AS Business Studies (AQA Advanced Subsidiary)
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. I
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
| Written Paper: |
1 hour 15 minutes (60 marks) |
Weighting: |
40% of total AS marks/ 20% of total A Level marks |
Short answer questions and extended responses based on a mini case study.
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.
Assessment
| Written Paper: |
1 hour 30 minutes (80 marks) |
Weighting: |
60% of total AS marks / 30% of the total A Level marks |
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.
Assessment
| Written Paper: |
1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks) |
Weighting: |
25% of total A Level marks |
Questions requiring extended answers drawing upon AS materials. The focus will be on measuring business performance and assessing appropriate functional strategies to achieve success.
Unseen case study with a range of numerical data.
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.
Assessment
| Written Paper: |
1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks) |
Weighting: |
25% of total A Level marks |
A two part paper - Section A will contain questions based upon prior research.
Section B will be a choice of essay titles from which the candidate will select one. This will be a synoptic paper and draw on all the specification.
Applied Business GCE (AQA)
This course is offered both as a Single Option (=1 A-Level) or a Double Option (=2 A-Levels) and runs for two years.
As with traditional A-Levels, the students will have the opportunity to attain grades A-E, with the same points value for university entrance. Those taking the double option will receive two A Level grades.
The aim of the applied A-Level is to give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of business in a ‘hands on’ way and prepare them either for further study of Business at university or, for the work place. The course takes a more practical approach than traditional A-levels with students developing a range of relevant skills. The majority of the work is project based with students investigating ‘real’ businesses. This is achieved through visits to business organisations, business speakers coming into school, reading newspaper articles, watching business programmes and attending Education Business Partnership activity days. The use of ICT is also an important feature of the course, and all students are expected to use the Internet for research and a range packages to aid the presentation of their work.
The Single Option qualification comprises Six Units:
1-Investigating Business (Portfolio)
2-People in Business (Portfolio)
3-Financial Planning and Monitoring (Examination)
4-Business Planning (Portfolio)
5-Marketing Strategy (Portfolio)
6-Financial Accounting for Managers (Examination)
Four of the units are assessed on portfolio evidence and two units are externally assessed.
The Double Option qualification comprises Twelve Units:
Six of the units are as for the Single Option, the other six are:
7-Meeting Customer Needs (Examination)
8-Developing a Product (Portfolio)
9-Career Planning (Portfolio)
10-Promotional Activities (Portfolio)
11-Managing People (Examination)
12-Managing Change (Portfolio)
Four of these units are assessed on portfolio evidence and two units are externally assessed.