Page 5 - Grade 12 Options Booklet

As and A Level Business - 9609

Course Outline
The Business syllabus enables learners to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of
business, and the role it plays in society. The syllabus covers economic, environmental,
ethical, governmental, legal, social and technological issues, and encourages a critical
understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value.
Learners examine the management of organisations and, in particular, the process of
decision-making in a dynamic external environment.

From the 2016 examination series, this syllabus will replace Cambridge International AS and
A Level Business Studies (9707). The study of Cambridge International AS and A Level Business
allows learners to take the first step towards a career in private or public organisations or
progress with confidence to a degree in business and management related subjects.

Course Details
Cambridge learners will develop the capacity to analyse characteristics and activities of
business organisations and how they respond to the changing demands of their
environments. An understanding of how effective managers and leaders develop successful
organisations in terms of customer focus and the products/services they offer. The
opportunity to reflect on how successful business organisations engage in financial and
accounting practices to maximize value for stakeholders value, development of knowledge
that relates to strategic planning and decision-making to ensure business survival, change,
and sustainable success, a solid foundation for further study.

The syllabus aims to enable candidates to:

• understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role of business in
society, internationally and within each candidate’s own country

• develop critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of
adding value

• evaluate business behavior from the perspective of a range of stakeholders including
owner/ shareholder, manager, employee, customer, supplier, lender and government

• develop an awareness of the political, economic, social, technological, legal, environmental
and ethical issues associated with business activity

• develop quantitative, problem-solving, decision-making and communication skills.

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