IGCSE Business Studies: Syllabus, Pattern, Assessments Outline & Reference Textbook

 

IGCSE Business Studies Syllabus Outline

• Understanding business activity
• People in business
• Marketing
• Operations management
• Financial information and financial decisions
• External influences on business activity

 

IGCSE Business Studies Content Overview

1. Understanding business activity: The aim and nature of business activity, as well as how firms might be classed, are all covered in this section that introduces the fundamental notions and concepts of business. Other crucial concerns include enterprise, entrepreneurs, and the reasons why some businesses expand while others stay small. The last subjects include how business size can be measured, different business organisation kinds, business objectives, and stakeholder objectives.
2. Business and people: The functional area of human resources is the main focus, and it encompasses the significance of and strategies for motivating a workforce. It is also taken into account how firms are structured and run, as well as how personnel are hired, chosen, and trained. The importance and strategies for efficient internal and external communication are covered in the section’s final paragraph.
3. Marketing: This section discusses the function of marketing, the differences between niche and mass markets, and market segmentation strategies. Market research techniques and value are discussed. It is made plain what the four Ps, or the marketing mix, are responsible for most. The final subjects in this part are marketing tactics to sway consumer choices in domestic markets as well as new international markets.
4. Operations management: The functional area of production is the main focus, along with the definition, production processes, and ways to boost productivity. Break-even analysis and various production expenses are explored. The importance and strategies for obtaining quality in the production process and business site considerations are discussed in the section’s conclusion.
5. Financial data and decisions: This section on finance and accounting discusses working capital, cash flow forecasts, and the need for and sources of business financing. Simple income statements, financial position statements, and account analysis, including why and how accounts are used, are all covered.
6. External influences on business activity: The various external impacts on business activities are the emphasis of this section, along with their effects on a business. It also covers how the government affects economic, ethical, and environmental issues and how these affect the operational facets of organisations. The global economy, including globalisation and its implications on governments and enterprises, multinational corporations, and exchange rates are further significant problems. Legal restrictions are an external factor to take into account, although these factors are covered in relevant areas of functions.

IGCSE Business Studies Assessment Outline

Paper 1 Short Answer and Data Response

Type of assessment: Written paper
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Marks: 80

• The exam consists of four questions with a mix of short answers and structured data responses.
• The paper evaluates content from the entire curriculum.
• The stimulus material introduces each question. Candidates will be required to refer to the stimulus material in their answers to some questions. Tables, graphs, and images are examples of stimulus material.
• Candidates respond to all questions.
• Candidates should be aware of the marks assigned to each part of the question.
• These are printed on the answer sheet.
• Candidates should use them as a guide to the level of detail and length of response that is expected, as well as to help them manage their time effectively.
• On the question paper, candidates write their answers.

The paper evaluates the following assessment objectives:

AO1: Knowledge and understanding
AO2: Application
AO3: Analysis
AO4: Evaluation

 

Paper 2 Case Study

Type of assessment: Written paper
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Marks: 80

• The question paper consists of four questions based on a case study that is provided as an insert with the paper. The case study includes appendices with data presented in a variety of formats, including tables, graphs, newspaper extracts, and advertisements.
• The paper evaluates material from the entire curriculum.
• Candidates must respond to all questions.
• Candidates need to be aware of the points allotted to each section of the question. These are printed on the question paper.
• Candidates should use them as a guide to the level of detail and length of response expected, as well as to help them manage their time effectively.
• The question paper is where the candidates write their answers.

The paper evaluates the following assessment objectives:

AO1: Knowledge and understanding
AO2: Application
AO3: Analysis
AO4: Evaluation

 

IGCSE Business Studies Pattern of the Examination

Paper 1: Questions Centered Around The Command Terms

 

Paper 2: Questions Centered Around The Command Terms

 

IGCSE Business Studies Specimen Paper and Past Paper Reference Website

https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-business-studies-0450/past-papers/

 

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