What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Business?

Use case studies to illustrate points.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Business? (2)

Learn key theorists and their contributions.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Business? (3)

Structure answers with clear definitions and examples.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Business? (4)

Use real company examples to illustrate adaptation.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Business? (5)

Apply frameworks like SWOT or PESTLE in evaluation.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Business?

Confusing leadership with management.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Business? (2)

Overlooking the impact of culture on motivation.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Business? (3)

Failing to link theory to practical examples.

Business

Pearson

A-Level

Specification: 601/4673/4

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

30%-35%

Demonstrate knowledge of terms, concepts, theories, methods and models to show an understanding of how individuals and organisations are affected by and respond to business issues

AO2

25%-30%

Apply knowledge and understanding to various business contexts to show how individuals and organisations are affected by and respond to issues

AO3

25%-30%

Analyse issues within business, showing an understanding of the impact on individuals and organisations of external and internal influences

AO4

20%-25%

Evaluate quantitative and qualitative information to make informed judgements and propose evidence-based solutions to business issues

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

Pearson

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing leadership with management.
•Overlooking the impact of culture on motivation.
•Failing to link theory to practical examples.
•Confusing the 4Ps with the 7Ps.
•Describing the mix without analysing adaptation.
•Evaluating strategies subjectively without evidence.
•Miscalculating market share percentages.
•Ignoring indirect competitors in analysis.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Use case studies to illustrate points.
•Learn key theorists and their contributions.
•Structure answers with clear definitions and examples.
•Use real company examples to illustrate adaptation.
•Apply frameworks like SWOT or PESTLE in evaluation.
•Consider both online and offline marketing elements.
•Practice numerical calculations with sample data.
•Use frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces.

Specification Topics

5 topics

Marketing and People

This topic covers leadership and management approaches, motivation theories, and HRM practices. It also evaluates how organisational culture impacts business performance.

People, Marketing mix and strategy, The market +2 more

0 objectives15 tips15 pitfalls5 subtopics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic explores the fundamental principles of business strategy and decision-making within dynamic market environments. It emphasises the application of analytical tools and models to evaluate business performance and formulate growth strategies. Practical case studies enhance learners' ability to assess real-world business scenarios and justify strategic choices.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Managing Business Activities

This topic focuses on managing finance through ratio analysis, including profitability and liquidity ratios. Learners will calculate and interpret these ratios to evaluate a business's financial performance.

Managing finance, Resource management, Raising finance +2 more

0 objectives15 tips15 pitfalls5 subtopics

Business Decisions and Strategy

This topic explores how mission, objectives, and strategy interrelate in business planning. It covers the use of SWOT and PESTLE analysis to inform strategic decisions and evaluates the impact of those decisions on stakeholders.

Business objectives and strategy, Influences on business decisions, Managing change +3 more

0 objectives18 tips18 pitfalls6 subtopics

Global Business

Global industries and companies operate across borders, creating competitive advantage through global value chains. Ethical issues such as labour standards and environmental impact are increasingly important in global business.

Global industries and companies, Global marketing, Globalisation +2 more

0 objectives15 tips15 pitfalls5 subtopics

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