Business Studies

This course will help you develop a critical understanding of how businesses operate in today’s rapidly changing world. You will explore how organisations make decisions, manage resources and respond to opportunities and challenges in both national and global markets.

You will study a wide range of contemporary business issues, including digital technology, sustainability, business ethics, changing workplace practices and the impact businesses have on society. The course encourages you to investigate real business situations and develop an understanding of how businesses adapt and compete in an increasingly dynamic environment.

What skills will I develop?

You will develop valuable analytical and quantitative skills, learning how to interpret data, evaluate business performance and make informed judgements based on evidence.

You will strengthen your research skills using business reports, articles, case studies and online sources. You will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills that are highly valued by universities and employers. Throughout the course, you will build confidence in presenting ideas, participating in discussions and constructing well-supported business arguments.

What topics will I study?

Unit 1: What is Business? Managing Marketing and Finance

• The nature and purpose of business
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Business objectives and stakeholders
• Marketing management
• Market research and market positioning
• Finance and sources of finance
• Financial planning and financial performance
• Managing growth and profitability

Unit 2: Managing People and Operations

• Human resource management
• Organisational structures and leadership
• Motivation and employee engagement
• Operations management
• Productivity, capacity and quality
• Supply chains and inventory management
• Managing change within organisations

Unit 3: Business and Society, the External Environment and Business Strategy

• The relationship between business and society
• Corporate social responsibility and sustainability
• Political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental influences
• Globalisation and international business
• Strategic analysis
• Strategic choice and implementation
• Managing strategic change and risk

These topics encourage students to understand how different areas of business are interconnected and how decisions made in one area can have significant impacts across an organisation. This is a new, updated, and exciting specification that includes up-to-date business practices and a consideration of ethics within the organisation and their decision making.

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Component 1 – Examination: Business 1 (2 hours – 33.3%)

Questions based on business contexts covering:

• What is Business?
• Managing Marketing and Finance

Component 2 – Examination: Business 2 (2 hours – 33.3%)

Questions based on business contexts covering:

• Managing People and Operations

Component 3 – Examination: Business 3 (2 hours – 33.3%)

Synoptic questions based on business contexts covering:

• Business and Society
• The External Environment
• Business Strategy
• Business Strategy

Where does the course lead?

Business is a highly respected subject that opens a wide range of opportunities in higher education, apprenticeships and employment. It complements many degree courses and degree apprenticeships including Business Management, Accountancy, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Law, Politics and Geography.

Many former students progress to courses and careers in business, management, finance, entrepreneurship, consultancy, marketing and the public sector. The analytical, numerical and evaluative skills developed through the course are also highly valued by employers across many industries.

Studying Business will help you become a more informed and confident decision-maker, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and succeed in an increasingly complex and global business environment.