Applied Business Studies AS/A2 AQA
Why choose Applied Business?
One day you will work in a business - it might even be your own business. As an advanced level person you are most likely to be a manager in the business you work for. Even if you have a career in the NHS you will need business skills. This course is different from AS Business Studies because it is partly assessed through coursework rather than examination.
What can I expect to learn?
Unit 1: Investigating Business - coursework assessed unit:
You will choose a high street business to investigate, such as McDonalds, Next or Tesco. You explore the aims and objectives of the business, the needs of their customers and how these are met through the use of marketing, such as advertising. You find out how they deal with competition from other businesses and how external factors, such as changing social values, can affect a business. You will explore the meaning of enterprise and enterprising behaviour and why individuals and teams are vital to the success of a business.
Unit 2: People in Business - coursework assessed unit:
You will investigate the training and development opportunities available to individuals in businesses and why motivation is vital in retaining staff. In this unit you work in a team to carry out the activities associated with the recruitment process.
Unit 3: Financial Planning and Monitoring - unit assessed by examination:
You will be assessed on your ability to calculate business costs, revenues and then profits and be required to know how managers use this information in decision making.
How will I be assessed?
In the first two units you will be assessed through coursework. These will be divided into sections and you will have the opportunity to revise each section after comments by your teacher. This is a good option for Business if you like coursework and are good at it. The third unit is assessed by an examination taken in January.
What subjects combine well with Applied Business?
Many subjects go well with Business, such as Sociology, Psychology, Geography and Maths but, even if you are a scientist, you will develop management skills that will be useful in your career.
Where does this lead?
The AS Applied Business combines with any other A-level to take you to university or on to a higher level training course. It develops your skills of research, report writing, teamworking and presentational skills.
What background, skills and achievements do I need?
No prior level 2 qualification is required in Business but you must be capable of doing coursework and in working with others.
"You must go after your wish. As soon as you start to pursue a dream, your life wakes up and everything has meaning."
Barbara Sher
