Factsheet to accompany the podcast How to pass CIM Professional Diploma in Marketing The Magic Formula/Triangle – The examiner expects you to know your syllabus (the Knowledge) i.e. the models, key theories and definitions and apply this theory selectively to the context you’ve been given (Application). All your answers should include evaluation – of the models and the action you’ve proposed including the relevant justification– and what you write should be clear, show evidence of wider reading and properly referenced (Presentation). See left for the percentage of marks available for these key examiner requirements at CIM Professional Diploma Level Know how you perform best – check out your learning style so you work in the way that’s best for you. http://www.studentsupportgroup.co.uk/Resources/Downloads/Learningstylequiz/tabid/112/language/en-GB/Default.aspx. Plan your time, factor in must-do commitments and plan to give yourself maximum study time with as little stress as possible. The Key CIM requirements – see the Magic Formula above. Then present yourself as a marketer – after all, these are professional qualifications. Remember to use the 3 Cs – consider your Customers needs, your Company’s objectives and Competitiveness. Have you addressed these in each of your exam/assignment questions? Hints and Tips for the Exam subject - DCV Start revision early and do little and often - know your syllabus well. Tackle an SSG Diagnostic Quiz and identify which topics need further study www.studentsupportgroup.co.uk. Check-out the resources available from CIM’s own marketing resources area on their website – it’s full of theory http://www.cim.co.uk/resources/home.aspx Reading – get the right core textbook and supplementary texts from CIM Direct www.cim.co.uk/shop. Build your bank of examples and prove you are a competent marketer by reading around the subjects using a range of academic and contemporary sources. Practise your Exam technique – construct your own outline answers, limiting yourself to just 15 minutes on each one. Look at Examiner reports and see past exam papers http://www.cimlearningzone.co.uk/?securityToken=y4oWa/tkVaEl%2bQlLaPW6OBLSObic58mJzF7b5iVIquIKxZhWMO6epk6 sEXu4BQyi On Exam day – use at least the first 15 minutes to plan your answers, time management for the rest of the 3 hours is critical to success. No waffle please, apply the theory selectively and evaluate when required. Most of all, don’t panic! Hints and Tips for the Assignment/Project based subjects Register with CIM in time http://www.cim.co.uk/tandq/qualifications/assessmententry.aspx. Call +44 (0) 1628 427120 for help Study the syllabi’s theory first – identify what you don’t know by doing a diagnostic quiz on both subjects via www.studentsupportgroup.co.uk. Avoid apathy – get started early and plan your time, factoring in the deadlines set by your Tutor. Pay particular attention to CIM Assignment rules and the Mark scheme. Start with a skeleton outline using key headings/sub headings. Begin drafting and remember your tutor is allowed to see ONE full draft. Remember the Magic formula and the 3Cs. See the dedicated pages on the CIM website for further information. http://www.cimlearningzone.co.uk/assessment/hints-and-tips-about-taking-assessments-by-assignment This FREE factsheet is provided as a supplement only to the “How to pass Professional Diploma” podcast – full explanations and examples of the topics covered here are provided in the podcast recorded on 29/9/10 which can be downloaded FREE from the CIM GLR website. All information is correct at time of publication (6/11/10) and all advice provided in good faith. It remains the student's responsibility to manage their own study schedule in accordance with CIM deadlines and procedures. For full details of CIM/CAM study support services please visit www.studentsupportgroup.co.uk or call Caroline at SSG on 01784 463057.