Curriculum courses:
Cambridge International Board (CIE) IGCSE Business Studies
Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Business Studies
Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Business Studies
Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies is accepted by universities and employers as proof of an understanding of business concepts and techniques across a range of different types of businesses. Successful Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies learners will be able to:
They will also gain lifelong skills, including:
Syllabus aims
The aims, which are not listed in order of priority, are to enable candidates to:
Syllabus content at a glance:
Section Topics 1.
| Sections | Topics |
| 1.Understanding Business Activity | • Business activity
· Classification of businesses · Enterprise, business growth and size · Types of business organization · Business Objectives and Stakeholder objectives
|
| 2. Marketing | · Marketing, competition and the customer
· Market Research · Marketing Mix · Marketing Strategy |
| 3. People in Business | · Motivating workers •
· Organisation and management • · Recruitment, selection and training of workers · Internal and external communication |
| 4. Operations Management | · Production of goods and services •
· Costs, scale of production and break-even analysis · Achieving quality production • Location decisions |
| 5. Financial information and decisions | · Business finance: needs and sources
· Cash-flow forecasting and working capital · Income statements · Balance sheets · Analysis of accounts |
| 6. External influences on business activity | · Government economic objectives and policies
· Environmental and ethical issues · Business and the international economy |
Assessment and Progression
For Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies, candidates take two compulsory components, Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both question papers will draw on topics taken from the whole of the syllabus content. All candidates are eligible for grades A* to G.
Paper 1 is 1 ½ hour exam. It is a written examination consisting of four questions requiring a mixture of short answers and structured data responses. Candidates answer all questions. Total marks for this paper is 80 marks. The paper weighs 50% of the overall IGCSE mark.
Paper 2 is also 1 ½ hours. It is a written examination consisting of four questions based on a case study, provided as an Insert with the paper. Candidates answer all questions. Total marks for this paper is 80 marks, and this paper weighs 50% of the overall IGCSE mark.
Candidates who are awarded grades A* to C in Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies are well prepared to follow courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Level Business Studies, or the equivalent.
Covering business in a global context, the Edexcel International Advanced Level in Business Studies is designed to be studied over two years, with the option of a one-year AS level course.
An IGCSE qualification in Business Studies is not a prerequisite for study of the subject at Advanced Level, but it is highly recommended since it builds on the knowledge and skills developed from the IGCSE Business Studies Course.
Aims:
The aims of the International Advanced Level qualifications in Business Studies are to enable students to:
IAS/IA2 knowledge and understanding
These International Advanced Level qualifications in Business Studies require students to:
IAS/IA2 Skills
These International Advanced Level qualifications in Business Studies require students to use both qualitative and quantitative methods to make justifiable decisions.
Course Structure:
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Business Studies comprises four units and contains an International Advanced Subsidiary subset of two IAS units.
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Business Studies is the first half of the International Advanced Level course and consists of Units 1 and 2. It may be awarded as a discrete qualification or contribute 50 per cent of the total International Advanced Level marks.
The full International Advanced Level award consists of the two IAS units (Units 1 and 2), plus two IA2 units (Units 3 and 4) which make up the other 50 per cent of the International Advanced Level. Students wishing to take the full International Advanced Level must, therefore, complete all four units.
| Unit | Description | Assessment information |
| 1. Business Enterprise | This unit provides an introduction to business practice, the importance of the market and how businesses interact with customers and competitors.
Students will learn about the role of the entrepreneur, market research techniques, the importance and use of finance, break-even analysis and how to measure and analyse business performance. They will also consider how the wider economic environment and stakeholders may affect businesses, large and small.
Students are also expected to: carry out calculations interpret or use data from graphs, tables or diagrams. Note: ‘Data’ represents passages of text which may include graphs, table(s) of information or diagrams. |
Examination length: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Examination paper in two sections: Section A: supported multiple-choice questions – 24 marks. Section B: questions based on data – 56 marks. Total for paper: 80 marks.
Students may use a calculator.
The quality of written communication will be assessed in the context of this unit through the 14 mark data response question in Section B of the paper. When answering this question students should consider the structure, coherence, punctuation and grammar of their responses. |
| 2. Business Structures and Practices | This unit covers the key functional areas of a business. Students will develop their understanding of how businesses relate to their customers and analyse change in their markets.
The unit introduces students to business operations and develops their understanding of finance and why businesses may fail. Students will also consider how businesses manage their people effectively. Students are also expected to: -carry out calculations -interpret or use data from graphs, tables or diagrams. Note: ‘Data’ represents passages of text which may include graphs, table(s) of information or diagram |
Examination length: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Examination paper in two sections: S ection A: supported multiple-choice questions – 24 marks. Section B: questions based on data – 56 marks. Total for paper: 80 marks. Students may use a calculator. The quality of written communication will be assessed in the context of this unit through the 14 mark data response question in Section B of the paper. When answering this question students should consider the structure, coherence, punctuation and grammar of their responses. |
| 3. Strategic Business Decisions | This unit develops the content of Unit 2 and examines the competitiveness of businesses through performance and non-performance indicators. Students will analyse corporate objectives and strategy on the basis of these indicators and on external influences to businesses.
Students will assess the causes and effects of change on businesses and examine how companies can manage risk and grow effectively. Students are also expected to: -carry out calculations -interpret or use data from graphs, tables or diagrams. Note: ‘Data’ represents passages of text which may include graphs, table(s) of information or diag |
Examination length: 2 hours. Examination paper in two sections:
Section A: questions based on data – 40 marks. Section B: extended response questions based on data – 40 marks. Total for paper: 80 marks. Students may use a calculator. Synoptic assessment in the context of this unit requires students to: understand the inter-relatedness of many business issues and problems understand how certain concepts, theories and techniques may be relevant to a range of different contexts apply such concepts, theories and techniques in analysing business issues and problems and in evaluating arguments and evidence. The emphasis will be on students’ ability to use business concepts, theories and techniques that they have built up during their course of study. The assessment of this unit may draw on material from Units 1 and 2, enabling synoptic assessment. The quality of written communication will be assessed in the context of this unit through the 12 mark data response question in Section A and both the 20 mark questions in Section B of the paper. When answering these questions students should consider the structure, coherence, punctuation and grammar of their responses. |
| 4. Business in a Global Context | This synoptic unit focuses on the world of international business, and considers change and growth in global economies. Students will examine the different factors businesses have to consider when operating in a global market.
Students will also assess the impact of multinational corporations on the global economy. Students are also expected to: -carry out calculations -interpret or use data from graphs, tables or diagrams -develop and refine the concepts and theories they previously covered in Units 1, 2 and 3, and to apply these in a range of international contexts. Note: ‘Data’ represents passages of text which may include graphs, table(s) of information or diagrams |
Examination length: 2 hours. Examination paper in two sections:
Section A: questions based on data – 40 marks. Section B: extended response questions based on data – 40 marks. Total for paper: 80 marks. Students may use a calculator. Synoptic assessment in the context of this unit requires students to: -understand the inter-relatedness of many business issues and problems -understand how certain concepts, theories and techniques may be relevant to a range of different contexts -apply such concepts, theories and techniques in analysing business issues and problems and in evaluating arguments and evidence. The emphasis will be on students’ ability to use business concepts, theories and techniques that they have built up during their course of study. The assessment of this unit may draw on material from other parts of the course, enabling synoptic assessment. The quality of written communication will be assessed in the context of this unit through the 12 mark data response question in Section A and both the 20 mark questions in Section B of the paper. When answering these questions students should consider the structure, coherence, punctuation and grammar of their responses. |
Business Studies trips
We feel it is vital for our students to understand business via real life examples. Thus, visiting businesses is an important aspect of learning as students can better relate the theory and use what they have learnt in written analysis. As a result, students have visited different business organisations in different sectors including AUDI, Carlsberg Bottling Plant, Pittas Factory as well as Casale Panayiotis Hotel. All of these trips have been very valuable to students and they are able to use their experience to further their understanding and improve their exam technique in terms of application and written analysis.
Junior Achievement Cyprus (JA Cyprus)– Company Programme
This year is the second year we are taking part in the JA Cyprus Company Programme. This is a programme designed to have students learn how to take a business idea from concept to reality. They form their own real enterprise and discover first hand how a company functions. They elect a board of directors from amongst their peers, raise share capital, and market and finance a product or service of their own choice. At the end of the programme they present a report and accounts to their shareholders.
Students take part in a competition against other other student run companies from both the public and private sector schools. The winner of the national competition goes on to represent Cyprus in the JA European Finals in July.
Since its launch in 1919, Company Programme students around the world have had hands-on experiences that develop new skills such as teamwork, leadership, presenting, planning and financial control as they learn to take responsibility for the success of their company. It’s the perfect preparation for working life!
The programme is supported by volunteer advisers from the business world who are on hand to guide and mentor the companies. The JA-YE Company Programme is recognised by the European Commission Enterprise Directorate General as a ‘Best Practice in Entrepreneurship Education’.
Students gain:
Enterprising skills, attitudes and behaviours including:
Students learn to:
(Additional information as well as the information above can be found at www.jacyprus.org)
