"Business Studies helps students understand more about how and why businesses operate in the way that they do. Students are able to relate what they study to everyday activities, such as purchasing goods, and the news reported in the media."
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/ BUSINESS STUDIES IN ST. MALACHY'S
Business Studies was introduced as an ab initio A-Level subject in St. Malachy’s College in 1997. The first GCSE Business Studies class began its studies in 2008. Currently the College follows the CCEA specifications in these subjects. The Business Studies department is primarily based in the Head of Department’s classroom, B7, where resources are stored. The adjoining room B6 is used as a study for year 13 and 14 students of Business Studies in small groups of up to 4. Here they have access to subject-specific resources and to staff.
MISS A GORMAN
The Business Studies department is keen to explore links outside the College and aims to have speakers or events regularly.
In the second term this year our Year 11 boys won through to the finals of the Stock Market Challenge, coming a very creditable fourth place out of a large number of schools across the region in the initial competition. Past pupil Matthew Ward, who is now on a Higher Apprenticeship with PwC, mentored the College team and gave a very good presentation on the opportunities available at the firm. Matthew is pictured below with some members of the Year 11 Business Studies class.
In the CME offices, Belfast, on the 13th March, 4 Year 11 Business Studies pupils attended the Global Stock Market Challenge Belfast Finals. During the final, pupils were given a client who they had to make investments for based on their preferences and background. Following that, a presentation was given by the group to two judges and the other schools about why they invested in certain companies and the strategies they employed. After a poor start on the opening day of trading on the stock market, the pupils managed to come in 2nd place in the investment challenge and overall placed 4th. They faced some stiff competition from local schools and did the College proud. Pupils involved were Eoin Hackett, Sean Hagans, Christopher McLean and James McEwan.
In order to facilitate Year 12’s work on their Controlled Assessment a visit to the Lisburn plant of Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland was organised on January 16th 2018. Our visit included a DVD presentation, showcasing the 125 year history of Coca-Cola and how Northern Ireland businessman Tom Robinson first brought the Coca-Cola bottling operation to the island of Ireland; a guided gallery tour of the main production facility, to experience a ‘bird’s eye view’ of how their products are manufactured, bottled, packaged and stored; and an opportunity to explore the world of Coca-Cola, their connection to the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, and their involvement in the local community in Lisburn.
In October 2017 two members of the Student Recruitment team from PwC visited the College to speak to year 13 and 14 Business Studies pupils. A number of our former pupils are on Higher Apprenticeships with PwC (and Deloitte) and this, along with other post A Level options with the company, was the focus for the session.
On Wednesday 13th September our Year 11 Business Studies class along with their teacher Miss Grimes attended the Generation Innovation Student Invent Awards at the Belfast campus of University of Ulster. Firstly, they watched 7 student groups present their innovative and entrepreneurial skills with a product they developed on their own. A panel of judges were also on hand to ask questions after each of their pitches. Our pupils then had to vote on who they felt had the best product. Four workshops were attended in the afternoon facilitated by University of Ulster Business School, PwC, University of Ulster Product Design team and finally an App Design workshop. It was a knowledge filled, fun packed day and the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
A LEVEL BUSINESS STUDIES (CCEA)
The A Level Business Studies specification has been designed to provide candidates with a critical understanding of the following: the internal functions of contemporary business organisations of all types; the dynamic external environment within which businesses operate and the effects this can have upon decision-making within a business; major topical issues that can generate change for business organisations and the ways in which businesses respond to these issues and the range of stakeholder perspectives that can be taken on business activities.
Entry Requirements
Prospective students of A Level Business Studies must have at least 15 GCSE points, to include a Grade B in GCSE Business Studies (if studied) and at least a grade B in GCSE English Language and Maths.
Outline of Course
Unit AS 1: Introduction to Business
This unit introduces students to the business world. It begins, as many businesses do, with the entrepreneur and what motivates individuals to develop business enterprises. Students are expected to become familiar with different business ownership structures and the key stakeholder groups which may have an interest in how a business is managed. Students must acquire a critical understanding of the importance of quality and its significance in the competitive marketplace, including the production process, and the recruitment and training of a quality labour force. Students should appreciate the impact of management and leadership styles on employee motivation and business operations.
Unit AS 2: Growing the Business
Students are expected to become familiar with the role of technology in growing a business and how to assist with decision making. They must also understand the impact of competition on a business. Students must acquire a critical understanding of the marketing process, marketing strategy and the use of E-Business. Students will build an appreciation of the role of accounting and financial information in business decision making and financial control.
Unit A2 1: Strategic Decision Making
Students will be expected to identify business objectives and the potential for these to conflict with those of various stakeholder groups. Students will have to analyse and evaluate stakeholder management strategies. Students will gain an insight into business planning and the need to manage risk and uncertainty when developing business strategies. They must also be able to analyse the importance of accounting and financial information in making strategic business decisions.
Unit A2 2: The Competitive Business Environment
This unit examines the macroeconomic framework within which businesses operate. Students are expected to evaluate the impact of globalisation on business activities. Students will develop an appreciation of the importance of ethics and sustainability on business decision making and culture. They will also evaluate the influence of stakeholders on business operations. The unit examines how businesses are affected by and react to change within the dynamic and technology-driven business environment.
External Assessment
Students following the AS course must study units AS 1 and AS 2 and take two exams at the end of Year 13. Students following the A Level course must study two further units, A2 1 and A2 2 and take two exams at the end of Year 14.
Relevance to Career Development
A Level Business Studies opens up a wide range of opportunities for further and higher education or on to a rewarding career. If intending to study Business-type subjects at degree level, a student would have a head start if they have completed A Level Business Studies. Former students of Business Studies at St. Malachy’s have gone on to study Accounting & Finance, Management & Leadership Development, Business Information Technology, Economics & Accounting, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Business Management, International Hospitality Management and Marketing, among others.
Through studying this course, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the world of business. They will improve their skills in decision-making, problem solving, interpreting and managing information, and analysing and evaluating issues and solutions. These are all skills that can be taken forward to any future employment.
The study of Business Studies can lead on to careers in a wide range of areas including: marketing, management, purchasing, the public sector, professions such as accountancy and law, banking, financial markets, quality assurance, agri-business, retail, human resources, events management, promotion and advertising, distribution, business consultancy, new product development, financial management, telecommunications, personnel management, quality management, recruitment, public relations and journalism.