You do not need to have studied Business Studies at GCSE in order to take an AS or A Level course in this subject. It is more important that you should take an interest in current affairs and the business world and that you are able to communicate your ideas effectively. Business Studies provides a forum for constructive debate about real life business issues, such as how to market a product or compete with multi-national firms. The subject is a very relevant learning experience with the issues taught and the skills learnt being used by students who enjoy solving practical problems in a logical manner. Topics covered in the course are: • What is business? • Managers, leadership and decision making • Decision making to improve marketing performance • Decision making to improve operational performance • Decision making to improve financial performance • Decision making to improve human resource performance • Analysing the strategic position of a business (A-level only) • Choosing strategic direction (A-level only) • Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies (A-level only) • Managing strategic change (A-level only)