Specification

Useful Downloads

Specification
(PDF), Last Updated: 05 March 2012
(Version 4)

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GCE Business Studies is made up of two levels: AS and A2. Students can take the AS course as a final qualification without progressing to the A2 Level. However, those wanting to obtain the full Advanced GCE must complete both the AS and the A2 Level.

The course has a modular structure. Students study two units at AS and a further two at A2 Level.

The individual units are listed in the table below:

Unit	Summary of Content
AS 1: The Competitive Business	Central purpose of business activity Forms of business organisation Markets and market forces Spectrum of competition Market research Marketing mix Product life-cycle Market planning and strategy Quality management Investment and productivity
AS 2: Managing Business Resources	Organisational design Communication Motivation Non-monetary methods of motivation Principles of management and leadership Investing in people Break-even analysis Budgeting, cash flow and variance analysis Cash flow Variance analysis Final accounts Depreciation
A2 1: Making Business Decisions	Business objectives Stakeholder objectives Business strategy and planning Decision tree analysis Contingency planning Company accounts Ratio analysis Investment appraisal
A2 2: The Changing Business Environment	Macroeconomic framework Globalisation Business ethics and corporate social responsibility Corporate culture Change Reports