GCSE Business Studies

GCSE Business Studies
Level: GCSE

Awarding Body: EDEXCEL 1503

Course Content:
The course is divided into six sections:
1. Business and the external environment which includes how businesses are affected by factors beyond their control such as the EU, government economic policies, exchange rates, health scares, the law.
2. Structure, organisation & control of business which covers the characteristics of sole traders, partnerships, public limited companies and how firms decide whether to float their shares on the stock market or not.
3. Business aims & objectives such as profit, market share, leaders in innovation, and how success can be measured.
4. Roles, relationships and management in business including recruitment, training, functions of departments within a firm, motivation and communication.
5. Sources, uses and management of finance including sources of start-up capital, budgeting, cash-flows, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, break-even and ratio analysis.
6. Production and marketing strategies such as market segmentation, research, marketing mix (price, product, place, promotion), methods of production.

Teaching Learning Methods:
There will be plenty of teacher led theory lessons but there will also be case studies, individual research (coursework), mathematical problems and structured data-response questions.

Assessment:
Examination of 2 hours - 75%
(a case study where all questions are compulsory and some are mini-essays)
Coursework - 25%
(one assignment which is set by the exam board, approximately 1500 words)

Two tiers of entry:
Foundation G - C
Higher A*- D

Skills & Commitment:
This course is usually delivered over two years but we are doing it in two and a half terms so students MUST have a very high attendance & punctuality rate to succeed. There will be plenty of written homework which must be fully completed. Business is a mathematical subject and students will need to carry out calculations such as percentages, ratios and construct graphs (e.g; break-even analysis). Students will need to be aware of current business/economic developments (by watching the news). Students will need to be well motivated and organised.

Cost:
Students will need to provide their own files, paper, calculator, coloured pens, plastic wallets. There are no other costs.

Progression:
This is an excellent course for anyone wishing to take Business Studies or Economics at "A" level, or for a career in business.

Complimentary Subjects:
This GCSE combines well with Mathematics, English, Sociology, Geography or Media.