CTEC Business

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Business

The world in which we live is dominated by businesses big and small.

This vocational qualification is designed for students who want to develop their understanding of the world of business through practical, applied learning.

The Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Business is equivalent to one A Level and provides an ideal foundation for students who wish to progress to higher education or employment in business-related fields.

CTEC Business is an interesting subject that can help you understand the world in which we live. CTEC Business is a flexible subject that may be combined with a wide range of other subjects both at A level and in Higher Education.

CTEC Summary Guide

Examination Results

Subject Content & Syllabus

Exam Board: OCR Cambridge Technical - Level 3

Course Overview
This vocational qualification is designed for students who want to develop their understanding of the world of business through practical, applied learning. The Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Business is equivalent to one A Level and provides an ideal foundation for students who wish to progress to higher education or employment in business-related fields.

Course Structure
The qualification consists of a combination of examined and internally assessed coursework units that cover a broad range of business topics. Students will develop key employability and transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, and data analysis.

Typical units studied include:

· Unit 1 – The Business Environment (Examined)

· Unit 2 – Working in Business (Examined)

· Unit 4 – Customers and Communication (Internal)

· Unit 5 – Marketing & Market Research (Internal) (TBC)

· Unit 19 – International Business (Internal) (TBC)

Unit 1 - The Business Environment - (Examined)

In this unit students will develop an understanding of how and why businesses operate in the way they do. They 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. They will learn about the importance of different functions within a business and how they work together. They will understand the legal, financial, ethical and resource constraints under which a business must operate and how these can affect business behaviour. They will explore ways in which businesses respond to changes in their economic, social and technological environment, and the necessity for a business to plan. They will appreciate the influence different stakeholders can have on a business, and they will learn how to assess business performance.

Unit 4 - Customers & Communication (Internal)

In this unit students will learn the purpose, methods and importance of communication in business and the appropriateness of different forms of communication for different situations. They will develop the skills that will help them create a rapport with customers and have the opportunity to practice and develop their business communication skills. Students will also learn about the legal constraints, ethical and security issues that affect how businesses store, share and use information.

Unit 2 - Working in Business (Examined)

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.

Unit 5 - Marketing & Market Research (Internal TBC)

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. Students 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. They will develop an understanding of the importance of selecting appropriate market research methods for market research proposals and they will be able to carry out market research, analyse the market research findings and present the findings.

Unit 19 - International Business (Internal TBC)

In this unit students will gain an understanding of key decisions that businesses must make when deciding whether to operate internationally.

They will have the opportunity to research a business and then consider how this business may benefit from operating internationally as well as the challenges that it may face.

This unit will provide students with practical experience which will be valuable should they wish to undertake further study in this area or follow a career in a business which either operates or aims to operate internationally. This unit will allow students to draw together all of their knowledge and understanding to identify a strategy that a domestic (local, regional or national) business could adopt to expand internationally

Monitoring & Assessment

Assessment is a mix of external examinations and internally assessed coursework assignments.

Externally examined units test students’ understanding of key business principles, while coursework allows students to apply their knowledge to realistic business scenarios.

This blend of assessment methods helps students build confidence and prepares them for the varied demands of higher education and the workplace.

Entry Requirements
There are no specific prior qualifications required, but students should have an interest in business, entrepreneurship, or finance, and demonstrate a strong work ethic.

A minimum of Grade 5 in GCSE English and Mathematics is recommended due to the written and numerical elements of the course.

Enrichment Opportunities

Careers

Nearly all jobs involve some type of business knowledge and, for those pursuing the subject at A level, the course will provide a searching and stimulating preparation for Higher Education and subsequent employment. Business Studies and Management courses are extremely popular degrees. The department can provide help for those students wishing to read Business at university.

Business Extra!

Monday Lunchtimes:
Business & Economics
Drop-in 1.30pm

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