Business Studies

Teacher in charge: Mrs. B. Loubser

Business Studies is a commercial subject that informs learners about the trends in the business environment, the functions of a business, and the various forms of ownership that exist. It also teaches learners how to write a business plan, and how to behave ethically and responsibly.

From Grade 7 to Grade 9, learners take EMS- Economic and Management Science.

This subject is designed to introduce them to Commerce subjects and to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship in our country.

From Grade 10 onwards, the subject splits into Accounting and Business Studies. When the Department of Education moved to the CAPS programme Business EconomicS became Business Studies and the subject became more practical and relevant to the current business environment.

Business Studies deals with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values critical for informed, productive, ethical and responsible participation in the formal and informal economic sectors.

The subject includes business principles, theory and practice that support the development of entrepreneurial initiatives, sustainable enterprises and economic growth.

The table below indicates the main topics in the Business Studies curriculum.

Weighting of Curriculum

Topic: Business environment: (weighting 25%)

1. Micro, market and macro environments

2. Business sectors

3. Contemporary socioeconomic issues

Business venture: (weighting 25%)

4. Entrepreneurship

5. Business opportunity and related factors

6. Business Plan

7. Management and Leadership

8. Forms of ownership

9. Setting up a business

10. Contracts

11. Business location

12. Investment : securities and insurance

13. Presentation of business information

Business role: (weighting 25%)

14. Creative thinking and problem-solving

15. Self-management, professionalism and ethics

16. Human rights, inclusivity and environmental issues

17. Social Responsibility

18. Stress, crisis, change and conflict management

19. Relationship and team performance

Business operation: (weighting 25%)

20. Business functions

21. Quality of performance

The purpose of Business Studies Business Studies will ensure that learners:

• acquire and apply essential business knowledge, skills and principles to productively and profitably conduct business in changing business environments;
• create business opportunities, creatively solve problems and take risks, respecting the rights of others and environmental sustainability;
• apply basic leadership and management skills and principles while working with others to accomplish business goals;
• are motivated, self-directed, reflective lifelong learners who responsibly manage themselves and their activities while working towards business goals;
• are committed to developing themselves and others through business opportunities and ventures;
• are able to secure formal employment, and are in a position to pursue sustainable entrepreneurial and self-employment career pathways.

The exam paper for Business Studies has recently been split into 2 papers

PROPOSED STRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS STUDIES PAPERS

Grade 10 Topics

Paper 1: Business Environment and Business Operation

Paper 2: Business Venture and Business Role

Grade 11 Topics

Paper 1: Business Environment & Business Operation

Paper 2: Business Ventures and Business Role

Grade 12 Topics

Paper 1: Business Environment & Business Operation

Paper 2: Business Ventures & Business Role

In the Grade 10 June exam Socio –Economic Issues is part of Paper 2 and then moves to Paper 1 at the end of the year.

Some of the practical assessments that Business Studies are required to do are: