AS Business Studies (AQA)
The aim of this course is to develop a critical understanding of business organisations from a variety of perspectives. This involves the consideration of the internal workings and management of organisations and, in particular, the process of decision-making in a dynamic external environment. Students will also acquire a range of skills including problem solving.
Method
Students are expected to take notes, write essays and reports, analyse case studies, evaluate different kinds of data, research and read as widely as possible. The importance of reading newspapers and listening to or watching news and current events programmes is stressed and developments in any area relevant to businesses are always discussed as they occur. Working individually or in groups, students are given the opportunity to make presentations and put forward their own ideas and strategies.
Unit 1: Planning and Financing a Business
Topic list
• Starting a Business - The challenges and issues of starting a business; enterprise; entrepreneurs.
• Financial Planning - Essential financial concepts needed to start a business including: calculating costs, revenues, profits; using a break-even analysis and cash-flow forecasting.
Assessment
Unit 2: Managing a Business
Topic list
• Finance - budgets, improving cash flow and profits.
• People in Business - organisational structures, recruitment, training and motivation.
• Operations Management - operational decisions, quality, customer service, suppliers, technology.
• Marketing and Competition- designing and using an effective marketing mix, market conditions and competitiveness.
A2 Business Studies (AQA)
At A2, we consider strategies for larger businesses and how managers might measure the performance of the business. Finally, we consider the effects that external factors can have on businesses and how a business can plan for and manage change, including leadership style and change in business culture.
The A2 course has 2 units:
Unit 3: Strategies for Success
Topic list
• Functional Objectives and Strategies - examining their appropriateness in the context of corporate objectives.
• Financial Strategies and Accounts - making investment information, measuring performance, financial decisions.
• Marketing Strategies - analysing markets, and selecting successful marketing strategies, developing marketing plans.
• Operations Strategies - operational issues, location, innovation, improving operational efficiency
• Human Resource Strategies - workforce planning, adapting organisational structures, successful employee relations.
Unit 4: The Business Environment and Change
Topic list
• Corporate Aims and Objectives - purpose and nature of corporate strategies, stakeholder perspectives.
• Assessing Change in the Business Environment - the effects of changes in the economic, political, social, ethical and technological environment and responses of organisations.
• Managing Change - planning for change,leadership and corporate culture, making strategic decisions, decision making.
L3 BTEC National Certificate in Business (Equivalent to 2 A-Levels)
The BTEC National Certificate in Business will give you a solid knowledge base for career opportunities in areas such as Marketing, Business Ethics, Accountancy, Retail, Finance, and Business Planning. Universities welcome applications from successful BTEC National Certificate Business students.
Core Units
The Business Environment, Business Resources, Introduction to Marketing and Business Communication (all to be taken in year 12)
Specialist Units
Year 12: Starting a Small Business, Creative Product Promotion
Year 13: Business and the Economic Environment, Understanding Business Ethics, International Business, Understanding Retailing, Business Accounting, Human Resource Management in Business
There will be a variety of assessments, including essays, case studies, presentations and research-based assessments.
Successful students on this course are able to manage themselves to meet deadlines effectively, to be prepared to work independently and will be able to have a critical view of how businesses are run .You will need to have one of the following for entry onto this course: a BTEC First Diploma in Business (with a Merit or Distinction pass), other related Level 2 qualifications equivalent to five GCSEs (grade C or above), or related work experience.
Link to BTEC National Student Handbook
BTEC First Diploma in Business (Year 12 only)
The BTEC First Diploma is equivalent to four GCSEs grades A*– C.
The BTEC First Diploma is a practical, work-related course. Students learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.
This level 2 course is especially suitable for anyone interested in a career in the business world e.g. accountancy, administration, financial services, marketing or sales. It provides a broad background in a range of business related topics and trains you in the basic knowledge and skills for a career in the business or commercial world. It introduces learners to particular areas of employment area and provides a good basis to go on to either further academic study or a career in industry.
Course Structure
The course is made up of twelve units; four core units provide a general foundation and eight specialist units introduce learners to particular topics in more depth.
The course is designed to provide you with a good insight into the operation of business. You will cover the following twelve modules:
• Business Purposes
• Business Organisations
• Financial Forecasting for Businesses
• People in Organisations
• Verbal and Non-verbal Communication in Business
• Training and Employment in Business
• Business Online (Double Module)
• Business Ethics
• Business Enterprise (Double Module)
• Managing Personal Finance
Link to BTEC Business L2 Diploma