Business Studies:Single

Course summary

You do not need to have studied GCSE Economics or Business Studies to take this course. It is more important that you have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in business and economic affairs, and a desire to explore new ideas and communicate them effectively. The first-year course is made up of two units: Theme 1: Marketing and People looks at the nature of markets, explores the marketing and human relations functions within a business, and investigates the role of entrepreneurs and leaders in the context of business start-ups. Students will examine how businesses need to adapt approaches within a dynamic business environment. Theme 2: Managing business activities enables students to develop an understanding of the issues surrounding raising and managing business finance, using resources efficiently and effectively, and the economic and legal factors that may constrain their operations. They will investigate different types and sizes of organizations from a range of sectors in local, national, and global contexts. The second-year course continues with two further units: Theme 3: Business decisions and strategy develop the material studied in Theme 2 to examine issues surrounding business growth, decision-making techniques, the influences on business decisions, how we assess competitiveness, and strategies that can be used to manage change. Theme 4: Global business develops the work undertaken in Theme 1 to include issues surrounding globalization, how global markets may influence business expansion, how marketing strategies need to be varied in global markets, and the significance of multinational companies, including the ethical dimensions of global business activities.