Business Studies AS level

Business Studies, AS-level
AS & A Level
About the Course
This course will appeal if you are ambitious and enjoy problem-solving, working with numbers, individual and team-based decision making and doing background research. It will develop your ability to work on your own and in groups and enable you to identify reasons behind business decisions. A variety of teaching methods and aids will be used such as case studies, visits, business games, speakers, competitions with other colleges, group work and videos. Particular attention is paid to people working in business and how they behave; how businesses of all sizes make profit, finance and market themselves; how businesses fit into the economy as a whole; and how strategic decisions are made. The basic concepts of each of the above elements will be studied at AS level, leading to the more analytical and strategic issues involved being studied at A2.
AS Level
Unit 1 Planning and Financing a Business covers the issues involved in a business start-up, such as research and planning, the people involved as well as the factors that determine success. You will be focusing on real business start-ups for this interesting and useful unit.
Unit 2 Managing a Business focuses on how established businesses could improve their performance by looking at the how the different areas of businesses work, such as finance, marketing, people and operations.
A2 Level
Unit 3 Strategies for Success focuses on larger businesses that may be trading in international markets, and how managers might measure the performance of the businesses. You will study functional strategies that larger businesses may adopt to achieve their objectives.
Unit 4The Business Environment and Managing Change assesses the external factors that can act as catalysts for change, and considers these in relation to a range of businesses. You will also examine the ways in which businesses can manage change successfully when responding to external stimuli.
Course Aims
This course aims to introduce you to the challenges and issues of starting a business,including financial planning. It also explores the key functions of business and how the management of these functions works. It will be extremely useful to you if you are thinking of setting up a business or working for a business - so that means it†s useful to everyone!
What are the entry requirements?
How is the course assessed?
You will be assessed by two exams in each year.
AS level. There is one paper consisting of a short case study and short-answer questions and one paper with two compulsory case studies.
A2 level. There is one paper consisting of a case study and one paper consisting of a prior research section and an essay question.
Fees
No Course Fees for Under 19's. Over 19's must pay, or claim Level 2 or Level 3 Entitlement for FREE courses .
What next?
Following successful completion of this course
you may:
• Go to university and take a degree
• Undertake a Modern Apprenticeship
• Go directly to employment
The course is particularly attractive if you are considering a career in the fields of marketing, personnel or finance.