Business and Communication Systems

The CCEA GCSE Business and Communication Systems specification introduces students to the business world. They also explore the changing role of digital technology in business today.

Students learn about file management and applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, web authoring, web browsing, email and presentation software. They also study types of business, recruitment, selection, training, marketing, the role of stakeholders and customers, and how best to communicate a message.

Students then have an opportunity to connect all they have learned to plan and develop a digital solution for a business.

A qualification in Business and Communication Systems could lead to further study or a career in business, digital technology or ICT.

Assessment is through one computer-based exam worth 40% of the final mark, one written exam worth 35% and a controlled assessment unit worth 25%.

This specification is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment at the end of the first year of study.

This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Learning for Life and Work Area of Learning and the Cross-Curricular Skill of Using ICT.

The specification has three units:

• Unit 1: Software Applications for Business
• Unit 2: The Business Environment
• Unit 3: Developing Digital Solutions

Unit 1: Software Applications for Business

Software applications play a vital role in business. They add value by increasing efficiency and they can reduce the amount of time tasks take and improve record keeping. They can also enhance the ways in which businesses communicate with their stakeholders. In this unit, students learn about relevant functions in software applications and develop their skills in using them in business contexts. When using software applications, students should be aware of standard ways of working and best practice approaches.

Unit 2: The Business Environment

In this unit, students gain a broad introduction to the business world. They learn about recruitment, selection, training and marketing, as well as the implications of digital technology for business. Students consider different roles, including stakeholders and customers, as well as how best to communicate a message. They look at all these factors in the context of the changing nature of business today.

Unit 3: Developing Digital Solutions

In this unit, students use the skills they have developed in Units 1 and 2 to plan and develop a digital solution for a business. This unit is synoptic; it tests students’ understanding of the connections between the different elements of the subject.

Business Studies 

The CCEA GCSE Business Studies specification encourages students to investigate how businesses start up. They explore the resources, marketing and finance that businesses need and the challenges they face.They also examine how businesses grow and the role of stakeholders: groups that have an interest in a business. They understand the role of human resources, the recruitment and selection process, and the value of employee training and motivation.

Important new topics include the role of social enterprise, e-business and m-business. Students discover how businesses can use electronic and mobile technology in different ways. They also learn to apply skills such as decision making, proposing business strategies or solutions, understanding other viewpoints and justifying decisions.

Assessment is through two written exams, each worth 40% of the final mark, and a controlled assessment unit worth 20%.

This specification is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment at the end of the first year of study.

This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Learning for Life and Work Area of Learning.

The specification has three units:

• Unit 1: Starting a Business
• Unit 2: Developing a Business
• Unit 3: Planning a Business.

Unit 1: Starting a Business
In this unit, students are introduced to the fundamentals of starting a business.They examine why businesses start and the resources required to maintain and grow them. Students explore business aims and the impact that various stakeholder groups may have on businesses. Students explore marketing options and consider
the impact of e-business on potential growth strategies. They also consider why businesses conform to quality assurance standards and health and safety legislation.
The unit has been dividied into three sections: Creating a Business, Marketing and Business Operations.

Unit 2: Developing a Business
In this unit, students examine recruitment and selection practices and analyse the importance of a business having motivated and well-trained employees. They identify the signs of business success and failure and evaluate the different ways in which businesses grow. Students learn about business finance. They examine the
sources of finance and complete basic cash flow forecasts, as well as interpreting simple financial statements. When analysing business performance, students consider concepts such as ratio analysis and break-even (BE).
We have divided the unit into three sections: Human Resources, Business Growth and Finance.

Unit 3: Planning a Business
In this synoptic unit, which may examine any area of content from the specification, students apply knowledge and understanding drawn from across the whole specification to a real business context. Links to other units appear in italics.
Students carry out research and apply it, together with their own knowledge, to a range of circumstances. They examine and evaluate specified areas of a business plan and make reasoned recommendations.
This unit is assessed by controlled assessment.

OCN Business

OCN Business 

The aim of the OCN NI Level 2 Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma in Skills for Business is to allow learners to develop the knowledge, understanding and key skills required to work within a business setting. These qualifications provide an engaging, practical and relevant introduction to the world of business today.

Currently, the 4 units studied by pupils in SJBC are:

Unit 1:Understanding Business Structures

Unit 2:Business Aims and Objectives

Unit 3:Marketing Mix and Competition

Unit 4:Recruitment and Selection