Business Studies

BUSINESS STUDIES
AS and A2 LEVEL

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

GCSE  Grade C (minimum) in English and Mathematics
It is not a prerequisite for students to have taken Business Studies at GCSE

AIMS

To provide students with an understanding of:

• The internal functions of contemporary business organisations
• The dynamic external environment within which business organisations operate and how this affects the decisions made
• Major topical issues
• How stakeholders are affected by business activities

In addition students should acquire a range of relevant and transferable skills:

• Data skills – the ability to manipulate data and interpret the results
• Present arguments and make judgements, justifying their recommendations on the basis of the evidence available
• Solve problems using appropriate business tools and methods
• Plan work taking into account the demands of the task and the time available
• Conduct research, both primary and secondary

ASSIGNMENTS

There are no external assignments but internal assignments will be an integral part of the programme of study.  Equally students must not overlook the importance of keeping up-to-date with current affairs and topical issues which will necessitate watching TV documentaries and reading a quality newspaper on a regular basis.

CONTENTS

AS

Unit 1   Planning and Financing a Business

Starting a Business        -           Introduction to Business Studies, overview of activities involved in setting
up a small business

Financial Planning          -           Essential financial concepts

Unit 2   Managing a Business

Finance                         -           Using budgets, improving cash flow and profits
People                          -           Recruitment, Selection, Training and Motivation
Operations Management Operational Decisions, Quality, Customer Service, Suppliers, Technology
Marketing                      -           Marketing Mix, Market Conditions and Competitiveness

A2

Unit 3   Strategies for Success

Financial strategies and accounts
Marketing strategies
Operations strategies
HR strategies

Unit 4   The Business Environment and Managing Change

Corporate Aims & Objectives
External Influences

ASSESSMENT

External

AS
Unit 1    -     Planning and Financing a Business   1hour 15 minute external examination
 comprising 20% of  total mark
This exam will take the form of short answer questions and extended responses based on a mini- case study

Unit 2    -     Managing a Business                       1 hour 30 minute external examination
                                                                         comprising 30% of total mark
                  This exam will take the form of compulsory, multi-part data response questions

A2

Unit 3    -     Strategies for Success                     1 hour 45 minute external examination
                                                                        comprising 25% of total mark

Unit 4    -     The Business Environment &            1 hour 45 minute external examination
                   Managing Change                           comprising 25% of total mark

Internal

Regular Progress Tests and homework which will take the form of case studies, specimen paper questions, written exercises or research in preparation for future lessons or to consolidate work just covered.

USEFULNESS IN THE FUTURE

Business studies will prepare students for entry on to a variety of higher education courses or for employment.

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