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Business Studies : A Level

Overview

Business in Northern Ireland, if it is to flourish, needs more people who have well-developed interpersonal and decision making skills. Business Studies provides students with a unique insight into the world of work. Through its study, students discover how businesses operate and learn about their key elements and essential business functions. Employers need professionals who do not only have the skills in finance, marketing, human resource management and the external business environment, but who can also apply the managerial skills of teamwork, communication, creative problem solving and effective decision making in order to achieve results.

Studying A Level Business Studies will provide you with the knowledge, information and experience needed to understand business, whilst developing the appropriate skills to enable you to make and effective contribution to the organisation.

Aims

By choosing the course, students will be encouraged to:

• Develop a critical understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society's needs and wants
• Understand that business behaviour can be studies from a range of perspectives
• Generate enterprising and creative solutions to business problems and issues
• Be aware of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities faced by organisations and individuals

Subject Content: AS Level

Content	Assessment	Weighting
Unit AS 1: The Competitive Business	External written exam 2 compulsory data response questions 1 hour 30minutes	50% of AS 25% of A Level
Unit AS 2: Managing Business Resources	External written exam 2 compulsory data response questions 1 hour 30minutes	50% of AS 25% of A Level

Subject Content: A Level

Content	Assessment	Weighting
Unit A2 1: Making Business Decision	External written exam 1 compulsory data response question 2 hours	50% of A2 25% of A Level
Unit A2 2: The Changing Environment	External written exam Unseen case study requiring students to produce a business report 2 hours	50% of A2 25% of A Level

Reporting and Grading

AS qualification are awarded on a five grade scale from A to E, with A being the highest. A Level qualifications are awarded on a six grade scale with the addition of A* which becomes the highest.

Progression to Higher and Further Education and Future Career

Employers look for graduates who have an all round understanding of Business and the environment within which it operates. Business Studies will encourage you to develop the skills, knowledge and qualities required for life and work in the 21st Century. It offers an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue carers in Management, Administration, Advertising, Journalism, Accounting, Human Resources, Purchasing, Logistics and many others. This qualification also supports progression into further and higher education. Courses include Honours Degree in Business Studies, Level 4 NVQs in Administration or Management adn BTEC National Diploma in Business of related subjects.

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