BUSINESS STUDIES

BTEC National Award and Certificate in Business - Level 3

What does studying Business involve?

Business Studies offers a thorough insight into the world of business that all of us come into contact with everyday. It covers all processes and types of jobs available in all businesses from the Accountant in the Finance department to the Personnel Manager in the Human Resources department. We do a lot of investigation into businesses to find out how they are putting the theory into practice in the current economic climate. A number of day trips may take place to tour chosen businesses and find out information from their respective employees. Work experience is a requirement and this will enable you to participate in workplace scenarios, communicate with experienced employees, investigate the business and perhaps come away with a job for the summer.

In Business Studies your opinion counts and is an important requirement in completing many coursework elements.

How will I know if I would be successful at it?   

Business Studies is ideal for students that have a sound ability in English and enjoy thinking about and evaluating various situations. Are you able to imagine yourself in real life business situations and think of all the elements that might be involved? Based on the business knowledge you have acquired you will need to be able to analyse a situation and decided on the best actions the business should be taking. You will examine how the different parts of businesses work and what factors influence their decisions and activities. You will also be required to participate in work related scenarios, eg. Setting up and holding a meeting, communicating with fellow ‘employees’ and making financial decisions.

What skills will I develop and where could studying this subject lead?

All assessment in Business is through written assignments so this will aid you in developing your ability to write clearly and succinctly. The coursework requirements encourage much evaluation and analysis of subject knowledge and particular business scenarios. This will develop important thinking skills and provide a greater understanding of processes in businesses as well as personal interaction. Discussion and sharing of ideas is greatly encouraged along with extensive preparation for work experience. This has resulted in the growth of students’ confidence and abilities within group situations.

A BTEC National in Business can lead to university study within the business field. Regardless of what type of employment you end up doing in later life, it will be within one type of business or another, so knowledge of the business world will be beneficial in knowing how things work.

Important things to consider/Information that students need to know:

It is imperative that lesson attendance and punctuality are excellent and that deadlines are adhered to as all work is completed in class.

A number of Business Studies trips are planned throughout the year. Every effort is made to make them as cheap as possible, but at times there will be payment required. These costs have ranged from £5-£20.

Entry Requirements:        4 GCSEs (A*-C)

Which other subjects does it combine well with?

It is possible to combine Maths and English retakes with level 3 courses and it is advisable to take another AS course alongside it to ensure sufficient UCAS points for later university applications. The choice of subject would depend on the applicant’s interests and abilities and it is advisable to choose a subject from Block B that fits in with the timetable at the College Gardens site.

Similarities between the subject at GCSE and A-level:

It covers all aspects of the GCSE Business Studies course but goes into much greater detail, involves a lot more investigation into existing businesses for each unit as well as definitive work experience requirements for several units.

What qualification will I gain at the end of this course?

Course Outline

You will examine how the different parts of businesses work and what factors influence their decisions and activities.

Year One

In the first year you, you will study for the BTEC National Award which is equivalent to 1 A level. This includes   4 Core Units and 2 Specialist Vocational Units.

The Core Units cover Business Activity, Business Resources, Marketing and Communication.

The 2 specialist units cover Business Online, Accounting Systems,

Year Two

In the second year, you then study to achieve a BTEC National Certificate equivalent to 2 A levels.  This involves 6 Specialist Vocational Units. The Specialist Units cover Creative Product Promotion, Market Research, Recruitment and Selection, Career Development Planning, Human Resource Management and Managing a Business Event.

Modules and Assessment information:

Every unit is assessed based on a detailed piece of coursework that is submitted according to set deadlines throughout the year.

Btec National Certificate in Business

Units:

Core Units — all four units must be taken

1)Exploring Business Activity

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand the different types of business activity and ownership.

2 Understand how the type of business influences the setting of strategic aims and objectives.

3 Understand functional activities and organisational structure.

4 Know how external factors in the business environment impact on organisations.

 2)Investigating Business Resources

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Know how human resources are managed

2 Understand the purpose of managing physical and technological resources

3 Understand how to access sources of finance

4 Be able to interpret financial statements.

3) Introduction to Marketing

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand the concept and principles of marketing and their application in the business environment

2 Know how and why marketing research is conducted by organisations

3 Understand how marketing information is used by organisations

4 Understand how marketing techniques are used to increase demand for products (goods and services).

4) Effective people, communication and information

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand the importance of employing suitable people

2 Know how to communicate using appropriate methods

3 Understand different types of information and how it can be processed

4 Be able to present information effectively.

Specialist units:

5) Introduction to Accounting

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand the purpose of accounting and the categorisation of business income and expenditure

2 Be able to prepare a cash flow forecast

3 Understand profit and loss accounts and balance sheets

4 Be able to review business performance using simple ratio analysis.

8) Investigating Accounting Systems

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand the use of financial documents in recording business transactions

2 Know how to record and monitor financial information in the accounting systems

3 Understand the purpose of extracting a trial balance from the accounting records

4 Be able to prepare a trading and profit and loss account and balance sheet.

Specialist units:

9) Exploring Creative Product Promotion

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Know the constituents of the promotional mix

2 Understand the role of promotion within the marketing mix

3 Understand the role of advertising agencies and the media

4 Be able to create a simple promotional campaign.

10) An Introduction to Marketing Research

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand the main types of marketing research and how it is used to make marketing decisions

2 Be able to plan simple research

3 Be able to carry out simple research

4 Be able to interpret research findings.

13) Investigating Recruitment and Selection

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand the processes involved in recruitment planning

2 Know the documentation involved in the recruitment process

3 Be able to participate in a selection interview

4 Understand the implications of the regulatory framework on the process of recruitment and selection.

15) Career Development Planning in Business

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Be able to complete a personal career development plan

2 Know how to access career related information

3 Be able to develop a range of transferable business skills at the appropriate level

4 Understand methods of professional development and training.

16) Human Resource Management in Business

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Know the factors that are involved in human resource planning in organisations

2 Know how organisations motivate employees

3 Understand how to gain committed employee co-operation

4 Understand the importance of managing employee performance at work.

18) Managing a Business Event

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand the role of, and skills needed, by an event organiser

2 Be able to plan an event

3 Know how to co-ordinate activities during an event

4 Know how to follow up after an event.

Examination Board:         Edexcel

Other Useful Information:

www.edexcel.org.uk

BTEC First Diploma in Business—Level 2

What does studying Business involve?

Business Studies offers a thorough insight into the world of business that all of us come into contact with everyday. It covers all processes and types of jobs available in all businesses from the Accountant in the Finance department to the Personnel Manager in the Human Resources department. We do a lot of investigation into businesses and this may involve a number of day trips to tour the physical business and find out information from their respective employees. Work experience is a requirement and this will enable you to deliver customer service, communicate with experienced employees, investigate the business and perhaps come away with a job for the summer.

In Business Studies your opinion counts and is an important requirement in completing many coursework elements.

How will I know if I would be successful at it?   

Business Studies is ideal for students that have a sound ability in English and enjoy thinking about and evaluating various situations. Are you able to imagine yourself in real life business situations and think of all the elements that might be involved? You will also be required to participate in work related scenarios, eg. Setting up and holding a meeting, communicating with fellow ‘employees’ and dealing with customers in a variety of situations.

What skills will I develop and where could studying this subject lead?

All assessment in Business is through written assignments so this will aid you in developing your ability to write clearly and succinctly. The coursework requirements encourage much evaluation and analysis of subject knowledge and particular business scenarios. This will develop important thinking skills and provide a greater understanding of processes in businesses as well as personal interaction. Discussion and sharing of ideas is greatly encouraged along with extensive preparation for work experience. This has resulted in the growth of students’ confidence and abilities within group situations.

A BTEC in Business can lead to A-level Business courses and then university study within the business field. Regardless of what type of employment you end up doing in later life, it will be within one type of business or another, so knowledge of the business world will be beneficial in knowing how things work.

Important things to consider/Information that students need to know:

It is imperative that attendance and punctuality are excellent and that deadlines are adhered to as all work is completed in class.

A number of Business Studies trips are planned throughout the year. Every effort is made to make them as cheap as possible, but at times there will be payment required. These costs have ranged from £5-£20.

Entry Requirements:

None

Which other subjects does it combine well with?

It is only possible to combine Maths and English retakes with level 2 courses

Similarities between the subject at GCSE and Intermediate level:

It covers all aspects of the GCSE Business Studies course but goes into greater detail, involves a lot more investigation into existing businesses for each unit as well as definitive work experience requirements for several units.

Modules and Assessment information:

Every unit is assessed based on a detailed piece of coursework that is submitted according to set deadlines throughout the year.

Btec First Diploma in Business

Units:

Exploring Business Purposes

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand the nature of business and ownership

2 Understand the classification of business activities

3 Understand business aims and objectives in different sectors

4 Know the main functional areas that support business organizations

Developing Customer relations

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand how customer service is provided in business

2 Be able to apply appropriate presentation and interpersonal skills in customer service situations

3 Know how consistent and reliable customer service contributes to customer satisfaction

4 Know how to monitor and evaluate customer service within an organization

Investigating Financial Control

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand the costs, revenue and profit for a business operation

2 Know how businesses use break even analysis

3 Be able to prepare a cash flow forecast

4 Understand ways of recording financial transactions

Business Communication

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand the purpose of communications in business contexts

2 Be able to use oral communication in business contexts

3 Be able to complete and use written business documents

4 Be able to use interpersonal and non-verbal business communication skills

Doing Business Online

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand different online business activities

2 Understand the business feasibility of going online

3 Understand the operation of an online business

4 Know the benefits of an online business presence

Exploring Business Enterprise

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1 Understand how to prepare for business

2 Know how different aspects affect preparation for business

3 Understand how to start and run a business

Examination Board:        

Edexcel

Other Useful Information:

www.edexcel.org.uk