BUSINESS MANAGEMENT - STANDARD LEVEL

Group 3 - Individuals and Societies

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT - STANDARD LEVEL

Aims

• To enhance the student’s ability to make business decisions • To promote the importance of exploring business issues from different cultural perspectives • To encourage a holistic view of the world of business • To enable a student to understand the concepts of a global economy • To promote awareness of social, cultural and ethical factors in the actions of organisations • To appreciate the social and ethical responsibilities associated with businesses operating in international markets • To enable a student to appreciate the nature and significance of change • To enable a student to develop the capacity to think critically • To provide progression from school to higher education or employment in industry or commerce

Course description

The main goal of BM at Tanglin Trust School is to allow students to examine business decision making processes and understand how these impact on and are affected by internal and external environments. Students will develop an understanding of business theory and an ability to apply business principles, practices and skills. During the course students will explore a wide range of business organisations and activities, as well as the cultural and economic context in which businesses operate. BM will furnish students with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in the corporate world. In summary, students will explore strategic decision making and the main functions of the business:

• Marketing • Production • Human resource management • Finance

Requirements

Students should have a keen interest in the business world and have an ability to apply theoretical business concepts to real life business scenarios. They should be enthusiastic and motivated to learn, and this should be demonstrated by their sustained awareness of the business world around them. As such, students should regularly follow the business news through print media or news websites such as the BBC. The internal assessment (a written commentary of 1500 words) requires both strong research and report writing skills.

Career Path

The Business Management course is excellent preparation for the world of work as no matter what career a student decides to follow, there will always be an element of business within it. Whether it be a career in medicine or law, architecture or horticulture, an understanding of how businesses operate will prove invaluable. In addition, the BM course helps students

develop skills that are critical and easily transferable to the world of work. BM requires students to have an inquisitive mind and to have the ability to apply theory to real life business situations. Students are encouraged to have an astute awareness of the world around them and an understanding of how organisations and society interact. Through its exploration of the various business functions, BM proves to be excellent preparation for any career in the corporate world, such as in human resources, marketing, finance or operations.

Business and Management Standard Level

5 TERM OVERVIEW

 Core Content: Term 1 - Topic 1: Business Organisation and Environment • 1.1 Introduction to Business Management • 1.2 Types of Organizations • 1.3 Organisational objectives • 1.4 Stakeholders • 1.5 External environment • 1.6 Growth & evolution

Term 2 - Topic 2: Human Resources • 2.1 Functions & Evolution • 2.2 Organizational Structure • 2.3 Leadership and Management • 2.4 Motivation

Term 3 - Topic 3: Accounts and Finance • 3.1 Sources of finance • 3.2 Costs & Revenues • 3.3 Break-even analysis • 3.4 Final accounts • 3.5 Profitability & ratio analysis • Start internal assessment • 3.7 Cash Flow • 3.8 Investment Appraisal

Term 4 - Topic 5: Operations Management • 5.1 The role of operations management • 5.2 Production methods • Complete internal assessment • 5.4 Location

Term 5 - Topic 4: Marketing • 4.1 The role of marketing • 4.2 Marketing planning • 4.4 Market Research • 4.5 The four ‘P’s • 4.8 e-commerce

Option Topics: None

Internal Assessment:

External Assessment:

30% on one 1800-word report on a particular business facing a decision or issue to resolve using a conceptual lens 70% Examination • Paper 1: Pre seen case study with four compulsory questions and one from two extended response questions (35%) • Paper 2: Four from six unseen case study questions (35%)

Comparison between this course and A-Level

Comparison with the AQA A-Level syllabus shows that both the IB and the A-Level cover the same major theoretical content. There are no optional units in either the IB or the A-Level. The A-Level does not contain any coursework assessment. Exam papers predominantly use unseen case studies, however there is one pre-released context at A Level. At A level the examinations are synoptic. We have tended to find that results can be more unpredictable at A-Level but that there is often a wider range of marks than at IB where results have been more grouped around an average.

Contact for further information:

Mrs Mhairi Aluthge-Donna: mhairi.aluthge-donna@tts.edu.sg