GCE A Level Business Studies

Programme Features:

• The course encourages students to adopt an investigative approach, applying knowledge of the real world
• Successful students will be able to apply knowledge of Business theories and concepts to understanding problems and potential solutions
• Students will sit assessment units in June. AS students will sit Unit 1 and Unit 2 in June of the first year. A-Level students will sit Units 3 and Unit 4 in June of the second year. There will be an opportunity for AS students to resit modules if they wish
• The course encourages the practical application of business concepts by providing students with the opportunity to explore events in the business world as a means of reinforcing understanding of theories and concepts
• The course is intended to promote active rather than passive understanding, as it considers business theories and concepts within a framework that provides reasons for studying the subject
• This course focuses on the contemporary business world as it has been devised to reflect contemporary issues in the business world, eg. entrepreneurship, customer service and emerging markets
• The theme of change is central to Unit 4 and is further emphasised by the inclusion of topics such as globalisation and migration.

Programme Content:

The A-Level qualification has four modules. These include the AS modules 1 and 2 and Modules 3 and 4 for A Level.

Topics covered include: Financial Strategies and Accounts - making investment information, measuring performance and financial decisions. Marketing Strategies - analysing markets, and selecting successful marketing strategies, developing marketing plans. Operations Strategies - operational issues, location, innovation and improving operational efficiency. Human Resource Strategies - workforce planning, adapting organisational structures, successful employee relations.

Module 4 examines The Business Environment and Managing Change Corporate Aims and Objectives - purpose and nature of corporate strategies, stakeholder perspectives. It also looks at Assessing Change in the Business Environment - the effects of changes in the economic, political, social, ethical and technological environment and responses of organisations.