6th Form: GCE Applied Business

 

Course description
This action packed course takes into the world of business. Previous visits include Coca Cola, The Hilton Hotel, Black Sheep Brewery, Portakabin, Cadbury World, Theakstons Brewery, Sainsbury's, various banks and estate agents. Through personal investigation and study you will develop your investigation and management skills in a practical and realistic way. There are numerous opportunities for group work and through being in contact with local employers and businesses, students benefit from sharing information and ideas.

 

Course Content

 

AS Units

 

Unit 1: Investigating Business
In this unit you will investigate how business advertise and market their business. You will also look at the psychology behind team work and will study the economic, political, legal end ethical environment that affect business decision making. Coursework 33.3% of total AS mark.

 

Unit 2:People
This practical unit requires student to investigate how businesses advertise, interview and train employees and then students carry out a mock recruitment exercise.
Coursework 33.3% of total AS mark.

 

Unit 3: Finance
This unit looks at the challenges and issues of starting a business, including financial planning, calculation of break even, profit and loss and cash flow
1 hour Examination 33.3% of total AS mark.

 

A2 Units

 

Unit 4: Managing Resources
This unit focuses on the production element of business and the importance of quality and efficient production methods. Coursework.

 

Unit 5: Finance
This unit looks at financial planning and analysis of accounts. It builds upon the finance unit at AS. 1 hour Examination.

 

Unit 6: Business Plan
This practical unit requires student to investigate the setting up a business of their choice including the finance, location, marketing, research, staffing and production. Coursework.

 

Career Possibilities
An Advanced GCE in Applied Business is good preparation for students considering both Higher Education and entry into work. Employers rate highly the practical skills, knowledge and experience developed by students and many previous students have gone directly into careers with large local employers and into trainee management positions with national companies. It is an excellent foundation for a wide range of management courses at university, allowing students to specialise in areas such as Marketing. Accountancy, Management Studies or to continue with a more general degree or HND in Business Studies.

 

GCSE Grade Profile
Students who study this subject will normally achieve A* - C in 4 subjects at GCSE level. It is not necessary to have studied GCSE Business Studies.