1
General Certificate of Education ( Advanced Level )BUSINESS STUDIES SYLLABUS
Grades 12 and 13( Implemented from year 2009 )
Department of Business Studies
Faculty of Science and Technology
National Institute of Education.
2
1.0 Introduction
Entrepreneurial studies and Business and Accounting Studies were introduced as competency based syllabuses for the G.C.E.( O/L ) Examination in
2007 and 2008 respectively. The syllabus of the G.C.E (A/L) curriculum was subject to revision with a competency base taking into consideration the
changes effected in these syllabi as well as the global trends that continue to take place.
Business Studies is a very popular commerce subject. Also it is a practical subject. This subject is fostered through subjects such as Economics,
Management and Social Studies.The students of the A/L commerce stream as well as the Arts stream can select this subject. The knowledge, skills and
attitudes obtained by studying this subject is useful in day to day life, higher education and also for professional education in the commerce stream.
A teaching-learning process which supports the creation of a citizen with knowledge, skills and attitudes, in other words, competencies necessary to
adapt to the changes in the business world, is proposed here.
It is expected that this syllabus will provide, competencies required for a profession or for self employment to those who do not pursue higher education,
entrepreneurial skills necessary to contribute effectively to the economic development of Sri Lanka as well as qualitative and effective development in
personal life.
Also, it is expected to develop competencies required to creatively generate, improve and effectively employ the physical and human resources
necessary for the national development of Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is recommended that the teaching- learning methodologies described here are
implemented in and outside the classroom since businesses are very practical. Teachers are expected to pay attention to the rapid changes in business
practices and update their knowledge accordingly.
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2.0 Objectives of the subject
• Focuss on different ways of finding solutions for the problems related to the satisfaction of human needs and wants with respect to institutions
or organizations.
• Prepare the student to adept oneself to the dynamic business environment by understanding it.
• Direct the student to the practical use of theoretical knowledge.
• Provide competencies to study concepts and principles related to business and to grasp complex subject matter simply.
• Provide opportunities to develop entrepreneurial and management skills.
• Indicate the integration among the functions of a business system.
• Provide the basic competencies necessary for involvement locally, regionally and globally in business.
• Provide opportunities to develop attitudes conducive to building up a sound business culture in Sri Lanka.
• Provide the practice necessary to start and conduct businesses according to a plan.
• Provide competencies necessary to perform professional roles successfully.
• Provide skills in the use of management and modern technology for socio economic development.
• Provide access to higher education.
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Proposed plan for the division of the syllabus according to school terms.
Grade Term Competencies and competency levels
First term Competency level 1.1 to competency level 4.6 ( 19 competency levels )
Grade 12 Second term Competency level 5.1 to competency level 7.3 ( 19 competency levels )
Third term Competency level 7.4 to competency level 11.7 ( 19 competency levels )
First term Competency level 12.1 to competency level 14.4 (24 competency levels )
Grade 13 Second term Competency level 14.5 to competency level 16.7 ( 23 competency levels)
Third term Competency level 16.8 to competency level 18.11 ( 23 competency levels)
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3.0 Syllabus3.1 Grade 12
Competencies, competency levels, subject content and No. of periods.
Competency Competency levels Subject content No. of Periods
Examine the foundation of business to make an active contribution to businesses.
40
06
06
1.1 Analyses the concept ofbusiness
1.2 Forecasts trends in businesswhile examining theevolution of business.
• Definition of business• Needs and wants• Products• Demand• Production• Market
• Necessity of business• Aims of business
• Selfsufficient economy/ direct production• Personal specialization• Indirect production• Barter system• Trade• Usage of money and the evolution of money• Agricultural economy• Industrial economy
• Auxiliary services/ Business support services• Commerce
• Knowledge based economy (Information economy)• Electronic business (e.- business)• Electronic Commerce (e. -commerce)
• New trends in business.
6
Competency Subject Content
• Business classification criteria.• according to the nature of production• according to the sector of production• according to the ownership• according to the aims• according to the scale
• Different sectors of gross national product.• Agriculture• Industry• Services
• Inputs (resources )• Land• Labour• Capital• Entrepreneurship• Information• Time• Knowledge
• Functions of business• Administration• Operations (production )• Marketing• Financing• Human resources activities• Research and development
• Output• Goods• Services
No. of Periods
05
05
06
Competency levels
1.3 Classifies business in terms ofdifferent criteria.
1.4 Evaluates the contribution of each sector of production to the Gross Domestic Product of Sri Lanka.
1.5Analyses business as an inputoutput process.
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No. of Periods
06
06
Competency levels
1.6 Classifies different products that
fulfil needs and wants.
1.7 Examines reasons for the interest
of stakeholders in business.
Competency
.
Subject Content
• Classification of goods and services
• Classification of goods
• According to durability
• According to usage
• Classification of services
• Business services
• Direct services
• Stakeholders in business
• Owners/ shareholders
• Managers
• Employees
• Customers
• Potential investors
• Creditors
• The Government
• The Public
• Others
• Reasons for the interest of stakeholders in business
8
Competency
2. Confirms that the
business
environment
influences the
existence of
business
Subject Content
• Business environment
• Definition
• Necessity of study
• Classification
• Internal environment
• External environment
• Task environment
• General/ Macro environment
• Internal environmental forces
• Owners
• Managers
• Employees
• Culture
• Organization structure
• Resources
• Strengths and weaknesses related to internal
environmental forces
No. of Periods
20
04
05
Competency levels
2.1 Classifies the business
environment to facilitate
analysis of the business
environment.
2.2 Analyses the influence of
internal environmental
forces on business.
No. of Periods
05
Competency levels
2.3 Analyses the influence of task
environmental forces on business.
2.4 Analyses the influence of macro
environmental forces on business.
06
Competency Subject Content
• Forces of the task environment
• Customers/ consumers
• Suppliers
• Competitors
• New businessmen hoping to enter the market
• Producers of substitute goods
• Opportunities and threats related to task environmental
forces
• Forces of the general/ macro environment
• Economic environment
• Political and legal environment
• Technological environment
• Demographic environment
• Natural environment
• Socio-cultural environment
• Global environment
• Influences of macro environmental forces on task
environmental forces
• Interaction between macro environmental forces.
9
10
Competency levels
3.1 Evaluates the importance ofsocial responsibilities ofbusiness.
3.2 Confirms the necessity for acode of ethics for the successof business.
Competency
3. Considers socialresponsibilities andethics of business toadapt to dynamicbusinessenvironment.
Subject Content
• Social responsibilities of businesses• Definition• Necessity of meeting social responsibilities• Parties with respect to whom social responsibilities should
be met.• Owners• Employees• Customers• The Government• The Public• Environment
• Business ethics• Definition• Importance of conformity to business ethics• Factors that should be considered when formulating a
code of ethics• the business• the customer• the employee• competitors• social culture• organization culture• practicability
.
No. of Periods
1507
08
11
Competency levels
4.1 Investigates how the government influence business.
4.2 Shows how business contributesto the achievement of the economicaims of the government.
Competency
4.Confirms thenecessity ofmaintainingrelationships withthe government inthe process ofconductingbusiness.
Subject Content
• The government• Central government• Provincial councils• Local government bodies/ institutions
• The government's influence on business• providing infrastructural facilities• becoming a competitor• being a customer• drawing up policies• formulating rules and regulations• providing incentives• being a tax collector
• The Economic aims of a government• Economic growth and development• Full employment• Economic stability• Fair income distribution• Good international trade
• The contribution of business to the achievement of the aimsof the government• paying taxes• use of local resources• conformity to policies implemented by government• conformity to rules and regulations• contributing towards employment• minimization of damage to the environment
• Importance of inter- relationships between the government andbusiness
No. of Periods
35
05
06
Competency levels
4.3 Confirms the importance ofconducting business according tofiscal policies of the government.
4.4 Evaluates the importance ofconducting business according togovernment monetary policies.
4.5 Shows the necessity ofconducting business inaccordance with the steps takenby the government to protectconsumers.
Competency Subject Content
• Fiscal policies of the government• Aims• Government income and expenditure
• taxes• types of taxes
• direct taxes• indirect taxes
• non-tax income• The influence of government fiscal policies on business
• Monetary policies of the government• Aims• Instruments used to implement monetary policies
• Interest rates• Changing reserve requirements• Open market operations• Changing discount rates• Impose credit limits
• The influence of government monetary policies on business
• Consumer protection• definition• necessity• importance
• to consumers• to businessmen
• rights of consumers• responsibilities of consumers
No. of Periods
06
06
06
12
13
Competency levels
4.6 Examines the role ofgovernment institutions actingfor consumer protection.
5.1 Classifies businessorganizations according toownership.
5.2 Compares comparatively theadvantages and limitationsof sole-proprietorshipexamining thecharacteristics
Competency
5. Confirms thatBusinessorganizations areessential tocommence andconductbusinessesformally.
Subject Content
• Consumer protection authority• Aims• Role• Powers vested to formalize trade
• Sri Lanka Institute of Standards• Aims• Role
• Business organizations.• Basic characteristics of a formal organization.• Types of business organizations
• Private sector business organizations• Sole proprietorships• Partnerships• Incorporated companies• Cooperatives• Special businesses
• Public sector businesses• Departments• State corporations• Businesses under local authorities• State companies
• Sole- proprietorship• Definition• Specific characteristics• Advantages and limitations
• Registration of sole proprietorship
.
No. of Periods
06
45
04
04
14
Competency levels
5.3 Compares comparatively theadvantages and limitations ofpartnerships examining thecharacteristics of partnerships.
5.4 Confirms the necessity of apartnership deed to start andconduct a partnership.
5.5 Compares the advantages andlimitations of co-operativesexaming their characteristics
5.6 Forecasts the trends inco-operatives verifing theevolution of co-operatives.
5.7 Verifies the specificcharacteristics of incorporatedcompanies.
Competency Subject Content
• Partnerships• Definition• Specific characteristics• Advantages and limitations
• Registration of partnerships
• Ways of forming a partnership agreement• By implication• Verbally• In written form
• Partnership deed• Importance of partnership deed• Contents of a partnership deed
• Partnership Ordinance of 1890 and section 24 of it• Duties and rights of partners
• Co-operatives• Definition• Specific characteristics• Advantages and limitations
• Registration of co-operatives
• Evolution of co-operatives• Policies of co-operatives• Contribution of co-operatives to the economic development in
the country• Trends in co-operatives
• Incorporated companies• Definition• Specific characteristics• Advantages and limitations
• Incorporation of companies.
No. of Periods
04
05
04
05
04
15
Competency levels
5.8 Compares the specialcharacteristics of various types ofcompanies.
5.9 Compares the advantages andlimitations of franchises verifing theirspecific features.
5.10 Inquires the characteristics ofpublic sector business organizationsand points out their importance.
Competency Subject Content
• Types of incorporated companies• Limited companies
• Private limited companies• Public limited companies• Off-shore companies
• Unlimited companies• Companies limited by guarantee• Overseas companies
• Criteria used to compare different types of companies• Number of members• Liability• Sources of capital
• Shares• Debentures
• Control and management
• Franchises• Franchiser• Franchisee• Facilities provided to frachisee by the franchiser• Types of franchises• Advantages and limitations of franchises
• Reasons to conduct businesses under the government.• Public sector business organizations
• State corporations/ statutory boards• Government departments• Businesses under local authorities
• Characteristics of public sector businesses• Privatisation and related issues
.
No. of Periods
05
05
05
16
Competency levels
6.1 Exhibits interest in being anentrepreneur by studying theimportance and benefits ofentrepreneurship.
6.2 Studies the reasons behind theemergence of entrepreneurs.
6.3 Exhibits ability to act as anentrepreneur by developingentrepreneurial competencies.
Competency
6. Shows thecontribution of
entrepreneurshipin economic andpersonaldevelopment.
Subject Content
• Entrepreneurship• Definition• Importance
• Benefits of entrepreneurship• Personal• Social and economic
• Entrepreneurship and economic development• Trends in entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneur• Background reasons to becoming an entrepreneur
• Involvement in invention• Family background• Socio-economic background• Education and training• Social problems
• Entrepreneurial competencies• Innovative• Initiative• Risk taking• Opportunity seeking• Organizing resourses• Leadership• Networking• Visionary• Independence• Dedication• Self awareness• Self confidence• Achieving goals
No. of Periods
35
06
06
06
17
Competency level
6.4 Examines the contribution of smallbusinesses to economic
development.
6.5 Investigates the incentivesavailable for the success of smallscale businesses.
Competency Subject Content
• Optimistic• Flexibility• Bearability• Resilience• Consistancy• Social friendly• Eco friendly
• Ways of developing entrepreneurial competencies• Self assessments• Training• Education• Experiences
• Small businesses• Definition• Characteristics• Importance
• Relationship between small businesses and entrepreneurship• Factors to be considered by small businessmen
• when starting the business• when running the business
• Reasons for failures of small businesses and the way to success.
• Steps taken by the government to assist small businesses• Financial• Non-financial
• Institutions and individuals that provide incentives.
No. of Periods
06
05
18
Competency levels
6.6 Inquires about special projects setup
for the success of small businesses.
Competency Subject Content
• Types of incentives provided
• Consultancy services
• Research and technological services
• Financial facilities
• Marketing facilities
• Infrastructure facilities
• Projects that provide aid
• Currently active projects
• Suwana
• Sumadi
• Sahanya
• Competency development project
• Gami pubuduwa program
• Sanasa loans scheme
• Co-operative rural bank loans
• Samurdhi development credit scheme
• Agricultural banking pilot project
• Other timely projects
No. of Periods
06
19
Competency levels
7.1 Confirms the necessity of moneyto facilitate transactions.
7.2 Evaluates the manner in whichthe system of financial institutionsin Sri Lanka contribute to theoperation and growth ofbusiness.
Competency
7. Appreciates thecontribution of moneyand financial institu-tions for the existenceand growth ofbusinesses
Subject Content
• Money• Definition• Evolution• Functions• Characteristics of money• Types
• Currency• Bank money• Near money• Electronic money
• System of financial Institutions in Sri Lanka• Banking sector
• Central Bank of Sri Lanka• Licensed Commercial banks• Licensed specialized banks
• Other financial institutions that accept deposits• Registered finance companies• Co-operative Rural Banks• Thrift and credit co-operative societies.
• Other specialized financial institutions• Specialised leasing companies• Primary dealers• Merchant banks• Share brokering companies• Unit trusts• Venture capital companies• Credit rating institutions
No. of Periods
40
06
06
20
Competency levels
7.3 Shows the impact of variousdeposits and lendings of commercialbanks for the operation and growthof businesses.
7.4 Shows the impact of other servicesprovided by commercial banks onthe business operations.
Competency Subject Content
• Contractual savings institutions• Insurance companies• Employees' provident fund• Employees' trust fund• Other provident funds• Government services provident funds
• The importance of the financial institutions in a country as a business service
(Source:- Central Bank Report - 2007 )
• Types of deposits in commercial banks• Current accounts (demand deposits)• Savings accounts• Fixed deposits
• Importance of various types of deposits to businessmen.• Loans provided by commercial banks.
• Overdrafts• Loans
• Business loans• Consumer loans
• Other services of commercial banks• Agency services• Leasing services• Home banking• Tele banking• Pawning services
No. of Periods
06
06
21
Competency levels
7.5 Shows how transactions can be facilitated through the use of cheques.
Competency Subject Content
• Safety lockers• Buying and selling of foreign exchange• Credit card services• Cash remittence activities• Issue of travellers cheques• Automated banking facilities• E-banking• Issue of letters of credit• Other services
• The influence of other services of commercial banks onbusiness activities
• Cheques• Types of cheques
• Order cheques• Bearer cheques
• Parties invloved in cheques• Drawer• Drawee• Payee
• Factors to be considered when writing a cheque• Crossing of cheques
• General crossing• Special crossing
• Endorsement of cheques• Dishonouring of cheques
No. of Periods
06
22
Competency levels
7.6 Shows how transactions can befacilitated through the use of
e-money.
7.7 Examines the role of theCentral Bank of Sri Lanka.
8.1 Examines the importance ofinsurance that supports theexistence of businesses.
8.2 Investigates the principles ofinsurance that help in thepractical use of insurance.
Competency
8. Confirms thenecessity ofinsurance for theexistence ofbusinesses
No. of Periods
05
05
2005
05
Subject Content
• Electronic money• Types of e-money• Parties involved in e-money• Characteristics of an e-money card• Advantages and disadvantages of e- money transactions
• The Central Bank of Sri Lanka• Aims• Functions
• Impact of functions of the Central Bank on the success of business.
• Insurance• Definition
• Risk• Definition• Insurable risks• Non-insurable risks
• Necessity of insurance• Insurance agreement
• Parties invloved in an insurance agreement• Insurance policy
• Principles of insurance• Insurable interest• Utmost good faith• Indemnity• Subrogation• Contribution• Proximate cause
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Competency levels
8.3 Investigates various types ofinsurance policies which covervarious risks of businesses.
8.4 Finds out the parties in the insurance market who
contribute to the existence of insurance business.
9.1Compares the advantages andlimitations of various methods oftransportation that can be usedfor the success of businessactivities.
Competency
9. Shows the neces-sity of using transpor-tation effectively forthe success ofbusiness activities
Subject Content
• Classification of insurance• Life insurance• General insurance
• Fire insurance• Theft and burglary insurance• Natural disaster insurance• Marine insurance• Motor vehicle insurance• Employers liability insurance• Goods in transist insurance• Cash in transist insurance
• Composition of the insurance market• Insurance Board of Sri Lanka• Insurance companies• Insurance brokers• Insurance agents
• Underwriters• Re insurers
• Transportation• Transport systems• Elements of a transport system
• Way• Mode• Power• Terminal
• Various methods of transport• Highway transport• Railway transport• Waterway transport• Airway transport
No. of Periods
05
05
1005
24
Competency levels
9.2 Selects an effective mode oftransport by inquiring into thecharacteristics of a transport system.
10.1 Verifies the factors which enhancethe effectiveness of a communicationprocess
Competency
10. Confirms thenecessity of
using communication effectively for the success of business.
Subject Content
• Advantages and limitations of various methods of transport.• Importance of transportation
• Factors to be considered when selecting a mode oftransport.
• Features of an efficient mode of transport• Documents used in transportation• New trends in transport
• Communication• Importance of communication
• For business activities• For social activities
• Communication process• Elements of a communication process
• Sender• Message• Mode• Receiver• Response• Feedback
• Characteristics of effective communication• Correctness/ Accuracy• Conciseness• Completeness• Clarity• Courtesy• Concreteness• Consideration• Cost effectiveness• Speed
No. of Periods
05
10
05
25
Competency levels
10.2 Selects effectivecommunication services byinvestigating various methods ofcommunication.
11.1 Investigates how retail tradetakes place while takingtypes of trade intoconsideration.
Competency
11. Verifies thecontribution oftrade indistributing
products.
Subject Content
• Methods of communication.• Verbal• Written• Signals and symbols
• Electronic communication• Internal and external communication• Barriers to effective communication and ways of overcomingthem
• Trade• Definition• Distribution channels• Trade intermediaries
• Types of trade• Home trade
• Wholesale trade• Retail trade
• Foreign trade• Import• Export
• Retail trade• Definition• Characteristics• Services provided by retail traders
• to the producer• to the wholesaler• to the consumer
No. of Periods
05
4006
26
Competency levels
11.2 Selects retail stores suited for the satisfaction of needs considering the
upliftment of home trade.
11.3 Examines wholesale trade.
11.4 Examines international trade alongwith the benefits and barriers relatedto it.
Competency Subject Content
• Types of retail stores• Mobile retailers• Fixed retailers
• New trends in retail trade
• Wholesale trade• Definition• Characteristics• Services provided by the wholesaler
• To the producer• To the retail trader
• Agents• Advantages and limitations to the use of intermediaries in trade.
• International trade• Definition• Basic factors• Types
• Import• Export• Entrepot
• Benefits• Free trade
• Definition• Barriers to free trade
• Tariffs• Non-tariffs
No. of Periods
05
06
06
27
Competency levels
11.5 Exhibits the readiness to enter into international trade by examing
the import and export procedures.
11.6 Investigates how the performanceof trade blocs and internationalorganizations contribute to theupliftment of foreign trade.
Competency Subject Content
• Import and export procedures• Documents and methods used• Payments
• Bank drafts• Letters of credit• Electronic payment methods• Foreign mail and telex transfers
• Trade blocse.g.:• European Union• ASEAN
( Association of South East AsianNations )• SAARC
( South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation )• NAFTA ( North America Free Trade Agreement)
• Organizations eg:
• WTO ( World Trade Organization )• IBRD
(International Bank for Rehabilitation and Development ) • IMF ( International Monetary Fund ) • G.8 Group
• Trade agreements/ organizations ( New establishments )• Impact of trade agreements on foreign trade• New trends in international trade
No. of Periods
06
06
28
Competency levels
11.7 Points out the contribution of
electronic commerce for the
upliftment of trade.
Competency Subject Content
• Electronic commerce
• Definition
• Procedures
• Advantages and limitations
• Ways of electronic commerce
• Business to Business (B 2 B)
• Business to Consumer (B 2 C)
• Consumer to Consumer (C 2 C)
• Government to citizen (G 2 C)
No. of Periods
05
310
29
Competency levels
12.1 Examines managementprocess to confirm the needand importance ofmanagement.
12.2 Analyses various managerialroles to identify the functions ofmanagers.
Competency
12. Shows the necessity and importance of management in
achieving the overall goals of an
organization.
Subject Content
• Management.
• Management process.
• Planning.
• Organizing.
• Leading
• Controlling.
• Efficiency and effectiveness.
• The need and importance of management.
• Manager
• Functions of managers
• Roles of a manager
• Interpersonal role
• Informational role
• Decisional role
No. of Periods
4545454545
04
04
3.2 Grade 13
30
Competency levels
12.3 Examines the management
skills needed for various
management levels.
12.4 Follows a formal method of
decision making and solving
problems successfully
Competency Subject Content
• Various levels of management.
• Top managers.
• Middle managers.
• First line managers.
• Skills of managers.
• Conceptual skills.
• Interpersonal skills/ Human skills.
• Technical skills.
• Planning.
• Forecasting.
• Plan.
• Concept of decision making and problem solving.
• Identification of the problem.
• Developing alternatives.
• Evaluation of alternatives.
• Selecting the best alternative.
• Implementing.
No. of Periods
04
04
31
Competency levels
12.5 Prepares plans to achievegoals effectively.
Competency Subject Content
• Planning process and decision making.
• Steps in the planning process
• Environment analysis.
• Identification of strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats.
• Establishment of vision, mission, goals and
objectives.
• Identification of strategies.
• Implementation of plan.
• Measurement and control of success.
• Principles of planning.
• Importance of planning.
• Problems and limitations of planning.
No. of Periods
04
32
Competency levels
12.6 Confirms the necessity of
organizing resources for
successful management.
12.7 Analyses concepts to be
considered for successful
organizing.
Competency No. of Periods
04
04
Subject Content
• Organizing
• Definition
• Importance
• Steps of organizing
• Identification of work
• Division of work
• Departmentalization
• Delegation of authority and responsibility
• Establishment of standards for work
• Allocation of resources
• Co- ordination
• Chain of command/ Unity of command
• Span of control
• Power and authority
• Centralization
• Decentralization
• Organizational Structure
• Organizational chart
33
Competency levels
12.8 Exhibits the characteristics ofleadership needed for leading.
12.9 Proposes suitable methods ofmotivation for a successfulleading.
Competency Subject Content
• Leading
• Leadership
• Motivation
• Communication
• Leadership as a function of leading
• Definition
• Importance
• Leadership styles
• Characteristics of leadership
• Motivation as a function included in leading
• Definition
• Importance
• Methods of motivation
• Monetary
• Non-monetary
No. of Periods
04
04
Competency levels
12.10 Shows how effectivecommunication helps forsuccessful leading.
12.11 Examines the necessity ofcontrolling in order toconfirm whether theexpected goals areachieved.
Competency Subject Content
• Communication as a function of leading
• Necessity
• Importance
• Ways in which communication occurs
• Downward communication
• Upward communication
• Horizontal communication
• Formal communication
• Informal communication
• Controlling
• Functions of controlling
• Establishing standards
• Measurement of performance
• Identification of deviations
• Taking corrective actions.
• Controlling techniques
• Preventive
• Corrective
• Process Control
• Importance of controlling
No. of Periods
04
05
34
35
Competency levels
13.1 Exhibits readiness to
prepare operational plans to
achieve institutional
and consumer goals.
13.2 Proposes a suitable method of
production by examining
various methods of production.
Competency
13.Evaluates the
contribution of
operations management
for the success of
businesses.
Subject Content
• Concept of operations
• Operations management
• Definition
• Functions
• Oprations as a transformation process
• Inputs
• Process
• Outputs
• Value added
• Production planning
• Preparation of short-term production programms
• Preparation of long- term production programms
• Research and Development
• Production methods
• Definition
• Classification
• Job production
• Definition
• Advantageous and
Disadvantageous features
No. of Periods
45
05
05
36
Competency levels
13.3 Calculates the Break Even
Point comparing total
income and total production
cost.
Competency Subject Content
• Batch production
• Definition
• Advantageous and disadvantageous features.
• Flow production
• Definition
• Advantageous and disadvantageous features
• Selection of a production method
• Factors to be considered when selecting a
production method.
• Factory layout plan
• Total cost
• Fixed cost
• Variable cost
• Total income
• Break Even Point Analysis
• Using equation
• Using graph
• Advantages of break even point analysis
No. of Periods
05
37
Competency levels
13.4 Points out the facts to be
considered in the successful
purchase of materials.
13.5 Decides on suitable methods
for stock control.
Competency Subject Content
• Purchasing
• Materials
• Services
• Purchasing process
• Facts to be considered in purchasing
• Stock controlling
• Definition
• Necessity
• Stock control methods
• Method of deciding stock levels
• ABC Analysis
• Two bin System
• Computer programmes
• Continuous stock reporting method
• JIT method
No. of Periods
05
05
38
Competency levels
13.6 Decides on the necessary stock
levels to maintain optimum
stock.
13.7 Calculates Economic Order
Quantity considering costs of
stock.
13.8 Examines suitable quality
control methods to confirm
quality of products.
Competency Subject Content
• Stock levels
• Maximum stock level
• Minimum stock level
• Reorder level
• Calculation of stock levels
• Graphical representation of stock levels
• Total costs of stock
• Stock ordering cost
• Stock holding cost
• Economic Order Quantity
• Calculation
• Graphical method
• Mathematical method
• Quality
• Total quality management
• Quality control
• Importance of quality control
• Quality control techniques.
No. of Periods
05
05
05
39
Competency levels
13.9 Proposes procedures for the
improvement of productivity.
14.1 Examines basic concepts on
which marketing is based,
to get optimum results.
Competency
14. Appreciates the
contribution of
marketing
management for the
success of business.
Subject Content
• Productivity
• Importance
• Measurement
• Methods for improvement
• New techniques
• Benefits of the use of new technology
• Problems in the use of new technology
• Marketing
• Definition
• Importance
• Core concepts of marketing
• Needs, wants and demand
• Products
• Value, satisfaction and quality
• Exchange, transactions and relationships
• Market
No. of Periods
05
45
04
40
Competency levels
14.2 Selects the suitable marketing
concept while examining the
evolution of marketing
concepts.
14.3 Decides on the segment of
consumers the products should
be offered to.
.
Competency Subject Content
• Marketing concepts
• Evolution of marketing concepts
• Production concept
• Product concept
• Selling concept
• Marketing concept
• Customer concept
• Societal marketing conept
• Holistic Marketing concept
• Market
• Market segmentation
• Definition
• Benefits of market segmentation
• Bases of consumer market segmentation
• Necessities for productive market segmentation
• Target Market
No. of Periods
04
04
41
Competency levels
14.4 Examines marketing mix andits variables from the point ofview of the businessman and thecustomer
14.5 Decides on a product that cansatisfy the consumer. .
.
Competency Subject Content
• Marketing mix from the point of view of thebusinessman (4P
s)
• Product• Price• Place• Promotion
• Marketing mix for services (7Ps=4P
s+3P
s)
• People• Process• Physical evidence
• Marketing mix from the point of view of the customer(4Cs)• Consumer needs and wants• Cost• Convenience• Communication
• Product• Goods• Services
• Product levels• Core benefits• Basic product• Expected product• Augmented product• Potential product
No. of Periods
05
04
42
Competency levels
14.4 Creates a suitable brand and
trade mark for a product.
14.5 Designs an attractive package
and a label for the product.
.
Competency Subject Content
• Brand and trade mark
• Brand
• Trade mark
• Difference and relationship between brand and
trade mark.
• Characteristics of a brand
• Types of brands
• Benefits of branding
• Packging
• Package
• Types of packages
• Primary package
• Secondary package
• Transportation package
• Benefits of packaging of a product
• Factors to be considered when designing a package
• Labeling
• Label
• Contents of a label
No. of Periods
04
05
43
Competency levels
14.8 Examines ways of setting a
suitable price for a product.
14.9 Selects suitable distribution
channels for the distribution of
products to consumers.
.
Competency Subject Content
• Price
• Pricing objectives
• Surviving in the market
• Profit maximization
• Increasing market share
• Market skimmings
• Product quality leadership
• Pricing methods/strategies
• Selecting a pricing method
• Distribution
• Importance
• Distribution channels
• Distribution channels for consumer goods
• Distribution channels for industrial goods.
• Factors to be considered when selecting a suitable
channel of distribution.
No. of Periods
05
05
44
Competency levels
14.10 Proposes suitable promotion
strategies to market the
products.
15.1 Examines the role of
financial management.
.
Competency
15.Examines ways of
using financial
management for
success of businesses
Subject Content
• Promotion
• Importance
• Promotion mix
• Advertising
• Sales promotion
• Personal selling
• Public relations
• Direct Marketing
• Advantages and limitations of each variable of the
promotion mix
• Financial management
• Goal of financial management
• Financial management decisions
• Investment decisions
• Financing decisions
• Financial planning and controlling of a business
• Budgeting
• Cash budget
• Capital budget
• Cash flow statement
No. of Periods
05
45
05
45
Competency levels
15.2 Assesses alternative sources
of finance to fulfil financial
requirements of a business.
.
Competency Subject Content
• Financial requirements of a business
• Long-term financial requirements
• Short -term financial requirements
• Reasons for long-term financial requirements of a
business.
• Reasons for short term financial requirements of a
business
• Sources of finance
• Classification of sources of finance
• Internal - External
• Direct - Indirect
• Long term - Short term
• Factors to be considered when fulfilling financial
requirements
• Advantages and disadvantages of alternative sources of
finance
No. of Periods
05
46
Competency levels
15.3 Analyses financial position of
a business using financial ratios
15.4 Selects suitable investment
opportunities by examining
alternatives
.
Competency Subject Content
• Financial analysis of a business
• Financial statements
• Financial ratios
• Liquidity ratios
• Profitability ratios
• Activity ratios
• Leverage ratios
• Analysis of financial ratios
• Investment decisions
• Investments in longterm assests
• Short term investments
• Stock
• Trade investments
• Debtors
• Cash balance
No. of Periods
04
04
47
Competency levels
15.5 Examines participation of a
financial market in relation to
financial management.
15.6 Examines the performance of
the financial market in Sri Lanka
15.7 Examines the activities of the
Colombo Stock Exchange
Competency Subject Content
• Financial system of Sri Lanka
• Definition
• Composition
• Financial Institutions
• Financial Instruments
• Financial infrastructural facilities
• Financial Market
• Central Bank
• Financial Market
• Money market
• Capital Market
• Composition of the financial market
• Inter bank call money market
• Domestic foreign exchange market
• Government securities/Debentures market
• Corporate credit securities market
• Share market
• Colombo Stock Exchange
• Definition
• Importance
No. of Periods
04
05
04
48
Competency levels
15.8 Examines the securities traded in
the share market and their
benefits.
Competency Subject Content
• Listing procedures
• Public issue
• Offer for sale
• Introduction
• Primary and secondary markets
• Securities traded on the colombo stock exchange
• Ordinary shares
• Preference shares
• Share warrants
• Corporate debentures
• Government securities
• Benefit of investing in securities
• Direct benefits
• Dividends
• Interests
• Reserves capitalization
• Right issues
• Capital gains
• Indirect benefits
No. of Periods
05
49
Competency levels
15.8 Examines the related institutions
and their functions in the
Colombo Stock Exchange.
15.10 Evaluates performance of the
stock exchange.
Competency Subject Content
• Colombo Stock Exchange Ltd. and its composition
• Central Depositary System
• Functions
• Operations
• Brockers
• Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka.
• Relationship of the above parties to the CSE
• Transaction methods of securities in the CSE'
• Automated trading system (ATS)
• The debt securities trading system (DEX)
• Stock market indices
• All share price index (ASPI)
• Milanka price index (MPI)
• Total return index (TRI)
• Importance of share market indices.
No. of Periods
05
04
50
Competency levels
16.1 Examines the importance of
human resource management
Competency
16.Investigates the way of
using human
resources efficiently to
achieve business
goals effectively
Subject Content
• Human resource management
• Definition
• Specialities of human resource in comparison to other
resources
• Aims
• Increase of productivity of employees
• Employee development
• Employee welfare
• Recruitment of right people at the right time
• Retention of suitable employees
• Motivation of employees
• Control of cost of employees
• Fulfilment of the legal conditions related to
employees
No. of Periods
45
05
51
Competency levels
16.2 Evaluates necessity of job
designing and analysis as a
function of human resource
management.
16.3 Prepares human power plan
necessary for the existence of an
organization
Competency Subject Content
• Job design
• Job analysis
• Job description
• Job specification
• human power planning
• Steps in human power planning
• Forecasting human resource demand
• Analyzing existing human power
• Planning internal supply of employees.
• Planning external supply of employees
• Importance of human power planning
• Factors to be considered when planning human power.
No. of Periods
04
05
52
Competency levels
16.4 Examines ways of recruiting
suitable people for employment
in an organization.
16.5 Prepares a job advertisement to
recruit employees.
16.6 Proposes suitable methods
of selection of suitable
applicants from the applicants
recruited.
Competency Subject Content
• Recruiting employees
• Ways of recruiting
• Internal
• External
• Advantages and disadvantages of each way
• Job advertisement
• Places where jobs are advertised
• Newspaper
• Internet
• Television
• Radio
• Other
• Selection
• Selection methods
• Evaluation of applications
• Interviews
• IQ tests
• Personality tests
• Practical tests
• Background tests
• Medical tests
No. of Periods
04
04
04
53
Competency levels
16.7 Prepares formats of a letter of
appoinment.
16.8 Proposes steps to be taken
to develop and retain
human resources for the
organization.
Competency Subject Content
• Hiring employees.
• Letter of appointment
• Contract of employment
• Importance of a letter of appointment
• Content of a letter of appointment
• Format of a letter of appointment
• Induction
• Probationary period
• Performance appraisal
• Training and development
• Training methods
• Benefits of training
• To the employee
• To the employer
• Employee movements
• Promotions
• Transfers
• Layoffs
• Termination of services
No. of Periods
04
05
54
Competency levels
16.9 Examines evaluation criteria forhuman resource managementfunctions
16.10 Evaluates importance ofgood employer- employee
relations.
Competency Subject Content
• Evaluation criteria for human resource managementfunctions• Labour turnover• Absenteeism• Labour productivity• Industrial relations
• Industrial relations• Benefits of good industrial relations• Consequences of bad industrial relations
• Rights of employers and employees• Responsibilities of employers and employees• Industrial disputes• Trade unions
• Trade unions of employees• Trade unions of employers
• Aims of employees trade unions• Actions of trade unions
• Collective bargaining• Work to rule• Go slow• Abstain from working overtime• Strikes
• Token strikes
• Continuous strikes
No. of Periods
05
05
55
Competency levels
17.1 Shows the necessity ofinformation, examining theevolution of communicationtechnology through various eras.
17.2 Classifies information through theexamination of data processing
Competency
17.Examines thecontribution ofinformation systems forthe efficiency andeffectiveness ofbusinesses.
Subject Content
• Necessity of information• Evolution of communication technology• Various economic eras
• Normadic era• Agricultural era• Industrial era• Information era
• Importance of information
• Data• Information• Difference between data and information• Data processing
• Functions• Technology
• Characteristics of information
• Classification of information
No. of Periods
45
05
05
56
Competency levels
17.3 Shows readiness to usecomputer information systems byexamining functions andcomponents of an informationsystem.
17.4 Classifies information systemsaccording to levels of theirusage while examining methodsof classification of informationsystems.
Competency Subject Content
• System• Information systems
• Definition• Functions
• Inputs• Process• Outputs• Storing
• Components• Hardware• Software• Liveware• Data• Procedures
• Classification of information systems• According to the levels of usage• According to the usage• According to the functions
• Information systems according to the levels of usage.• Strategic level• Management level• Knowledge level• Operational level
No. of Periods
05
05
57
Competency levels
17.5 Classifies information systemsaccording to usage.
17.6 Classifies information systemsaccording to functions.
17.7 Reveals benefits throughexamining informationtechnology.
Competency Subject Content
• Information systems according to usage• Transaction processing systems ( TPS )• Knowledge work systems (KWS )• Office automation systems ( OAS )• Management information systems ( MIS )• Decision support systems ( DSS )• Executive support systems ( ESS )
• Information systems according to functions• Marketing management• Financial management• Operations management• Human resource management• Research and development
• Relationship among various information systems
• Information technology• Definition
• Other technologies related to information technology• Computing technology• Communication technology• Information management technology
• Importance of information technology• Benefits of information technology
No. of Periods
05
05
05
58
Competency levels
17.8 Studies computer networks
17.9 Exhibits readiness to useinternet
Competency Subject Content
• Computer networks• Classification of computer networks
• According to linkage of computers• According to geographical distribution• According to users (according to the objective)
• Internet• Services provided by the internet
• World wide web (www)• e mail• File transfer protocol• Chat facilities• News groups• Tele computing
No. of Periods
05
05
59
Competency levels
18.1 Exhibits readiness to preparea business plan suitable for thebusiness idea by examining thecomponents of a business plan.
18.2 Prepares marketing plansuitable for the business idea.
Competency
18 Prepares businessplans to set upbusinesses.
Subject Content
• Business idea• Selecting a business idea
• Macro analysis• Micro analysis
• Business plan• Definition• Importance• Contents of a business plan
• Executive summary• Description of business• Marketing plan• Operational plan• Human resource plan• Financial plan
• Financial analysis
• Marketing plan• Definition• Importance• Content
• Industry and market analysis• Product (Goods or service )• Target market• Analysis of competition
No. of Periods
40
04
04
60
Competency levels
18.3 Prepares operational plan
according to marketing plan
Competency Subject Content
• Target sale
• Marketing strategies of competitors
• Proposed marketing strategies
• Promotional strategies
• Pricing strategies
• Distribution strategies
• Annual sales forecast
• Marketing expenses
• Operational plan
• Definition
• Importance
• Content
• Production plan
• Fixed assets requirements
• Raw material requirements
• Employee requirements
• Annual production overheads
• Factory layout
• Waste disposal and environmental influences
• Total production cost and unit cost
• Operational expences prior to commencing of business.
No. of Periods
03
61
Competency levels
18.4 Prepares human resourceplan of the business.
18.5 Estimates project cost byexamining the content of thefinancial plan
18.6 Estimates the outcome ofoperations included in thefinancial plan
Competency Subject Content
• Human resource plan• Definition• Importance• Content
• Praticulars about entrepreneures and partners• Basic positions and responsibilities of the
organisational structure• Organisation chart• Annual expences
• Financial plan• Definition• Importance• Contents
• Project cost• Total fixed assets• Total operation cost• Total working capital
• Profit and loss statement ( income statement )• Cash flow statement• Loan repayment schedule• Estimated balance sheet
• Project summary
• Prifit and loss ( income ) statement• Definition• Contents
• Gross sales income• Net sales income• Gross profit• Total indirect cost• Operational profit• Net profit after tax
No. of Periods
03
04
04
62
Competency levels
18.7 Prepares estimated cashflow statement included in thefinancial plan
18.8 Prepares estimated balancesheet included in the financialplan
18.9 Analyses financial statements inrelation to financial plan
Competency Subject Content
• Cash flow statement• Definition• Contents
• Total cash inflows• Total cash outflows• Closing balance
• Balance sheet• Definition• Contents
• Non-current assets• Current assets• Current liabilities• Non-current liabilities• Total input
• Financial statement analysis• Break Even Point analysis• Ratios analysis
No. of Periods
03
03
03
63
Competency levels
18.10 Prepares executive summary.
18.11 Submits business plan.
Competency Subject Content
• Executive summary• Name and address of owner / owners• History of the enterprise• Objectives of the entreprice• Goods or service produced• Market to be competed with• Reasons for the success of the business and
receipt of competitive advantages• Main management team• Total investment
• Owner's contribution• Expected amount borrowings
• Business plan• Cover page• Contents• Executive summary• Description of the business• Product or srevice• Marketing plan• Operational plan• Human resource plan• Financial plan• Annexe
No. of Periods
05
04
310
64
4.0 Learning-Teaching Strategies
Business Studies is a living dynamic subject. It is often subject to change as a result of changes in science and technology and advances in
society. As a result new concepts, principles, approaches and models get added on to this subject. It is essential that the proposed learning- teaching
process should be more practical and student centered. Through such a procedure it will be possible for the student to grasp subject matter more
meaningfully and also provide him / her with pleasure and satisfaction. Consequently, it is necessary that knowledge and skills as well as social ethics
including responsibilities and obligations related to business studies, are employed. The learning-teaching process should be so organized as to ensure
that the various theories, principles and practices that belong to this subject are acquired.
It is expected that the competency-based activities in this syllabus are implemented through activities using an exploratory approach to ensure
that each competency level is reached. The Inquiry Based Learning Approach, the Experiential Learning Approach and the Constructivist Learning
Approach are suggested for the student centered learning - teaching process. Given below are examples of learning-teaching methods with respect to
each learning approach.
• Study of texts and self study. • Tutorials.
• Assignments and Projects. • Drill practice.
• Observation and Exploration. • Field trips.
• Problem solving. • Simulation.
• Brain storming. • Case study.
• Collective group learning method. • Pictorial organization method.
• Games. • Demonstration.
• Debates. • Learning through activity.
• Role Play.
65
The teacher should always perform a very important function as facilitator, monitor and a resource person. It is expected that the student will be
constantly directed to learning-teaching strategies like individual or group activities, assignments and projects with a practical bent that directs him / her
to creative thinking and can connect him / her to the world of business.
5.0 School Policies and Programmes
The success of the learning-teaching activity in the classroom contributes immensely to the effective actualization of the expected aims and
competencies of the subject Business Studies. Therefore, it is important that school policies and programmes are organized with that end in view.
The number of periods assigned for this subject is 310 periods per annum. Although normally, a greater number of periods per annum are
provided for this subject, the present syllabus provides a smaller number of periods for the subject. The additional periods have to be employed for
purpose of implementation instruments of evaluation of the learning-teaching process. Thus, it is anticipated that students will, there by, be provided the
opportunity of further nurturing learning experience. For this purpose attention needs to be paid to the school policies and programmes that can be
utilized.
Programmes that can be implemented
• Market Survey and Research.
• Surveys to identify business opportunities.
• Preparation of a business plan a genuine business opportunity.
• Implementation of a simple suitable business and preparation of a report on it.
• Initiation of a Commercial association or company and its continuation.
• Organization of a Business Day.
66
• Organization of suitable programmes for the maintenance of relations with the local business community.
• Organization of discussions and seminars in order to bring experiences of the field of business into the classroom.
• Organization of Field Trips in order to direct students to the real world of business.
• Directing students to Business Studies for the purpose of conducting the school canteen, Co- operative Store, School Bank etc.
• Directing students to conduct a Wall Newspaper and Periodical specially relevant to new trends in the field of business.
• Organization of field trips to locations considered / important in the field of business and the preparation of a report in that regard.
• Organization of a Trade Fair and through it integrating marketing strategies, accounting and deciding on pricing based on the fair.
• Creation and production of dramas on business ethics and social responsibilities.
• Establishment of a young entrepreneurial success program and commencement of a business to be run for two years.
• Organization of debates.
• Directing students to surf the internet for information on new trends in the world of business.
It is essential that policy specific to each school is built for the purpose of organizing activities and programmes like those above, specific to this
subject. As such, it is appropriate that committee comprising the Commerce teachers and students is courtituted for the preparation of programmes and
policies for this subject with respect to both years as a sub-programme of the annual school programme. It is best that committee decides on the
programmes and policies it proposes to implement concurrently with the subject Business Studies for Advanced Level and combine same with the annual
programme of the school. In all these instances the basis should be the needs of the students and parents, the real stakeholders in education, as well as
state policy. Similarly, it is essential that the relevant resources, funds and relation between the school and community are subject to close study.
67
6.0 Assessment and Evaluation.
The creative preparation and implementation of learning-teaching evaluation programmes to cover prescribed competencies and competency
levels for each term under the School-based Assessment Programme, is expected.
This syllabus is prescribed for the G.C.E. (A/L) examination, the national level evaluation conducted at the end of Grade 13. The national level
examination conducted by the Examinations Department of Sri Lanka, based on this syllabus will be conducted for the first time in 2011. Necessary
details regarding the structure and nature of question papers of this examination will be provided by the Department of Examinations.
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