AS/A2 BUSINESS STUDIES
AS BUSINESS STUDIES: AQA 1131
A2 BUSINESS STUDIES: AQA 2131
Course Description
The Business Studies course aims to develop a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value. It will
involve consideration of the internal workings and management of organisations
and the process of decision-making in an ever changing world.
The course promotes active rather than passive learning with an emphasis on a problem solving approach. Part of the final exam is based on pre-released research tasks.
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
It is not necessary to have studied Business Studies at GCSE in order to take an
AS or A level course. It is however, important that you have an interest in current affairs. Students will be expected to read the Business Section of a quality newspaper as much of the material will be studied through a variety of real business contexts.
What could I go on to do at the end of my course?
Students with AS or A level Business Studies have access to a wide range of possible
career and higher education opportunities. You will develop a range of personal
transferable skills including:
- interpreting and analysing data
- applying knowledge to unfamiliar situations
- developing and presenting arguments
- challenging assumptions.
These skills are in great demand and are recognised by employers, universities and
colleges as being of great value. Business Studies combines well with a range of
Social Sciences, Science, Mathematics and Humanities to lead to University
courses in such areas as Law, Economics, Accounting, Politics, International Relations and, of course, Business Management.
What will I study and how will I be assessed?
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AQA Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Business Studies (1131) |
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Unit 1: BUSS1 Planning and Financing a Business |
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Content |
Examination |
Weight |
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This unit covers two core themes:
Starting a Business and Financial Planning. Candidates will be expected to have an understanding of the range of activities involved in setting up a small business and an understanding of key financial concepts essential for the planning of small businesses. Candidates will be expected to carry out calculations and to be able to interpret their results. |
1 hour 15 minutes examination
60 marks
Short answer questions and extended responses based on a mini case study. |
20% |
|
Unit 2: BUSS2 Managing a Business |
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Content |
Examination |
Weight |
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In the study of this unit, candidates will examine Finance, People in Business, Operations Management, Marketing and the Competitive Environment in relation to the core theme of improving the effectiveness of a business. Candidates should be able to calculate and be able to interpret data measuring the effectiveness of the business. These measurements should include: profitability, labour productivity, labour turnover, unit costs and market share. |
1 hour 30 minutes examination
80 marks
Compulsory, multi-part data response questions. |
30% |
|
AQA Advanced GCE in Business Studies (2131) |
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Unit 3: BUSS3 Strategies for Success |
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Content |
Examination |
Weight |
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In the study of this unit candidates should examine the AS topics in relation to the core themes of setting objectives, measuring performance and devising strategy.
Both A2 units are synoptic. |
1 hour 45 minutes examination
80 marks
Questions requiring extended answers based on an unseen case study. |
25% |
|
Unit 4: BUSS4 The Business Environment and Managing Change |
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Content |
Examination |
Weight |
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This considers the relationship between businesses and external factors. It examines how external factors can impact upon businesses, and the responses they may take. The unit also examines a number of themes which are important in the strategic management of businesses, for example, leadership and corporate culture. Candidates should consider how businesses can manage change successfully.
This unit will be studied through a variety of real business contexts.
Both A2 units are synoptic. |
1 hour 45 minutes examination
80 marks
Pre-release research tasks leading to the
first section of a two section examination.
Second section will consist of choice of essays. All questions will be essay style and synoptic. |
25% |
