Business Studies - Business Studies and Economics
Business Studies deals with business, the carrying out of its various functions such accounts and finance, operations management and personnel, and how it operates within if, environment. It also looks at the effects of outside bodies such as government on business as well as studying objectives and strategies that businesses adopt.
Although normally a Grade 'C' in both English and Mathematics at GCSE would be expected it is more important that students are confident in handling numbers and in writing a coherent answer.
AS consists of three compulsory modules:
2871 Module I - Businesses, Their Objectives and Environment
This module considers the external business environment which affects their operation:
- The need for businesses to take account of stakeholders
- How government policy affects business decisions
- The opportunities and threats of technological change.
2872 Module 2 - Business Decisions (see Module 3)
2873 Module 3 - Business Behaviour
These two modules encourage students to recognise the relationships between each of the four main behavioural functions of business and that successful decisions need to be taken in the context of both the organisations wider objectives and its resources.
The importance of marketing The need not just for watching profit, but also cash flow. Approaches to motivation The importance of quality
A2 consists of three modules
2878 Plus either: Business Project - allowing the student to use their understanding by applying it to a particular business; or:
2880 Compulsory Module - Business Strategy: students use their AS work and that of the option module to concentrate on the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy in business situations.
Assessment and weighting:
AS consists of three written papers one of lhr 15 mins., one of I hour and one of 45 mins. using stimulus or case study material. In some cases this may consist of pre- released material. Modules I and 2 account for 30% each of the total (15% each for 'A' level) and Module 3 accounts for 40% of the total (20%. for the 'A' level).
The A2 consists of either two written papers plus the course work or three written papers. The written papers are 1 1/2 hours long. Module 4 and 5 [coursework or the written paper] are weighted at 15% each and the synoptic paper at 20%
University and career implications
Business studies at 'AS' or 'A is not required to study the subject at university, but it would be useful as it would for all other courses with business or management in the title. It would be useful for anyone contemplating a career in: accountancy, business, management, marketing, personnel etc. or in journalism, politics etc.
The course aims not only to teach business studies, but also to develop all of the Key Skills for 'A' level students including IT, numeracy, communication, including presentations, problem solving, working in groups and own study skills.
Business Studies & Economics
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