AS Level Content: Core Functional Areas (Papers 1 and 2)
The AS Level focuses on foundational business theory, functional areas, and how the external environment affects operations.
1. Business and its Environment
Covers business purpose, **entrepreneurship**, legal ownership, objectives, stakeholders, and the impact of external factors (**PEST** analysis).
2. Human Resource Management (HRM)
Focuses on **motivation theories**, **leadership styles**, recruitment, selection, training, and the importance of employee morale and welfare.
3. Marketing
Emphasizes market dynamics, research, **market segmentation**, applying the **marketing mix (4Ps)**, and the role of **e-commerce**.
4. Operations Management
Deals with **production methods** (job, batch, flow), **inventory management**, flexibility, **innovation**, and factors influencing business location.
5. Finance and Accounting
Introduces sources of finance, **costs**, **break-even analysis**, and interpreting basic **financial statements and accounting ratios**.
A Level Strategic Management
**A Level only** content, focusing on **strategic analysis** (SWOT, Ansoff, Porter’s Five Forces), strategic choice, and strategic implementation for long-term growth.
Skill Development Focus
The course emphasizes analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic business context.
Critical Understanding & Analysis
Analyzing how organizations function, how they serve their markets, and how they respond to dynamic environments.
Evaluation & Judgment
Interpreting evidence to make **reasoned judgments**, reach substantiated conclusions, and provide effective recommendations.
Quantitative Skills
Applying **numerical information** and mathematical calculations to aid and justify business decision-making.
Assessment Structure
The full A Level is assessed over four papers (1, 2, 3, 4), while the AS Level requires only Papers 1 and 2.
- **Paper 1: Business Concepts 1** (1 hr 15 mins): Short-answer questions and one essay.
- **Paper 2: Business Concepts 2** (1 hr 30 mins): Two **data-response questions** based on case studies.
- **Paper 3: Business Decision-Making** (1 hr 45 mins): Five compulsory questions on a single case study, testing AS/A Level analysis.
- **Paper 4: Business Strategy** (1 hr 15 mins): Two essay questions based on a case study, focusing on **A Level Strategic content**.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.