AS/A2 Business Studies

AS/A2 Business Studies

Why study Business Studies?
Business Studies is a very popular subject with many of our students progressing to study business or a business-related subject at University.

It is important for you to be aware that in the Business, Economics and Law Department we offer TWO A Levels in Business Studies:

A Level Business Studies (AQA)
A Level Applied Business (AQA)

So whats the difference between the two courses?
In a nutshell, the difference is coursework.

A Level Business Studies is the more traditional A Level and there is no coursework involved all modules are assessed by external written examination.

A Level Applied Business is a far more hands-on, vocational course, with two-thirds of your final assessment being undertaken via coursework. However, you do not escape examinations altogether, the remaining third is by external written examination. It may help you to decide which course to opt for by using the flow chart opposite.

It may help you to decide which course to opt for by using the flow chart below.
A LEVEL BUSINESS STUDIES
Have you ever wondered why it is so complicated to work out the best mobile phone tariff? Or why Coca-Cola is being kicked out of most vending machines in schools and replaced by water or Minute Maid? What prompts a business to take over another? And why oh why are McDonalds, the home of the hamburger and high fat foods, now selling salads?! A Level Business Studies considers real-life businesses and the way in which accepted business theory relates to their operation. By studying the theory and applying it to the real world you will be able to better understand how decisions are made and can then make informed judgements and conclusions.

Business Studies is a dynamic combination of economics, marketing, accountancy, administration and law.

You will be encouraged to use these elements in a complementary way to recognise, define, analyse and evaluate problems in the world of business.

Using a case study approach, you will develop skills of analysis, research and independent thinking so that can develop your own balanced arguments. Moreover, you will be able to recognise and discuss the wide range of factors which a business must try to take into account before setting its strategy for the future.

What will I study and how will it be assessed?
You will study two separate modules in the Lower Sixth, leading to an AS qualifications. These are:

Unit 1
Planning and Financing a Business (Exam January L6) 40% AS marks This module focuses on enterprise and the importance of risk and rewards. You will explore the way in which a business plan is constructed and developed and the many practical problems and issues of business start-up. You will also consider in more detail the financial aspects of starting up in business. This will involve undertaking budgeting, cashflow forecasting and break-even analysis.

Unit 2
Managing a Business (Exam June L6) 60% AS marks This module focuses on how to improve the effectiveness of business. This involves looking in detail at each of the four functional areas of business:

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  Marketing pricing decisions, where to and how to distribute the product/service, how best to promote the product/service and how to develop a successful product/service.
  

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  Finance causes and cures for cashflow problems, use of budgets to guide decision making and ways to measure and improve profitability.
  

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  People in Business considers the issues that managers face in relation to managing the human element to make a business more effective. This involves looking at organisational structures, effective recruitment, selection and training and also how to motivate the workforce.
  

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  Operations management considers the importance of setting targets to ensure capacity is utilised efficiently, the meaning and importance of quality, the role of high quality customer service and the use of technology in operations.
  

These AS units will provide you with the knowledge to progress onto the A2 course where you will further develop higher level skills of evaluation and analysis.

At A2 Level you will be required to put to use the knowledge and information previously gained to solve business problems. You will study a further two modules, divided into the same topic areas as the AS modules.

Unit 3
Strategies for Success (Exam January U6) 50% A2 marks This module focuses on objectives and strategies in terms of the four functional areas of business. You will consider in detail how a business records its revenue and costs and hence calculates profit. You will also consider various marketing strategies and operational strategies and also how to plan effectively for human resource requirements.

Unit 4
The Business Environment and Managing Change (Exam June U6) 50% A2 marks This module focuses on the relationship between businesses and external factors. It examines how external factors can impact upon businesses and the responses they may take. It also looks at leadership and culture and how businesses can manage change effectively. Lessons will encourage debate and discussion. You will have the opportunity to regularly review your progress through regular homeworks, groupwork and informal teacher feedback.

Does Business Studies link particularly well with other subjects?
Business Studies combines well with other related subjects such as Economics and Law and is also frequently combined with a variety of other subjects, eg Modern Languages, Information Technology, Mathematics, Media Studies, Psychology and Humanities subjects.

Where might it lead me?
Business Studies will provide you with a broad based preparation for careers in management, accountancy, banking, marketing, retail or simply running your own business!