Business Studies

FAQ

Why study Business Studies?

Business Studies is one of the most popular A levels nationally. What explains its appeal?
A Business Studies course gives you an introduction into many aspects of business behaviour. Anyone watching "must see" programmes such as the Apprentice or the Dragons Den will have seen for themselves that whilst the pursuit of profit may be the initial goal of most businesses there are lots of other issues to consider. A business studies course explores some of these areas of broader interest.

So whilst in the first year you will learn about simple profit/loss and be able to calculate break even point; margin of safety; and be able to distinguish between fixed, variable and semi variable costs you will also have the opportunity to examine the other dimensions of business. In addition to looking at finance we spend time examining the complexities of marketing including marketing models; pricing strategies; advertising, and distribution. We make considerable use of the resources available through digital and other media.

Since businesses are all about people we focus on motivation and leadership issues and consider the work of key theorists such as Maslow, Herzberg and Taylor and compare and contrast their ideas. We do this in a focused way linking with case study examples. The "People" module gives a lot of scope to think about wider issues such as training and recruitment and workforce planning. We also look at the way in which organisations are structured . For instance:-
Are they "flat" organisations?
How large is the span of control of managers?
How are decisions taken in the organisation?
and always ask the question:-
Why does this matter?

This latter question is always addressed in a business context. All business theory is ultimately related to different forms of case study. In the words of one examiner:- "It's about "this business in this industry". No two industries or businesses are identical so students have to think through why a management style might be preferred in one area but not in another.

During the AS year, students will also focus on modules involving production and the external environment. The "production" module enables students to understand why methods such as kaizen and just in time are used by business. The external environment module allows students to appreciate the effect of changes in economic variables such as follows from a movement in the exchange rate or interest rate. Business ethics also features in this module.

By the end of the AS year, a student will have gained an insight into business strategy and the constraints which confront businesses in a variety of contexts.

Beyond AS, the course keeps to the same modular areas but allows for further development. For instance at A2, there is an opportunity to examine the use of quantitative techniques such as those involving the use of decision trees, ratios and critical path analysis.
Students will study simple balance sheets and gain an understanding of the tools of investment decision making. There will be enhanced opportunities to focus on the business environment through the use of case study material.

Business Studies leads into many course options at university as well as being a subject for study in its own right.