This theme develops students’ understanding of how businesses set corporate objectives, formulate strategy and manage growth in competitive and uncertain environments. Students begin by exploring different corporate objectives and theories of corporate strategy, applying analytical tools such as SWOT analysis to assess internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats. The impact of external influences on strategic decision‑making is examined to help students understand how businesses must adapt to changing environments.
Students then focus on business growth, considering a range of growth strategies including organic growth and growth through mergers and takeovers. They analyse the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of expansion, as well as the reasons why some businesses choose to remain small. This section encourages students to evaluate growth decisions in the context of risk, control, resources and long‑term objectives.
The theme concludes by developing students’ ability to use quantitative decision‑making techniques to support strategic choices. Students apply tools such as quantitative sales forecasting, investment appraisal, decision trees and critical path analysis to assess risk, uncertainty and project viability. These techniques strengthen students’ numerical and evaluative skills and prepare them to make evidence‑based business decisions.
Sub‑units covered:
3.1 Corporate objectives and strategy
3.1.1 Corporate objectives
3.1.2 Theories of corporate strategy
3.1.3 SWOT analysis
3.1.4 Impact of external influences
3.2 Business growth
3.2.1 Growth
3.2.2 Mergers and takeovers
3.2.3 Organic growth
3.2.4 Reasons for staying small
3.3 Decision‑making techniques
3.3.1 Quantitative sales forecasting
3.3.2 Investment appraisal
3.3.3 Decision trees
3.3.4 Critical path analysis
Students will sit and end of unit assessment based on their learning. There will be emphasis on longer mark questions with an accompanying case study.
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This unit explores how businesses operate in an increasingly globalised environment and how they respond strategically to change. Students examine the causes and impacts of globalisation, including the role of multinational corporations and the opportunities and challenges global markets present. They analyse different methods of international expansion and the strategic risks involved, such as cultural differences, exchange rate fluctuations and political instability. The unit also focuses on why businesses need to change and how change can be managed effectively, considering internal and external drivers of change, resistance from stakeholders and the effectiveness of different change management strategies. Students are encouraged to evaluate how global forces and change management decisions influence long‑term business success.
Sub‑units covered:
3.4 Globalisation
3.5 Global markets and business expansion
4.1 Managing change
Students will sit and end of unit assessment based on their learning. There will be emphasis on longer mark questions with an accompanying case study.
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This unit explores how businesses operate and compete in international markets and how marketing strategies must adapt in a global context. Students examine the conditions that encourage international trade and assess countries as potential markets and production locations by analysing factors such as labour costs, infrastructure, political stability and economic development. The unit also explores why businesses engage in global mergers and joint ventures and how these strategies can improve competitiveness in global markets. In addition, students develop an understanding of global marketing, including the role of niche markets and the impact of cultural and social factors on marketing decisions. The unit encourages students to evaluate how businesses balance global standardisation with local adaptation in order to achieve international success.
Sub‑units covered:
4.2 Global markets and business expansion
4.2.1 Conditions that prompt trade
4.2.2 Assessment of a country as a market
4.2.3 Assessment of a country as a production location
4.2.4 Reasons for global mergers or joint ventures
4.2.5 Global competitiveness
4.3 Global marketing
4.3.1 Marketing
4.3.2 Niche markets
4.3.3 Cultural and social factors
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This unit explores the role and impact of multinational corporations (MNCs) within global industries. Students examine how MNCs influence host and home countries through employment, investment, technology transfer and economic growth, as well as the potential negative impacts such as exploitation, environmental damage and market dominance. The unit develops students’ understanding of ethical issues faced by global businesses, including labour practices, tax avoidance and environmental responsibility. Students also explore how governments and international organisations attempt to control and regulate the activities of MNCs, evaluating the effectiveness of legislation, trade agreements and pressure groups. The unit encourages students to critically assess the balance between global business growth, ethical responsibility and stakeholder interests.
Sub‑units covered:
4.4 Global industries and companies
4.4.1 The impact of MNCs
4.4.2 Ethics
4.4.3 Controlling MNCs
Students will sit and end of unit assessment based on their learning.
Develop the individual:
Create a supportive community:
Students will go over any misconceptions of both theme 3 and 4 through knowledge retrieval practice.
Students will sit an exam question every lesson up until A Level examinations.
Develop the individual:
Create a supportive community: