Aims  

• To contribute to a balanced and appropriate general education, leading to the personal and social development of students through a study of business and enterprise.
• To encourage initiative and self-reliance in each student.
• To develop a clear understanding of the role of enterprise, to encourage the development of appropriate enterprise learning skills, and to generate in students a positive and ethical attitude to enterprise in personal, business and public life.
• To develop a critical understanding of the overall environment in which business functions.  
• To help prepare students for participation in a changing business environment for adult and working life and also as a basis for further education.

Objectives

• To develop students’ literacy, numeracy, problem-solving and communication skills and to develop an attention to detail in the presentation of information.
• To develop an understanding of the structures, institutions, processes and management of business.
• To enable students to make informed business decisions.
• To enable students to use established commercial principles and knowledge, to critically evaluate commercial information, and to offer solutions to given commercial problems.
• To promote a positive awareness of cultural and social diversity in international business.
• To enable students to understand and appreciate ethics in business.

Assessment

The syllabus will be assessed in relation to the syllabus objectives, initially through a written terminal examination.

A variety of questioning techniques will be used, and a flexible and varied approach will be taken to the style of questioning in the written examination.

This syllabus contains outcomes common to Ordinary and Higher levels and some that are designated Higher level only (HL).

At Ordinary level, candidates will be required to:

• recall and demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the syllabus content.

At Higher level candidates will be required to:

• demonstrate a greater depth of knowledge and understanding of the concepts and issues than Ordinary level candidates, as well as a greater proficiency in applications and analysis;
• apply the business terms, concepts and theories to address problems and issues;
• select, organise, interpret and use information supplied;
• evaluate evidence, make reasoned judgements and present conclusions accurately and appropriately.

The emphasis will be on the application of the legislation, as opposed to a knowledge of it.

The learning experiences in business develop students’ critical thinking, creative and organisational skills while enhancing literacy and numeracy skills using real-life examples.

Business provides students with a learning foundation for a wide range of careers in business, marketing, law, enterprise and management.