Cambridge International As A Level Business Brochure

Introducing updated
Cambridge International
AS & A Level syllabuses for
BUSINESS
SUBJECTS
Accounting 9706
Business 9609
Economics 9708
The revised Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting, Business and

Economics syllabuses are available now for first examination in June 2016.
For Cambridge schools in India, the first assessment of these syllabuses will be
in March 2016.
Cambridge International AS & A Levels
– international recognition
Cambridge International AS & A Levels are internationally recognised qualifications
providing excellent preparation for university education.
Taken in more than 125 countries and offering a choice of more than 60 subjects, Cambridge
International AS & A Level qualifications are designed to help students develop a deep
understanding of subjects, as well as independent learning and constructive thinking skills
which are valued by universities. We believe that well-designed curriculum and assessment
practices provide an opportunity for learners to demonstrate their ability for creativity,
critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Schools and learners find Cambridge International AS & A Levels very flexible. Schools can
offer almost any combination of the wide choice of subjects available. Learners have the
freedom to select the subjects that are right for them – they either follow a broad course of
study or specialise in a particular area.
The Cambridge approach supports schools to

develop learners who are equipped for success in Ofqual
the fast-changing modern world. With over 150 000 Cambridge International Examinations
is recognised by the Office of
learners around the world each year, and doubling
Qualifications and Examinations
every five years, Cambridge International AS & Regulation (Ofqual) – the regulator
A Levels have been proven to be not just about of examinations in England – to
getting into university but also helping learners award qualifications. This means
you can be sure our assessments
to get on – at university, in life and employment
and qualifications are monitored and
beyond. They are widely recognised by employers meet appropriate standards. We work
and, every year, thousands of Cambridge closely with Ofqual to maintain our
International A Level learners gain places at the recognised status.
world’s top universities.
Learn more!
More details about support available for these syllabuses can be found at www.cie.org.uk/alevelsupport
If you have any questions about implementing a new subject, our support teams are always happy to help.
Contact us at info@cie.org.uk
As part of our regular review process, we’re pleased to
introduce updates to seven of our most popular Cambridge
International AS & A Levels for examinations starting in 2016.
The refreshed syllabuses retain the familiar features of the
qualification and continue to give students the opportunity
to demonstrate their ability for creativity, critical thinking and
problem-solving skills.
Following a worldwide consultation to check the syllabuses
develop the skills universities require, we have updated our
Accounting, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Biology,
Physics and Literature in English syllabuses.
This document gives an overview of new developments in

Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting, Business
and Economics. Please refer to the full syllabus document
before planning to teach these courses.
Important information
If your candidates studied the 2015 syllabus please note the
following:
• Assessments in the 2016 examination series are based on
the revised syllabus.
• Candidates can carry forward the result of their AS Level
assessments in 2015 to complete the A Level in 2016
(subject to the usual time limit rules for carry forwards).
• Assessments for candidates retaking the AS or A Level in
2016 are based on the revised syllabus.
Introducing our updated Cambridge International AS & A Level syllabuses for business subjects 1
Cambridge International AS & A Level – Accounting
The study of Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting
enables learners to take the first step towards a career in
accountancy and business. With a good understanding of the
subject, learners can progress to a degree in a related field, or go
on to study for the professional qualifications of one of the major
accounting bodies.
Cambridge learners will develop:
n an understanding of how to plan, budget and manage financial resources
n an ability to critically apply, analyse and evaluate accounting policies and practices
n an understanding of how to use accounting information to make viable business decisions
n a solid foundation for further study.
Key concepts
We have identified the following key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting.
They help teachers to encourage learners to make links between syllabus topics and develop a deeper
understanding of the subject.
true and fair view Financial statements are designed to give a true and fair view of the
n A
business to internal and external stakeholders.
uality (double-entry) Duality in accounting recognises that every financial transaction has a
n D
double (or dual) effect on the position of a business as recorded in the accounts.
onsistency Consistency in the treatment of financial transactions enables the performance of a
n C
business to be compared meaningfully over different time periods.
usiness entity A business is a separate legal entity from the owner of the business. The
n B
accounting records must relate only to the business and not to the personal assets and spending
of the owner.
oney measurement Financial accounts only include transactions that can be expressed in
n M
terms of money. For example, the purchase of raw material is recorded in the accounts whereas
staff creativity is not.
2 Introducing our updated Cambridge International AS & A Level syllabuses for business subjects
Quick view of changes
The Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting syllabus has been updated.
Please read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching programme.
This syllabus is for examination in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Key concepts
n We have identified key concepts to help learners make links more easily between the different topics
and develop a deeper understanding of their subject.
Assessment
n From 2016 there will be four assessment objectives to align Accounting with Business and Economics
Cambridge International AS & A Levels:
– A
O1 Knowledge and understanding
– A
O2 Application
– A
O3 Analysis
– A
O4 Evaluation.
n Communication has been included in AO3 Analysis.
n For 2016 there will be three examination papers. More analysis and evaluation has been introduced
into the A Level assessment:
– Paper 1 Multiple choice (1 hour)
30 multiple-choice questions based on the AS Level syllabus content. (30 marks)
– P aper 2 Structured Questions (1 hour 30 minutes)
Four structured questions based on the AS Level syllabus content to allow for wider coverage of
syllabus content. (90 marks)
– P
aper 3 Structured Questions (3 hours)
Section A: Four structured questions on financial accounting. (4 x 25 marks)
Section B: Two structured questions on cost and management accounting. (2 x 25 marks)
Based on the additional A Level content.
Total 150 marks
(Paper 3 replaces the current multiple-choice and written papers at A Level).
Syllabus content
n The balance of content between the AS & A Level has been improved as teachers reported that
there was too much to teach at AS Level. There is clear progression between content examined at
AS & A Level. Accounting terms have been updated.
n The ‘Core’ and ‘Extended’ headings have been replaced by ‘AS Level content’ and ‘Additional
A Level content’.
Syllabus content overview

Topics AS Level content Additional A Level content
Financial n The accounting cycle n Preparation of financial statements:

accounting n Accounting for non-current assets - manufacturing businesses
n Reconciliation and verification - not for profit organisations
n Preparation of financial statements - limited companies
(sole traders, partnerships and limited - International Accounting Standards
companies) - auditing and stewardship of limited
n Analysis and communication of companies
accounting information. n Business purchase and merger
n Consignment and joint venture accounts
n Computerised accounting systems
n Analysis and communication of
accounting information.
Cost and n Costing for materials and labour n Activity based costing (ABC)
management n Traditional costing methods – n Budgeting and budgetary control
accounting absorption costing, marginal costing n Standard costing
and cost–volume–profit analysis
n Investment appraisal.
n The application of accounting to
business planning.
Assessment structure
Cambridge International AS Level candidates take Papers 1 and 2.
Cambridge International A Level candidates take Papers 1, 2 and 3.
Component Weighting
AS Level A Level
Paper 1 Multiple Choice

30 multiple-choice questions based on the AS Level syllabus content 30% 15%
30 marks 1 hour
Paper 2 Structured Questions

Four structured questions on the AS Level syllabus content 70% 35%
Question 1 on Financial Accounting (30 marks)
Questions 2 and 3 on Financial Accounting (2 x 15 marks)
Question 4 on Cost and Management Accounting (30 marks)
90 marks 1 hour 30 minutes
Paper 3 Accounting
Section A: Four structured questions on financial accounting (4 x 25 marks) 50%
Section B: Two structured questions on cost and management accounting
(2 x 25 marks)
Paper 3 tests the additional content for the A Level, but also requires a
knowledge and understanding of the AS Level content.
150 marks 3 hours
Assessment objectives
From 2016 there will be four assessment objectives:
AO1 Knowledge and understanding (20% weighting)

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of financial accounting and cost and management accounting.
AO2 Application (43% weighting)

Apply knowledge and understanding of financial accounting and cost and management accounts to given
accounting and business situations, and present the outcomes in the most appropriate form.
AO3 Analysis (25% weighting)

Analyse accounting information and cost and management accounting information and communicate the
outcomes in the most appropriate form.
AO4 Evaluation (12% weighting)

Evaluate financial accounting information and cost and management accounting information to facilitate effective
decision-making.
Learn more!
More details about support available for this syllabus can be found at www.cie.org.uk/alevelsupport
Contact info@cie.org.uk
Cambridge International AS & A Level – Business
The subject formerly known as ‘Business Studies’ becomes
‘Business’ to reflect the refreshed content and academic maturity
of the subject.
Cambridge International AS & A Level Business enables learners to take the first step towards a career in private
or public organisations or progress with confidence to a degree in business management related subjects.
Cambridge learners will develop:
n t he capacity to analyse characteristics and activities of business organisations and how they respond
to the changing demands of their environments
n a n understanding of how effective managers and leaders develop successful organisations in terms of
customer focus and the products/services they offer
n t he opportunity to reflect on how successful business organisations engage in financial and accounting
practices to maximise value for stakeholders
n k nowledge that relates to strategic planning and decision-making to ensure business survival, change
and sustainable success
n a solid foundation for further study.
Key concepts
We have identified the following key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Business. They
help teachers encourage learners to make links between topics and develop a deeper understanding of
the subject.
n Change is the only constant. Exciting new enterprises are often created in response to economic,
cultural or technological changes. Existing businesses must adapt to change if they are to survive
and grow.
n Management is relevant to every person in a business. Good leadership, strong motivation in workers,
effective systems and clear communication are hallmarks of successful businesses.
n Customer focus means a business will design and produce goods and services that people want
to buy. Customers provide the revenue which sustains a business. Successful businesses really
understand their customers and strive to provide products that their customers love.
n Innovation enables a business to re-invent itself and stay ahead of the competition. The business
world is dynamic and companies must seek to innovate through product development, more efficient
processes and finding better ways ‘to do business’.
n Creating value is the core reason why any organisation exists. Effective organisations aim to
maximise stakeholder value. For most businesses this will be about maximising shareholder value, but
social enterprises will also have other, non-financial aims. Stakeholders also need to measure the value
that is created.
n S
trategy is about knowing where you are, where you want to get to and how you are going to get
there. Managers need to think about, decide on and put into action major long-term plans – such as
buying another business, entering a new market or developing a new technology.

The Cambridge International AS & A Level Business Studies syllabus has been updated and is now called
Cambridge International AS & A Level Business to reflect the academic maturity of the subject.
Key concepts
We have identified key concepts to help learners make links more easily between the different topics and develop
a deeper understanding of their subject.
Assessment
n There are changes to the assessment objective weightings in the syllabus to reflect the nature of
the papers.
n The specimen papers have been updated to reflect the changes to the assessment objective
weightings and refreshed content.
Syllabus content
n The ‘Core’ and ‘Extended’ syllabus content headings are replaced by ‘AS Level content’ and ‘Additional
A Level content’.
n There are minor changes to the syllabus content. The changes mainly provide clarification and some
content has been reorganised and updated. For Topic area 5 ‘Finance and accounting’ all content on
‘forecasting cash flows’ is now included at AS Level.
n Accounting terms have been updated to align with Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting.
Candidates will be expected to know and understand: statement of financial position (previously called
balance sheet), operating profit, profit for the year, retained earnings (previously called retained profit).
The breadth of the syllabus could be advantageous to students who need

to make early choices about specialisation in business degree programmes. The
use of case studies in assessment should also be useful experience as they are
likely to encounter this form of assessment in a degree programme.
Laura Spira, Professor of Corporate Governance, Business School, Oxford Brookes University, UK
Business n Enterprise n Business structure

and its n Business structure n Size of business
environment
n Size of business n External influences
n Business objectives on business activity
n Stakeholders in a business
People in n Management and leadership n Human resource management

organisations n Motivation n Organisational structure
n Human resource management n Business communication
Marketing n What is marketing? n Marketing planning

n Market research n Globalisation and
n The marketing mix international marketing
Operations n The nature of operations n Operations planning

and project n Operations planning n Capacity utilisation
management
n Inventory management n Lean production and quality
management
n Project management
Finance and n The need for business finance n Costs

accounting n Sources of finance n Budgets
n Costs n Contents of published accounts
n Accounting fundamentals n Analysis of published accounts
n Forecasting cash flows and managing n Investment appraisal
working capital
Strategic n What is strategic management?

management n Strategic analysis
n Strategic choice
n Strategic implementation
Cambridge International AS Level candidates take Paper 1 and 2 only.
Cambridge International A Level candidates take Papers 1, 2 and 3.
Component Weighting
AS Level A Level
Paper 1 Short answer and essay

Section A: Four short-answer questions (20 marks) 20% 10%
Section B: One essay from a choice of three questions 20% 10%
Based on the AS Level syllabus content (20 marks)
Paper 2 Data response

Two data-response questions based on AS Level syllabus content 60% 30%
Paper 3 Case Study

Five questions and one essay (from a choice of two) based on a case study 50%
Based on the additional A Level syllabus content and also assumes knowledge
and understanding of the AS Level syllabus content
100 marks 3 hours
There are changes to the assessment objective weightings in the revised syllabus to reflect the nature of the
papers. Previously all assessment objectives were equally weighted at 25 per cent.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding.

Apply knowledge and understanding to problems and issues in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar business
situations and contexts.

Analyse business problems, issues and situations by:
• u
sing appropriate methods and techniques to make sense of qualitative and quantitative
business information
• interpreting and unpacking complex issues and situations to their constituent parts and searching
for causes, impact and consequences
• distinguishing between factual evidence and opinion or value judgement
• drawing valid inferences and making valid generalisations.

Evaluate business evidence, explanation, argument, discussion and analysis in order to make reasoned
judgements, present measured conclusions and, where appropriate, make recommendations for action
and implementation.
Learn more!
Cambridge International AS & A Level – Economics
The study of Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics
enables learners to explore concepts and theories which can be
applied to the way that modern economies work. Cambridge
learners develop the ability to explain, evaluate and analyse
economic issues and arguments.
The syllabus covers a range of economic ideas, including an introduction to the price system and government
intervention, international trade and exchange rates, the measurement of employment and inflation, and the
causes and consequences of inflation. Learners also study the price system, the theory of the firm, market
failure, macroeconomic theory and policy, and economic growth and development. They gain lifelong skills and
a solid foundation for further study.
Key concepts
We have identified the following key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics. These
can help teachers encourage learners to make links between topics and develop a deeper understanding of
the subject.
n Scarcity and choice The fundamental problem in economics is that resources are scarce
and wants are unlimited, so there is always a choice required between competing uses for
the resources.
he margin and change Decision-making by individuals, firms and governments is based
n T
on choices at the margin; that is, once behaviour has been optimised, any change will be
detrimental as long as conditions remain the same.
quilibrium and efficiency Prices are set by markets, are always moving into and out of
n E
equilibrium, and can be both efficient and inefficient in different ways and over different
time periods.
egulation and equity There is a trade-off between, on the one hand, freedom for firms and
n R
individuals in unregulated markets and, on the other hand, greater social equality and equity
through the government regulation of individuals and markets.
n Progress and development Economics studies how societies can progress in measurable
money terms and develop in a wider, more normative sense.
The Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics syllabus has been updated.
Key concepts
We have identified key concepts to help learners make links more easily between the different topics and
develop a deeper understanding of their subject.
Assessment
n For 2016, there are four assessment objectives to align the syllabus with the Cambridge International
AS & A Level Accounting and Economics syllabuses:
– AO1 Knowledge and understanding 30%
– AO2 Application 20%
– AO3 Analysis 30%
– AO4 Evaluation 20%
Communication has been included in AO3 Analysis.
n The Paper 3 examination has increased from 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, in response to feedback
from teachers and examiners.
Syllabus content
n The ‘Core’ and ‘Extended’ syllabus content headings are replaced by ‘AS Level content’ and
‘Additional A Level content’.
n Syllabus content has been refreshed to streamline the topic areas and content to provide clarity
for teachers and learners. The seven topic areas in the 2015 syllabus have been reorganised and
presented within five topic areas:
1. Basic economic ideas and resource allocation
2. The price system and the micro economy
3. Government microeconomic intervention
4. The macro economy
5. Government macro intervention
Examples of economic concepts and terms which were previously listed below the topic areas have
been integrated within the topic content.

Basic n Scarcity, choice and opportunity cost n Efficient resource allocation
economic n Positive and normative statements n Externalities and market failure
ideas and n Factors of production n Social costs and benefits.
resource
n Resource allocation in different economic n Cost benefit analysis.
allocation
systems and issues of transition
n Production possibility curves
n Money
n Classification of goods and services.
The price n Demand and supply curves n Law of diminishing marginal utility
system and n Price elasticity, income elasticity and n Indifference curves
the micro cross-elasticities of demand n Budget lines
economy n Price elasticity of supply n Types of cost, revenue and profit, short-run
n Interaction of demand and supply and long-run production
n Market equilibrium and disequilibrium n Different market structures
n Consumer and producer surplus. n Growth and survival of firms
n Differing objectives of a firm.
Government n Maximum and minimum prices n Policies to achieve efficient resource

and micro n Taxes (direct and indirect) allocation and correct market failure
economic n Subsidies n Equity and policies towards income and
intervention wealth redistribution
n Transfer payments
n Direct provision of goods and services n Labour market forces and government
intervention
n Nationalisation and privatisation.
- Demand and supply of labour
- Wage determination in perfect markets
- Wage determination in imperfect markets
n Government failure in microeconomic
intervention.
The macro n Aggregate demand and aggregate n Economic growth, economic development
economy supply analysis and sustainability
n Inflation n National income statistics
n Balance of payments n Classification of countries
n Exchange rates n Employment/unemployment
n The terms of trade n The circular flow of income
n Principles of absolute and n Money supply (theory)
comparative advantage n Keynesian and Monetarist schools
n Protectionism. n The demand for money and interest
rate determination.
Cambridge International AS Level Economics candidates take Papers 1 and 2.
Cambridge International A Level Economics candidates take Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4. Papers 3 and 4 test the
additional syllabus content for A Level, but also require a knowledge and understanding of the AS Level
syllabus content.
Component Weighting
AS Level A Level
Paper 1 Multiple choice

30 multiple-choice questions based on the AS Level syllabus content 40% 20%
30 marks 1 hour
Paper 2 Data response and essay

Section A: one data response question (20 marks) 30% 15%
Section B: one structured essay from a choice of three (20 marks) 30% 15%
Based on the AS Level syllabus content
Paper 3 Multiple choice

30 multiple-choice questions based on the additional A Level syllabus content 15%
Paper 4 Data response and essays

Section A: one data response question (20 marks) 10%
Section B: two essays from a choice of six (50 marks) 25%
Based on the additional A Level syllabus content
70 marks 2 hours 15 minutes
It’s a complete syllabus and will provide students with content, depth,
a requirement for analysis and evaluation and to apply their knowledge in a
variety of ways. All of these are key skills that students will need to have to
succeed in an economics degree.
Elizabeth Jones, Principal Teaching Fellow, Dean of Students, Deputy Director of Undergraduate Studies,
Economics Department, University of Warwick, UK
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding.

Interpret and apply knowledge and understanding to information presented in written, numerical or graphical form.

Analyse economic issues and arguments, using relevant economic concepts, theories and information, and
communicate conclusions in a clear, reasoned manner.

Critically evaluate economic information, arguments, proposals and policies, taking in consideration relevant
information and economic principles and distinguishing facts from hypothetical statements and value judgements.
Learn more!
Support for teachers
Take advantage of the range of support, training
and events for teachers that we offer.
Support online
Cambridge schools can access all the materials
they need to teach Cambridge programmes from
the Teacher Support site, including full syllabuses,
specimen question papers, mark schemes,
examiner reports, teacher guides, schemes
of work, lesson plans and discussion forums.
Find out what support is available at
www.cie.org.uk/alevelsupport

Expert advice
Our subject experts are there to help you at all
stages of your teaching through our active
discussion forums.
Training and professional development

Cambridge teachers can build their knowledge
and skills through the Cambridge Professional
Development programme. Whether you are
interested in furthering your subject knowledge,
developing your teaching skills or networking with
other professional colleagues, there are online and
face-to-face opportunities.
Textbooks and resources

Comprehensive support for Cambridge
International AS & A Level programmes includes
a range of textbooks, recommended resources,
online resources and training.
Learn Getting in touch with Cambridge is easy. For more

information on Cambridge International AS & A Level
more! programmes go to www.cie.org.uk/alevel, email us at
info@cie.org.uk or telephone +44 (0) 1223 553554
Cambridge International AS & A Level subjects
Business, technical and vocational subjects prepare learners for the world of
work, and provide a foundation for university by building on the understanding
of concepts and practical skills gained at Cambridge IGCSE® or equivalent level.
They include:
Accounting
Applied Information and Communication Technology
Art & Design
Business
Computing
Design & Technology
Design & Textiles
Media Studies3
Music
Physical Education
Thinking Skills
Travel & Tourism
Cambridge International A Level

Food Studies*
*
Available for first examination from June 2015
Cambridge International AS & A Level syllabuses build on the foundations

of Cambridge IGCSE, the world’s most popular international qualification for
14 to 16 year olds. For our full list of Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses visit
www.cie.org.uk/igcse
Cambridge International Examinations

1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, United Kingdom
t: +44 1223 553554 f: +44 1223 553558
e: info@cie.org.uk www.cie.org.uk
® IGCSE is the registered trademark of Cambridge International Examinations
© Cambridge International Examinations, May 2014
*8343333793*

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Introducing updated

The revised Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting, Business and

The Cambridge approach supports schools to

This document gives an overview of new developments in

Syllabus content overview

Financial n The accounting cycle n Preparation of financial statements:

Paper 1 Multiple Choice

Paper 2 Structured Questions

AO1 Knowledge and understanding (20% weighting)

AO2 Application (43% weighting)

AO3 Analysis (25% weighting)

AO4 Evaluation (12% weighting)

Quick view of changes

The breadth of the syllabus could be advantageous to students who need

Business n Enterprise n Business structure

People in n Management and leadership n Human resource management

Marketing n What is marketing? n Marketing planning

Operations n The nature of operations n Operations planning

Finance and n The need for business finance n Costs

Strategic n What is strategic management?

Paper 1 Short answer and essay

Paper 2 Data response

Paper 3 Case Study

AO1 Knowledge and understanding (30% weighting)

AO2 Application (20% weighting)

AO3 Analysis (25% weighting)

AO4 Evaluation (25% weighting)

Syllabus content overview

Government n Maximum and minimum prices n Policies to achieve efficient resource

Paper 1 Multiple choice

Paper 2 Data response and essay

Paper 3 Multiple choice

Paper 4 Data response and essays

AO2 Application (20% weighting)

AO3 Analysis (30% weighting)

AO4 Evaluation (20% weighting)

Training and professional development

Textbooks and resources

Learn Getting in touch with Cambridge is easy. For more

Cambridge International A Level

Cambridge International AS & A Level syllabuses build on the foundations

Cambridge International Examinations

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Government n Maximum and minimum prices n Policies to achieve efficient resource