Business (9609)

The Business syllabus enables learners to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role it plays in society. The syllabus covers economic, environmental, ethical, governmental, legal, social and technological issues, and encourages a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value. Learners examine the management of organisations and, in particular, the process of decision-making in a dynamic external environment.

Link to full Syllabus: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/329500-2019-2021-syllabus.pdf

Key Concepts

The key concepts on which this syllabus is built are set out below. These key concepts can encourage learners to make links between topics and develop a deep overall understanding of the subject. The following key concepts serve as guiding principles when considering both familiar and unfamiliar business issues and contexts.

• Change is the only constant. Exciting new enterprises are often created in response to economic, cultural or technological changes. Existing businesses must adapt to change if they are to survive and grow.
• Management is relevant to every person in a business. Good leadership, strong motivation in workers, effective systems and clear communication are hallmarks of successful businesses.
• Customer focus means a business will design and produce goods and services that people want to buy. Customers provide the revenue which sustains a business. Successful businesses really understand their customers and strive to provide products that their customers love.
• Innovation enables a business to re-invent itself and stay ahead of the competition. The business world is dynamic and companies must seek to innovate through product development, more efficient processes and finding better ways ‘to do business’.
• Creating value is the core reason why any organisation exists. Effective organisations aim to maximise stakeholder value. For most businesses this will be about maximising shareholder value, but social enterprises will also have other, non-financial, aims. Stakeholders also need to measure the value that is created.
• Strategy is about knowing where you are, where you want to get to and how you are going to get there. Managers need to think about, decide on and put into action major long term plans – such as buying another business, entering a new market or developing a new technology.

Recognition and progression

The expertise in curriculum, teaching and learning, and assessment is the basis for the recognition of Cambridge International programmes and qualifications around the world. Every year thousands of students with Cambridge International AS & A Levels gain places at leading universities worldwide. They are valued by top universities around the world including those in the UK, US (including Ivy League universities), Europe, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge International AS & A Level and found it to be comparable to the standard of AS & A Level in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications are accepted as equivalent, grade for grade, to UK AS & A Levels by leading universities worldwide.

Cambridge International A Level Business provides a suitable foundation for the study of Business or related courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in business or management, or as part of a course of general education. Cambridge International AS Level Business is the first half of Cambridge International A Level Business. Depending on local university entrance requirements, the qualification may permit or assist progression directly to university courses in Business or some other subjects.

Resources

The following are the preferred resources at Istanbul International School:

• Cambridge AS/A Level Business 9609 Coursebook

Cambridge International Examinations

AS Level Candidates take:

A Level candidates take: