AS Level in Business Studies

Course information:
AS Level in Business Studies

Course summary:
At AS Level, the AQA specification introduces candidates to the challenges and issues of starting a business, including financial planning. It then explores the key internal functions of business and how the management of these functions can assist in improving the effectiveness and performance of a business.

Course content:
The AS specification has

2 units:
Unit 1: Planning and Financing a Business
Starting a Business -
* The challenges and issues of starting a business
* enterprise
* entrepreneurs

Financial Planning -
* Key financial concepts needed to start a business including:
* sources of start up finance
* planning cashflow
* contribution
* break even.

Unit 2: Managing a Business

People -
* Communication
* motivation
* recruitment
* HR planning.

Operations Management -
* adding value
* quality
* customer service

Finance -
* improving cash flow
* measuring profit
* improving profitability

Marketing and Competition -
* planning
* 4'P's
* analysing the competitive environment

Assessment procedure:

Unit 1
Written paper:

1 hour (60marks)
Weighting:

40% of total AS marks/20% of the total A level marks
Multiple choice questions plus one compulsory multi-part data response question plus short answer questions.

Unit 2
Written Paper:

1 hour 30 minutes (80 marks)
Weighting: 60% of total AS marks/30% of the total A level marks
2 compulsory, multi-part data response questions.


Qualifications achieved:
GCE AS Level Business Studies

Progression opportunities:
Students who achieve a grade D or above at AS level can progress to the second year of the A level in Business Studies

Free study and financial support:
Most full-time students do not have to pay for their course. We may also be able to help you with some of the extra costs associated with college, eg travel, childcare, equipment, books etc. In addition, if you have just left school, you may be eligible for an Educational Maintenance Allowance. Please ask us about â€-Money Matters†for more details.