Business (Applied AS/A level)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade C in either English Language or Maths.

About the Subject

Applied Business Studies is a popular subject at both AS and full A level. The key difference in this subject compared to AS / A2 Business Studies is that it is a vocationally focused course, with the assessment being predominately coursework rather than exam based.

This assignment based structure is ideal for students who prefer to work with their teachers to carry out research in order to explore the reality of work in business organisations.

Whilst the course is a natural progression from Business Studies at GCSE level most students will not have had any previous experience of studying the subject.

Course Content

Year 1

Unit 1: Investigating Business. Candidates explore the aims and objectives of businesses, the needs of their customers and how they are met. They investigate how businesses deal with competition from other businesses and how external factors, such as changing social values, can affect business. Candidates will also look at the meaning of enterprise and enterprising behaviour and why individuals and teams are vital to the success of a business.

Unit 2: People in Business. Candidates study the roles and responsibilities of people in business, such as the qualities an employer looks for in its employees and the training and development opportunities available to individuals. This unit gives candidates the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to carry out the activities associated with the recruitment process.

Unit 3: Financial Planning and Monitoring. Candidates learn how to calculate business costs, revenues and profits, and how managers use this information in decision-making.

They investigate the ways in which businesses plan their finances by, for example, drawing cash flow forecasts or budgets, and how businesses use these data to monitor the performance of the organisation.

Year 2

In the second year of the course, specific strands covered in the first year will be developed and focused upon. There will initially be a focus on creating a business plan, looking at viability, finance, marketing and cash flow. The other two units will investigate in more detail promotional activities and to build upon unit 2, motivational theories will be explored in ‘Managing people’. The latter is the examined unit and will be tested in the January series

Assessment

Two thirds of this course is assessed by assignment, with the remaining two units being assessed through short examinations. Students are supported and encouraged by 1:1 feedback. There is a strong emphasis on progress reviewing to constantly improve their work. Assignments are broken down into small manageable sections, with the course tutors guiding students to enable them to achieve the best possible grade.