Higher Business Management

Module 5.1 – Business in Contemporary Society

Pupils are introduced to the activities of a business via types of business organisations and stakeholder influence. They cover methods of growth and the external social, economic and environmental factors which contribute to business success.

Module 5.2 – Business Information and Information Technology

This section involves an in-depth look at how many managers use information technology to aid business efficiency and help make decisions.

Module 5.3 – Decision Making

Pupils study different types of strategic, tactical and operational decisions and how these are linked to structured models to determine business goals. Aids to effective decision making are explored via tools such as SWOT and PESTE analysis.

Module 5.4 – Internal Organisation of Business Enterprise

This section explores the role and responsibilities of management in developing a corporate culture and the variety of ways in which an organisation may group its staff and work.

Module 5.5 – Marketing Decisions of Business Enterprises

The different aspects of a modern Marketing Department and its interactions with other departments in an organisation are covered. The marketing mix, market segmentation and market research are also included.

Module 5.6 – Financial Information Used in Business

Pupils encounter the practical work of an organisation’s Finance Department by working through Cash Flow, Trading Profit and Loss Accounts, and Ratio Analysis exercises. They move on to interpretation of accounts by interested stakeholders such as Managers, Banks and Inland Revenue.

Module 5.7 – Human Resources

Human resource management and planning are covered in this section. Pupils deal with the recruitment process, staff development and training, employee relations, industrial action and current relevant employment legislation.

Module 5.8 – Operations Decisions of Business Enterprises

The functional area of an organisation is explored by understanding the various stages of the production process including purchasing, stock control and quality control systems.