br />The course then introduces you to usability testing, how it should be carried out and who should be your usability testers. You will learn about debriefing and recording the results of your usability tests. You will also learn about what design freedom is and who should evaluate your design.<br /><br />Finally, you will learn about prototype fidelity and how it changes as the design progresses. You will learn about pitching your design and what a design rational is.<br /><br />This free Alison Course will be of great interest to professionals working in the areas of product and service design and who would like to learn more about the techniques and methodologies that designers use during the design process. <br />

Building an effective online presence is critical for growing your business as it gives your company access to thousands or millions of local, national or international customers who are searching, interacting, sharing and shopping online. This free online Diploma course will help all business owners increase their knowledge and understanding of what online marketing involves and how to go about implementing a successful online marketing strategy. The Diploma will show you how to build an online marketing plan, promote your business online, and improve your Website landing page for greater customer conversion rates. This Diploma shows you in detail how to use Google tools such as Google Analytics, Google AdWords, Google AdSense and Google Webmaster to implement your online marketing strategy. You will learn how to set up a Google Analytics account, how to set up a Google AdWords account, how to write ads that attract customers, how to choose the right keywords, and budget for your online advertising. You will learn how to set up a Google AdSense account and how to set up a Google Webmaster account. This free Diploma course will be of great interest to all business owners who lack the knowledge and expertise to implement an online marketing strategy but who recognise the importance of having an effective online marketing plan for the continued success of their business.<br />

The free online course Diploma in Ecology Studies provides information on the principles and practices ecology in conservation, natural resource management, forestry, agriculture and fisheries, as well as the role human interactions play in today's changing world. The course begins by introducing you to the four levels of biological organization - organismal, population, community, and ecosystem. You will then learn about aspects of biogeography, such as the geographic distribution of living things and the abiotic factors that affect their distribution. The course also focuses on the eight major terrestrial biomes: tropical wet forests, savannas, subtropical deserts, temperate grasslands, temperate forests, boreal forests, Arctic tundra and aquatic ecosystems. It explains their various characteristics and the effects industrialization, destructive harvesting and over-fishing has on them. The course also covers how environmental disturbances affect ecosystem structure and dynamics. The main factors in relation to conceptual models, analytical models and simulation models are explained. You will learn how mineral nutrients are cycled through ecosystems and their environment, focusing on the interconnected cycles of water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur. The core threats to biodiversity are also covered, such as human population growth and unsustainable resource use, as well as how habitat loss occurs through deforestation, damming of rivers, and other activities. Finally, you will learn about the legislative framework for biodiversity protection and the cataloging of the planet’s biodiversity using methods such as DNA barcoding and information processing. You will also learn how the science of island biogeography has informed the optimal design and layout of conservation preserves and how they are used for biodiversity protection. This free Diploma course will be of great interest to professionals working in the ecology, environment and conservation sectors, and to any learner who would like to learn more about understanding ecosystems and the environment, including concepts of population and community ecology, biodiversity and sustainability. <br />

Educational psychology is concerned with how students learn and develop. It emphasizes trends in educational development while also focusing on educational diversity. For teachers and trainers to fulfil their instructional role most effectively, their teaching methods must be grounded in educational psychology. Educational psychology provides a framework for teachers and trainers to plan, create and deliver effective lessons, and assess each student's learning. <br /><br />In this free online course, you will explore the topic of educational psychology in detail. Key development theories related to the learning process are examined and practical classroom examples are supplied to engage the you throughout the course. Vital material about student diversity is also presented, including strategies and information about working with students with special educational needs. <br /><br />This free online course will be of great interest to professionals in the education sector who would like a greater knowledge and understanding of educational psychology.<br />

Electricity lights up our streets and buildings, and enables us to use and enjoy the many electronic devices that make our lives more comfortable. Skilled electricians and engineers work behind the scenes to ensure that we receive a continuous supply of electric power. In order to do this, they need to have a thorough understanding of the basic concepts and practices of the electrical trade that enables them to install and maintain functional electrical systems. <br /><br />In ALISON's free online diploma course, the first section introduces you to the electrical trade. Topics on electrical safety, electrical circuits, and electrical theory are discussed in this section. The next section of the course focuses on what constitutes an electrical wiring system. This section explains the installation procedures and storage techniques for electrical wiring components such as device boxes, raceways and fittings, conductors and cables. The final section of the course covers the electrical drawings and test equipment used in the trade. Some of this test equipment includes ammeters, galvanometers, voltmeters, multi-meters. <br /><br />ALISON's free Diploma course will be of great interest to professionals in the areas of construction and electrical engineering. Learners who want to gain a practical knowledge and understanding of the electrical trade would also benefit from the concepts explained in this course.<br />

The Diploma in English Language and Literature gives you the opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge and understanding of important aspects of English language and literature. It is ideal for people who have always wanted to study English language and literature in greater detail, as well as learners who are studying English as a second language.<br /><br />The English language modules cover the fundamentals of grammar, effective speaking, and writing skills.<br /><br />The English literature modules analyze literature with an emphasis on renowned authors and poets, such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Arthur Miller and William Shakespeare.<br /><br />A qualification in this free online diploma course is the ideal way of demonstrating your proficiency in the English language.<br />

This free online diploma course is ideal for professionals working in the area of environmental science, for students who wish to pursue a career in environmental science, or for those who simply want to learn more about building a sustainable existence on this planet.<br /><br />Environmental science is the field of science that studies physical, chemical and biological aspects of the environment and determines solutions to environmental problems.<br /><br />Gain thorough knowledge and understanding of environmental science such as understanding the earth's processes, evaluating alternative energy systems, pollution control and mitigation, natural resource management, the importance of global water supplies, and the effects of climate change.<br />

Public procurement is a process that occurs when a government organization or a public authority purchases from external suppliers. Public authorities in Europe spend over €2000 billion a year purchasing goods and services, and this huge purchasing power forces suppliers to become more innovative as they have to produce higher quality products at lower prices. Public authorities in Europe have introduced procurement rules which are designed to increase competition between suppliers. <br /><br />ALISON's free online diploma course has been created by Procurement Academy, an institute dedicated to training procurement professionals.<br /><br />The course covers topics such as best practices for developing specifications, what procedures are used during the procurement process, how to write the Request for Tender (RFT) document, implementing the public procurement process, and the ethics associated with the procurement process. <br /><br />This detailed procurement course will be of great interest to procurement professionals who are interested in how the European public procurement process works and the steps involved in the public procurement process itself. For businesses seeking to expand, understanding how to win EU contract business is a competitive advantage in itself. We suggest that at least one employee in every European business should study this online EU procurement course.<br />

Food safety is extremely important to businesses of any size which handle food. Through ALISON's free food handlers certificate online course, you will learn the systems and procedures necessary to maintain a top quality food business. From staff hygiene practices to maintaining a stringent pest prevention system, this course will ensure that you have the knowledge necessary to manage a hygienic food service operation. <br /><br />You are first introduced to food safety topics such as water quality, pest control measures, food service accidents and incident management. The course then reviews a case study on how to handle food safely in the food service industry.<br /><br />This free online course will be of great interest to food safety managers in food processing plants, restaurants, or any food service operation. Employees of any business in which food is involved will benefit greatly through completion of this diploma, and will ensure a high standard of safety within the food service operation.<br />

The free online Diploma in French Language Studies course is designed for anyone who wants to learn to speak and write basic French. You will learn French vocabulary for greeting people, introducing yourself, and talking about your studies or your job. Core French language skills such as understanding numbers, time and dates along with talking about the weather are also covered. You will learn the key French words and phrases for describing the workplace, different occupations and applying for a job. The course also covers French vocabulary for talking about where you live, what your home is like, what your daily routine is like, and topics such as paying the bills and going shopping. You will also learn to speak in French about your hobbies and how you spend your vacation. The phonetics section in each module covers the pronunciation of the alphabet, French accents, accentuation and vowels. Learners will also be directed to the relevant sections of grammar in a grammar reference resource. The course lays down the foundations of the spoken language by introducing learners to the pronunciation of words and phrases through text and audio. Short audio segments let you hear how the words and phrases are pronounced. These are reinforced with longer videos using related interviews with French speakers which include transcripts in both French and English. This course will be of great interest to anyone who wants to learn to speak French for use in business or social occasions, and for those wanting to travel to any French speaking country or region in Europe.<br />

The free online Diploma in General Science course from ALISON is ideal for anyone who wants to gain a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of key subjects in biology, chemistry and physics. In biology you will covers subjects such as cell theory, genetics and evolution; in chemistry you will cover subjects such as atoms, molecules and the periodic table; and in physics you will cover subjects such as magnetism, electricity and sound. This Diploma course will be of great interest to those who want to further improve their knowledge and understanding of general science, and will greatly enhance your career prospects.<br />

ALISON's free online Diploma in Health Studies course will give you a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of important health-related subjects. This course covers diet and nutrition, health and human development, global health issues such as women's health and family health, and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. <br /><br />This Diploma course will be of great interest for anyone interested in a career in the healthcare, and will further enhance your career progression.<br />