Business
General course information
The subject content enables learners to investigate different types and sizes of organisations in various business sectors and environments, drawing on local, national and global contexts, including data which relates to the Welsh business environment. Learners will develop a holistic understanding of business and enterprise and be aware of the opportunities and threats of operating in a global marketplace.
Course Content
Unit
Content
Assessment
AS
Unit 1
Based around the concept of starting a new business and the issues that surround the process of planning a new business.
Content: Enterprise, Business plans, Markets, Market research, Business structure, Business location, Business finance, Business revenue and costs
Written Examination: 1 hour 15 minutes (Worth 15% of qualification)
AS
Unit 2
This unit broadens the context for learners and will include all types of business organisations, ranging from recently formed small businesses to well-established multinational companies.
Content: Marketing, Finance, People in organisations (human resources) and Operations management.
Written Examination: 2 hours (Worth 25% of qualification)
A2 / A Level
Unit 3
The emphasis in this unit is on understanding and using analytical techniques and developing appropriate business strategies.
Content: Data analysis, Market analysis, Sales forecasting, Analysing financial performance, Analysing non-financial performance, Aims and objectives, Strategy and implementation, Decision-making models, Investment appraisal and Special orders
Written Examination: 2 hours 15 minutes (Worth 30% of qualification)
A2 / A Level
Unit 4
Unit 4 focuses on how businesses adapt to succeed in a dynamic external environment.
Content: Change, Risk management, PEST factors, Ethical, legal and environmental factors International trade, Globalisation, The European Union
Written Examination: 2 hours 15 minutes (Worth 30% of qualification)
Career Prospects
Accountancy, Running your own business, Marketing/Advertising, Human Resources , Teaching, Lecturing, Consultancy, Banking, Retail, Hospitality, Tourism, Law
Ideal Entry requirements
GCSE Mathematics: B
GCSE English: B
GCSE Business: B
(However, pupils can study Business at A Level if they haven’t studied the subject at GCSE)
Examinations Body
Subject Leader
Miss F Humphreys