AS/A2 Business Studies

Business Studies AS/A2
What will I study?
At AS Level, students are introduced to the challenges and issues of starting a business, including financial planning. It then focuses on how established businesses might improve their effectiveness by making tactical decisions at a functional level. At A2, students consider strategies for larger businesses and how managers might measure the performance of the business. Finally, it considers 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. Students are required to complete homework on a weekly basis.

How can I progress?
The course is recognised by all Higher Education Institutions. It obviously forms a good basic grounding for degrees in business related subjects and also develops skills and abilities which can be applied to wide a range of degree courses.

What will I need to qualify for this course?
In order to qualify for this course students must; *Have 5 GCSE Grade Cs including English Language *It is recommended that candidates should have at least a grade D in GCSE Maths and a strong interest in the world of business and current affairs. To access A2, students must have at least grade E from AS Business Studies.

Course Structure
Whilst studying towards this qualification the following modules will be covered; *Planning and Financing a Business (AS) -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. *Managing a Business (AS) -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. Strategies for Success (A2) 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. The Business Environment and Change (A2) 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.

Course Duration
2 Years

Qualification Level
Level 3

Career
*Accountant *Financial advisor *Marketer *Retail manager *Human resource manager *Civil servant *Banker