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Strategic Business Leader
SBL mirrors the workplace and provides you with real world challenges allowing you to demonstrate a blend of technical, practical and professional skills. Work through the Ethics and Professional Skills module either before you start, or alongside your studies. This gives you insight into professional skills that you can apply in your exam and in the workplace.
3 Hrs. 15 Mins.
50/100
Online
Mar|Jun|Sep|Dec
ACCA SBL Syllabus
A. Leadership
- Qualities of leadership
- Leadership and organizational culture
- Professionalism, ethical codes and the public interest
B. Governance
- Agency
- Stakeholder analysis and organizational social responsibility
- Governance scope and approaches
- Reporting to stakeholders
- The board of directors
- Public sector governance
C. Strategy
- Concepts of strategy
- Environmental issues
- Competitive forces
- The internal resources, capabilities and competences of an organization
- Strategic choices
D. Risk
- Identification, assessment and measurement of risk
- Managing, monitoring and mitigating risk
E. Technology and data analytics
- Cloud, mobile and smart technology
- Big data and data analytics
- Machine learning, AI and robotics
- E- business: value chain
- IT systems security and control
F. Organisational control and audit
- Management and internal control systems
- Audit and compliance
- Internal control and management reporting
G. Finance in planning and decision-making
- Finance transformation
- Financial analysis and decision- making techniques
- Cost and management accounting
H. Enabling success and change management
- Enabling success: organising
- Enabling success: disruptive technologies
- Enabling success: talent management
- Enabling success: performance excellence
- Managing strategic change
- Leading and managing projects
I. Professional skills
- Communication
- Commercial acumen
- Analysis
- Skepticism
- Evaluation
J. Other employability and digital skills
- Use computer technology to efficiently access and manipulate relevant information.
- Work on relevant response options, using available functions and technology, as would be required in the workplace.
- Navigate windows and computer screens to create and amend responses to exam requirements, using appropriate tools.
- Present data and information effectively, using the appropriate tools.
ACCA SBL Paper Pattern
The examination is based on an integrated case study. The exam itself will contain further information relating to the fictitious organization in the pre-seen. The information could be from a range of sources, such as extracts of meetings, board reports and spreadsheets. Each exam will contain three tasks with a varying number of marks. These tasks may require the candidate to take on different roles, depending on the situation. The number of marks allocated to all these tasks will add up to 100 in total. Within the total marks available, there are 20 professional skills marks. Most tasks will contain professional skills marks. All tasks must be completed.
*From the September 2023 exam session, some changes were introduced to the Strategic Business Leader (SBL) exam. This will include students having access to pre-seen material 2 weeks ahead of the exam.
ACCA SBL Coaching with a Difference
We often get 100/100 marks for the student-friendly approach
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ACCA Classroom Coaching. Redefined.
- World Class Infrastructure
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ACCA Live Online Courses. Redefined.
- Live Study Lectures
- Expert Tutors
- Rigorous Assessments
- Regular Mentoring
- Revision & Doubt Solving Bootcamps
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- Revision Video Lectures
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ACCA Self-paced Online Courses. Redefined.
- Video Lectures
- Progress Tests
- Energisers
- Practice Tutorials
- Personalised Study Plan
- Kaplan Content
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- PC, Tablet, & Phone Compatible
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Your ACCA Journey
Knowledge Level
Skills Level
Professional Level
- Essentials
- Strategic Business Reporting - INT (SBR-INT)
- Strategic Business Reporting - UK (SBR-UK)
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Optional (any 2)
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- Advanced Audit & Assurance (AAA)
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you're excited, and with lots of questions to get started with ACCA SBL Course
What is SBL paper in ACCA?
SBL (Strategic Business Leader) is a professional level paper in ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). SBL integrates technical knowledge with critical thinking and decision-making abilities. It covers areas such as strategic planning, organizational behavior, risk management, governance, and ethical considerations. The paper assesses candidates’ ability to analyze and evaluate complex business scenarios, provide strategic recommendations, and communicate effectively.
Should I do SBL or SBR first?
The choice between SBL and SBR in ACCA depends on individual preferences and circumstances. SBR builds advanced knowledge and application in Financial Reporting while SBL focuses on strategic thinking and leadership. Consider strengths, career goals, and seek guidance from tutors and mentors for an informed decision.
Is it easy to pass SBL?
Passing SBL in ACCA depends on knowledge, preparation, and skills. Many candidates consider SBL as relatively easier among professional level papers. With understanding of the syllabus, practice, and effective exam technique, it’s possible to pass. Success in SBL requires holistic understanding, critical analysis, and effective communication. The Global Pass rates for the SBL paper are usually average between 45 – 50%
How do I prepare for SBL?
To prepare for SBL in ACCA:
- Understand the syllabus and exam format in great detail.
- Study from ACCA approved resources such as Study Text & Exam Kit.
- Practice past exam questions. 4. Develop critical analysis and communication skills.
- Join study groups or seek guidance. 6. Create a study plan with milestones.
- Allocate time for revision and mock exams.
- Stay updated with business trends.
- Make complete use of the additional resources provided by ACCA for students.
- It is advisable to complete the Ethics & Professional Skills Online Module before appearing for Professional Level Exams.
Can I do SBR and SBL together?
Yes, it is possible to do SBR (Strategic Business Reporting) and SBL (Strategic Business Leader) together. However, both papers require significant dedication and preparation. SBR is a number focused paper with analysis while SBL is a theory paper focusing on high level articulation. Consider your study capacity, time availability, and ability to manage the workload effectively. It is important to create a structured study plan, allocate sufficient time for each paper, and seek guidance from tutors or study resources to ensure a successful outcome.
Should I do SBL or SBR first?
The choice between SBL and SBR in ACCA depends on individual preferences and circumstances. SBR builds advanced knowledge and application in Financial Reporting while SBL focuses on strategic thinking and leadership. Consider strengths, career goals, and seek guidance from tutors and mentors for an informed decision.
Is SBL paper difficult?
Passing SBL in ACCA depends on knowledge, preparation, and skills. SBL paper may seem challenging to prepare given the interconnectedness of diverse concepts & high level application to a live case study. However relative to other professional level papers, this is easier to clear. Success in SBL requires holistic understanding, critical analysis, and effective communication. The Global Pass rates for the SBL paper are usually average between 45 – 50%
Which is easier SBR or SBL?
Comparing the difficulty of SBR (Strategic Business Reporting) and SBL (Strategic Business Leader) in ACCA is subjective. SBR focuses on financial reporting and technical knowledge, while SBL emphasizes strategic thinking and leadership skills. The perception of difficulty depends on individual strengths and preferences. It is recommended to evaluate your abilities, study resources, and career goals to make an informed decision about which paper may be relatively easier for you. The Global Pass rates of SBL & SBR average between 45-50%
Is SBL ACCA easy?
The level of difficulty of the SBL (Strategic Business Leader) paper in ACCA can vary depending on the individual’s background, experience, and preparation. However, generally speaking, SBL is considered one of the more challenging papers due to its integrated approach, requiring a combination of technical knowledge, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making skills. Adequate preparation, understanding of the syllabus, and practice in applying concepts to real-world scenarios are crucial for success in the SBL exam. The global pass rates for this paper average between 45 – 50%
How long does it take to study ACCA SBL?
The duration to study ACCA SBL (Strategic Business Leader) varies depending on factors such as prior knowledge, study intensity, and individual learning pace. On average, candidates allocate around 80-100 hours of time with tutor & around 100 hours of self study time for SBL. However, this estimate can vary greatly. It is recommended to create a study plan, consider personal commitments, and allocate sufficient time to cover the syllabus comprehensively, practice exam-style questions, and revise key concepts before attempting the exam.
Can I study SBL on my own?
Self-studying for SBL (Strategic Business Leader) in ACCA is challenging mainly because the entire paper is case study driven. One requires a platform to discuss the case, hear different perspectives & be guided with how to think & apply strategically. Hence its highly recommended to seek guidance from tutors or mentors & make ample use of the resources avalaible be it study text, practice kits, mock exams, webinars etc.
How long is the SBL paper?
ACCA SBL exam has a duration of 4 hours and additional 10 minutes to read exam instructions. It is to be noted that from September 2023 attempt, along with other amendments ,time duration will reduce to 3 hours, 15 minutes To know more about this, refer https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/student/exam-entry-and-administration/about-our-exams/changes-to-sbl—sept-23.html . It is a Computer based exam (CBE) which consists of single 100 marks case study.
How long does it take to complete ACCA strategic professional?
When attempting one paper per exam window ( which is usually considered managebale & hence practiced by most disciplined students), it takes around One year to complete the strategic professional level in ACCA, assuming first attempt success. Maintain a consistent study routine, utilize resources effectively, and seek guidance for optimal results within the desired timeframe.
How difficult is strategic Business leader ACCA?
Passing SBL in ACCA depends on knowledge, preparation, and skills. SBL paper may seem challenging to prepare given the interconnectedness of diverse concepts & high level application to a live case study. However relative to other professional level papers, this is easier to clear. Success in SBL requires holistic understanding, critical analysis, and effective communication. The Global Pass rates for the SBL paper are usually average between 45 – 50%
Should I do SBR or SBL first?
The choice between SBL and SBR in ACCA depends on individual preferences and circumstances. SBR builds advance knowledge & application in financial reporting while SBL focuses on strategic thinking and leadership. Some prefer SBR first, while others prefer SBL first. Consider strengths, career goals, and seek guidance from tutors and mentors for an informed decision.
