AS and A level Business Studies

Course code: BSS

Level: A Level, AS Level

Availability: Day Course

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Summary

This is a modern, dynamic course which encourages the practical application of business concepts by exploring events in the business world and relating these to business theories and practice. It will provide an introduction to the main elements of business such as marketing, finance, operations and human resources and how these contribute to achieving business objectives. You will develop an appreciation of how businesses are set up and the external factors that can affect business performance such as the economy, government, society, technology and the environment.

Requirements

You will need:
At least five GCSEs at grade C or above to include English Language and Maths.  A general interest in the business world and current affairs will be paramount and you will be required to use your initiative and be organised in your work habits

because:

  • you will need good levels of communication and numeracy
  • the course will focus on real world issues and problems
  • you will be taking two examinations at the end of your first year.
  • you will be required to develop skills in calculations, interpreting and analysing data, researching, developing arguments and applying business knowledge to unfamiliar situations.

Course Content

This is a modular A level which means that students sit examinations throughout the two years.  In Year 1 you will study units 1 and 2 for an AS level. In Year 2 you can take units 3 and 4 to complete the full A level.

Unit 1: Planning and Financing a Business
This unit covers:

Starting a Business
An introduction to enterprise and business ownership and an overview of the activities involved in setting up a small business.

Financial Planning
An introduction to the essential financial concepts and the relationship between finance and other organisational functions.

You will be assessed by a 1 hr 15 minute examination consisting of multi-part data-response questions based on a case study about a start-up business.

Unit 2: Managing a Business
This unit covers:

People in Organisations
Communication, recruitment, HR planning and motivation.

Operations Management
Resource utilisation, quality, customer service, suppliers, IT.

Finance
Budgets, improving cash flow and profits.

Marketing and Competition
Market conditions and designing an effective marketing mix (promotion, price, place and product).

You will be assessed by a 1hr 30min examination consisting of 2 multi-part data-response questions based on 2 different case study businesses.

Unit 3: Strategies for Success
This unit examines:

Financial Strategies and Accounts
Financial information, measuring performance, making financial decisions.

Marketing Strategies
Analysing markets and developing successful marketing strategies, planning marketing activities.

Operations Strategies
Operational issues, location, R&D, improving efficiency.

HR Strategies
measuring performance, workforce planning, adapting organisational structures, successful employer/employee relations.

You will be assessed by a 1hr 30min examination consisting of 5 questions based on an unseen case study

Unit 4: The Business Environment and Managing Change
This unit will examine:

Mission, Aims and Objectives
The aims of stakeholder groups, measuring business success.

External Influences
The effects of changes in the economic, political, social, ethical and technological environment and the responses of businesses.

Leadership and Corporate Culture
Leadership styles and the role of leaders in responding to change and influencing corporate culture.

Managing Change
Planning for change, corporate strategies, managing change, decision making.

You will be assessed by a 1hr 30min examination consisting of two sections: questions based on pre-release research tasks and an extended essay.

What else do I need to know?

Formal lessons will introduce each new topic and you will apply your knowledge through topical case studies, problem-solving activities, independent research and group work.  You will be given homework each week. This may be written work, practice exam questions, research and reading.  There will be the opportunity to take part in IT based activities and watch relevant programmes such as Dragon’s Den and The Apprentice.  

Subjects such as Economics, Accounting, Computing or Information Communication Technology, Statistics, Psychology and Law would form a good combination for students who are thinking of a business related higher education course.  Please note that some business degree courses require GCSE Mathematics at grade B.

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