Edexcel International Advanced Level (IAL) - Business Specification

Overview

• Qualification Title: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Business (4BS1)
• First Teaching: September 2017
• First Examination: June 2019
• Awarding Body: Pearson, UK’s largest awarding body
• Global Recognition: Qualifications are recognized and benchmarked globally.

About Pearson

• Leading learning company with 35,000 employees across 70 countries.
• Focuses on helping learners progress through effective education.

Specification Features

• Structure: Linear qualification with two examinations taken at the end of the course.
• Content: Relevant, engaging, and up-to-date.
• Approach: Encourages independent learning and critical thinking using real-life examples.

Qualification Aims and Objectives

• Develop interest and enthusiasm for business study.
• Understand business concepts, terminology, and objectives.
• Analyze business organization, finance, and operation.
• Apply knowledge to a range of business issues at local, national, and global levels.
• Develop critical-thinking and enquiry skills for evaluating business data.

Why Choose Edexcel Qualifications?

• Global Leader: Pearson is the largest education company, providing globally relevant qualifications.
• Reliable Results: Uses leading online marking technology.
• World-Class Standards: Developed to be rigorous, inclusive, and empowering.

Structure and Content

Course Structure

• Two examinations that assess the entire course content.
• Focus on small and large business scenarios.

Papers

• Paper 1: Investigating Small Businesses
  • Externally assessed, covers small businesses (up to 49 employees).
  • 1 hour 30 minutes exam, with four compulsory questions (80 marks).
• Paper 2: Investigating Large Businesses
  • Externally assessed, covers large businesses (more than 250 employees).
  • 1 hour 30 minutes exam, with four compulsory questions (80 marks).

Content Areas

• Business Activity and Influences on Business

  • Business objectives, types, classifications, and location decisions.
  • Globalization and exchange rate impacts.
  • External factors affecting business decisions.

• People in Business

  • Communication, recruitment, and selection processes.
  • Training, motivation and organizational structure.

• Business Finance

  • Sources of finance, cash flow forecasting, costs, and break-even analysis.
  • Financial documents and accounts analysis.

• Marketing

  • Market research, marketing mix, and the use of data.
  • Market segmentation and response to market changes.

• Business Operations

  • Economies and diseconomies of scale.
  • Production processes, lean production, and quality management.

Assessment Information

• Assessment Objectives and Weightings
  • AO1: Knowledge recall (27-28%)
  • AO2: Application of knowledge (38-39%)
  • AO3: Analysis (22-23%)
  • AO4: Evaluation (11-12%)

Administration and General Information

• Grading on a nine-grade scale (9 to 1).
• Accessibility arrangements for students with disabilities.
• Language of assessment is English.

Appendices

• Codes, Command Word Taxonomy, and Quantitative Skills: Essential for understanding examination requirements.
• Formulae: Provided in examinations for calculating financial metrics.
• Transferable Skills: Emphasis on cognitive, intrapersonal, and interpersonal skills for global employability.

World-Class Qualification Design Principles

• Developed with input from global education experts.
• Ensures qualifications are rigorous and aligned with world-class standards.

Summary

This specification aims to equip students with comprehensive business knowledge, critical thinking skills, and practical abilities to excel in business contexts globally. It aligns with Pearson's commitment to providing esteemed qualifications that enhance students' academic and career opportunities.