Business Studies
Specification – AQA
Overview
This Business Studies course integrates the theoretical aspects of study with its practical implication in today’s business community.
To study for this course you do not require any prior knowledge of the subject but you will need a basic grasp of numeracy and the ability to piece together an argument. The course will give you an excellent background to a number of different courses. At a career level an understanding of Business Studies is becoming increasingly important in a world where advances in technology and communication have taken centre stage
AS Specification
At AS level this specification introduces students to the challenges and issues of starting a business and the key internal functions of business
Unit 1 – Planning and Financing a Business
Areas covered include
- – the challenges and issues of starting a business
- – legal structure of business – entrepreneurship
- - risk and reward of business
- - financial planning
Unit 2 – Managing a Business
Areas covered include
- - people in organisations
- – operations management
- - finance
- - marketing
Suggested Reading list
AQA AS Business Studies Student’s Handbook – P Stimpson, S Foden, D Mansell
A2 Specification
At A2 level this specification considers strategies for larger businesses and how these strategies may change according to circumstances. Finally it considers the effects that external factors can have on business and how a business can plan for and manage change
Unit 3 – Strategies for Success
Areas covered include
- - financial decision making
- - devising marketing strategies
- - improving operational efficiency
- - measuring human resource performance
Unit 4 – The business Environment and Change
Areas covered include
- – economic influences on business
- - cooperate culture
- - ethical decision making
- - managing change
Suggested Reading list
AQA A2 Business Studies Student’s Handbook – P Stimpson, S Foden, D Mansell The Times, Telegraph, Guardian and Independent Business Sections Financial Times Philip Alan Updates Business Review The Economist