Business Studies

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC

NESA Developed Course

What background knowledge do I need to study Business Studies?

There is no requirement to study Commerce in Years 9 to10. There is also no mathematical requirement for Business Studies. If you continue with Business Studies at university, however, it is assumed the student has an interest in business.

Why study Business Studies?

Business activity is a feature of everyone’s life. As consumers and producers, employees, employers or self-employed, savers and investors, and as importers and exporters, people throughout the world engage in a web of business activities to design, produce, market, deliver and support a range of goods and services.

Business Studies focuses on areas and perspectives ranging from the planning of a small business to the broader roles of management, operations, finance, human resources and marketing.

Business case studies and contemporary business issues are embedded in the course to provide a stimulating and relevant framework for students to apply theoretical concepts encountered in the business environment.

Students completing this course will develop general and specific skills including research, analysis, problem solving, decision making, critical thinking and communication.

Course description:

Each topic in the syllabus addresses the nature and role of business, internal and external influences on business, the functions and processes of business activity and management strategies and their effectiveness. The Year 11 course examines the above with a focus on smallmedium enterprises whereas, in the HSC course, the focus is on large businesses that operate on a global scale.

Main topics covered:

Particular course requirements:

In the Year 11 course there is a research project, involving the preparation of a business plan.

HSC examination structure:

Students sit for a three-hour written examination. The paper is divided into the following sections:

How is Business Studies relevant to tertiary studies and career choice?

The major universities teach aspects of Business Studies in their business and commerce degrees. Students can enter the business world and pursue careers in accounting, banking and finance, business law, taxation, industrial relations, international business, marketing, tourism, hospitality management and human resource management