Students will cover the key concepts of Enterprise and researching why businesses are successful, the key ingredients to success and the impacts of the external environment on business’ success.

Autumn Term – Business in the real world

Focus: The purpose of business activity, the role of business enterprise and entrepreneurship, and the dynamic nature of business.

Topics:

• Purpose of business
• Business ownership
• Setting business aims and objectives
• Stakeholders
• Business location
• Business planning
• Expanding a business

Spring Term – Influences on Business

Focus: The importance of external influences on business and how businesses change in response to these influences.

Topics:

• Technology
• Ethical and environmental considerations
• The economic climate on businesses
• Globalisation
• Legislation
• Competitive environment

Summer Term – Business Operations

Focus: Students should understand the interdependent nature of business operations, human resources, marketing and finance. Students should be able to give examples of how business objectives would be split into functional plans with clear links throughout.

Topics:

• Production processes
• The role of procurement
• The concept of quality
• Good customer service

Autumn Term 1 – Introduction to Enterprise

Focus: Understanding enterprises and entrepreneurs

Topics:

• What is an enterprise?
• Types and purpose of enterprise
• Entrepreneurs: characteristics and motives
• Identifying and satisfying customer needs
• Market research: purpose, methods, and data
• Market segmentation

Autumn Term 2 – Spotting and Developing a Business Opportunity

Focus: How businesses identify and respond to opportunities

Topics:

• Understanding competitors
• Adding value and USP
• Factors influencing business success
• Business aims and objectives
• Mission statements and SMART targets

Spring Term – Exploring Enterprises (NEA Prep)

Focus: Coursework research and planning (Component 1)

Topics:

• Examine the characteristics of an enterprise and entrepreneurs
• Explore how market research helps enterprises meet customer needs and understand competitors
• Investigate the factors that contribute to the success of an enterprise

Summer Term 1 - Business Growth and External Factors

Focus: How enterprises grow and respond to external influences

Topics:

• Internal and external growth
• Franchising and partnerships
• The economy and business: inflation, interest rates, exchange rates
• Technological change and innovation
• Ethical and environmental considerations

Summer Term 2 – Human Resources and Business Operations

Focus: Managing people and operations in an enterprise

Topics:

• Organisational structures
• Motivation and leadership
• Recruitment, selection, and training
• Importance of productivity and efficiency