Overview
The course followed is the Pearson Edexcel A Level in Business (9BS0)
Students are encouraged to use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of business, to understand that business behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives and to challenge assumptions.
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Edexcel Business Studies A Level (9BS0) |
Course Content
Autumn Term
Theme 3: Business decisions and strategy
- Business objectives and strategy – Corporate objectives, corporate strategy, SWOT analysis, impact of external influences
- Business Growth – Objectives of growth, mergers and takeovers, organic growth, reasons for staying small
- Decision-making techniques – Sales forecasting, investment appraisal, decision trees, critical path analysis
Theme 4: Global business
- Globalisation – Growing economies, international trade, factors contributing to increased globalisation, protectionism, trading blocs
- Global markets and business expansion – Conditions that prompt trade, assessment of a country as a market, assessment of a country as a production location, reasons for global mergers or joint ventures, global competitiveness
Spring Term
Theme 3: Business decisions and strategy
- Influences on business decisions – Corporate influences, corporate culture, stakeholders versus shareholders, business ethics
- Assessing competitiveness – Interpretation of financial statements, ratio analysis, human resources
- Managing change – Causes and effects of change, key factors in change, scenario planning
Theme 4: Global business
- Global marketing – Marketing, niche markets, cultural / social factors
- Global industries and companies (multinational corporations) – the impact of MNCs, ethics, controlling MNCs
Summer Term
- Revision of Themes 1,2,3 and 4
Homework
Homework is set regularly, and in most instances a week will be given to complete tasks. These tasks will mainly centre on past paper questions and reflect the range of assessment methods used in the final exam. Alongside homework there will be revision tasks, research tasks and the expectation that the students read more widely about the subject.
Assessment
The subject is assessed at the end of the two year course through 3 exam papers. Questions range from very short responses to 20 mark essay questions, testing 4 assessment criteria:
- A01 Demonstrate knowledge of terms, concepts, theories, methods and models to show an understanding of how individuals and organisations are affected by and respond to business issues
- A02 Apply knowledge and understanding to various business contexts to show how individuals and organisations are affected by and respond to issues
- A03 Analyse issues within business, showing an understanding of the impact on individuals and organisations of external and internal influences
- A04 Evaluate qualitative and quantitative evidence to make informed judgements and propose evidence-based solutions to business issues
Useful Links and Information
A wealth of useful information can be found at:
The exam board:
www.qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/business-2015.html
Business in the news: