Sixth Form Business Studies
Business Studies - AQA
Business Studies involves managing resources in order to achieve an organisation's objectives/goals. The organisation may be a National Health hospital, a state school, a large multi-national company, a small shop or charity. The fundamental issue facing such an organisation is to decide how to make the best use of the limited resources at its disposal. In every business there will be a limited amount of finance, labour, expertise, and technology etc. which can be utilised. Management has to decide how to get the most out of these resources.
The Specification
At AS Level, the pupils are introduced to the challenge and issues of starting a business, including financial planning. It then focuses on how established businesses might improve their effectiveness by making tactical decisions at a functional level.
| Unit |
Content |
Assessment |
| 1) Planning and Financing a Business |
Starting a Business - the challenges and issues of starting a business; enterprise; entrepreneurs.
| Written paper 1 hour 15 minutes, short answer questions and extended responses based on a mini case study. 60 marks
40% of total AS marks
20% of total A Level marks. |
| 2) Managing a Business |
Finance - budgets, improving cash flow and profits.
People in Business - organisational structures, recruitment, training, motivation.
Operations Management - operational decisions, quality, customer service, suppliers, technology.
Marketing and Competition - designing and using an effective marketing mix, market conditions and competitiveness. |
Written paper 1 hour 30 minutes. Compulsory multi-part data response questions. 80 marks
60% of total AS marks
30% of total A Level marks. |
At A2 level, the pupils consider strategies for larger businesses and how managers might measure the performance of the business. They consider the effects that external factors can have on businesses and how a business can plan for and manage change, including leadership style and change in business culture.
| Unit |
Content |
Assessment |
| 3) Strategies for Success |
Functional Objectives and Strategies - examining their appropriateness in the context of corporate objectives.
Financial Strategies and Accounts - making investment decisions, measuring performance, financial decisions.
Marketing Strategies - analysing markets and selecting successful marketing strategies, developing marketing plans.
Operations Strategies - operational issues, location, innovation, improving operational efficiency.
Human Resource Strategies - workforce planning, adapting organisational structures, successful employee relations. |
Written paper 1 hour 45 minutes.
Unseen case study with a range of numerical data.
80 marks
25% of total A Level marks. |
4) The Business Environment and Managing Change.
(synoptic) |
Corporate Aims and Objectives - purpose and nature of corporate strategies, stakeholder perspectives.
Assessing Changes in the Business Environment - the effects of changes in the economic, political, social, ethical and technological environment and responses of organisations.
Managing Change - planning for change, leadership and corporate culture, making strategic decisions, decision making. |
Written paper 1 hour 45 minutes.
25% of total A Level marks.
Section A questions based
on prior research.
Section B on choice of
essay titles from which
the candidates select one. |
Relevance
Business studies is a subject area that you will use throughout life. The subject can be taken further by opting for a degree course in this area. Alternatively, you may opt to seek employment in a related field.
Please note: You do not need to have GCSE Business Studies to study for 'A' Level.