A-LEVEL BUSINESS STUDIES - AQA

Introduction

You do not need to have studied Business Studies at GCSE level in order to take an AS or Advanced GCE course in this subject. Several topics in the course are developments of work covered at GCSE, but others are new. It is more important that you have a sincere interest in Business Studies and want to learn how a business is organised, operates, plans and makes its decisions. However, if you have taken the GCSE course, it is desirable that you achieve at least a grade B otherwise you are likely to struggle on the A Level course.

The subject lends itself to those students who have an enquiring, analytical, logical mind with a flair for problem solving. The mathematical content can be too onerous for some, as there are overlaps with the Decision Making Module studied in A-level Maths. It is important that you feel at ease when interpreting, manipulating and analysing data.

By choosing to take Business Studies you will have selected one of the most applied subjects in any Sixth Form curriculum. The course encourages the practical application of business concepts by exploring and researching topical events in the business world and relating these to theories and practice.

Assessment Framework

AS Topic Lists

* Starting a Business

The challenges and issues of starting a business.

* Financial Planning

Key financial concepts needed to start a business including; sources of finance, planning cashflow, contribution and break even.

* People

Communication; motivation; recruitment; HR Planning.

* Operations Management

Adding value; quality; customer service; IT; resource utilisation and operations decisions.

* Finance

Improving cash flow; measuring and improving profits.

* Marketing and Competition

Analysing the competitive environment.

A2 Topic Lists

* Financial Strategies and Accounts

Financial information and measuring performance.

* Marketing Strategies

Analysing markets, devising marketing strategies.

* Operations Strategies

Location, R&D, improving operational efficiency.

* Human Resource Strategies

Workforce Planning, measuring performance, adapting organisational structures, employee relations.

* External Influences

The effects of changes in the economic, political, social and legal fields. Risk Strategy. Change Management. Corporate Culture.

* Leadership, Corporate Culture and Ethics.

* Managing Change

Planning for change, corporate strategies, decision making.

AS Unit 1 Planning and Financing a Business 1hr 15m (UMS 60)

Unit 2 Managing a Business 1hr 30m (UMS 80)

A2 Unit 3 Strategies for Success 1hr 45m (UMS 80)

Unit 4 The Business Environment and Managing Change (UMS 80)

(partly based on a pre-issued research theme)

Description of Teaching and Learning:

Group Work	Use of Extranet
Internet Research	Attending Revision Courses.

Links to Future Careers

Business Studies provides an excellent doorway to a wide range of careers; accountancy, HRM, management, purchasing & supply. It can also be combined with many other disciplines on joint honours courses.

Higher Education Successes of Former Students

A significant proportion of students choose to pursue this subject in Higher Education.

Additional Information

Please see Mr Fallon (Head of Business Studies)