Business Studies
Aims and philosophy
Business Studies aims to encourage a critical understanding of business organisations, the markets they serve, and the process of adding value. Business Studies requires and develops a range of skills including decision-making and problem solving in the light of evaluation and, where appropriate, the quantification and management of information.
Business Studies provides an excellent introduction to the key functional areas of business and an insight into areas of further study or careers. There is considerable emphasis on independent research and use of ICT, and through the coursework, it will be possible to explore areas of individual interest such as e-commerce.
Curriculum by year-group
AS: the nature and role of marketing, pricing strategies, and branding; the key principles of financial and management accounts and their use as tools of decision-making and financial control. Management theories are applied to develop an understanding of motivation and leadership and the significance of management and organisational structures for a business and its employees. The course also explores the way organisations use inputs and manage business processes. This unit introduces the economic, legal, political and social environment in which businesses operate as well as their own internal organisation. Consideration is given to the importance of communication and motivation within organisations.
The A-level course is characterised by a greater emphasis on problem-solving and evaluation. Work requires a wider viewpoint and consideration of a variety of factors that may influence businesses and their decision-making; it examines the range of issues that businesses must address and the different theoretical models that can be used for a firm to develop its marketing strategy and introduces a wider range of financial tools available to a business. We develop the themes in the AS modules and interrelate organizational structure, leadership style and motivation within the planning and management of human resources. Different management tools are studied and evaluated for their ability to enhance decision-making.
Finally all the aspects are integrated to examine the problem-solving techniques available to firms and examine the conflicts and uncertainties that challenge decision makers in business.
Outside the classroom
The Pigou Society attracts large numbers of boys to hear such distinguished speakers as Lord Levine, Oliver Stanley OH (Partner, Armstrong International), Toby Hoare OH (Chief Executive, Bates Europe) and Mrs Penelope Lenon (formerly of the Bank of England).
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