Summary:
OCR Applied Business for GCSE is endorsed by OCR for use with the OCR GCSE Applied Business specification. This new textbook has been written specifically for the new specification that will be first taught in September 2009. This text will cover all elements of the specification, advice in preparing for the assessment and the practical requirements. This resource will ensure that students study the correct topics to the appropriate level of depth required by the specification, ensuring they are in the best possible position to succeed. Written in a lively and accessible manner and packed with images and illustrations, the book will motivate and prepare students to achieve the best possible results. Key features: * Clear learning objectives for each unit related to the OCR specifications * Lots of real life case studies and examples to motivate and engage students * Key terms and definitions/vocabulary. * Clear guidance for portfolio construction and exam techniques * Text is in full colour with numerous photos and illustrations

• Highly experienced author team, making sure that the text is authoritative and appropriate for the specification
• Text is in simple language, clearly broken down through use of features, meaning that students will be motivated and engaged throughout the course
• Numerous activities, allowing for effective classroom use
• Guidance throughout of portfolio construction and exam technique.
• Full colour text design, which will motivate and engage students
• Published in conjunction with OCR, who have fully approved the text.

Table of Contents:
Unit A421 Business in action
1 What are types of business are there, and what, exactly do they do today?
2 What prompts people or organisations to start up or expand a business?
3 Business aims, objectives and mission statements.
4 Business stakeholders and what they expect?
5 Ways in which employers and employees interact.
6 ICT in business—how it is used and its overall impact.
7 How successful businesses cope with change, risk and uncertainty. What happens if they do not.
8 Codes of ethics and social responsibility in business
9 Understanding key business terms and expressions
10 Summary review of Unit A241
11 Further activities and practice assignments
12 Practice examination questions simulating the Unit’s Written Paper Examination
Unit A242 Making your mark in business
1 Producing an action plan
2 What is market research? How is it carried out?
3 Monitoring customers and the competition
4 How to present information effectively
5 The marketing mix and how businesses use it
6 What marketing and advertising cost
7 How to interpret and analyse information
8 How to put references, sources of information and a bibliography into a document
9 An overview of how the marketing function affects all of a business’s operations
10 Summary review of Unit 242
11 An activity which simulates the eventual controlled Assessment
Unit 243 Working in business
1 Types of business structure
2 Different job roles and responsibilities among business employees (inc directors).
3 The importance of working together—group and teamwork in business.
4 Oral, written and non-verbal and ICT-based communication at work.
5 Financial operations in business.
6 The importance of market research in business.
7 The work of people who administer a business or run its computer services.
8 What customer service does for a business.
9 Production operations.
10 Summary Review of Unit A243.
11 Practice written examination paper.
Unit A244 Business and you
1 The human resources function
2 The recruitment process
3 The staff selection process
4 Human resources and employment and health and safety Acts of Parliament
5 How new staff are introduced to an organisation—the induction programme
6 How and why staff are promoted
7 How to carry out effective research
8 Summary review of Unit A244
9 Practice Controlled Assessment Activity
Appendix 1 How To Carry Out a Project
Appendix 2 How To Prepare For A Written Examination

About the Author(s):
Authors:
Karen Hough is principal moderator for a major examination board.

Rebecca Bentley is principal examiner for a major examination board.

Editor:
Janice Augustin is chief examiner for a major examination board.

Readership:
Students taking OCR Business Studies GCSE (Double Award) course