This course is designed to engage and inspire students by sharing how an understanding of many contemporary issues requires a grasp of business and economics. There is a focus on enterprise at AS and international issues at A2 and reflects the changing world of business and economics.

What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course?

You may not have studied any business or economics-related subjects before, but that does not matter! What is much more important is that you want to know how to succeed in setting up and running a business and how running a business may be affected by the economy.

AS Units

Unit 1: Developing New Business Ideas
This unit covers the thinking and activities that entrepreneurs and existing businesses undertake when developing and researching new business ideas.

Unit 2: Business Economics
This unit considers the market that the business may be operating in, how competition in the market and macroeconomic change is likely to affect it and how businesses can seek to minimise uncertainty through their actions.

Assessed by: Examination using supported multiple-choice questions based on data.

A2 Units

Unit 3: International Business
This unit introduces what businesses need to consider if they were to trade internationally, such as which countries to sell their product in, and why some companies sell their product worldwide.

Unit 4: The wider economic environment and business
This unit considers why certain markets fail, how government decision making affects the economy and markets in which companies operate, and the income and welfare of private individuals. It should enable you to assess why Government economic policy can succeed or fail.

Assessed by: Examination using questions based on data, case study and decision-making report and questions.

Throughout the course you will develop a clear and concise style of writing enabling you to communicate effectively in a business setting. You will also learn how to analyse and interpret economic indicators, to work out how they may affect a business and what action should be taken to benefit from these, or minimise the damage.

Is the subject right for me?

The course is suitable if you:

• are prepared to take an interest in current economic issues, national and international business news
• want to learn how to analyse information effectively and be able to suggest solutions to real problems affecting businesses, the economy and individuals
• enjoy analysing and presenting the merits of alternative course of action
• want to gain a background in economics and business to enable you to gain a future management position in any organisation

The course provides a solid foundation for studies at a higher level in the following subject areas:

• Business Management
• Tourism management
• Marketing & Retail management
• Accountancy & finance
• Business administration
• International business
• Economics
• Human Resources management

It can also lead to a career in the commercial world, eg. in banking, sales, product management or general management. Business and management skills are also desirable in public sector organisations and charities.