A / AS Level Business Studies

The AQA GCE in Business Studies encourages the practical application of business concepts by exploring events in the business world and relating these to theories and practice. The course has been designed to:

• Focus on the dynamic nature of the contemporary business world.
• Provide opportunities for research into topical business issues.
• Offer opportunities for the development and application of a full range of academic skills.

The AS Level specification introduces candidates to the challenges and issues of starting a business. It then focuses on how established businesses might improve their effectiveness by making tactical decisions at a functional level.

The AS specification has two units:

• Unit 1: Planning and Financing a Business. Topics: Starting a Business and Financial Planning.
• Unit 2: Managing a Business. Topics: Finance, People in Business, Operations Management, Marketing and Competition.

The A2 specification considers strategies for larger businesses and how managers might measure the performance of the business. Finally it considers the effects that external factors can have on businesses and how a business can plan for and manage change.

The A2 specification has 2 units:

• Unit 3: Strategies for Success

Unit 4: The Business Environment and Change.