Business

Subject Content

• This subject is concerned with understanding the environment in which business operates in Ireland and in the wider world.  It also involves equipping the students with a positive view of enterprise and its applications in the business environment, in both the public and private sectors. 
• There are 7 core units covering the following topics: Introduction to people in business; Enterprise; Managing 1 & 2; Business in action; Domestic Environment and International Environment. 
• There is a common syllabus covering Higher and Ordinary level, which will fulfill the aims and objectives of the course. 
• A flexibility of design that caters for present day Irish business education and yet is capable of adaptation to future developments in a structured and efficient way. 
• It assists students to develop their education for adult and working life including the creation of positive attitudes towards self-employment. 
• From time to time there may be field trips or guest speakers where the course allows.  These are not a compulsory part of the course and are organized at the teachers’ discretion. 

Exam Structure

• Higher & Ordinary Level
• Higher Level – 3 hour paper (400 marks); 3 sections.  Section 1 – Short questions (8/10) 80 marks.  Section 2 – Applied Business Question – 80 marks (compulsory).  Section 3 – Long Questions (60 marks per question (4/7))
• Ordinary Level – 2.5 hour paper (400 marks); 2 sections.  Section 1 – Short Question (10/15) 100 marks.  Section 2 – Long Questions (75 marks per question (4/8)). 

Comments

• The subject is suited to students who are willing to work hard and caters for all abilities. 
• It is not necessary for students to have studied Junior Certificate Business Studies, but this would be a help.
• The course content is factual and requires a lot of learning, containing only a few mathematical elements.
• Ideally, students would have an interest in business and current affairs and would have an up to date knowledge of economic environment.
• An organized and consistent attitude to homework and study would be essential in this subject.