Business
A level Business will interest budding entrepreneurs as you develop your knowledge of how businesses are organised, structured, financed and operated. You will learn the theories behind successful businesses and explore companies such as Google, Apple and Tesco and will examine real business situations, making use of a range of information sources and personal research. Business is a dynamic combination of economics, marketing, accountancy, administration and law. In the classroom there is plenty of debate and lively discussion. You will learn about starting up a business, the risks and rewards, budgeting and cash flow through to how to manage strategic changes within multinational businesses. You will also address the four functional areas within business – marketing, finance, human resources and managing operations. Students will also put their knowledge gained to good use studying business strategies for success and the leadership and culture within companies.
Extracurricular activities within the business department include the opportunity to enjoy visits to industry both in the UK and overseas, to be able to apply theory to real life contexts. For example, Business students have visited New York to investigate the difference in marketing techniques used by Merlin Entertainment in the UK and the USA. Closer to home, students have visited the Trafford Centre to investigate strategies needed to ensure the business remains successful and competitive in a saturated market.
Students are also offered the opportunity throughout their studies to attend business conferences hosted by senior examiners together with guest speakers from the business world as well as being able to access internal speakers from the college within the roles of Finance, HR and Marketing.
The majority of students go on to university, where Business represents the largest single subject in the university sector.
For potential employers, Business, with its broad study base and balance of numerical and written skills, is an ideal foundation for the recruitment of students for managerial positions and offers all the skills employers have recently said are lacking in new recruits.
Marketing, people and global businesses – Exam Paper – 35% of marks
Business activities, decisions and strategy – Exam Paper – 35% of marks
Investigating business in a competitive environment – Exam paper – 30% of marks
Summary
Marketing and People
Meeting customer needs; the market; marketing mix and strategy; managing people; entrepreneurs and leaders.
Managing Business Activities
Raising finance; financial planning; managing finance; resource management; external influences.
Business Decisions and Strategy
Business objectives and strategy; business growth; decision making techniques; influences on business decisions; assessing competitiveness; managing change.
Global Business
Globalisation; global markets and expansion; global marketing; global industries and companies (multinational corporations).
The recommended book to purchase and read alongside the course is Edexcel AS/A level Business 5th edition Student Book by Dave Hall. Students should also access the BBC News Business pages and investigate the current business environment.
Student may wish to complete the following task prior to their studies:
Using the provided links consider what research Coca Cola will have undertook prior to the renaming of its product.
Read the following study notes:
www.tutor2u.net/business/reference/marketing-primarymarket-research
www.tutor2u.net/business/reference/marketing-researchsecondaryresearch
www.tutor2u.net/business/reference/marketingquantitative-and-qualitative-research
Read the following article
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/apr/19/coca-cola-zero-renamed-uk-taste-more-like-coke-sugar
Study Level
A Level
Exam Board
Edexcel
Contact Details
Mrs C Hillier
Head of Department
hillier_c@sjd.ac.uk
