Business Studies
(Exam Board: OCR)

Subject Leader:
Ms C Whiteley

What do I need?

The course is aimed at students who have a particular interest in the organisation and operation of business.  The units offer an excellent introduction to the skills required by students seeking various business-related careers; either via Further Education, Higher Education or directly into employment.  A GCSE in Business is not required, however, you must be hard working with the ability to express yourself in a written format. A minimum grade C is expected if you have taken Business Studies at GCSE. Students should have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Languageand Maths.

What will I learn?

Year 12 – AS Level

Unit 1:  An Introduction to Business
This unit provides students with an awareness of the external business environment and factors that affect business activity. Issues explored are:

The Nature of Business   Classification of Business  Objectives  Other Influences

Unit 2: Business Functions
Students will develop an awareness of the interrelationships that exist between each of the four main functions of business. They will also appreciate that for an organisation to be a success in a dynamic and challenging environment, decisions have to be taken in the context of both the organisation’s objectives and its resources. The business functions studied are:

Marketing  Accounting and Finance  People in Organisations  Operations Management

Year 13 – A2 Level

Unit 3:  Marketing
This unit is partly synoptic and examines the principles of marketing. Students will develop a critical awareness of theories, concepts and decision making tools which are integral to marketing and used to help solve problems and make decisions. The Marketing Mix will be examined together with other areas of study including:

The Market  Market Segmentation  Market Research  Market Planning
 Models of Marketing  The Marketing Mix

Unit 4:  Strategic Management
This unit is synoptic. The emphasis is on developing an awareness of business strategy, its nature, development and implementation. Students will apply these concepts with a view to critically evaluating specific organisational and business situations in order to solve problems and/or make decisions. Areas studied are:

Business Objectives and Strategy  Business Analysis  External Influences  Change


How will I be assessed?

The Examination Board is OCR. The following table is a summary of the AS and A2 level Schemes of Assessment.  Progression into Year 13 to study at A2 level will require students to have achieved a pass grade at AS level.

UNIT    LEVEL    TITLE    EXAMINATION    Marks    Marks
1
AS
An Introduction to Business    1 hour
Written paper
( 60 marks)    40%
of total AS marks    20% of total
A2 marks
2
AS    Business Functions    2 hours
Written paper
( 90 marks)    60%
of total AS marks    30%
of total
A2 marks
3
A2    Marketing
2 hours
Written paper
( 60 marks )        20%
of total A2 marks
4
A2    Strategic Management    2 hours
Written paper
( 90 marks )        30%
of total A2 marks

Assessment is based on a combination of data response questions and case study stimulus material.

* There is no coursework requirement.

Is there anything else I need to know?

A wide range of subjects will combine well with Business Studies including Economics, Mathematics, Foreign Languages, ICT.  

Many degree courses include aspects of Business Studies because it will be useful to graduates in their future careers.

Progression from Advanced Level Business Studies could include:

1.    A range of degrees in Business and Management. Some examples are:

Business Studies
Marketing
Human Resource Management
Retail Management
Economics
Accountancy and Financial Management
International Business Studies

2.    Career opportunities cover a wide range of areas including finance, law, marketing, management consultancy, retail, human resource management or any other general business environment.  A number of options may be available including direct entry into work; studies to obtain further/professional qualifications; management trainee courses available at 18+.

3.    The course is also suitable for those considering self employment.