Business & Management (IB

IB

Business & Management

Business & Management is a rigorous and dynamic discipline that examines business decision-making processes and how these decisions impact on and are affected by internal and external environments. It is the study of both the way in which individuals and groups interact in an organization and of the transformation of resources.

COURSE AIMS • Develop an understanding of business theory, as well as an ability to apply business principles, practices and skills • Apply tools and techniques of analysis that facilitates an appreciation of complex business activities. • Consider the diverse range of business organisations and activities and the cultural and economic context in which business operates • Emphasise strategic decision-making and the day-today business functions of marketing, production, human resource management and finance • Provide links between the topics and this integration promotes a holistic overview of business activity • To help students understand the implications of business activity in a global market. It is designed to give students an international perspective of business and to promote their appreciation of cultural diversity through the study of topics like international marketing, human resource management, growth and business strategy • The business and management course will contribute to students’ development as critical and effective participants in local and world affairs

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• Give students an understanding of business principles, practices and skills. Emphasis is also placed on understanding technical innovation and the day to day business functions of marketing, human resource management and finance.

ADVICE Students suited to this course will: • Wish to pursue a career as an accountant, business manager, politician, or in a business-related profession • Are planning on being your own boss and running a successful business of your own. You will learn important lessons that will help to make your venture a success • Enjoy studying a subject that affects your own everyday life and one that applies to the world of work, then business management is an excellent option • Have an active interest in the financial world, enjoy watching the business news and are prepared to read financial newspapers. Periodicals such as the Business

Review will help to supplement your knowledge and understanding • Have an interest in the finances and the profitability of businesses • Take notice of businesses around them and how they market themselves

ENTRY CRITERIA You do not need to have studied Business Studies at GCSE level in order to take a Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL) course in the subject although some topics that feature in GCSE syllabuses will be developed within the SL courses. It is more important that you have a strong interest in business issues and want to learn how a business is organized, operates, plans and makes its decisions. If you have studied either Business Studies or Economics at GCSE you will be expected to have achieved at least a grade 5.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The course comprises five modules for SL and six modules for HL. Both SL and HL will complete a piece of written coursework. Topics studied include: Business Organisation & Environment, Human Resource Management, Accounts & Finance, Marketing, Operations Management and Research project (HL only).

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