Business Studies

This Business Studies course is presented using Information Systems. This gives the students the opportunity to achieve a high standard of computer literacy while studying Business Studies.

The course is designed to give a foundation of business awareness by developing a basic knowledge and understanding of business and its environment. The student will also demonstrate his/her problem solving and decision making skills, i.e. Research, Analysis, Evaluation and Drawing Conclusions.

Business Activity and the Changing Environment
·Factors of Production
·Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Activity
·Location
·Government and EU Influences on Business Activity
·Technology and Environmental Effects
·Types of organisation
·Aims and Objectives
·Judging Success

Human Resources
·Internal Organisation
·Communication
·Recruitment and Selection
·Training
·Motivation and Rewards
·Negotiation and Consultation

Accounting and Finance
·External and Internal Sources
·Budgets and Cash Flow Forecasts
·Costs and Break Even Analysis
·Final Accounts
·Ratios and Performance

Marketing
·The Market

Production
·Economies and Diseconomies of Scale
·Methods of Production
·Productivity

Assessment
One final written examination 75% Coursework 25%

Coursework
This is an essential part of the course enabling students to study one aspect of the above units in more depth. The student will produce a report of between 2500 and 300 words plus related research and results.

Examination
Foundation Tier Grades C - G
Higher Tier Grades A* - D

The Research Task for the examination is externally set by the examining body in the second year of the course. Its context will lead into the terminal examination. The examination will consist of structured questions and be of 2 hours duration. It will test knowledge and understanding of the syllabus content in the context of the pre- released materials.