Key Stage 4
Qualification
GCSE (OCR)
The course is split into six main topic areas:
Business Basics:
- Could I run a business
- Why do we need business?
- What has business done for me?
Here we introduce the basic ideas in running a business and investigate.
Forms of Business:
- How can small corner shops compete with big supermarkets?
- Why is MacDonalds successful?
Here we examine the many different forms of business such as 'Sole Trader' and Public Limited Companies (plc). We investigate the power of big multinationals such as Unilever and the success of small worker co-operatives.
People in Business:
We investigate the recruitment process which goes from job advertising
to training. We investigate wages/salaries, induction courses and how
employees are motivated at work. We also investigate the role of the
Trade Unions. How does business get the best out of people?
Marketing:
- How does Marketing affect us and our buying decisions.
- Why do companies advertise?
- What promotion methods could a business use?
These are just three of the questions in a section which looks at Market
Research, pricing, product design and distribution.
Finance of Business:
- How do you get the money to start a business?
- Why have huge successful companies failed due to poor accounting? 'Enron'!
In this section we learn how to produce 'Final Accounts' (Profit/Loss Account and Balance Sheets). We learn how important cash flow is to a business. The uses of 'Break Even Analysis' and the range of finance available to a business.
External Influences:
- Does business care about pollution and environment?
- Who cares about taxes?
Business operates in a changing world. We investigate how pressure groups, the environment, Government and consumers can influence the way a business works.
Curriculum
Two hours lesson time per week
Course Delivery
The course is delivered through a variety of class and group work. Wide use is made of case studies and role play. Students will visit business and investigate business 'news' on a regular basis.
Assessment Method
Assessment is through exams. This includes a pre-issued 'Case Study' which students receive before the exam.
