Course Description

This group class covers key concepts in A-level Business, focusing on essential topics and skills required for success. The curriculum, curated by a qualified A-level Business teacher and examiner, includes 12 engaging weekly revision sessions where students will cover business theories, management strategies, marketing, finance, operations, and more. It ends with a session on exam techniques, demonstrating how to structure model answers. Students begin each session by warming up with an analytical exercise at the start of each class and will challenge themselves to dig deeper into the subject matter to achieve top marks. No matter the exam board you are learning, the content will improve confidence and bridge the gaps in knowledge through participation in group exercises and individual tasks. Don’t expect to sit back and relax; you’ll be put to the test! A qualified teacher will be with you every step of the way to guide you through the correct analysis and thought process. Using a blend of slideshows, book extracts, exam questions, and model answers, this course embodies the “I do”, “we do”, “you do” style of learning for the best results. The worksheets provided are perfect for following along during the lesson and revising for the exam.

Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Business Concepts

Overview: Introduction to the fundamental concepts of business.

Key Topics:
What is business?
Different types of businesses (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation).
The role of business in the economy.
Business functions and activities.

Week 2: Business Objectives and Strategy

Overview: Understanding business objectives and strategic planning.
Key Topics:
Setting business objectives (short-term vs. long-term).
Mission and vision statements.
Strategic planning process.
SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).

Week 3: External Environment and Market Analysis

Overview: Analyzing external factors that impact business operations.
Key Topics:
PESTLE analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental factors).
Understanding market structures (e.g., perfect competition, monopoly).
Competitive analysis.
Market research techniques.

Week 4: Marketing Strategies

Overview: Developing effective marketing strategies.
Key Topics:
Marketing mix (4 Ps: Product, Price, Place, Promotion).
Market segmentation, targeting, and positioning.
Digital marketing and social media strategies.
Branding and product differentiation.

Week 5: Operational Management

Overview: Managing business operations efficiently.
Key Topics:
Production processes and methods (e.g., batch production, mass production).
Supply chain management.
Quality management (e.g., Total Quality Management, Six Sigma).
Inventory management and control.

Week 6: Financial Performance and Analysis

Overview: Understanding financial statements and performance metrics.
Key Topics:
Introduction to financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement).
Ratio analysis (e.g., profitability ratios, liquidity ratios).
Budgeting and forecasting.
Financial decision-making.

Week 7: Human Resource Management

Overview: Managing human resources effectively.
Key Topics:
Recruitment and selection processes.
Employee motivation and engagement.
Training and development.
Performance appraisal and management.

Week 8: Leadership and Management Styles

Overview: Exploring different leadership and management styles.
Key Topics:
Leadership theories (e.g., transformational leadership, transactional leadership).
Management styles (e.g., autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire).
The role of leadership in business success.
Case studies of effective leadership.

Week 9: Decision-Making and Risk Management

Overview: Enhancing decision-making skills and managing risks.
Key Topics:
Decision-making processes and models.
Risk identification and assessment.
Strategies for risk mitigation.
Contingency planning.

Week 10: Business Growth and Development

Overview: Strategies for business expansion and growth.
Key Topics:
Organic vs. inorganic growth.
Mergers and acquisitions.
Franchising and licensing.
Global expansion strategies.

Week 11: Global Business Environment

Overview: Understanding the global business landscape.
Key Topics:
Globalization and its impact on businesses.
International trade theories.
Cross-cultural management.
The role of multinational corporations.

Week 12: Exam Techniques and Model Answers

Overview: Preparing for A-level Business exams.
Key Topics:
Exam structure and format.
Time management during exams.
Structuring model answers.
Practice with past exam questions and case studies.