Business Studies

Business activity is a feature of everyone’s life. Throughout the world people engage in a web of business activities to design, produce, market, deliver and support a range of goods and services. In addition, investors, consumers and employees depend on the business sector for much of their quality of life.

As a course, Business Studies is distinctive in that it encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of business in contexts which students will encounter throughout their lives. Conceptually, it offers learning from the planning of a small business to the management of operations, marketing, finance and human resources in large businesses. Through the analysis of contemporary business strategies the course also provides rigour and depth and lays an excellent foundation for students either in tertiary study or in future employment.

Contemporary business issues and case studies are embedded in the course to provide a stimulating and relevant framework for students to apply to problems encountered in the business environment. Students also investigate business planning and use a range of information to assess and evaluate business performance. The role of incentives, personal motivation and entrepreneurship, especially in small business, is recognised as a powerful influence in business success.

By completing this course students will develop general and specific skills, including research, analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking and communication. These skills enhance their confidence and ability to participate effectively, not only as members of the business world, but also as citizens dealing with issues emanating from business activity.

Business Studies fosters intellectual, social and moral development by assisting students to think critically about the role of business and its ethical responsibilities to society. In addition, a significant feature of Business Studies is its relevance to the full range of HSC students, as it provides useful knowledge and competencies for life.

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Course Outline

The Year 11 course consists of three topics:

Nature of business
Business management
Business Planning

The Year 12 course consists of four topics:

Operations
Marketing
Finance
Human resources

Course description

Business activity is a feature of everyone's life. The Business Studies syllabus encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of business in ways students encounter throughout their lives. It offers learning from the planning of a small business to the management of operations, marketing, finance and human resource in large businesses.

Contemporary business issues and case studies are embedded in the course to provide a stimulating and relevant framework for students to apply to problems encountered in the business environment. Business Studies fosters intellectual, social and moral development by assisting students to think critically about the role of business and its ethical responsibilities to society.

Co-requisites, Prerequisites and Materials

Textbook - Business Studies in Action - Preliminary and HSC - Chapman ET Al
Qantas - A Business Case Study by David Broadbridge

FAQs

Do you need to have done Commerce in Year 9 and 10 to choose Business Studies?

No, you do not need to have done this subject.

Why is this subject so popular?

Most students who choose Business Studies recognise that it is likely they will either be an employee or employer so it makes sense to understand how the business world operates. In the 2019 HSC, Business Studies was the 4th most popular subject in the State behind English, Mathematics and Biology. Of the 75,006 students who sat an HSC exam, 24% of students did Business Studies. At St Patrick’s, Business Studies continues to be one of the most popular subjects that the school offers with the school consistently performing higher than the state average.

What are the keys to success in this subject?

The most important thing is to have a positive attitude towards learning and understanding. You need to be proactive by being aware of the commercial world and consider for yourself the best way to tackle business management issues. Having an understanding of how businesses such as Qantas, Apple and Woolworths have proven to be successful will also go a long way to achieving success.

Do you need to be a good writer?

Business Studies requires a thorough understanding of business terminology and concepts and their application in a business setting. A key component of the course is the ability to write extended responses, both in the form of report writing and essays and to provide strong reasoning for the decisions you make to ensure business success.

What are the career opportunities for students who study Business Studies?

Business Studies can lead to careers in:

sharemarkets
owning a business and entrepreneurship
banking
marketing
insurance
tourism
event management
human resource management
accounting and finance
operations management and logistics

References:The Rational and Course Outline are from the Syllabus: www.educationstandards.nsw.edu.au

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