As an independent private school specialising in business studies, Malvern College combines academic rigour with real-world learning through both A Level Business studies and IB (International Baccalaureate) pathways.
Business Management is a rigorous and dynamic discipline. Business Management studies the way businesses manage key stakeholders, develop competitive strategies, manage finance and operations, and navigate the global business context.
Business Management also explores how individuals and groups interact within an organisation, how they may be successfully managed, and how they can ethically optimise the use of resources in a world with increasing scarcity and concern for sustainability.
Standard/Higher Level
Business Management is a rigorous and dynamic discipline. Business Management studies the way businesses manage key stakeholders, develop competitive strategies, manage finance and operations, and navigate the global business context.
Business Management also explores how individuals and groups interact within an organisation, how they may be successfully managed, and how they can ethically optimise the use of resources in a world with increasing scarcity and concern for sustainability.
Through the exploration of four concepts underpinning the subject (change, creativity, ethics, and sustainability), the Business Management course allows students to develop their understanding of interdisciplinary concepts from a business management perspective.
The course encourages the appreciation of ethical concerns, as well as issues of corporate social responsibility (CSR) at a local and global level. Through the study of topics such as human resource management, operations management, organizational growth, marketing, finance and accounting, and business strategy, the course aims to develop transferable skills relevant to today’s students.
The course is delivered through the teaching of 5 core units, in addition to the Business Management Toolkit.
Unit 1: Introduction to Business Management
Unit 1 introduces students to the fundamental nature and purpose of business activity. It explores the various types of business entities, including sole traders, partnerships, companies, and non-profit organisations. Students examine the different objectives that businesses pursue, such as profit maximisation, growth, and ethical goals. The unit also reflects on the role and influence of stakeholders in business decision-making, as well as the internal and external factors that drive business growth and evolution. Finally, the unit considers the significance of multinational companies and the impact of globalisation on business strategy and operations.
Unit 2: Human Resource Management
Unit 2 of examines the key principles and practices of human resource management within organisations. It provides an overview of the role of HRM in workforce planning, recruitment, training, and appraisal. The unit then explores different organisational structures and their implications for communication and workflow. Students analyse various leadership styles and management approaches, along with key theories of motivation and the causes of demotivation. At Higher Level, the unit extends to include organisational culture and its influence on employee behaviour, as well as the dynamics of industrial and employee relations within the modern workplace.
Unit 3: Finance
Unit 3 focuses on the financial management of organisations and the tools used to support effective decision-making. It covers an introduction to the role of finance in business operations and explores a range of internal and external sources of finance. Students examine how businesses calculate and interpret costs, revenues, and final accounts. The unit covers key financial performance measures, including profitability and liquidity ratios, with Higher Level students also calculating and interpreting efficiency ratios. Further topics include the preparation and interpretation of cash flow forecasts, investment appraisal techniques, and, at Higher Level, the role and purpose of budgeting.
Unit 4: Marketing
Unit 4 explores the principles and practices of marketing and its strategic role within organisations. It begins with an introduction to key marketing concepts and objectives, followed by an examination of the marketing planning process and the use of market segmentation, targeting, and positioning. Students learn how businesses conduct market research to inform decision-making and apply the seven Ps of the marketing mix to develop effective marketing strategies, taking into account aspects such as product design, pricing, and promotional strategies. At Higher Level, the unit also includes sales forecasting techniques and the challenges and opportunities associated with international marketing.
Unit 5: Operations Management
Unit 5 examines the processes involved in the production of goods and services and the strategies used to manage operations efficiently. It begins with an overview of operations management and the various methods of production available to businesses including mass production, batch production and job production. Students explore key decision-making areas such as location selection. At Higher Level, the unit extends to topics including lean production, quality management, production planning, and the role of research and development. Additional HL content includes crisis management, contingency planning, and the use of management information systems in operational decision-making.
Business Management Toolkit
The Business Management Toolkit (BMT) is a set of interrelated tools, theories, and techniques that can be used by students in different disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts across the contents of the syllabus, including IB assessments (such as the Internal Assessment and the Business Management Extended Essay). Students will learn the theoretical foundations of each tool and how to apply each one to the business context where relevant, either in their external examinations, or within the Business Management Extended Essay (for students opting to write their EE in Business Management) or Internal Assessment project.
Tools include SWOT Analysis; Ansoff Matrix; STEEPLE Analysis; Boston Consulting Group Matrix; Business plans; Decision trees; Descriptive statistics; Circular Business Models
Higher Level includes the above and the following:
Gantt chart; Porter’s Generic Strategies; Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions; Force Field Analysis; Critical Path Analysis; Contribution; Simple Linear Regression.
Paper 1: Standard Level & Higher Level (Standard Level topics only), (1 hour and 30 minutes)
Paper 2 (Standard Level paper – 1 hour and 30 minutes)
Section A
Section B
Paper 2 (Higher Level paper – 1 hour and 45 minutes)
Section A
Section B
Paper 3 (Higher Level only – 1 hour and 15 minutes)
Paper 3 is based on unseen stimulus material about a social enterprise. The purpose is to assess important business management knowledge and skills (such as strategic analysis and evaluation) within the context of a social enterprise as a business entity. Paper 3 is forward-looking, providing students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills.
Structure
Internal assessment
This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course. It involves pupils undertaking research into a business issue or problem facing a business of their choosing, using one of the key concepts (change, creativity, ethics, or sustainability) as a conceptual lens, and producing a 1,800-word business research project.
Assessment weighting: 30% (Standard Level) and 20% (Higher Level)
Students considering studying both IB Business Management and IB Economics are advised to check university entry requirements carefully, as some institutions may not accept both subjects as sufficiently distinct for certain degree programmes. Whilst this is not commonplace for most universities, pupils should consult individual university admissions policies or speak to a careers advisor before finalising their subject choices.
It is important to note that some mathematical competence is required, and students wishing to study Business Management should have obtained at least a grade 6 at IGCSE Maths.
The A Level Business programme provides students with a broad, holistic understanding of the dynamic world of business, explored through a variety of real-world contexts. Students will explore business across a range of disciplines, including marketing, finance, leadership, corporate strategy, international trade, and entrepreneurship.
A Level Business offers a rigorous and highly relevant academic foundation for students seeking to understand the complex and dynamic world of commerce. Delivered by subject specialists with professional experience in the business sector, the course develops critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and strategic decision-making skills that are widely valued across a range of careers in different industries.
Recognised by leading universities, A Level Business provides excellent preparation for further study. It offers students a comprehensive overview of the business environment, enabling future specialisation in key disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, and human resource management.
The Syllabus
Examination board: Pearson Edexcel (9BS0)
Theme 1: Marketing and People
This theme introduces students to the fundamental principles of how businesses identify, understand, and respond to customer needs in an increasingly competitive environment. It explores the role of marketing, including the nature and functions of markets, market research, segmentation, and positioning. Pupils examine the marketing mix—product, price, place, and promotion—and how these elements are adapted to suit different business strategies. In addition, the theme focuses on people in business, addressing the importance of recruitment, training, organisational structures, and motivation in building a productive workforce. Different leadership and management styles are explored, alongside the characteristics and roles of entrepreneurs, different forms of business. This theme encourages students to appreciate how innovation, enterprise, and customer focus are critical to business success, whilst developing an awareness of the personal attributes required to start and grow a business.
Theme 2: Managing Business Activities
Theme 2 focuses on the internal functions of a business and the importance of effective operational and financial management. Students explore different sources of finance, including the benefits and drawbacks of internal and external finance. Financial planning covers sales forecasting, break-even analysis, and budgeting. Students also explore financial performance with an emphasis on interpreting profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and key financial ratios. In addition to financial literacy, pupils investigate resource management, including methods of production, productivity, quality management, and stock control systems. External influences such as economic climate, interest rates, exchange rates, and legislation build students’ understanding of how macroeconomic conditions impact business operations. This theme builds a solid foundation for assessing the value of well-managed financial and operational efficiencies and how these ensure businesses remain competitive in ever-changing, dynamic markets.
Theme 3: Business Decisions and Strategy
Theme 3 develops students’ understanding of the long-term strategic decisions businesses must make to remain competitive and achieve their objectives. It begins with a detailed examination of different business aims, objectives, and mission statements, followed by methods of growth such as mergers, takeovers, and organic expansion. Pupils learn a variety of decision-making techniques, including investment appraisal, decision trees, and critical path analysis, equipping them with quantitative tools to support effective strategic planning. The theme also explores both internal and external influences on business decisions, such as stakeholder interests, corporate culture, and the competitive environment. Students assess business performance through financial and non-financial data, including ratio analysis, human resource metrics, and benchmarking. A key focus is placed on managing change, with consideration given to risk management, contingency planning, and overcoming resistance to change. This theme enables learners to evaluate how strategic choices are made and implemented in complex, real-world scenarios.
Theme 4: Global Business
Theme 4 provides students with a broad and in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in a global context. It begins with an exploration of globalisation, including its driving forces, implications for developing and emerging economies, and the role of international trade and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Pupils study the strategies businesses use to enter international markets, such as joint ventures, licensing, and offshoring, alongside the complexities of global expansion. Global marketing is examined in detail, including adaptation versus standardisation, global branding, pricing strategies, and distribution considerations in different markets. The theme also investigates the behaviour and influence of multinational corporations (MNCs), highlighting their impact on local economies, ethical considerations, and corporate social responsibility. Through this theme, students gain a nuanced appreciation of how businesses operate across borders, manage international risks, and respond to diverse cultural, economic, and political environments in an interconnected world.
We follow the Pearson Edexcel A Level Business specification. Assessment is entirely exam-based, consisting of three written papers at the end of the two-year course.
Paper 1: Marketing, People and Global Business
Paper 1 assesses content from Themes 1 and 4 of the course. It is a two-hour written examination worth 100 marks, and accounts for 35% of the overall A Level qualification. The paper is divided into two sections—Section A and Section B—each containing a data response question broken down into multiple parts, including one extended open-response question.
Paper 2: Business Activities, Decisions and Strategy
Paper 2 examines material from Themes 2 and 3. It is a two-hour written examination, worth 100 marks, and accounts for 35% of the overall A Level qualification. Like Paper 1, it consists of two sections—Section A and Section B—each based on a data response question broken into multiple parts with one extended open-response question.
Paper 3: Investigating Business in a Competitive Environment
Paper 3 draws on content from across all four themes and is based on a pre-released industry context, provided by the exam board in November of the previous year, on which all questions are based. It is a two-hour paper worth 100 marks and constitutes 30% of the overall A Level qualification. The paper comprises two sections, including data response questions broken into multiple questions, and one extended open-response question in each section.
Students considering studying both A Level Business and A Level Economics are advised to check university entry requirements carefully, as some institutions may not accept both subjects as sufficiently distinct for certain degree programmes. Whilst this is not commonplace for most universities, pupils should consult individual university admissions policies or speak to a careers advisor before finalising their subject choices.
The Malvern College Business Department is pleased to announce the launch of the Cambridge Technical Diploma in Business (marketing pathway) in September 2026.
This qualification, formally recognised as the equivalent of two A levels, offers a robust alternative to the A level program by enabling pupils to work towards a widely recognised qualification that balances assessment through external examinations and internal project coursework. This blend of assessment ensures that pupils can build not only the academic knowledge to study a university-level qualification but also the research, investigation, and written skills through the completion of individual projects throughout their course of study.
Pupils who complete the CTEC will obtain an equivalent number of UCAS tariff points to the grades of 2 A levels. Additionally, it enables pupils to take a specialised route of study at Sixth Form, combining just the 2 subject disciplines (e.g., the Business Diploma + another single A level subject), enabling them to focus on subjects that interest them.
Pupils opting for the CTEC will study the marketing pathway, equipping them with the skills to pursue further study in marketing or a broader business qualification at university, or enter the workplace directly.
In this unit you will develop an understanding of how and why businesses operate in the way they do. You will look at a range of different types of business and business structures, and explore how the ownership of a business and its objectives are interrelated. You will learn about the importance of different functions within a business and how they work together. You will understand the legal, financial, ethical and resource constraints under which a business must operate and how these can affect business behaviour. You will explore ways in which businesses respond to changes in their economic, social and technological environment, and the necessity for a business to plan. You will appreciate the influence different stakeholders can have on a business, and you will learn how to assess business performance.
Assessment: 2-hour written examination paper worth 90 marks. The exam paper includes multiple-choice questions, short-answer and extended-response questions.
This unit will cover the skills and understanding needed to work effectively within a business environment. This includes arranging meetings, working with business documents, making payments, prioritising business activities and communicating with stakeholders. The way that these activities are dealt with will vary according to the specific business protocols in place. Some of these will be specific to a functional area; however, many are common to almost all job roles.
Assessment: 1 hour, 30-minute written examination paper worth 60 marks. The exam paper includes short-answer and extended-response questions.
In this unit you will develop your skills of business decision-making using multiple sources of information. You will explore the criteria on which business decisions should be based, and the methods to interpret and analyse this information. In this unit you will learn to consider the many variables involved and encouraged to analyse possible solutions, investigating each for potential drawbacks and benefits, before you reach your preferred decision. The learning contained within this unit will provide a framework that you will be able to apply in a business setting.
Assessment: 1 hour, 30-minute written examination paper worth 60 marks. The exam paper includes short-answer and extended-response questions based on a pre-released scenario.
In this unit you will learn the purpose, methods and importance of communication in business and the appropriateness of different forms of communication for different situations. You will develop the skills that will help you create a rapport with customers and have the opportunity to practise and develop your business communication skills.
Assessment: Internally-assessed project coursework.
The unit has particular emphasis on the role of market research and how it contributes to marketing decision-making, and the actions a business may take. Market research is the process by which organisations obtain the information they require. You will gain an in-depth understanding of primary and secondary market research methods used to inform marketing decision-making and any constraints on marketing activities. You will develop an understanding of the importance of selecting appropriate market research methods for market research proposals and you will be able to carry out market research, analyse the market research findings and present the findings.
Assessment: Internally-assessed project coursework.
In this unit, you will learn about how businesses set different marketing objectives. You will appreciate why segmenting the market is a key activity when planning a marketing strategy as well as the different marketing strategies a business can consider and the tools they use. You will consider the changing use of digital marketing and the benefits of branding for businesses. You will consider the different approaches to marketing, for example, when taking a new product to an existing market or entering a totally new market with a new product. You will then be able to use business tools to propose a marketing strategy. You can build on your skills by studying the other Marketing units in this qualification.
Assessment: Internally-assessed project coursework.
In this unit, you will learn why selecting appropriate marketing methods is crucial for success. You will learn about the marketing mix and the influence of the media as well as other important elements to consider when promoting a product. By completing this unit, you will understand the importance of digital marketing. You will be able to explore digital marketing methods, including social media and targeted advertising and the role of agencies; for example, advertising and PR agencies. You will develop the skills required to plan for and pitch a marketing campaign for a new or existing product or service.
Assessment: Internally-assessed project coursework.
In this unit, you will learn the importance of managing change, potential barriers to change and how these barriers can be removed. You will also investigate the different approaches to managing change, and the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches. You will learn what to do to manage change and be able to apply this to any changes impacting on units being studied as part of this qualification, especially Unit 22 Delivering a business project. You will develop your ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative data to establish how effectively change is managed. You will learn that you need to be able to support the implementation of change to ensure that the organisational objectives of change are met. In this unit, you will learn you have to gain the commitment of stakeholders, and that this may involve managing resistance to change, both during and after implementation.
Assessment: 1 hour, 30-minute written examination paper worth 60 marks. The exam paper includes medium and extended-response questions based on a short, change-management scenario and supporting data.
In this unit you will learn about the stages of project management, and the type of skills a project manager should have. You will also learn why you need to monitor the progress of projects as it is vital to their successful completion and implementation. You will plan a project, and prepare a project plan. You will learn about the different planning tools available for project planning. Whilst preparing the project plan, you need to be aware of internal and external factors which might have an impact on the planning process, as well as the successful completion and implementation of a project. This unit will help you to develop the skills required to plan projects and be aware of possible obstacles that can impact on the outcome of a project.
Assessment: Internally-assessed project coursework.
While scoping the project, you need to be aware of internal and external factors which might have an impact on the planning process, as well as how you intend to measure the successful completion and implementation of the project. As a team, you will collectively take responsibility for project management to ensure the successful planning, implementation, monitoring and control of a project. Team members need to be adaptable, i.e. to be able to work with different people in a range of different ways. Team roles and tasks need to be assigned to the correct individual in order to achieve objectives. You will also create an individual plan that defines your own role in the project administration, delivery and support. This unit will require you to learn and apply the skills necessary to deliver a business project. This could be, for example, to research a marketing campaign and launch it or arrange a sponsored event for charity and then review the extent to which the project has been successful.
Assessment: Internally-assessed project coursework.
All units included as part of the marketing pathway.
Completion of all units is mandatory to receive the qualification.
UCAS tariff points
(Based on 2026 Tariff Points)
Key:
D* – Distinction Star
D – Distinction
M – Merit
P – Pass
The CTEC Diploma in Business can allow you to progress to both university and employment, depending on the qualification level and the grades you achieve.
The Level 3 CTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma in Business is accepted by many UK universities as equivalent to A levels. It carries UCAS Tariff Points, so you can use it to apply for a wide range of business-related degrees (such as Business Management, Marketing, or Human Resource Management). Some universities may also accept it in combination with A levels or other Level 3 qualifications. Pupils wishing to study a university qualification following the award of a CTEC must check individual course and university requirements to establish specific entry criteria.
The CTEC Diploma in Business also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to progress directly into employment or apprenticeships. The course develops practical business knowledge, problem-solving ability, and transferable skills that employers value, such as teamwork, communication, organisation, and decision-making. Learners are well prepared for a variety of entry-level roles in areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, administration, and customer service. In addition, the qualification supports progression into higher or degree apprenticeships, offering the opportunity to continue learning while gaining valuable workplace experience in a professional business environment.
Is the CTEC Diploma in Business as valuable as A level Business?
Yes. The CTEC Diploma in Business is A level 3 qualification, the same academic level as A levels. It carries UCAS Tariff Points, meaning it is fully recognised by UK universities for entry into higher education. Many pupils progress to degree courses in Business, Marketing, and related fields after completing this qualification.
How does the CTEC differ from an A level in Business?
While A levels focus more on theoretical study and formal exams, the CTEC Diploma combines academic understanding with practical application. Assessment is mainly through coursework and real-world business scenarios, helping pupils develop skills such as analysis, problem-solving, and communication — all of which are highly valued by employers and universities alike.
Students studying both IB Business Management and A level Business at our independent private school will benefit from a range of enrichment opportunities designed to enhance their academic experience. The department organises overseas study tours to places such as New York and Washington. Pupils also attend professional lectures delivered by external speakers, offering valuable insights into key business themes such as leadership, management, and corporate strategy.
In addition, the department supports a student-led business society, which encourages written contributions for a departmental publication exploring a wide range of topics in business and economics. Discussions are also underway with external organisations, including universities, regarding the introduction of new programmes and certificate-based qualifications to further enrich students’ learning and enhance their university applications.
Each autumn term, students have the opportunity to participate in the national Tycoon Enterprise programme, developing their entrepreneurial skills through real-world business challenges.