Business A level

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This course is designed to enable students to focus on the dynamic nature of the contemporary business world and to provide opportunities for research into topical business issues. Students will explore real business situations, be practical in the application of business concepts and understand the role of business and the entrepreneur in society.

Year 1: Introduction to the business environment and decision making in functional areas

What is Business? - The nature of business and how the external environment can impact on business performance.

Managers, Leaders and Decision Making - Decision making and its impact on stakeholders.

Understanding markets and customers - The role of market research, segmenting the market and marketing mix.

Decision making to improve operational performance - Improving efficiency and quality in production.

Decision making to improve financial performance - Setting financial objectives and managing performance.

Setting human resource objectives - Organising and motivating the workforce.

Year 2: Strategic decision making and managing strategic change

Analysing the strategic position of a business - Identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Choosing strategic direction - Choosing which markets to compete in and what products to offer.

How to pursue strategies for change - Innovation, internationalisation, technological change.

Managing strategic change - Barriers to change and the value of a flexible organisation.

Throughout these topics students will consider business theory with relation to small, medium and large businesses. Students will be expected to develop their understanding of the topics through the use of case studies and real business examples so they can apply their knowledge in a range of contexts. To this end, students will be expected to keep abreast with the business environment through reading the business press, related magazines and journals and watching relevant television documentaries.

The College expects students to have GCSE Grade 5 or above in Mathematics and English.

This A-Level provides ideal preparation for students seeking to pursue a career in business. Careers could for example be in human resource management, sales and marketing, public relations, advertising, retail management, accountancy, administration, event management or buying.