business enterprise
tech award - DISTINCTION* - PASS
Edexcel
Edexcel
Business Enterprise will provide opportunities for students to acquire technical and employability skills as well as knowledge and understanding of the business sector. The portfolio nature of the course will improve students’ organisation and time management skills. You will develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively to demonstrate business acumen, and draw on evidence to make informed business decisions and solve business problems.
The course is appropriate for hardworking students that have an interest in the way in which both small and large businesses operate. You might even have considered, one day, running your own business and the nature of the content will help support that ambition. Given that the course is largely assessed via assignments, the students may feel that this is how they deliver the highest quality work rather than through examinations. The natural progression is to move on to A-Level Business or Economics at Midsomer Norton Sixth Form.
What will I learn?
You will understand how and why enterprise and entrepreneurs are successful, exploring the features of SMEs, market sectors, the aims and activities of enterprises, and the skills and characteristics of entrepreneurs.
You will understand customer needs and competitor behaviour through market research. To achieve this, you will analyse the benefits and drawbacks of different primary and secondary methods.
You will understand how the outcomes of situational analyses may affect enterprises by conducting a PEST and SWOT analysis, which includes an exploration of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to a specific business.
How will I be assessed?
Weighting 30%
Internally assessed via a controlled assessment (similar to coursework)
What will I learn?
You will look at factors that may affect the generation of innovative business ideas by completing your own business plan that includes ownership details, aims of the enterprise, features, pricing, promotion, the target market, resources required, financial information, and the risk and viability of your idea.
You will look at effective ways to present a business plan. Design and communication skills are developed to ensure professionalism.
How will I be assessed?
Weighting 30%
Internally assessed via a controlled assessment (similar to coursework)
What will I learn?
You will understand how marketing activities can lead to enterprise success by exploring factors influencing the choice of marketing methods, including market segmentation & the marketing mix.
You will understand the role of financial documents and statements by completing and interpreting documents using maths skills and an application of knowledge. Particular attention is paid to interpreting the statement of comprehensive income and statement of financial position using profitability and liquidity ratios.
You will understand the role of financial planning and forecasting by conducting budget variance analysis, cashflow forecasting and breakeven analysis before assessing suitable sources of finance.
How will I be assessed?
Promotion & Finance
Weighting 40%
Externally assessed via a traditional examination