Business Studies

Overview
This course will enable students to:
• Investigate different types of business organisations in various business sectors and study the competition between them.
• Study four main functions of business to give core knowledge and skills.
• Develop more specific knowledge and understanding in one functional area and be able to analyse and evaluate a range of business situations.
• Devise business strategies to address a variety of detailed case study and real life business scenarios.

Course Outline
AS Level
F291: An Introduction to Business
Students will study the nature of business and how businesses can be classified. The objectives of business will be identified and the influences on business will be covered.
F292: Business Functions
Students will gain an appreciation of different aspects of business including the marketing function, the role of accounting and finance, issues relating to people within organisations and the principles of operations management.

A2 Level
F296: Business Production
Students will be expected to show critical awareness of issues related to operations management aspects of business and to use them in solving problems/making decisions. They  will be expected to explain, analyse, evaluate and use information relating to production and in addition take into consideration issues relating to the organisation as a whole and the environment within which production activity takes place.
F297: Strategic Management
Students will appreciate how business objectives and strategy are formulated and applied. Business analysis will also be covered. A range of external influences will be considered as well as how organisations deal with change .

Assessment
No coursework
Examination (100%) – Two of the examinations will involve working with pre-released case studies.
Examining Board – OCR.

Special Entry Requirements
None.

Prohibited Options
None.

Career and Progression Opportunities
The subject is highly regarded amongst employers and universities. Former students have entered retail management, banking, accounting and finance, media and the leisure industries. Business degree courses include Business Management, Accountancy, Business with Languages, Leisure Management and Marketing.

Teaching Methods
Students will learn through a variety of teaching methods, e.g. group work, presentations, independent study, videos and teacher-led subject teaching.

Other Information
Business Studies combines well with Information Technology and most social science courses .

This information is correct for September 2012 entry.