Business plays an important role in society, as it creates wealth, prosperity, jobs and choices. It is therefore
essential to have effective businesses and business managers to sustain this role. This course helps pupils
develop an understanding of the economic and financial environment in which businesses operate. This
enables them to make an effective contribution to society as consumers, employees, employers or self-employed people.
Higher
Pupils will learn about:
- Understanding Business – Pupils develop their understanding of how large organisations in the private, public and third sectors operate, make decisions and pursue their strategic goals. They analyse the impact that internal and external environments have on an organisation’s activity, and consider the implications of these factors.
- Management of Marketing – Pupils develop their understanding of the importance of effective marketing systems to large organisations. They learn about the relevant theories, concepts and procedures used by organisations to improve
competitiveness and customer satisfaction. - Management of Operations – Pupils develop their understanding of the importance of effective operations systems to large organisations. They learn about the relevant theories, concepts and procedures used by organisations to improve and/or maintain quality, and the importance of satisfying both internal and external customers’
needs. - Management of People – Pupils develop their understanding of the issues that large organisations face when managing people. They learn about the relevant theories, concepts and procedures used by organisations when dealing with staff, including retention, training, leadership and motivation.
- Management of Finance – Pupils develop their understanding of the issues that large organisations face when managing finance. They learn about the relevant theories, concepts and procedures used by organisations in financial situations
The course assessment will consist of two components: a practical assignment (25%) and a question paper (75%). The practical assignment is set by SQA and completed in class under controlled conditions
to be completed within a time limit of no more than 8 hours.
