Being able to make decisions effectively relies on gathering, processing and analysing the right information. Learners will explore what makes a good business decision, how to interpret data an investigate potential drawbacks and benefits before reaching a preferred decision. It’s all about making smart moves in the world of business!

Customers and communication:

Delve into the significance of communication within the business realm, exploring its purpose, methods and the appropriateness of different forms of communication for different situations. Business communication skills will be developed that will help create a rapport with customers and learn about the legal constraints, ethical and security issues that affect how businesses store, share and use information. 

Accounting concepts:

Develop essential skills and knowledge regarding the objectives of accounting and the procedures involved in generating final accounts.  Learners will consider the reasons for keeping accurate financial records and the importance of updating cash books and preparing bank reconciliation statements, preparing for work in areas of business and accounting which require accurate recording of financial transactions. 

Principles of project management:

Learn about the stages of project management, and the type of skills a project manager should have as well as the different planning tools available for project planning. Using this knowledge, learners will plan a project and prepare, complete and implement a project plan showing awareness of internal and external factors which might have an impact on the planning process.

Responsible business practices:

The concept of responsible business practices (sometimes known as corporate social responsibility) refers to how a business manages its activities to produce a positive impact on society. In implementing responsible business practices, business’ can be responding to legislation and regulations while others may take additional steps to also act ethically and support economic development, as well as improve the well-being of employees, their families, and the local community.

Business events:

Learn skills required to plan and make preparations for business events, support the running of events and evaluate their success afterwards.  The skills developed in this unit will prepare learners for small events such as meetings and interviews but skills acquired will also be invaluable in supporting larger scale events such as conferences, exhibitions and product launch events.

Year 2 

Marketing and market research:

Focusing on the role of market research in shaping marketing decisions and guiding business actions, learners will gain an in-depth understanding of primary and secondary market research methods and understand how they influence marketing decisions. Develop the skills of choosing the best market research methods for projects, conducting market research, analysing data gathered, and presenting findings effectively.

Human resources:

Looking at recruitment and selection processes from a business’ perspective. Explore different approaches that businesses can take to recruitment and selection and understand how hiring the right employees contributes to a company’s success.

Economics for business:

Introducing the basic economic principles of demand and supply and applying these to a range of markets, exploring different competitive market structures and learn how businesses behave within each structure.  Examine how shifts in the national economy and governmental policies affect businesses and gain an insight into key economic indicators like unemployment, inflation, and exchange rates, along with strategies for managing them. 

Change management:

Interpret quantitative and qualitative data to establish how effectively change is managed and how to support the implementation of change to meet organisational objectives. Learn how to gain the commitment of stakeholders which may involve managing resistance to change, both during and after implementation.

International business:

Gain an understanding of key decisions that businesses must make when deciding whether or not to operate internationally. Research a business and consider how it may benefit from operating internationally as well as the challenges that it may face; valuable experience should you wish to undertake further study in this area or follow a career in a business which either operates or aims to operate internationally. 

Delivering a business project:

Execute a team business project such as researching and launching a marketing campaign or organising a sponsored charity event, followed by evaluating the project’s success. Team roles and tasks need to be assigned to the correct individual in order to achieve objectives and collectively take responsibility for project management to ensure the successful planning, implementation, monitoring and control of the project.   

Plus two optional units in either Marketing or Accounting pathways.