Business Studies

The aims of the Business Studies Department are to encourage students to develop an interest in and enthusiasm for the study of business and the economy. We are constantly surrounded with stories about the economy, the fallout from credit crunch, the environment and climate, oil prices, the housing market, supermarket dominance, the impact of new technologies and Brexit to name but a few!! This reminds us how important business is to all of us.

Business is one of the more varied and diverse subjects and complements all other subject combinations. A business qualification can open many doors, and even help budding entrepreneurs to find their way!

Teaching Staff

Mrs C Gillespie

Head of Department

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Mr S Moyes

Head of Year

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Mrs C McGonagle

Teacher

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Mrs A McGurk

Teacher

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Course Curriculum

KEY STAGE 4

KEY STAGE 5

Course Outline

The Business Studies department offers a range of subjects at GCSE/KS4 level:

• GCSE Business Studies (CCEA)
• GCSE Business Communication Services (CCEA)
• Skills for Business (OCN)

GCSE Business Studies

AIMS:

By studying Business Studies you will gain a broader view of the world of business, its functions, behaviour and the problems and issues that face it.

THIS COURSE IS SUITABLE IF …

You want to develop a lifelong interest in and enjoyment of business subjects. In today’s economic climate, Business Studies is an important and worthwhile qualification. No matter what you decide to do when you leave school, the chances are you will be involved in some way in a business. Business Studies helps you to understand more about how and why businesses operate in the way that they do.

Students would be expected to have a high competency in literacy.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

UNIT1: Starting a Business

Creating a business – You will study how a business starts up and the importance of the role of the entrepreneur.
Marketing: You will learn about customers’ needs and wants. You will study: methods of market research and sampling; competition that a business may face; and the marketing mix (the four Ps – Price, Product, Promotion and Place). You will also study international business and E-Business.
Business operations: You will study the types and methods of production; quality assurance models and health and safety.

UNIT 2: Developing a Business

Human Resources: You will learn about recruitment and selection; and developing people through training, and motivation.
Business Growth: You will study why a business succeeds or fails; and why it may grow.
Finance: You will learn about the sources of finance available to business, financial decision making models such as Cashflow and Breakeven. You will have the opportunity to use ratio analysis to interpret final accounts.
Business Plan: You will learn about the content of business plans and the reasons for developing them. You will also have the opportunity to construct and to evaluate a business plan.

UNIT 3: Planning a Business

This is a controlled assessment unit where students will engage in a research task, followed by a report writing task.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I GAIN STUDYING THIS SUBJECT?

A number of skills will be gained. Employers will look for these, and your ability to demonstrate the skills will be invaluable.

· Analysing and selecting information

· Working in teams

· Problem solving

· Meeting deadlines

· Writing reports

· Communicating effectively

· Understanding numerical data

· Computer literacy

· Organising your time

PROGRESSION ROUTES AFTER THIS COURSE

It will facilitate the study of Business Studies at ‘A’ level
As a course with a vocational slant it provides an excellent grounding for immediate entry into the world of work
Higher education – HNC, HND, degree level
Career paths – accounting, business administration, business and computing, business and languages, communication and advertising, marketing, E-business, economics, finance and investment, hospitality, retail, insurance, tourism, leisure, manufacturing etc.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Visit the CCEA website http://www.ccea.org.uk/business_studies/ or talk to the Business Studies teachers.

Mrs C Gillespie (Head of Business Studies)

GCSE Business and Communication Systems

AIMS:

Through studying our GCSE in Business and Communication Systems, students:

Gain business knowledge, understanding and skills;
Gain practical ICT skills; and

Gain an understanding of how digital technology is used to enhance business activities.

THIS COURSE IS SUITABLE IF …

This course is very relevant to today’s workplace. It helps students understand the way business is changing because of digital technology. It offers students an opportunity to become familiar with the many software applications used in the business world. It will help develop skills that are useful in many careers.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

UNIT 1: Software Applications for Business

Students learn the relevant functions in software applications – file management, word processing, spread sheet software, databases, presentation software, web creation and email software.

UNIT 2: The Business Environment

Students gain a broad introduction to the business world. They learn about recruitment, selection, training and marketing as well as the implications of digital technology for business.

UNIT 3: Developing Digital Solutions

Students will use the skills gained in units 1 and 2, to plan and develop a digital solution for a business.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I GAIN STUDYING THIS SUBJECT?

This course helps students develop practical ICT and business skills that are useful in a diverse range of employment roles including:

Communication skills
Self-management skills
The ability to work with others
Problem solving

PROGRESSION ROUTES AFTER THIS COURSE

It also prepares students for studying business and ICT at a more advanced level.

A Level Business Studies/ Applied Business Studies/ ICT
HNC, HND in a related ICT/business course
Degrees – business/ICT type courses
Career paths – accounting, business administration, business and computing, business and languages, communication and advertising, marketing, E-business, economics, finance and investment, hospitality, retail, insurance, tourism, leisure, manufacturing, web design etc.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Need more information?

Visit the CCEA website http://www.ccea.org.uk/business_studies/ or talk to the Business Studies teachers.

OCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Business

AIMS:

The aim of this qualification, ‘Skills for Business’, is to allow learners to develop the knowledge, understanding and key skills required to work within a business setting. These qualifications provide an engaging, practical and relevant introduction to the world of business today.

THIS COURSE IS SUITABLE if…

you have an interest in Business. It is accessible to a wide range of learners of all abilities. There is no external exam so may suit learners who prefer to ‘learn by doing’ and complete coursework as evidence.

WHAT WILL I STUDY and HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

To achieve the OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Business the learner must successfully complete a total of 15 credits studied over a number of units:

Business Aims and Objectives
Business Growth
Understanding financial statements, ratio and breakeven
Marketing Mix and competition

Assessment is by PORTFOLIO OF EVIDENCE only. There is NO external test.

Students will submit a collection of documents containing work that shows the learner’s progression through the course.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I GAIN STUDYING THIS SUBJECT?

It develops skills that are useful in a diverse range of employment roles.

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding in the areas of business to include:

core business skills
digital business skills
human resources
start-up and marketing

Students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills for a career in business and

develop the key skills and attributes valued by employers and further/higher education providers
develop Literacy, Numeracy and ICT competences together with key transferable and thinking skills

PROGRESSION ROUTES AFTER THIS COURSE

Successful Learners will be equipped to progress to courses at post-16

The Business Studies Department has a wide range of post 16 qualifications to suit the varying needs of students (A level Business Studies, A level Applied Business, Certificate/Diploma in Financial Studies and Professional Business Services)
Career paths – business administration, business and languages, communication and advertising, marketing, hospitality, retail, insurance, tourism, leisure, ….

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Need more information?

file:///N:/OCN%20NI%20Level%202%20Diploma%20in%20Skills%20for%20Business.pdf

or talk to the Business Studies teachers.

Assessment

EXTERNAL EXAMS

BUSINESS STUDIES

UNIT 1: Starting a Business (1hr 30mins) 40%

UNIT 2: Developing a Business (1hour 30mins) 40%

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

UNIT 1: Software Applications for Business

External computer-based exam (2 hours) 40%

UNIT 2: The Business Environment

External written examination (1hour) 35%

Coursework

CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT

GCSE BUSINESS STUDIES: UNIT 3: Planning a Business 20%

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS: UNIT 3: Developing Digital Solutions 25%

Course Outline

The Business Studies department offer s arrange of subjects at A level:

A level Business Studies (CCEA)
A level Professional Business Services (CCEA)
A level Applied Business Studies (AQA)
Diploma in Financial studies (competition date June 25) (LIBF)

A Level APPLIED BUSINESS STUDIES

AIMS:

The Applied Business course aims to provide candidates with a broad introduction to the business sector and to encourage candidates to develop skills, knowledge and understanding in realistic business contexts, such as discovering the problems and opportunities faced by local businesses and organising an enterprise activity.

THE COURSE IS SUITABLE IF:

You like the ‘hands on’ approach. Having a vocational emphasis, the course is based on the belief that a better understanding of business is achieved through active participation in the business environment. It provides a broader and deeper understanding of business knowledge and skills to support progress to higher education.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

AS Unit 1: Financial Planning and Analysis

In this unit, you will explore the financial issues that enterprises need to consider. To do this, you will need to explore different ways in which enterprises can be owned and how they can be financed. You will need to understand the issues that enterprises face concerning cash-flow. You will calculate profit, break-even and cash-flow to monitor the enterprise. Finally, you will use this information, as well as from final accounts and market information, to make business decisions.

AS Unit 2: Business Dynamics

Human, physical and financial resources are essential for the success of business organisations. In this unit, you will investigate the factors contributing to the success of businesses, focusing on the role played by managers, supervisors and employees. You will consider how businesses organise themselves and you will develop your ability to analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of these organisational structures. You will then consider the role of management in improving the competitive position of businesses.

AS Unit 3: Entrepreneurial Opportunities

You will develop your understanding of entrepreneurial opportunities and investigate how individuals can exploit these through personal enterprise, e.g. by offering a service. You will consider opportunities for your own personal enterprise, for a given context, and propose marketing and operations activities to take advantage of the entrepreneurial opportunity.

A2 Unit 1: Managing and Leading People

In this unit, you will explore how organisations, operating in a changing environment, use managers and employees to achieve objectives. You will also study the role of management, the importance of business culture, the factors affecting the motivation of employees and why they might resist organisational change.

A2 Unit 2: Developing a Business Proposal

In this unit, you will use mind mapping software (such as a WP with graphics functions) to consider the potential of your initial business ideas. You will then select one business idea to develop. You will outline the marketing, operations, human resources and financial plans of your selected business idea. This will require you to carry out research and use a spreadsheet model to test its viability. Finally, you will evaluate your business proposal, considering ways in which its marketing and operations plans might be improved.

A2 Unit 3: Managing an Event

This is a practical unit requiring an actual event to be run. In planning for and managing the event, you will work as part of a team. The contribution the team makes to the effectiveness of planning and running the event will be considered. Finally, you will review the event and make appropriate adjustments to your business proposal based on the insights gained when delivering your event.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

AS 1: External exam

AS 2: Internally assessed coursework

AS 3: Externally assessed coursework

A2 1: External exam

A2 2: Internally assessed coursework

A2 3: Internally assessed coursework

All units carry equal weighting of 16.6%

The units are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction

The overall qualification is graded as P, M, D, D*

(Learners must pass each unit in order to pass the qualification)

WHAT SKILLS WILL I GAIN STUDYING THIS SUBJECT?

Practical skills: personal organisation and time management; ICT skills;
Presentational skills: producing a business report; making a presentation;
Personal skills: initiative; creativity; perseverance; willingness to learn and progress;
Interpersonal skills: working in teams; discussing problems or issues; leading a team;
Cognitive skills: investigative and research skills; problem solving; decision making;
Using theory to analyse a real organisation; planning a project.

SOME CAREERS WHERE THIS SUBJECT IS USEFUL:

This Business type course will also open up opportunities for further and higher education and career choices in a wide range of jobs. Areas could include marketing, personnel, banking, insurance, quality, accountancy, retail, management and much more.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

ü Mrs C Gillespie (Head of Business Studies)

ü CCEA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/business-subjects/applied-general/business

A Level BUSINESS STUDIES

AIMS:

Business Studies gives students an invaluable insight into how organisations meet the discerning needs of stakeholders in a constantly changing environment. Students discover how businesses operate and engage in the decision-making and risk-taking processes at all levels in the organisation. Students develop a greater awareness of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities that organisations and individuals face as they conduct their business. They also have the opportunity to develop valuable transferable skills that will help them to access further education courses or become a valued employee.

THE COURSE IS SUITABLE IF:

You would like to develop a lifelong interest in business and understand more about how and why businesses operate in the way that they do. Given the nature of assessment (all external exams) students would be expected to have a very good competency in literacy.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

AS Unit 1

“Introduction to Business”

Entrepreneurship, business ownership structures, key stakeholder groups, importance of quality, productivity and investment, recruitment, selection, training, motivation and leadership styles.

AS Unit 2

“Growing the Business”

The impact of competition, a critical understanding of marketing and an appreciation of the role of accounting and financial information in business decision making.

A2 Unit 1

“Strategic Decision Making”

Business objectives, culture, stakeholder objectives, an insight into business planning and the need to manage risk (decision trees and contingency plans), company accounts, ratio analysis and investment appraisal.

A2 Unit 2

“The Competitive Business Environment”

Macroeconomic framework and government policies, impact of globalisation, ethics and sustainability and change.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

AS 1: External written examination 1 hour 30 mins. Two compulsory structured data responses (80 marks). 20% of A-Level

AS 2: External written examination 1 hour 30 mins. Two compulsory structured data responses (80 marks). 20% of A-Level

A2 1: External written examination 2 hours. Five compulsory structured data responses (90 marks).

30% of A-Level

A2 2: External written examination 2 hours. Six compulsory structured data responses (90 marks).

30% of A-Level

AS1 and AS2 are assessed externally in May of year 1; A21 and A22 are tested in June of year 2.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I GAIN STUDYING THIS SUBJECT?

The course will also help you acquire a range of skills:

Ø Decision-making, problem solving, interpreting and managing information;

Ø Creating solutions to problems and issues;

Ø Good communication, organisational, and negotiating skills;

Ø Working under pressure and to deadlines.

These are skills which are highly sought after and can be taken forward to any future employment.

SOME CAREERS WHERE THIS SUBJECT IS USEFUL:

Business Studies can open up a wide range of opportunities for further and higher education and career choices in a wide range of jobs e.g. accountancy, law, banking and finance, insurance, retail, hotel and tourism, marketing, media, setting up your own business, and much more.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Mrs C Gillespie (Head of Business Studies Department)

Careers Advisor

Students currently studying Business Studies

CCEA website: http://www.ccea.org.uk/business_studies

A Level PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS SERVICES

AIMS:

Professional Business Services firms (e.g. Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC) provide support and knowledge-based services to businesses in a range of industries. They offer their clients specialist advice in various areas to help them to improve their business. This is a growth area in the UK. By studying this course you will gain an insight into the range of services that professional business services firms provide for their clients e.g. management consultancy, HR services, financial decision making etc.

THE COURSE IS ….

an industry-endorsed specification, appropriate for those considering entry into bespoke business training programmes or apprenticeships, as well as those seeking progression to relevant Higher and Further Education programmes.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

AS 1

Introduction to Professional Business Services

you will study the business environment that professional business services firms operate in. You will investigate the consultancy process they use and explore the range of techniques used to inform the advice professional business services firms provide for their clients.

AS 2

Human Resource Services

In this unit you will explore human resource management and how to improve human resources processes in a business. You will investigate areas such as organisational structure and culture, recruitment, learning and development, employee well-being, motivation and managing conflict. You will also carry out research into these areas to inform a report for a client.

AS 3

Financial Decision Making

In this unit you will explore financial decision making in a client business. You will examine key areas of financial management including sources of finance, budgeting and cash flow. You will also analyse and interpret final accounts using ratio analysis and use investment appraisal to inform advice to clients.

A2 1

Technology in Business

In this unit you will explore the range of technology and IT systems available for communications, managing people, financial management and business operations. You will also examine the issues professional business services firms must consider when advising a client on business technology, including security, data storage and social, moral and ethical issues

A2 2

Leadership and Management

This unit will allow you to build on the content in AS 2 as you examine a range of leadership styles and theories in depth and explore some of the challenges of management, including performance management, managing teams and managing change.

A2 3

Project Management Skills and Processes

In this unit you will explore the stages and processes involved in successful project management. You will examine the components of project management methodology and apply this to your own specific project in the role of project manager.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

WHAT SKILLS WILL I GAIN STUDYING THIS SUBJECT?

This specification builds on learning from Key Stage 4 and gives students opportunities to continue to develop the Cross-Curricular Skills and the Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities.

Students develop their communication skills and work independently to select appropriate information. They apply their knowledge and understanding to a range of contexts.

Students develop their ability to research and analyse information, evaluating and using it to make reasoned arguments. They also learn to present, evaluate and draw conclusions. They develop the ability to write succinctly and coherently, using specialist terms to present their ideas clearly.

SOME CAREERS WHERE THIS SUBJECT IS USEFUL:

This qualification in Professional Business Services will provide you with a broad experience of the range of services provided by this growth industry. You will acquire knowledge and skills in key areas within professional business services that could lead to future study and/or related employment or apprenticeship. HRM, Taxation, Consultancy, Retail, Financial Services……

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Mrs C Gillespie (Head of Business Studies Department), careers advisor, students currently studying BS, Ccea website: https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-professional-business-services-2017