Summary:
OCR Business and Communications Systems for GCSE is a new textbook that has been written specifically for the new specification that will be first taught in September 2009. Published in partnership with OCR and written by experienced authors and examiners, this text covers all elements of the specification, including examination advice and the practical skills requirements.

Written in a lively and accessible manner and packed with images and illustrations, the book will ensure that students will study the correct topics to the appropriate depth to achieve the best possible results.

Key features:
* Differentiated activity types so that the text is suitable for candidates of all ability levels
* Lots of real life case studies and examples to motivate and engage students
* Exam tips and exam style questions to prepare students for the exam

Teacher support is available at www.hodderplus.co.uk/businesscommunications.co.uk

• Published in partnership with OCR
• Written by an experienced author and principal examiner for a major examining board
• The only textbook on the market that is specifically written for the qualification
• Lots of case studies and examples of the practical application of ICT skills within the business environment
• Website support at www.hodderplus.co.uk giving answers and data resources that can be used within ICT activities
• Differentiated activity types so that the text is suitable for candidates of all ability levels

Table of Contents:
Unit 1: Businesses and their communication systems
Topic 1: The business context
1.1.1 Why would anyone start a new business?
1.1.2 How are businesses organised?
1.1.3 Why do some businesses fail?
1.1.4 How do businesses deal with uncertainty?
1.1.5 How do businesses keep ahead of the competition?
1.1.6 Are we keeping the customer satisfied?
1.1.7 Are all businesses good for society?
1.1.8 Keeping it legal – what laws must businesses follow?
1.1.9 What are the consequences of staying legal - and of breaking the law?
Topic 2: Introduction to communication systems
1.2.1 What is a communication system?
1.2.2 The paperless office? Manual and computer-based systems
1.2.3 Is it mail-able? Checking documents for errors
1.2.4 How do we get information on to the system? Input devices and their uses
1.2.5 How do we use the information? Computing devices and their uses
1.2.6 How do we get information off the system? Output devices and their uses
1.2.7 Where do we store data? Storage devices and their uses.
1.2.8 How do we protect the information? Data and computer protection methods and their uses
1.2.9 How do we do business in cyberspace? The impact of e-commerce.
1.2.10 Preparing for the examination
Unit 2: Developing business communication systems
2.1 What is the controlled assessment?
2.2 What are the main purposes of business communication?
2.3 How does business communication take place? Verbal versus non-verbal methods
2.4 How does business communication take place? Business documents and other communication methods
2.5 What communication devices are used by business?
2.6 How effective are the communication systems used by business?
2.7 How can the communication system be improved?
2.8 Who are the main stakeholders in the business?
2.9 Who is affected by a new communication system?
2.10 What do I do for the controlled assessment?
Unit 3: ICT skills for business communication systems
3.1 Producing straightforward business documents using a word processor
3.2 Creating simple images and logos using graphics software
3.3 Producing complex business documents using desk-top publishing software
3.4 Producing business presentations using presentation software
3.5 Producing web-pages using web-creation software
3.6 Analysing numerical information using a spreadsheet
3.7 Storing and managing customer and product records using a database
3.8 Organising diaries and meetings using diary-management software
3.9 Managing projects using project management software
3.10 Sharing information on the internet using blogs and wikis
3.11 Preparing for the examination
Glossary
Index

About the Author(s):
Colin Harber-Stuart is a principal examiner for a major awarding body and is an experienced author and assessor.

Nina Rees is principal examiner for a major awarding body and is Head of IT at Coedcae School, Llanelli.

Readership:
Students taking the OCR GCSE Business Communication course