GCE Applied Business (AQA) AS/A-Level – Single Award
Applied Business is a varied and practical course. Each of the topics is studied using a real business. In the past,
students have investigated Aims and Objectives of the Victoria & Albert Museum, Ham House, Human Resources
Management at Starbucks, Marketing at Thorpe Park, and Leadership at the National Maritime Museum. Students will
also write a business plan for a small business of their own choice. Applied Business lessons are collaborative in
nature, just like in the workplace; students often work in groups to achieve learning outcomes. Many of the units
involve compulsory visits to the businesses mentioned above and excellent attendance is very important for the group
work activities. Pupils learn by taking a hands-on approach and gain confidence by discussing their coursework with
their teachers.
You do not need any special GCSE grades to study Applied Business (beyond the normal admissions criteria of the
sixth form). The vast majority of Business students choose to take Business degrees and have gained places at a
wide range of Universities including Kingston University, Royal Holloway, St. Mary’s College, and Brunel University.
AS Unit 1: Investigating Business (Coursework-assessed)
In this introductory unit we investigate how achieving the aims and objectives of the V&A are influenced by its
marketing mix and external factors such as legal, social and ethical issues.
AS Unit 2: People in Business (Coursework-assessed)
Here we learn about Human Resources, including training, motivation, recruitment and selection. The department has
a link with Starbucks which serves as the basis for the coursework.
AS Unit 3: Financial planning and monitoring (Exam)
This unit provides an introduction to ownership types, sources of finance, business plans, cash flow management,
breakeven analysis and financial plans. The examination is based on a short case study.
A2 Unit 8: Business Planning (Coursework-assessed)
For this unit, we carry out market research to help us decide on a successful business. We also plan the marketing
mix, the flow of operations and the finances. We evaluate to find out whether the business will be successful or not.
A2 Unit 14: Managing Change (Coursework-assessed)
All businesses regularly have to adapt to change. How do you get the people in the organisation to embrace this
change, and how do you make the resources stretch in a time of crisis? This collaborative unit looks at how to
successfully manage change.
A2 Unit 12: Management and Leadership (Exam)
How do you lead, motivate and empower your staff? What is the difference between management and leadership, and
what scientific methods are available for decision-making. This final unit is externally assessed.
Assessment
Coursework-assessed units must be handed in on the dates set by teachers. The examination papers for units 3 and 2
are of 1 and 1 ½ hours duration, respectively.
For more information, please contact one of the Business teachers.