Course aims

This course encourages learners to develop an enthusiasm for studying business and gain a holistic understanding of business in a range of contexts. Learners will develop a critical understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society’s needs and wants. There will also be opportunities to generate enterprising and creative approaches to business opportunities, problems and issues. There will be a focus on investigating different types and sizes of organisations, drawing on local, national and global contexts.

Entry requirements

You will require a grade 6 in mathematics and grade 6 in English language, in addition to the general entry requirements.

Course content

Component 1 – Business Opportunities and Functions

This component focuses on new business start-ups and small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The content in this section is based around the concept of starting a new business and the issues that surround the process of planning a new business. In addition to covering the main concepts of setting up a new business, learners should be aware of other types of business organisations, the markets in which they operate and their various stakeholders. Learners need to understand that, in order to succeed in a competitive market, all businesses have to consider the core functions of business (these topics are introduced in the first year of the subject).

Component 2 – Business Analysis and Strategy

This component builds on the theory introduced in Component 1. As the title suggests, the emphasis in this component is on understanding and using analytical techniques and developing appropriate business strategies. Learners need to understand, construct and analyse a range of decision-making models and investment appraisal methods used by businesses to decide on their strategy. Learners need to develop analytical skills to investigate business opportunities and problems in a number of different contexts and evaluate a range of quantitative and qualitative data to suggest possible strategic responses from businesses.

Component 3 – Business in a Changing World

This component focuses on how businesses adapt to succeed in a dynamic external environment. Learners need to understand that the business world never stands still and there are continuous opportunities and threats to business of all sizes. In addition to this learners need to understand that regardless of size, business now operate in a global marketplace and they need to consider a wide range of external factors that affect their day-to-day activities, decision-making and strategy. Learners are required to integrate the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in all three components to display a holistic understanding of business activity and the environment in which they operate.

Course assessment

Written examinations.

Materials

You are provided with textbooks. However, you are required to provide all other materials.

Progress

Higher Education to study business-orientated programmes to include accountancy, enterprise, business and management.