Why study Business Management?

We all rely on businesses to create wealth, prosperity, jobs and choices. Studying Business Management gives you the opportunity to develop important skills such as problem solving, communication, planning and organising. You will learn through real-life business contexts how organisations operate.

These skills are valuable in a wide range of career sectors but are particularly useful if you are interested in entering the world of business — whether as a manager, employee or self-employed person.

Career Pathways

To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:

Administration and Management

Animals, Land and Environment

Buying, Selling and Related Work

Communication and Media

Finance

Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism

Housing, Property and Facilities

What do I need to get in?

This is at the discretion of the school/college but you would normally be expected to have attained one of the following:

• Higher Business Management

What will I study?

The course comprises three areas of study.

The External Business Environment

You will:

• develop a detailed knowledge and in-depth understanding of the effects of external influences on organisations operating at a multinational and global level
• investigate how an organisation is affected by external factors and to gain an in-depth understanding of the responsibilities of managers in an economic, social and environmental context
• analyse and evaluate the impact of such external factors and consider the effectiveness of various courses of action.

The Internal Business Environment

You will:

• gain a thorough grounding in the discipline that forms the basis of management practice
• carry out activities that will expand their knowledge of both traditional and contemporary management theories used by organisations to maximise their efficiency
• analyse and evaluate theories relating to internal factors that influence the success of teams.

Evaluating Business Information

You will:

• develop skills in evaluating a range of business information used by organisations to reach conclusions
• learn to confidently analyse and evaluate business information, based on a research project carried out on a topic from the course.

How will I be assessed?

Course assessment

The course assessment comprises two components totalling 120 marks:

• Component 1 - Question paper (80 marks - two sections worth 40 marks each)
• Component 2 - Project (40 marks).

For Component 2, you will research, analyse and evaluate business information gathered in order to produce a business report.

Both the question papers and the assignment are set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across course assessment.

The course assessment is graded A-D.

Study Materials

• SQA Past Papers Business Management Advanced Higher
• SQA Specimen Business Management Advanced Higher Question Paper

What can I go on to next?

Further study, training or employment in:

• Administration and Management
• Animals, Land and Environment
• Buying, Selling and Related Work
• Communications and Media
• Finance
• Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism
• Property and Facilities
• Transport and Distribution

Which jobs are related to this subject?

• Business Management - Related Careers