Richmond School
School Departments | Business Studies
KS4
The GCSE course is designed to give students an introduction to the world of business and work. Students will study the following areas:
External environment and business:
• Business effects on the community and its environment
• External factors affecting business
• An understanding of the role of the entrepreneur and the effects on the stakeholders
Ownership and control of business:
• The main forms of business organisation
• Criteria which distinguish between the main forms of business
Aims and Objectives of Business:
• Profit
• Sales
• Employment
• Personal (independent, customer satisfaction)
Management of people within business:
• Leadership
• Motivation
• Personnel Management
Finance
• Sources of Finance
• Business Planning
• Business Accounts
Production
• Manufacturing Methods
• Production Strategies
• Quality Management
Marketing
• Markets
• Market Research
• Pricing, product development, promotion
• Distribution
Assessment is by three written papers. It should be noted that most degrees now have a business content and all students will at some point in their lives interact with the world of work.
Applied Business Studies
There is a growing need for an understanding of business to make sense of the increasingly commercial world we live in. Whether you are working for someone else or yourself, you are a consumer and a citizen and should be interested in the community and the world around you. Apart from the business fundamentals covered, this course will help raise many economic, social and moral questions to which there are no simple answers. You must have a keen interest in business studies, ICT, be aware of current affairs and the actions of major companies.
The course:
• Provides an opportunity to help develop the key skills of literacy, numeracy and ICT together with teamwork and problem solving skills in an office environment
• Uses real world examples to study local, national and international issues
• Allows for progression since key concepts are introduced early on and are built upon in later stages
• Provide a progression route to employment or further education
The course contains three units:
Unit 1: Investigating Business – Portfolio
Unit 2: People and Business – Portfolio
Unit 3: Business Finance – External Examination
Unit 1 and Unit 2 are assessed by major portfolio projects completed in class and for homework using ICT. Unit 3 Business Finance is assessed through examination. Candidates will be expected to apply knowledge studied in class to different sized businesses, carrying out their own detailed research using a variety of sources such as the internet, company websites, newspapers, magazines, CD-ROMs, etc and organised input and visits to local businesses. Elements of work experience undertaken at the end of Year 10 may be incorporated into portfolio reports.
KS5
Entrance requirements: a GCSE in Business Studies is not essential for this course as students soon pick up the concepts covered at GCSE level.
Business Studies aims to provide the student with some factual information surrounding businesses and their operations. It examines the objectives of business organisations and how these objectives are attained. The course aims to make candidates think about business in a “critical” manner, examining favourable and unfavourable aspects in a challenging, different and enjoyable way. It will enable the student to examine the aims, objectives and practices of business organisations from economic, environmental and social aspects, understanding the point of view of the nation, local community, industry, proprietors, management, employees and consumers.
A brief summary of some of the major areas covered in the Business Studies course are as follows:
• The problems of setting up a business, including location and management structures
• The need for effective communication and the uses of new technology
• The study of how firms organise efficient production to satisfy customers. This will include stock control, quality management, capacity utilisation and lean production methods
• Interpreting accounting reports and financial reports, to be able to say whether a firm is doing well or badly from the published accounts of that firm
• Marketing, including price, quality, packaging, advertising, distribution and transportation
• Manpower, including recruitment, training, bargaining and motivation
• Economic considerations and international trading
• Government policy
• Legal considerations
• Social considerations
Assessment is by questions based on Case Studies. For Units 2 and 3 the case study will be pre-released. Coursework is an option with A2.
All students are issued with a course pack on the day they begin the course. This includes all major homeworks for the year based on past papers and detailed specifications. Students should be keen to supplement specific class and homework activities with individual research from books, journals, newspapers, computer based resources, television reports and video tapes. Case studies will be used where possible and visits to business organisations or from visiting speakers will be arranged. A lively interest in current business affairs is important.
Contact Information
Telephone - 01748 850111
Mr B Guy - BGuy@richmondschool.net
Mr P McGee - PMcGee@richmondschool.net