Unit 1: Business and the Business Environment

The aim of this unit is to provide students with background knowledge and understanding of business, the functions of an organisation and the wider business environments in which organisations operate. Students will examine the different types of organisations (including for profit and not for profit), their size and scope (for instance, micro, SME, transnational and global) and how they operate.

Students will explore the relationships that organisations have with their various stakeholders and how the wider external environments influence and shape business decision-making.

The knowledge, understanding and skill sets gained in this unit will help students to choose their own preferred areas of specialism in future studies and in their professional career.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Explain the different types, size and scope of organisations.
2 Demonstrate the interrelationship of the various functions within an organisation and how they link to organisational structure.
3 Use contemporary examples to demonstrate both the positive and negative influence/impact the macro environment has on business operations.
4 Determine the internal strengths and weaknesses of specific businesses and explain their interrelationship with external macro factors.

Unit 2: Marketing Process and Planning

Large-, medium- and small businesses that operate globally, internationally or locally have at least one thing in common – they all use marketing to influence us to engage with their products and/or services. Whether this means becoming a loyal customer buying a product and service or donating to a charity, organisations use a range of marketing techniques and tools to inform and influence us.
This unit is designed to introduce students to the dynamic world of the marketing sector and the wealth of exciting career opportunities available to support their decision making in their career choices. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the competencies and behaviours required by employers to work in the marketing sector. They will be introduced to the key principles of marketing, enabling them to develop a marketing plan and to employ elements of the marketing mix to achieve results. They will study the underpinning theories and frameworks of marketing while relating them to real-world examples, including products/services that they encounter in their daily lives.
The knowledge, understanding and skill sets that students will gain on successfully completing this unit will enhance their career opportunities; whether this is setting up their own business or employment in an organisation.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Explain the role of marketing and how it interrelates with other business units of an organisation
2 Compare ways in which organisations use elements of the marketing mix to achieve overall business objectives
3 Produce a marketing plan for an organisation that meets marketing objectives
4 Develop a media plan to support a marketing campaign for an organisation.

Unit 3: Human Resource Management

The aim of this unit is to enable students to appreciate and apply principles of effective Human Resource Management (HRM). People are the lifeblood of any organisation and being able to attract, recruit and retain talented staff is at the core of all HRM activity. This unit will explore the tools and techniques used in HRM to maximise the employee contribution and how to use HR methods to gain competitive advantage. Students will explore the importance of training and development in building and extending the skills base of the organisation and ensuring it is relevant to the ever-changing business environment. Students will also consider the growing importance of becoming a flexible organisation with an equally flexible labour force, and become familiar with techniques of job design and with different reward systems.
The unit investigates the importance of good employee relations and the ways in which employers engage with their staff and possibly with trade unions. Students will gain an understanding of the law governing HRM processes as well as the best practices which enable an employer to become an ‘employer of choice’ in their labour market.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Explain the purpose and scope of Human Resource Management in terms of resourcing an organisation with talent and skills appropriate to fulfil business objectives.
2 Evaluate the effectiveness of the key elements of Human Resource Management in an organisation.
3 Analyse internal and external factors that affect Human Resource Management decision-making, including employment legislation.
4 Apply Human Resource Management practices in a work-related context.

Unit 4: Leadership and Management

The ability to lead and manage effectively is highly sought after by industry, as employers seek to produce and develop managers who can motivate, enthuse and build respect throughout their workforce. The hard and soft skills required by leaders and managers are frequently highlighted by employers as skills gaps in recruitment. Developing these skills will help students to meet career aspirations in leadership and management.
The aim of this unit is to help students to understand the difference between the function of a manager and the role of a leader. Students will consider the characteristics, behaviours and traits that support effective management and leadership. Students will learn about the theories that have shaped the understanding of leadership and management and how these have provided a guide to action for managers and leaders who want to secure success for their businesses. Students will look at leadership styles, how and why they are used and the extent to which they are effective.
This unit also gives students an understanding of motivational strategies. They will develop motivational strategies covering intrinsic and extrinsic aspects of motivation. Finally, students will evaluate the importance of managing performance in achieving continuous improvement.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Examine leadership and management theories and principles, and their impact on the effectiveness of an organisation
2 Review the influence of different leadership and management styles on the culture of organisations
3 Develop a motivational strategy to optimise organisational performance
4 Apply leadership and management approaches to managing performance to ensure continuous improvement.

Unit 5: Accounting Principles

Management accounting is a profession that supports management decision making, planning and performance management systems. Management accountants provide expertise in financial reporting and control to assist management in the formulation and implementation of an organisation\'s strategy by providing appropriate financial information and undertaking related accounts administration.
The overall aim of this unit is to introduce fundamental accounting principles that underpin financial operations and support good and sustainable decision making in any organisation. Students will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of a range of financial and management accounting techniques.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to assist senior colleagues in producing and analysing budgets, drawing up simple financial statements and using financial ratios to interpret performance. Students will also explore wider aspects of accountancy, especially ethics, transparency and sustainability, and gain fundamental knowledge and skills that will enable them to progress to a higher level of study

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Examine the context and purpose of accounting
2 Prepare basic financial statements for unincorporated and small business organisations in accordance with accounting principles, conventions and standards 3 Interpret financial statements 4 Prepare budgets for planning, control and decision making using spreadsheets

Unit 6: Managing a Successful Business Project

This unit is assessed by a Pearson-set assignment. The project brief will be set by the centre, based on a theme provided by Pearson (this will change annually). The theme and chosen project within the theme will enable students to explore and examine a relevant and current topical aspect of business in the context of the business environment.

The aim of this unit is to offer students an opportunity to demonstrate the skills required for managing and implementing a project. They will undertake independent research and investigation for carrying out and executing a business project which meets appropriate business aims and objectives.

On successful completion of this unit students will have the confidence to engage in decision-making, problem-solving and research activities using project management skills. They will have the fundamental knowledge and skills to enable them to investigate and examine relevant business concepts within a work-related context, determine appropriate outcomes, decisions or solutions and present evidence to various stakeholders in an acceptable and understandable format.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Establish project aims, objectives and timeframes based on the chosen theme.
2 Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to generate knowledge to support the project.
3 Present the project and communicate appropriate recommendations based on meaningful conclusions drawn from the evidence findings and/or analysis.
4 Reflect on the value gained from conducting the project and its usefulness to support sustainable organisational performance.

Unit 7: Business Law

The aim of this unit is to enhance students’ understanding of how business law is applied to the running of a company. Students will gain knowledge of business law and examine the impact of the law on business operations and decision-making. Throughout the unit students will identify legal solutions available to business owners and assess their suitability. Their experiences in this unit will help them better understand the areas of law in which they will want to specialise. They will be able to illustrate the impact of the law on normal business operations and when registering a company and inviting shareholders to invest in it. They will gain an understanding of the law in relation to market abuse and director responsibilities. Students will be able to recognise the application of employment law between employers and employees.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Explain the basic nature of the legal system.
2 Illustrate the potential impact of the law on a business.
3 Examine the formation of different types of business organisations.
4 Recommend appropriate legal solutions based upon alternative legal advice provided.

Unit 9: Entrepreneurial Ventures

Entrepreneurship is about people who have dreams and take their career into their own hands, leading it in the direction of their choice. More recently it has also become about transforming the world by solving big problems, for example initiating social change, creating an innovative product, presenting a new life-changing solution. This unit introduces the study of entrepreneurship and will benefit those thinking of starting up an entrepreneurial venture and those who are future leaders and managers.
. The unit aims to illustrate the concept of entrepreneurship and how having an entrepreneurial mindset can make a contribution to all businesses, be that a new business start-up or existing public and corporate organisations. Students will explore the skills, traits and characteristics of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. Students will understand the importance of difference size businesses on the economy and the contribution they can all make to society. Students will also learn about the need for intrapreneurs and the impact of disruptive entrepreneurship.
By the end of the unit, students will have gained research skills and the knowledge that they can develop an entrepreneurial mindset that will benefit them throughout their career. They will understand the contribution that businesses make to the economy and the importance of entrepreneurial activity for all businesses in all sectors

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Examine what it takes to be an entrepreneur and the scope of entrepreneurial ventures
2 Explore the concept of the entrepreneurial mindset and its contribution to entrepreneurial ventures
3 Assess the impact of SMEs (small medium enterprises) on the economy
4 Explain the importance of intrapreneurship in both public and corporate organisations.

Unit 16: Managing the Customer Experience

The aim of this unit is to give students background knowledge and understanding of how businesses manage the customer experience – from the initial needs analysis through to after-sales follow-up.
Students will map the journey that a customer makes through a business, identifying crucial touch points and recognising how these touch points can be managed to optimise the customer’s experience.
Students will consider how technology is changing the way that customers interact with businesses and how digital initiatives should complement existing customer journeys while recognising that online and offline consumers are distinctly different. Students can then use this knowledge to provide customer service in business and services and in an online context to meet required business standards.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Explain the needs and expectations of market segments for products and/or services of a given business organisation
2 Produce a customer experience map to create business opportunities and optimise customer touch points
3 Investigate the impacts of digital technology on customer relationship management
4 Apply effective customer experience management within an organisational context to maximise customer engagement.

Unit 17: Professional Identity and Practice

With employment opportunities and career progression becoming increasingly competitive, it is vital that new employees appreciate the value of the correct skills and competences that are expected by employers.
The aim of this unit is to guide students through the process of self-assessment of skills and competences, personal career planning and the application of different learning and development approaches in a work environment. Students are not necessarily expected to engage in work activities but self-assessment and design must be applied in a specific work context to avoid the experience being generic.
The unit will give students direction on how to prepare for job applications and interviews in a formalised way, with the aim of improving their career prospects.
Students are expected to undertake a practical interview arranged and guided by their tutor or a relevant employer.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Explore the importance of ongoing professional development and self-directed learning to enhance professional identity and career opportunities
2 Assess own skills, competences and the different learning and development approaches
3 Design a professional development plan in a specific work context
4 Demonstrate a range of competences and transferable skills for a job application.

Unit 19: Research Project (Pearson Set)

Research skills are as vital for the workplace as they are for academic development. Research skills enable students to identify a problem, collect informational resources that can help address the problem, evaluate the resources for quality and relevance, and come up with an effective solution to the problem. These are seen as essential skills by employers for most positions in industry, to support a range of duties, for example report writing, building a business case, business planning, launching a new product or service.
This is a Pearson-set unit. Students will choose their own project based on a theme provided by Pearson (this will change annually). The project must be related to their specialist pathway of study (unless they are studying the general business pathway). This will enable students to explore and examine a relevant and current topical aspect of business in the context of the business environment and their chosen specialist pathway.
The aim of this unit is to offer students the opportunity to engage in sustained research in a specific field of study. The unit enables students to demonstrate the capacity and ability to identify a research theme, to develop a research aim and objectives and to present the outcomes of such research in both written and verbal formats. The unit also encourages students to reflect on their engagement in the research process, during which recommendations for future, personal development are key learning points.
*Please refer to the accompanying Pearson-set Assignment Guide and Theme Release document for further support and guidance on the delivery of the Pearson-set unit.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Examine appropriate research methodologies and methods to identify those appropriate to the research process
2 Develop a research proposal, including a supporting literature review
3 Analyse data using appropriate techniques to communicate research findings
4 Reflect on the application of research methodologies and process.

Unit 20: Organisational Behaviour

Organisational behaviour is concerned with understanding, explaining and predicting the behaviour of individuals in the workplace and can assist in the development of practical solutions to organisational and managerial problems. Individuals, whether acting in isolation or collectively as part of a group, engage in actions and behaviours that can have a positive or negative impact on company performance and the achievement of strategic goals. It is therefore essential that those who are involved in managing and leading people in organisations, acquire insight and expertise in organisational behaviour.
The aim of this unit is to develop knowledge and understanding of how organisational behaviour concepts, theories and techniques can be applied in work and management settings in order to enhance individual, team and organisational performance. Students will be able to apply this knowledge in a variety of business situations. They will appreciate how effective application of organisational behaviour principles can be used to explain why people behave and act in particular ways and to predict how employees will respond to certain demands. The unit also develops student understanding of the influence of culture, the operation of power and politics in organisations and how these variables influence the actions and behaviour of people in an organisational context.
On successful completion of this unit, students will have developed a range of transferable skills and knowledge. This includes core people management skills used to achieve positive organisational outcomes and to create value by recognising individual difference, team working and the creation of inclusive organisational cultures.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Reflect on own personality and perceptions to understand how individual difference informs and influences management approaches
2 Apply content and process theories of motivation to create and maintain an effective workforce
3 Participate in a group team activity for a given business situation to demonstrate effective team skills
4 Examine how power, politics and culture can be used to influence employee behaviour and accomplish organisational goals.

Unit 24: Understanding and Leading Change

‘Change is the only constant in life’ (Heraclitus, 500BCE). Whatever industry, whatever position you are employed in, there is always change. As such, businesses need to adapt and change with the changing business environment. Organisations are seeing change at a more rapid speed than ever before. Technology is playing a big part in this increased pace of change. Change leaders are evident in all business sectors and in a variety of roles within an organisation.
In business, change is all around in all areas of an organisation, from minor process changes to large-scale structural change. The aim of this unit is for students to understand the different types and scope of change that may occur in an organisation. The unit will aim to illustrate the drivers/triggers for change and how they vary and affect organisations in different ways, including the degree of impact and management’s response to change. Students will gain an appreciation of how the depth of change can influence organisational behaviour both during and after the change.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to apply a range of change management concepts, including diagnosing driving/resisting forces, planning for change and dealing with change in organisational settings. This will put students in a strong position to contribute to change initiatives in the workplace.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Produce a comparative analysis of the different types and drivers of change in business
2 Evaluate the impact of change on organisational behaviour
3 Investigate how forces driving and resisting change influence leadership decision making
4 Recommend a range of leadership approaches to change initiatives.

Unit 25: Global Business Environment

As globalisation of business continues the world is becoming smaller, this means developing complex opportunities and risks for business operations as organisations expand and transform in this dynamic environment. Understanding business from a global perspective is about being open to new ideas, issues and solutions, and opening business up to new opportunities and growth.
The aim of this unit is to explore the wider position that some organisations have in the global environment. Students will gain an appreciation of the complexities of operating in a global environment, enabling them insight in to an organisation’s current or aspirational global presence.
On successful completion of this unit, students will understand the wider global environment in which organisations operate. This enables students to add value to an organisation as they will be able to apply their knowledge in such a way that they could advise senior managers (in large and small organisations) on global matters that they might not have otherwise considered.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Analyse the key factors which drive globalisation
2 Determine the strategic complexities associated with operating in a global environment
3 Evaluate how operating in a global market influences an organisation’s structure, culture and functions
4 Develop a global strategy to support decision making for a given organisation.

Unit 26: Principles of Operations Management

Operations management is everywhere, in every organisation, in every service experienced and in every product consumed. Operations management is the administration of business practices to create the highest level of efficiency possible in an organisation. It is concerned with converting materials and labour into goods and services as efficiently as possible to maximise profits.
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the role of operations in an organisation, how the nature of operations management has evolved and how it contributes to sustained competitive advantage. Students will understand the key concepts of operations management in an organisational and environmental context, and how this links to supply chain management, products and processes, organisational efficiency and effectiveness, and the achievement of tactical and strategic objectives. A variety of operations management techniques and frameworks will be explored, including continuous improvement, total quality management, benchmarking and risk analysis.
By the end of this unit, students will have an appreciation of the dimensions of operations management and its central role for organisations across a wide range of sectors. Students will also have the knowledge and skills required to progress to higher levels of study or employment in positions in operations, logistics and supply.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Analyse the effectiveness of operations management in contributing to organisational objectives across a wide range of organisations and sectors
2 Apply a range of techniques and analysis frameworks used by operations managers to support decision-making and address problems
3 Apply the concept of continuous quality improvement in an operational context
4 Conduct a strategic risk analysis (SRA) on the operations functions of an organisation.

Financial Reporting

Unit 27: Identifying Entrepreneurial Opportunities

The role of the entrepreneur is to weigh up opportunities, threats and personal skills, and abilities to translate an opportunity into a business idea. This unit gives students an understanding of where new entrepreneurial ideas come from and gives them the opportunity to investigate and evaluate a new entrepreneurial idea for a small- and medium sized enterprise (SME).
Students will explore concepts of innovation, entrepreneurship and developing creativity. They will learn about and use methods and frameworks to help develop and assess new venture ideas, including defining product or service benefits, identifying target customers and understanding the industry and competitors from the perspective of a new entrant. They will also learn about market research and apply primary and secondary research techniques to investigate an entrepreneurial idea. They will then assess whether it is likely to be a commercially viable business or a social enterprise proposition.
By the end of the unit, students will have acquired creative skills and thinking for innovation, preparing them for jobs and technologies that do not even exist yet in this rapidly changing landscape.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Explore the role of entrepreneurship and innovation for developing new entrepreneurial ideas
2 Investigate a potential entrepreneurial idea from a gap in the market for a small to medium sized (SME) enterprise
3 Analyse primary and secondary data to identify the market potential of an entrepreneurial idea
4 Pitch the potential viability of an entrepreneurial idea in the context of the market and competitors.

Unit 43: Business Strategy

This unit supports individuals who are working in or towards managerial roles in all market sectors to develop and enhance strategic thinking and planning that will improve organisational performances of businesses in their respective competitive markets. General manager skills and competences are focused on through a range of themes and topics that can be applied in most contexts.
The aim of this unit is to develop students’ awareness of the different types of strategic approaches that could be used in an operational, tactical or strategic role for an organisation. This will be underpinned by a thorough knowledge and understanding of the theories, models and concepts that could significantly support an organisation’s strategic choice and direction.
On successful completion of this unit, students will have developed sufficient knowledge and understanding of strategy to make a positive, efficient and effective contribution to the development of business plans and operational direction. They could do this in the role of a junior manager responsible for having a specific input into an organisation’s decision making and planning.

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
1 Analyse the impact and influence that the macro environment has on an organisation and its business strategies
2 Assess an organisation’s internal environment and capabilities
3 Apply the outcomes of an analysis, using an appropriate strategic management tool, in a given market sector
4 Develop a strategic management plan in an organisation, informed by models, theories and concepts, to achieve competitive advantage in a given market sector.