The GCE Advanced Level Business Studies syllabus emphasises the diverse, yet integrated, nature of business activity. It builds on the knowledge and skills gained in GCSE Business Studies. It is very wide and involves topics borrowed from a variety of disciplines. Students are required to cover the following broad topic areas in considerable depth throughout the course.
External Influence, Accounting and Finance
Objectives and Strategy, Human Resource, Management/People
Marketing Operations Management

Examples of issues which would be examined through the study of business at A level are as follows:
· How does an increase in the value of sterling affect business activity?
· Why do Benetton use ‘shock tactics’ as part of their advertising campaign?
· Is the Internet useful to business?
· What are the various methods used to calculate wage rates?
· How does a business ensure that its products are of an acceptable quality?
· Why is McDonalds a very successful business?

Candidates should also be aware that business behaviour can be studied from a number of different stakeholder-perspectives, i.e. the customer, manager, creditor, owner, employee and government.
Skills required for GCE A level Business Studies:
· Problem Analysis and Design of business solutions (Literacy)
· Ability to make use of Information Technology (Interpretation of data)
· Ability to evaluate and make reasoned judgements (Numeracy)
· Ability to participate in groupwork (Effective Communication)

Teaching Methods:
· Case Studies Role-play/Simulations
· Discussion/Debate Investigations
· Whole Class Work/ Group Work
· Guest Speakers/ Industrial Visits
· Use of Information Technology /Use of videos
· Business Magazines/Newspapers

Examination
AS=50% of the total award.
AS - 3 teaching modules (Examined in June of Year 13 - Modules 1,2 and 3)

Unit 1 Module 1 One Hour
30% of AS
15% of A2
2 Stimulus Response Questions (Marketing/Accounting & Finance)

Unit 2 Module 2 One Hour
30% of AS
15% of A2
(People/Operations Management) Pre-seen case study

Unit 3 Module 3 One Hour
40% of AS
20% of A2
(External Influences/Objectives & Strategy) Pre-seen case study

Plus;
A2 - 3 teaching modules (Examined in June of Year 14 - Modules 4,5 and 6)

Unit 4 Modules 4&5 One and a Half Hours
15% of A2
Decision Making Case Study
(Marketing/Accounting & Finance/People & Operations Management)

Unit 5 Either;
A Business Report & Essay (Any A2 Module)
Or
A Coursework Project (3000 words)
15% of A2

Unit 6 Module 6 One and a Half Hours
20% of A2
Case Study (External Influences/Objectives & Strategy)

Career Opportunities
Business Studies can be continued to Third Level Education. It can be combined with a wide range of other subjects e.g. Modern Languages, Engineering, Information Technology, Marketing, etc. For those interested in entering the commercial world either as part of an established firm or, independently i.e. setting up a business, Business Studies is a very useful course component at any stage.