Welcome to A-Level Business Studies! Taster Lesson

Introduction We offer a choice of 3 different courses. It is important that you are aware of the differences between them. Cambridge Technical Diploma Worth 2 A Levels (will take up two option blocks) 60% coursework, 40% examination A LEVEL BUSINESS STUDIES 100% examination. You will sit 3 x 3 hour examinations at the end of Year 13. Cambridge Technical Certificate in Business Worth 1 A Level. 60% coursework, 40% examination *You may choose to study Business Studies or Cambridge technical in Business in the Sixth Form even if you did not study GCSE Business.

Which course? Business Studies Cambridge technical in Business You enjoy learning about real businesses. You would like to develop the knowledge and skills to set up your own business and/or the work in a business. You see yourself studying a business-related course at university. You are considering studying a business-related subject at university or are thinking about an apprenticeship when you leave school. You have strong numeracy and literacy skills. (B grades for GCSE English and Maths) You enjoy and hands-on, practical approach to learning. You enjoy analysing information and data to help make decisions. You work well with others. You like identifying problems and evaluating solutions. You are currently completing the VCERT Business course. You prefer examinations to coursework. You prefer to focus on coursework as opposed to examinations.

A-Level Business Studies You have been given a coloured domino. Each domino has a business function (Marketing, Finance, Operations, Human Resources) on it. Find the person in the class who has the domino that describes the meaning of your function. The person you find must also have a domino of the same colour. You will be working in these groups for the rest of this lesson. When you have found the other members of your group, sit at the correct table (it will have your group’s colour on it).

A-Level Business Studies A Level Business will enable you to use your business knowledge to help analyse a business’s position and make recommendations about the action that should be taken. Imagine that you are an important manager or director in the business. You will need to make important decisions. A Level Business Studies will give you the skills to be able to do this!

A-Level Business There are stickers on the table. Put on the sticker for the role you have been given (from the domino activity). You all have information about your different functions. Read through the introduction ONLY.

Business Studies A-Level What are the key issues mentioned in the case study? Demand for new taxis in the UK is decreasing. Electric cars are becoming more popular. The business wants to increase sales and profits. They want to regenerate their image. What decision do they need to make? Do they start producing electric taxis for customers in the UK and Europe.

Board-room exercise You will now participate in a board meeting – as Peter would have to do with his board of directors. Read through the introduction and the information for your function. Work independently to prepare your arguments for the board meeting. Do you think they should invest in the manufacture of electric taxis?

Business Studies Now that you have had a chance to prepare your arguments, you should now run your board meeting. Each director should present their opinions and use data to support them. NOTE: Not all the other directors will have the same information as you, so you must make sure that you explain the data/information you have to them.

Business Studies Now that you have presented your opinions to each other, have a discussion... Should the business manufacture electric taxis? Hold up your sign: ‘YES’ or ‘NO’? Be prepared to explain your answers.

Any questions about the course?