What are the Business E-ssentials® modules?
Business E-ssentials® are self-contained, self-study modules designed to address the specific business needs of today's rapidly changing knowledge economy. These modules are specifically designed to deliver focused and efficient learning enhancing both tangible and behavioral skill sets. Many of the Business E-ssentials® modules are developed based on the lessons and teaching materials of highly esteemed faculty from some of the nation's top business school programs, including The Anderson School at UCLA.

Who should take Business E-ssentials® modules?
Business E-ssentials® are designed for working business professionals, entrepreneurs and individuals looking to refresh or acquire relevant skills and knowledge to enhance their work performance or career objectives.

Can I take these courses/modules to fulfill my certificate requirements?
Currently, these courses/modules are eligible for CEU credit. They are non-graded. Some of these courses may be part of a sequential program (i.e. Online Series in Investment Banking).

How much time should I expect my online module to take?
On average, you can expect to spend approximately 2.5 to 3.0 hours per module, including core reading materials, practice review exercises and taking quizzes.


Are these modules right for me?

They are designed for the adult learners with self-discipline and initiative.
Online learning offers many advantages such as flexibility, convenience and lower costs (time and travel expenses) without sacrificing the quality of the learning experience.

What kind of hardware and software do I need (system requirements)?

ˇP Microsoft Windows Operating System required (for PC or Mac -- Note: these courses can not be accessed with Mac OS)
ˇP Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox web browser (Note: courses can not be viewed with Chrome or Safari browsers)
ˇP Intel Pentium Processor or Higher
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Broadband/High Speed Internet Access required
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Macromedia Authorware Web Player (click on icon to download player
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Adobe Acrobat Reader (click on icon to download Reader)
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800 x 600 Monitor Resolution and Higher
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Sound card and Audio/Speakers On


NOTE: For PCs with Microsoft VISTA operating system, please make the following settings adjustment to your Internet Explorer browser:


While you have a page open on Internet Explorer:

- Click "Tools" and select "Internet Options" on top-Right Hand side of menu bar.

- Select the "Security" Tab and uncheck "Enable Protected Mode" box.

As a precaution, default setting has "Enable Protected Mode" on, which does not allow the Authorware Player to run. You can re-check the "Enable Protected Model" box after finishing the module if you feel more secure with this option on.

Also, to access the Print E-ssentials in each module, the pop-up blocker needs to be disabled/turned "OFF".

What is the format like?
Students register for the courseware modules, and learn the material at their own pace online, using the Web. There are no live instructors for these learning modules. The modules are self-contained and published in Macromedia Authorware format. Students will be allowed to print the introduction, table of contents, glossary, summary, and practice questions.

Each module includes:

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Overview And Learning Objective Outcomes
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Learning Content Is Organized Into Ten Learning Objectives
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Module Summary
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Key Glossary Terms
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Practice Exercises And Quizzes to Reinforce Learning Material

Is there a time limit?

Yes. Each module has a start date and an end date. Students are allotted a total of seven (7) launches OR twenty-one (21) days to complete each module, whichever expires first. Your time per module begins only when you launch the self-study module for the first time. Note: For the Essentials of Business Plan Writing module within the “Essentials of Business Plan Writing” course is not subject to this seven (7) launches/twenty-one (21) days time limit and instead, will have unlimited access for 180 days.

Modules that have not been launched and completed within ninety (90) days following the end of the academic quarter in which it was purchased/enrolled in will be automatically expired following the end of those ninety (90) days. Example: for a student that enrolls in a course or individual module during an academic quarter that ends on June 19, 2004, ninety (90) days after that academic quarter ends (which is September 19, 2004), any module(s) that has/have not been completed by that point will be automatically expired.

Is there someone who can answer my questions if I have technical difficulties?
Our IT manager is available by e-mail (
admin@gwpartners.com) and will usually respond within 24 hours.

Is there an enrollment deadline?
The deadline to enroll in the Business E-ssentials® modules for the current academic quarter is the last day of the current academic quarter. Please refer to the UCLA Extension catalog or website www.uclaextension.edu for the exact date.


I am logging on for the first time. What is my Login ID and password?

We will provide you with a Login ID and password by email to log on to our learning management system site.


How can I change my password?

You can change your password by clicking the Change Password link on the Business E-ssentials® student homepage/profile.


What features are available on the Learning Management site?

You can change your password, upload your picture, begin the self-study module by clicking on the link “Click here to Launch Self-Study Module”, take notes in your own journal, and post questions in the discussion forum. In addition, you'll also be given the opportunity to fill out a survey for each module that you have taken.


I have forgotten my login information. How can I obtain that?

For your convenience, we have added a "Forgotten your username or password?" option to our login page. When you click on “Send my Details via email”, you will be directed to a new page. This page will prompt you to enter an email address to which your credentials will be forwarded. If we can successfully match your email address with an active account, we will e-mail you the proper login instructions to the email address you have entered.

Another alternative to retrieve your login credentials to the site is to send an e-mail to admin@gwpartners.com, and be sure to include the following information so that your request can be fulfilled:

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Full Name.
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Login ID/E-mail address you are registered under
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Phone number at which you can be contacted if necessary