Cambridge O Level Business Studies (7115)
This course introduces you to the dynamic environment in which businesses operate and the strategies they use to achieve success. You will explore the underlying principles of business activity, understanding how organizations are classified, how they grow, and the role of enterprise. The curriculum covers the major functional areas of management including the motivation of people, the effective marketing of products, and the efficient operation of production systems. You will also develop the skills to analyse financial information using data to assess performance and make sound decisions. Crucially, you will examine the external factors that influence business activity from government economic policies to ethical and environmental considerations. By applying these concepts to real-world case studies, you will be equipped to calculate data, analyse business situations, and make reasoned judgements.
Course Content: Six Sections of Business Activity
The syllabus covers key areas from business fundamentals and human resources to finance and external influences.
1. Understanding Business Activity
Covers the purpose of business, scarcity, enterprise, business growth, types of ownership (e.g., sole traders, companies), and stakeholder conflict.
2. People in Business (Human Resources)
Focuses on motivation theories, organizational structures, management styles, HR activities (recruitment, training), and the role of trade unions.
3. Marketing
Explores the marketing role, market research, segmentation, the marketing mix (Product, Price, Place, Promotion), and marketing strategies.
4. Operations Management
Covers production methods, efficiency, inventory management, costs (including break-even analysis), quality, and location decisions.
5. Financial Information and Decisions
Focuses on sources of finance, cash-flow forecasting, working capital, and interpreting financial statements, including profitability and liquidity ratios.
6. External Influences on Business Activity
Analyzes the impact of economic issues, government policies, interest rates, ethical/environmental issues, and globalization.
Assessment Structure
The course is assessed by two equally weighted papers that test knowledge, application, analysis, and evaluation skills.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks: 80 marks (50% of total)
- Format: Four compulsory questions requiring short answers and structured data responses.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks: 80 marks (50% of total)
- Format: Four compulsory questions based on a single business case study. Tests the ability to apply knowledge to a specific context.