Business Management - Advanced Higher

Vale of Leven Academy

The course has three areas of study: 

The external business environment 

Candidates develop a detailed knowledge and in-depth understanding of the effects of external influences on organisations operating at a multinational and global level. They gain an in-depth understanding of current issues affecting organisations in an economic, social and environmental context, and consider the effectiveness of various courses of action. 

The internal business environment 

Candidates expand their knowledge of both traditional and contemporary management theories used by organisations to maximise efficiency, and evaluate theories relating to internal factors that influence the success of teams. 

Evaluating business information 

Candidates develop skills in evaluating a range of business information used by organisations to reach conclusions. 

Question paper 80 marks 

The question paper gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to:  

• analyse complex business information to evaluate strategic plans and strategic decisions of large organisations, and the impact of external factors on large organisations  

• apply knowledge and understanding of complex business, management, and leadership theories and concepts to specific business situations  

• evaluate the social and ethical impact of multinational corporations at home and abroad  

• evaluate how analytical techniques and emerging technology can be used to support business decisions  

• communicate complex business ideas and opinions 

The question paper has a total mark allocation of 80 marks. This is 67% of the overall marks for the course assessment. 

It has two sections: 

Section 1 is worth 40 marks and has a set of mandatory questions based on stimulus material in the form of a business case study. It is based on a large, real-life organisation and may include any combination of text, financial information, graphs, diagrams, charts and images. Each question ranges in value from 4-8 marks and is drawn from across the course. Questions assess breadth, application, and challenge, within the context of the case study. 

Section 2 is worth 40 marks and has at least four mandatory questions. Questions may have one or more parts, each ranging in value from 4-10 marks and are drawn from across the course. Questions assess breadth, application, and challenge. 

Project 40 marks

• The project gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to:  

• identify an appropriate, currently trading and operational organisation or industry  

• select a topic from the course coverage  

• gather research from a range of sources  

• apply knowledge and understanding of business concepts to explain, analyse, and evaluate the topic 

• reach valid conclusions and/or make recommendations based on evidence  

• structure a detailed, well-informed report based on the topic and organisation(s) or industry  

• organise, present, and reference findings using appropriate conventions 

The project has a total mark allocation of 40 marks. This is 33% of the overall marks for the course assessment. Marks are awarded for:  

• introduction 5 marks  

• analysis and evaluation 20 marks  

• conclusions and 

• recommendations 8 marks  

• research 3 marks  

• structure and referencing 4 marks 

The assignment is conducted under some degree of supervision and control and is marked externally by the SQA.