Field of study of the subject at secondary school level- Further Education and Training (FET) Band

Business Studies deals with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values critical for informed, productive, ethical and responsible participation in the formal and informal economic sectors. The subject encompasses business principles, theory and practice that underpin the development of entrepreneurial initiatives, sustainable enterprises and economic growth.

The subject will ensure that learners

• acquire and apply essential business knowledge, skills and principles to productively and profitably conduct business in changing business environments
• create business opportunities, creatively solve problems and take risks, respecting the rights of others and environmental sustainablity
• apply basic leadership and managment skills and principles while working with others to accomplish business goals
• be motivated, self-directed, reflective lifelong learners who responsibly manage themselves and their activities while working towards business goals, and
• be committed to developing themselves and others through business opportunities and ventures

INTENDED OUTCOMES OF THE SUBJECT

Learning Outcome 1: Business Environments

• Learners will be able to demonstrate knowledge and analyse the impact of changing and challenging environments on business practice in all sectors
• This learning outcome deals with elements of the business environments (macro, micro and market) that impact on business activities and of which business practitioners need to be aware of. Primary, secondary and tertiary sectors are also covered within this Learning Outcome

Learning Outcome 2: Business Ventures

• Learners will be able to identify and research viable business opportunities and explore these and related issues through the creation of achievable business ventures
• This Learning Outcome focuses on the generation of ideas, research, drawing up and presentation of business plans and business information, and the development and implementation of achievable action plans.
• Learners analyse issues related to initiating a business, such as entrepreneurship, forms of ownership, location factors, legal considerations (e.g contracts), and social and environmetal issues.

Learning Outcome 3: Business Roles

• Learners will be able to demonstrate and apply contemporary knowledge and skills to fulfil a variety of business roles
• The primary focus of this Learning Outcome is on preparing learners to apply self-management skills and to be professional business practitioners, collaborators, team members, innovators, entrepreneurs and citizens
• Critical issues such as community development, diversity, team dynamics, leadership, professionalism, ethical practice, personal growth, as well as managing and adapting to change and transformation are included

Learning Outcome 4: Business Operations

• Learners will be able to demonstrate and apply a range of managements skills and specialised knowledge to perform business operations successfully
• It focuses on the following business functions: administration, financing, general management, human resources, marketing, production, purchasing and public relations

 Curriculum Support for educators

Lodi van Deventer, a Senior Curriculum Planner, based at Head Office, Cape Town, is responsible for the overall well being of Business Studies in the Western Cape. Supporting educators at secondary school level. 7 curriculum advisors are deployed at the seven distric offices. These officials currently support the educators involved in Economics and Business Studies.