Course
Business BTEC
Exam Board
OCR
For more information contact Head of Department:
Mrs K Winwood - kwinwood@stedmunds.org
Brief introduction to subject:
The specification content will require students to acquire a large amount of factual knowledge, which can only be achieved through independent learning. students are expected to read around the subject and should spend at least 4 hours per week on consolidating their knowledge outside the classroom.
The Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Business covers the same range of theory as A Level Business, the key difference being that this course is heavily assessed through the submission of coursework portfolios. Students will be required to sit two external exams for the Business Environment and Working in Business units. The focus of all units is on the practical activities of business organisations and students are encouraged to work independently to research their portfolios.
What our students say
"Business is the bridge to success." "It gives you a broader view of the world." "It’s really fun and will enhance my future prospects." "It gives you a greater understanding of the world of business."
Course Requirements
English - Grade 4
Maths - Grade 4
Assessment
The key points of this specification are that: Units (apart from Unit 1 and 2) are assignment based with frequent feedback from the tutor. Coursework assignments are assessed and moderated within school. Portfolio work is externally verified. Tasks within assignments are assessed at three levels of progression.
Unit 1
Title: The Business Environment In this introductory unit, learners will: · Study the purposes of different businesses, their structure, the role of different functions, and how they need to be dynamic and innovative to survive. · Explore the features of different businesses and analyse what makes them successful. · Investigate how businesses are organised. · Examine the legal, ethical, financial and resource constraints in which a business operates. · Examine the external environment and how it impacts a business.
Unit 2
Title: Working in Business In this unit learners: · Study the skills and understanding needed to work effectively in a business environment. · Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of using key business documents, prioritising business activities and working with stakeholders.
Unit 4
Title: Customers and communication In this unit learners will need to: · Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the purpose, methods and importance of effective communication with customers. · Develop skills that help create a rapport with customers . · Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and ethical issues businesses face in regards to storing customer information.
Unit 5
Title: Marketing and market research In this unit learners will need to: · Gain an in depth understanding of market research methods and the use of them to inform decision making. · Demonstrate their ability to undertake market research and analyse their findings.
Unit 20
Title: Business events In this unit learners will need to: · Demonstrate their practical skills whilst planning and running a business event. · Demonstrate their ability to evaluate and review the extent to which the business event was successful.
Most Business students progress on to further study in a related discipline. Many previous Business students have gone on to read Business at university. Some students use this qualification to progress on to a law degree. Some universities such as Aston in Birmingham express a preference for students who have completed a vocational course. Experts such as James Seymour, Director of undergraduate admissions at Aston university, believe that students following a vocational course develop better independent research skills which enable them to adapt to undergraduate study with greater ease than those learners who have followed an entirely exam based mode of study. The vocational Business course is also widely accepted by colleges offering HND/C or foundation degree courses. Alternatively, it is possible to progress directly from a level three Business qualification directly onto a higher apprenticeship in a range of areas such as Accountancy, Customer Service, Marketing and Management.
