SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN

IGCSE BUSINESS STUDIES (0450) AND IGCSE ENTERPRISE (0454)

Similarities

1. Skills developed & examined in Business Studies and Enterprise

Knowledge & understanding of concepts & theories. Application of concepts & theories to business scenarios.
Analysis of options in context of the scenario using concepts & theories. Evaluation of options in context of the scenario.

2. Topics covered in both

Types of business structures Business objectives and stakeholder objectives

Finance & Budgeting Marketing
Costs, scale of production, break-even Organisational structure
Understanding accounts – income statement, balance sheet, cash flow forecasting
Employment contracts; workers' and employers' rights. Effective communication
Legal issues pertaining to employment, marketing, customer protection Marketing
What it means to be an entrepreneur External influences on business activity
Importance of a business plan

3. Assessment

In exams for both Business Studies and Enterprise, you apply your knowledge to the business in question and analyse
the advantages and disadvantages of options before recommending what the best thing is for the business to do and why
i.e. evaluating the options.

Differences
1. Topics covered

Business Studies Enterprise

Leadership and management Ways of being enterprising

Motivation Assessing & taking risks
Recruitment, selection & training Negotiation
Quality in production Meetings
Lean Production Drawing up a business plan
Location decisions Evaluation of own performance
Analysis of accounts
Business in the international context

2. Assessment

Business Studies Enterprise

2 x Exams Each is 1 hour 30 minutes. 1 x Exam

Both are based on UNSEEN case studies.
Based on a PRE-SEEN case study
1 x Coursework portfolio - You choose, plan, run
and evaluate your own enterprise.
The portfolio comprises 4 tasks – investigating
business ideas; planning your enterprise;
implementing your project; evaluating your
project.
 Why study Business and/or related subjects?
 “About 80% of world leaders are university educated, with business and
management, economics and law being the most popular subjects.” Source:
bbc.com/news/world

 Business relates to everything we do. For example, doctors / lawyers / engineers /

artists need to pay tax, employ people and make a living!

 Top universities around the globe such as M.I.T, Harvard and Cambridge amongst
others, stress the importance of enterprise in today’s world and have dedicated
entrepreneurship centres which work in collaboration with all departments.

 The majority of university students globally study Business or related degrees. It

makes sense to have a background in it!

Are either Business Studies or Enterprise for you?

Yes, if you:
 Enjoy considering advantages and disadvantages of options before making a
decision, and then justifying your decision.
 Enjoy discussing 'real world' issues.
 Have an interest in business, economics and the world in which you live.
 Wish to take an active role in the business that you hope to work for.
 Are thinking of owning your own business one day.

Is Business Studies for you?

Yes, if you:
1. Can communicate well in written form;
2. Are pretty good at maths.

Is Enterprise for you?

Yes, if you:
1. Can communicate well verbally, in written form and in giving presentations;
2. Are pro-active, independent, and like to make your own decisions;
3. Are self-motivated;
4. Are committed to what you start and enjoy seeing the rewards of your own
personal endeavour.