Business Studies

WHAT IS BUSINESS STUDIES?

Business Studies is structured to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values which are necessary for learners to participate responsibly, productively and effectively in business activities in both the formal and informal sectors.

The subject investigates how private and public enterprises can be best managed to achieve profit and other objectives while providing goods and services to satisfy human needs.

It also deals with how individuals, through performing critical business roles, can participate and contribute positively to the South African and global economies.

The subject is closely related to other subjects in the N.C.S., namely Accounting and Economics. These subjects can be approached from a Business Studies perspective, thereby facilitating integration.

The subject revolves around the following focuses:

Challenging business environments

Learners investigate the different environments within which a business operates and the effect of these environments on the operations of the enterprise.

Achievable business ventures

Learners are equipped with the skills to establish successful business ventures. This takes place through generating ideas and drawing up business plans (which includes investigation of the product and demographics, a S.W.O.T. analysis, financial planning and management planning). Combined with creative thinking, this will enable learners to pursue viable and entrepreneurial business ventures.

Business roles

Learners are introduced to the essential roles that they need to perform (as a citizen, team member, professional, self manager, and entrepreneur) in a variety of business contexts.

Business operations

Learners acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to manage essential business functions, such as human resources, public relations, marketing & production, within the context of relevant legislation and other contemporary issues.

BUSINESS STUDIES IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT

Business Studies develops learners’ insight into South African and global business so that they can understand the functions of the different role-players and the various issues and challenges that influence and impact on business. The subject lays a sound foundation for learners to initiate and/or carry out business within a national and international context. It also forms the foundation for further business-based studies at a higher education level.