Course Content

Business Opportunities and Functions
Students start by focusing on new business start-ups and small and medium sized enterprises. The content in this section is based around the concept of starting a new business and the issues that surround the process of planning a new business.

Students then go on to cover all types of business organisation, ranging from recently formed small businesses to well established multinational companies. They need to understand that, in order to succeed in a competitive market, all businesses have to consider the core functions.

Business Analysis and Strategy
The emphasis in this section is on understanding and using analytical techniques and developing appropriate business strategies. Students need to understand, construct and analyse a range of decision-making models and investment appraisal methods used by businesses to decide on their strategy. Students need to develop analytical skills to investigate business opportunities and problems in a number of different contexts and evaluate a range of quantitative and qualitative data to suggest possible strategic responses from businesses.

Business in a Changing World
How businesses adapt to succeed in a dynamic external environment. Learners need to understand that the business world never stands still and there are continuous opportunities and threats to businesses of all sizes. Learners need to understand that regardless of size, businesses now operate in a global marketplace and they need to consider a wide range of external factors that affect their day-to-day activities, decision-making and strategy.

Assessment

Each exam paper at the end of Year 13 is worth one third of the final grade.  Each paper is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Paper 1: Business Opportunities and Functions
Short-answer questions and data response questions

Paper 2: Business Analysis and Strategy
Data response and structured questions

Paper 3: Business in a Changing World
Questions based on a case study
One synoptic essay

Expectations

To be accepted onto the course students need at least a Grade 6 at GCSE in Maths and English Language.
Students need to be thoughtful and prepared to participate in discussion. An interest in the world of business is essential. Keeping up-to-date with developments in business news is also highly recommended. A clear written style is important and this subject should help students develop skills in data-analysis as well as essay writing.

Examination Board: Eduqas.  Course Number: A510QS