Business

    AQA
    A-Level

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

    1

    Topics

    0

    Objectives

    4

    Exam Tips

    4

    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

    AQA
    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 'profit' with 'cash' when discussing retained profits as a source of finance.
    • •Suggesting a 'share issue' for a sole trader or partnership, or failing to distinguish between a rights issue and a public offer.
    • •Stating that bank loans are 'easy to get' without considering the business's credit history, collateral, or current gearing ratio.
    • •Conflating short-term sources (overdrafts, debt factoring) with long-term capital expenditure requirements.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Always calculate the Gearing ratio (Non-current liabilities / Capital Employed x 100) before recommending debt financing.
    • •When discussing Venture Capital, explicitly mention the loss of ownership/control and the expertise provided, not just the money.
    • •Context is king: A start-up has different options (crowdfunding, angel investors) compared to a mature PLC (debentures, rights issues).
    • •In 16 and 25-mark essays, ensure the final judgment justifies *why* one source is superior to another under the specific current economic climate (e.g., interest rates).

    Specification Topics

    1 topics

    Sources of Finance

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

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