Nature of the Subject

The course gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and critical understanding to current issues and problems in a wide range of business contexts. 

They will develop their critical thinking skills to distinguish between facts and opinions, and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data in order to help build arguments and make informed judgements.appreciate the perspectives of a range of stakeholders in relation to the business environment, individuals,society, government and enterprise develop knowledge and understanding of the major groups and organisations within and outside business, and consider ways in which they are able to influence objectives, decisions and activities

Students will also develop knowledge and understanding of how the main types of businesses are organised, financed and operated, and how their relations with other organisations, consumers, employees, owners and society are regulated and develop skills of numeracy, literacy, enquiry, selection and use of relevant sources of information, presentation and interpretation

Syllabus & Content

1) Understanding business activity, Business and business activity and Types of Business classification. Enterprise and entrepreneurs, Businesses growth, types of business organisation and business size, Business and stakeholder objectives 

2) People in business, Motivation, Business organisation, management and Leadership, Recruitment, selection and training, Internal and external communication

3) Marketing, Niche and mass markets, Market segmentation and Market research, Marketing mix and Marketing strategies

4)  Operations management, Methods of production and productivity, Costs of production and Break-even analysis, Quality and Location.

5)Financial information and decisions, Finance and  Cash-flow forecasting, Income statements, statements of financial position , Accounts  Analysis 

6) External influences on business activity, Government and economic, environmental and ethical issues, international economy and globalisation, Multinational businesses and exchange rates

Assessment

Students will take two different papers that cover the 2 year curriculum. 

Paper 1 is a Short Answer and Data Response paper which is worth 50% of the final grade. 

Paper 2 is a longer Case Study which is worth the other 50%.

Teacher Introduction

Aside from learning general theory about how to run a business, students gain skills that improve employability and stay with them for the rest of their lives, regardless of future career.

Students will understand how organisations operate. This will be useful for any company students join or interact with and their knowledge of the ins and outs of the running of a business will make them a useful, adaptable and confident employee.

Good decision-making is an invaluable quality. Business Studies will allows students to develop the ability to quickly and efficiently make sensible, logical and informed decisions. This will save time and hassle in both your personal and professional life and will stay with you throughout your entire life.

Students also develop you numeracy skills as they study investment, funding and how to use and interpret financial data. These mathematical abilities are widely useful and will demonstrate to future employers that students have a logical, analytical mind.

Studying how organisations adjust to a changing market will teach students how to be adaptable and flexible . This is an extremely useful and desirable quality that will makes students more than capable of taking on multiple roles within a career. 

Business Studies also forces students to be organised and to plan ahead. Learning how to generate marketable ideas, access resources and develop business plans all require a great deal of organisation. This is a crucial skill that will definitely serve students well no matter what career they decide to pursue.

Problem solving is a significant part of Business Studies. Aspects of the course such as coming up with a business plan that works, adapting to changes in the market and deciding whether or not it would benefit a company to employ people all require problem solving. Students will become good at coming up with elegant and logical solutions to problems which employers, of course, love.

Presentation skills are really important so a subject that allows students to develop them is a definite advantage. Practising presenting improves your oral communication, diction and confidence, which are all valuable life skills.