26
www.cie.org.ukalevel
Back to contents page
3.2 Additional A Level content – Paper 3
The content of the AS Level is assumed knowledge for the assessment of Paper 3. However, the AS Level content will not be the direct focus of questions on Paper 3.
1. Business and its environment A Level
The Cambridge International A Level includes the content and skills of the Cambridge International AS Level. The aim at Cambridge International A Level is to use awareness of business concepts to make
decisions and develop plans of action that would allow a business to react positively to external changes. Some knowledge will be directly examined. Emphasis is on recognising the potential conflict between
objectives and the resolution of such conflicts. There should be an appreciation of the nature of the uncertain business environment and the development of business plans of action which aim to respond
effectively to the changing business environment. Knowledge of country specific laws and customs are not required, since the emphasis is on understanding how businesses might have to change their
behaviour when influenced by such constraints.
1.1 Enterprise No content beyond Cambridge International AS Level.
1.2 Business structure
1.2.1 Local, national and multinational businesses
1.2.2 Multinationals
1.2.3 Privatisation • main differences between local, national and multinational
businesses • the growing importance of international trading links and
their impact on business activity • benefits and disadvantages that a multinational might bring
to a country • possible relationships between multinationals and the state
• advantages and disadvantages of privatisation in a given situation
1.3 Size of business
1.3.1 External growth
• the different types of merger and takeover: horizontal, vertical backward and forward, conglomerate, friendly
merger, hostile takeover • impact of a mergertakeover on the various stakeholders
• why a mergertakeover may or may not achieve objectives e.g. synergy
• the importance of joint ventures and strategic alliances as methods of external growth
1.4 Business objectives
No content beyond Cambridge International AS Level. 1.5
Stakeholders in a business No content beyond Cambridge International AS Level.
27
Back to contents page
www.cie.org.ukalevel
1. Business and its environment A Level continued
