IELTS

CAIE Business Studies

Hybrid
120 Hrs
Course Description

Cambridge O Level Business Studies (7115) provides students with a thorough introduction to the dynamic world of business, covering fundamental principles of commerce, finance, marketing, and human resources. Learners develop an understanding of how businesses are set up, financed, and operate, and how they are affected by the external economic, social, and ethical environment. The course focuses on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, promoting analytical thinking and effective decision-making. Assessment includes a written paper covering knowledge and application and a second written paper requiring candidates to analyse, evaluate, and make judgements using case study material. This qualification is an excellent preparation for higher-level studies in Business, Economics, or Management.

The course aims to develop:

  • Knowledge and understanding of business concepts, terminology, and operational practices across functional areas (Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Human Resources).
  • The ability to apply business knowledge to new situations and make reasoned recommendations.
  • Analytical and evaluative skills for assessing business performance and the impact of external influences.
  • A solid foundation for advanced study in Business, Economics, or related fields.

The course with Eduva will provide experienced and trained instructors. The classes will be conducted online, utilizing Eduva’s Student Dashboard ensuring students to track their progress in real-time.

Course Content

1. Understanding Business Activity

  • Business Activity
  • Classification of Businesses
  • Enterprise, Business Growth and Size
  • Types of Business Organization
  • Business Objectives and Stakeholder Objectives

2. People in Business (Human Resources)

  • Motivating Employees
  • Organization and Management
  • Recruitment, Selection and Training
  • Internal and External Communication

3. Marketing

  • Marketing, Competition and the Customer
  • Market Research
  • Marketing Mix (4 Ps)
  • Marketing Strategy

4. Operations Management

  • Production of Goods and Services
  • Costs, Scale of Production and Break-even Analysis
  • Achieving Quality Production
  • Location Decisions

5. Financial Information and Decisions

  • Business Finance: Needs and Sources
  • Cash-flow Forecasting and Working Capital
  • Income Statements
  • Statement of Financial Position
  • Analysis of Accounts

6. External Influences on Business Activity

  • Economic Issues
  • Environmental and Ethical Issues
  • Business and the International Economy
Learning Objectives

By the end of the Cambridge O Level Business Studies (7115) course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the Nature and Purpose of Business (AO1)

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of facts, terms, concepts, conventions, theories, and techniques commonly applied to business behavior.
  • Explain the purpose and nature of business activity, including concepts like needs, wants, scarcity, and adding value.
  • Distinguish between and classify businesses based on economic sectors (primary, secondary, tertiary) and ownership (private/public sector, sole trader, partnership, limited company).
  • Explain different business objectives (e.g., survival, profit, growth, market share) and the role and potentially conflicting objectives of stakeholder groups.

2. Manage People and Organization (AO1, AO2)

  • Apply knowledge to the functional area of Human Resources.
  • Explain the importance and methods of motivating a workforce (e.g., Maslow, Taylor, Herzberg, financial and non-financial rewards).
  • Interpret simple organizational charts, understand hierarchical structures, and explain the roles of management (planning, coordinating, controlling) and the importance of delegation.
  • Apply knowledge of different leadership styles (autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire) and justify an appropriate style in given circumstances.
  • Explain the recruitment, selection, and training processes, and understand why a reduction in the workforce (dismissal or redundancy) might be necessary.

3. Apply Marketing Strategies (AO2, AO3)

  • Explain the role of marketing in identifying and satisfying customer needs and maintaining loyalty.
  • Distinguish between niche and mass markets, and explain how and why market segmentation is undertaken.
  • Describe the methods and importance of market research (primary/secondary) and analyze research data presented in graphs and charts.
  • Apply the principles of the Marketing Mix (4 Ps) to justify appropriate strategies for Product, Price, Place, and Promotion, including the use of e-commerce.

4. Manage Operations and Finance (AO2, AO3)

  • Apply knowledge to the functional area of Operations Management.
  • Explain methods of production (job, batch, flow), how productivity can be increased (e.g., lean production, Kaizen), and calculate and classify costs.
  • Use break-even analysis (calculate output, interpret charts, define margin of safety) to help make simple business decisions.
  • Understand why quality is important and how it can be achieved through quality control and assurance.
  • Identify the need for and different sources of business finance (short-term/long-term, internal/external).
  • Construct, complete, or amend a simple cash-flow forecast, interpret it, and suggest ways to overcome short-term cash-flow problems.

5. Analyze and Evaluate Financial Performance (AO3, AO4)

  • Interpret the main features of simple income statements and statements of financial position to make deductions.
  • Calculate and analyze key profitability ratios (Gross profit margin, Profit margin, Return on Capital Employed) and liquidity ratios (Current ratio, Acid test ratio).
  • Use financial information to make reasoned judgments, recommendations, and decisions, understanding the needs of different users of accounts.

6. Evaluate External Influences and Implications (AO4)

  • Analyze and evaluate the impact of external influences on business activity.
  • Discuss the impact of the business cycle (growth, recession), changes in government economic controls (taxes, interest rates), and legal controls on business functions.
  • Evaluate environmental and ethical issues (externalities, sustainable development, pressure groups) as both opportunities and constraints for businesses.
  • Understand and evaluate the importance of globalization, the role of multinational companies (MNCs), and the impact of exchange rate changes on importers and exporters.

7. Develop Transferable Skills

  • Develop skills of numeracy, literacy, and enquiry.
  • Analyze complex business situations by distinguishing between evidence and opinion, and interpreting narrative, numerical, and graphical information.
  • Evaluate business situations to make informed judgments, recommendations, and decisions.
  • Acquire a strong foundation for further study of business or other subjects.
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