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Business

Official iGCSE Syllabus From 2019

In this business course you will develop an understanding of business concepts, business terminology, business objectives and the integrated nature of business activity.

At the end of this course you will understand how the main types of business are organised, financed and operated.

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Study Time: 130 hours
Access & Support: 24 months
Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel
Exam Year: From 2019
Exam Type: iGCSE
Course Code: 4BS1

Course fee: £49

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Full online access to courses for GCSEs & iGCSEs, aligned with various exam boards. Divided into manageable 30-minute lessons.

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Course Content

Areas of Study in iGCSE Business From 2019

Business Activity and Influences on Business 54 lessons
Business and the International Economy 9 lessons
1 Concept of Globalisation
2 Opportunities and Threats of Globalisation
3 Importance and Growth of Multinationals
4 Benefits of Becoming a Multinational
5 Benefits to Countries from Multinationals
6 Drawbacks to Countries from Multinationals
7 Exchange Rate Calculations
8 Impact of Exchange Rate Changes on Competitiveness
9 Impact on Importers and Exporters
Business Objectives 8 lessons
1 Introduction to Business Objectives
2 Financial Aims and Objectives - Survival and Profit
3 Financial Aims and Objectives - Sales and Market Share
4 Non-financial Aims and Objectives - Social Objectives
5 Non-financial Aims and Objectives - Personal Satisfaction
6 Why Business Aims Change - Market Conditions
7 Why Business Aims Change - Technology and Performance
8 Why Business Aims Change - Legislation and Internal Reasons
Classification of Businesses 3 lessons
1 Primary Sector - Extracting Raw Materials
2 Secondary Sector - Manufacturing and Production
3 Tertiary Sector - Service Provision
Decisions on Location 5 lessons
1 Factors Influencing Location - Proximity to Market
2 Factors Influencing Location - Labour and Materials
3 Factors Influencing Location - Competitors and Business Activity
4 Impact of Internet on Location Decisions
5 Legal Controls and Trade Blocs
External Factors 4 lessons
1 Social Factors Affecting Business Decisions
2 Technological Factors Affecting Business Decisions
3 Environmental Factors Affecting Business Decisions
4 Political Factors Affecting Business Decisions
Government Objectives and Policies 7 lessons
1 Government Spending on Public Services
2 Taxation and Constraints on Public Spending
3 Infrastructure Provision
4 Government Legislation Effects
5 Trade Policy - Trading Blocs and Tariffs
6 Effect of Interest Rates on Businesses
7 Effect of Interest Rates on Consumer Spending
Types of Organisations 13 lessons
1 Sole Traders - Characteristics and Features
2 Partnerships - Structure and Organisation
3 Limited Companies - Private Limited Companies
4 Limited Companies - Public Limited Companies
5 Public Corporations - Features and Purposes
6 Risk, Ownership and Limited Liability
7 Public Corporations - Arguments For and Against
8 Sources of Finance and Use of Profits
9 Stakeholders and Shareholders
10 Appropriateness of Different Forms of Ownership
11 Franchises - Structure and Benefits
12 Social Enterprises - Purpose and Function
13 Multinationals - Characteristics and Operations
What Makes a Business Successful? 5 lessons
1 Measuring Success - Revenue and Market Share
2 Measuring Success - Customer and Profit
3 Measuring Success - Growth and Stakeholder Satisfaction
4 Reasons for Business Failure - Cash Flow Problems
5 Reasons for Business Failure - Competition and Market Changes
Business Finance 49 lessons
Accounts Analysis 11 lessons
1 Gross Profit Margin Calculations
2 Operating Profit Margin Calculations
3 Markup Calculations
4 Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)
5 Current Ratio Calculations
6 Acid Test Ratio Calculations
7 Concept and Importance of Liquidity
8 Comparisons with Previous Years
9 Comparisons with Other Businesses
10 Using Financial Documents to Assess Performance
11 Using Financial Documents for Decision Making
Business Finance - Sources 11 lessons
1 Need for Finance - Short-term Needs
2 Need for Finance - Long-term Needs
3 Need for Finance - Start-up and Expansion
4 Internal Sources - Personal Savings
5 Internal Sources - Retained Profit
6 Internal Sources - Selling Assets
7 External Sources - Overdraft and Trade Payables
8 External Sources - Loan Capital and Share Capital
9 External Sources - Stock Market Flotation
10 External Sources - Venture Capital
11 External Sources - Crowdfunding
Cash Flow Forecasting 7 lessons
1 Importance of Cash - Paying Suppliers and Overheads
2 Importance of Cash - Preventing Business Failure
3 Difference Between Cash and Profit
4 Cash Flow Forecasts - Cash Inflows
5 Cash Flow Forecasts - Cash Outflows
6 Cash Flow Forecasts - Net Cash Flow
7 Cash Flow Forecasts - Opening and Closing Balances
Costs and Break-even Analysis 10 lessons
1 Revenue Calculations
2 Fixed and Variable Costs
3 Total Costs Calculations
4 Profit and Loss Calculations
5 Break-even Concept
6 Break-even Calculations from Formula
7 Break-even Calculations from Diagrams
8 Break-even Charts - Impact of Revenue Changes
9 Break-even Charts - Impact of Cost Changes
10 Limitations of Break-even Charts
Financial Documents 10 lessons
1 Purpose of Statements of Comprehensive Income
2 Statement Features - Sales and Cost of Sales
3 Statement Features - Gross Profit and Expenses
4 Statement Features - Operating Profit
5 Using Statements in Decision Making
6 Nature and Importance of Profit
7 Purpose of Statements of Financial Position
8 Statement Features - Current and Non-current Assets
9 Statement Features - Liabilities and Capital
10 Interpreting Statements of Financial Position
Business Operations 23 lessons
Economies and Diseconomies of Scale 3 lessons
1 Internal Economies of Scale
2 External Economies of Scale
3 Diseconomies of Scale - Limits of Growth
Factors of Production 2 lessons
1 Enterprise, Capital, Land and Labour
2 Capital-intensive vs Labour-intensive Activities
Production 13 lessons
1 Job Production Process
2 Batch Production Process
3 Flow Production Process
4 Labour and Capital Intensive Production
5 Impact of Different Types of Production
6 Productivity Calculations
7 Impact of Productivity Improvements
8 Just-in-Time (JIT) Production
9 Kaizen Principles
10 Importance of Using Resources Effectively
11 Use of Robotics in Production
12 Balancing Cost, Productivity and Quality
13 Balancing Quality and Flexibility
Quality 5 lessons
1 Concept of Quality in Production
2 Concept of Quality in Services
3 Quality Control Systems
4 Total Quality Management (TQM)
5 Quality for Competitive Advantage
Marketing 53 lessons
Market Research 15 lessons
1 Purpose of Market Research - Understanding Customer Needs
2 Purpose of Market Research - Identifying Market Gaps
3 Purpose of Market Research - Reducing Risk
4 Purpose of Market Research - Informing Business Decisions
5 Primary Research - Surveys
6 Primary Research - Questionnaires
7 Primary Research - Focus Groups
8 Primary Research - Observation
9 Primary Research - Test Marketing
10 Secondary Research - Internet
11 Secondary Research - Market Reports
12 Secondary Research - Government Reports
13 Qualitative and Quantitative Data
14 Role of Social Media in Market Research
15 Importance of Reliability in Market Research
The Market 13 lessons
1 Importance of Marketing - Satisfying Customer Needs
2 Importance of Marketing - Building Customer Relationships
3 Importance of Marketing - Customer Loyalty
4 Market Orientation vs Product Orientation
5 Market Share and Analysis
6 Niche and Mass Marketing
7 Responding to Changing Customer Needs
8 Responding to Changing Spending Patterns
9 Responding to Increased Competition
10 Market Segmentation by Location
11 Market Segmentation by Demographics
12 Market Segmentation by Lifestyle
13 Market Segmentation by Income and Age
The Marketing Mix 25 lessons
1 Product Development - New Products and Services
2 Difference Between Goods and Services
3 Packaging and Its Importance
4 Product Life Cycle - Introduction and Growth
5 Product Life Cycle - Maturity and Decline
6 Extension Strategies
7 Managing Product Portfolio - Boston Matrix
8 Price - Cost Plus Pricing
9 Price - Penetration Pricing
10 Price - Competition Pricing
11 Price - Skimming Pricing
12 Price - Promotional Pricing
13 Place - Distribution Through Retailers
14 Place - Distribution Through E-tailers
15 Promotion - Advertising
16 Promotion - Sponsorship
17 Promotion - Product Trials
18 Promotion - Special Offers
19 Promotion - Branding
20 Above the Line and Below the Line Promotion
21 Public Relations - Improving Company Image
22 Technology in Promotion - Targeted Online Advertising
23 Technology in Promotion - Viral Advertising
24 Technology in Promotion - E-newsletters
25 Importance of a Brand
People in Business 45 lessons
Internal and External Communication 6 lessons
1 Importance of Good Communication
2 Problems of Ineffective Communication
3 Communication Methods and IT Benefits
4 Communication Methods - Limitations
5 How Communication Barriers Arise
6 Removing Communication Barriers
Motivation and Rewards 10 lessons
1 Importance of Motivation - Attracting Employees
2 Importance of Motivation - Retaining Employees and Productivity
3 Herzberg Two-Factor Motivational Theory
4 Maslow Hierarchy of Needs Motivational Theory
5 Taylor Scientific Management Motivational Theory
6 Financial Methods - Remuneration and Bonus
7 Financial Methods - Commission and Promotion
8 Financial Methods - Fringe Benefits
9 Non-financial Methods - Job Rotation
10 Non-financial Methods - Job Enrichment and Autonomy
Organisation Structure and Employees 13 lessons
1 Hierarchical Organisation Charts
2 Flat Organisation Charts
3 Centralised and Decentralised Structures
4 Span of Control
5 Chain of Command
6 Delegation
7 Human Resources - Workforce Planning
8 Human Resources - Recruitment and Training
9 Human Resources - Health and Safety
10 Human Resources - Employment Issues and Relations
11 Finance Department Functions
12 Marketing Department Functions
13 Production Department Functions
Recruitment and Selection Process 10 lessons
1 Types of Employment - Full-time and Part-time
2 Types of Employment - Job Share and Temporary
3 Job Descriptions and Person Specifications
4 Application Forms and CVs
5 Internal and External Recruitment
6 Job Advertisements and Shortlisting
7 Interviewing Process
8 Equal Opportunities - Gender, Race and Disability
9 Equal Opportunities - Religion, Sexual Preference and Age
10 Minimum Wage Laws
Training 6 lessons
1 Importance of Training to Business and Workers
2 Induction Training
3 On-the-job Training
4 Off-the-job Training
5 Compliance with Health and Safety Laws
6 Benefits and Limitations of Training
Revision and Assessment Preparation 36 lessons
Final Revision and Exam Technique 14 lessons
1 Command Words and Question Analysis
2 Calculation Skills and Formula Application
3 Case Study Analysis Techniques
4 Evaluation and Justification Skills
5 Time Management in Examinations
6 Business Terminology and Definitions
7 Cross-theme Connections and Applications
8 Common Examination Mistakes
9 Final Practice Papers
10 Paper 1 Final Mock Examination
11 Paper 2 Final Mock Examination
12 Mock Examination Review and Feedback
13 Last-minute Revision Techniques
14 Examination Day Preparation and Strategy
Paper 1 Preparation - Small Businesses 11 lessons
1 Small Business Case Study Analysis
2 Small Business Financial Calculations
3 Small Business Marketing Strategies
4 Small Business Operations Management
5 Small Business Human Resources
6 Small Business Multiple Choice Practice
7 Small Business Short Answer Questions
8 Small Business Data Response Questions
9 Small Business Extended Response Questions
10 Small Business Mock Examination
11 Small Business Examination Feedback and Review
Paper 2 Preparation - Large Businesses 11 lessons
1 Large Business Case Study Analysis
2 Large Business Global Operations
3 Large Business Financial Analysis
4 Large Business Marketing and Branding
5 Large Business Organisational Structure
6 Large Business Multiple Choice Practice
7 Large Business Short Answer Questions
8 Large Business Data Response Questions
9 Large Business Extended Response Questions
10 Large Business Mock Examination
11 Large Business Examination Feedback and Review
Free Lessons - Try This Course Out!

For Parents: Supporting Your Child's GCSE Journey

BrainyLemons gives parents peace of mind whilst empowering your child to excel in their GCSEs. Our platform transforms studying into an engaging, self-paced experience that fits your family's busy schedule.

Your child learns at their own pace in manageable 30-minute blocks, perfect for fitting around school and family time. The interactive approach with quizzes, games, and rewards makes studying enjoyable rather than a chore.

Key benefits for parents:

  • Complete safety – fully moderated, child-friendly platform
  • Progress tracking – detailed reports show strengths and areas needing support
  • Flexible scheduling – study when it suits your routine
  • Study guide resource – easily monitor topics and upcoming lessons

You'll have full visibility of your child's progress, allowing you to celebrate achievements and identify where additional support might help. With BrainyLemons, you're investing in a supportive learning environment that grows with your child's needs.

Parent and child studying together

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BrainyLemons?

BrainyLemons is an online learning platform that provides comprehensive GCSE and iGCSE courses designed for home study. We offer expert-created content, virtual tutoring support, and flexible learning schedules to help students achieve their academic goals from anywhere in the world.

How do I know if home learning is right for me?

Home learning with BrainyLemons is perfect if you're:

  • Self-motivated and disciplined
  • Prefer flexible scheduling
  • Need to work around other commitments
  • Want personalised pacing

Our 30-minute lesson format makes it easy to fit studying into your daily routine, whether you're homeschooled, supplementing traditional education, or retaking subjects.

What age groups do you cater to?

Our courses are designed for students typically aged 14-18 taking GCSEs and iGCSEs. However, we welcome adult learners and mature students who want to gain qualifications or improve their knowledge in specific subjects.

Which exam boards do you cover?

We offer courses aligned with major exam boards including:

  • AQA
  • Cambridge
  • Pearson Edexcel

Each course clearly states which exam board it follows, so you can choose the right one for your needs.

How many subjects can I study at once?

You can enroll in as many subjects as you feel comfortable managing. Most students take 5-9 subjects, but this depends on your goals, available study time, and other commitments. We recommend starting with 3-4 subjects if you're new to home learning.

How long does each course take to complete?

Course duration varies by subject, typically ranging from 100-200 hours of study time. With our flexible approach, you can:

  • Intensive study: Complete in 6 months (4-5 hours per week)
  • Standard pace: Complete in 12 months (2-3 hours per week)
  • Extended study: Spread over 18-24 months for lighter commitment
Are your courses up to date with the latest syllabus?

Yes! All our courses are regularly updated to reflect the most current exam board specifications. We clearly indicate which exam year each course is designed for (e.g., 2026 specifications).

What does a typical lesson look like?

Each lesson is designed to take approximately 30 minutes and includes:

  • Clear learning objectives
  • Engaging video content or interactive materials
  • Written explanations and examples
  • Practice questions
  • Knowledge check quizzes
  • Progress tracking
Can I learn at my own pace?

Absolutely! One of our key advantages is flexible, self-paced learning. You can study when it suits you, repeat lessons as needed, and accelerate through topics you find easier. Our bespoke study timetable feature helps you plan your learning journey.

What if I get stuck on a topic?

We provide multiple support options:

  • 24/7 AI advisors for instant help
  • Virtual tutors specializing in each subject
  • Detailed explanations and worked examples
  • Interactive quizzes to test understanding
  • Progress reports highlighting areas needing attention
Do you provide practice papers and exam preparation?

Yes! Each course includes extensive revision materials, practice questions, and exam-style assessments. Our progress tracking system identifies your strengths and areas for improvement, helping you focus your revision effectively.

What equipment do I need?

You only need:

  • A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access
  • A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
  • Basic writing materials for note-taking
  • Optional: Printer for worksheets and practice papers
Can I access courses offline?

While our platform is primarily online to ensure you have the latest content and features, you can download certain materials like worksheets and revision guides for offline study.

Do you arrange exams for students?

No, you are responsible for booking and paying for your own exams. Exam fees are not included in course subscriptions. However, we provide guidance on finding local exam centres and understanding the booking process.

How do I find an exam centre?

We recommend:

  1. Contacting local schools, colleges, or sixth forms
  2. Searching online exam centre directories
  3. Contacting the exam board directly
  4. Considering private exam centres

We provide a helpful guide on our website with step-by-step instructions for finding and booking exam centres.

When should I book my exams?

Most exam boards require registration 4-6 months before the exam date. We recommend researching exam centres and booking as early as possible, especially for less common subjects or if you live in a remote area.

What grades do students typically achieve?

Our students have a 97% success rate, with many achieving grades 7-9 (A*-A equivalent). Success depends on consistent study, engagement with materials, and effective exam preparation.

How much do courses cost?

Individual courses start from £49.99-£50 per subject. We also offer bundle discounts for multiple subjects and payment plan options to make learning more affordable.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes! We provide:

  • Multi-subject bundle discounts
  • Early bird pricing for advance bookings
  • Price match promise against competitors
  • Special offers for newsletter subscribers
  • Family discounts for siblings
What's included in the course fee?

Your course fee includes:

  • 24 months access to all course materials
  • 260+ lessons per subject (varies by course)
  • Virtual tutor support
  • AI advisor access (24/7)
  • Progress tracking and reporting
  • Interactive quizzes and assessments
  • Revision materials and practice papers
What's NOT included?

Course fees do not include:

  • Exam registration fees
  • Exam centre costs
  • Physical textbooks (though digital resources are provided)
  • Individual face-to-face tutoring
What support do parents receive?

Parents get:

  • Detailed progress reports showing strengths and areas needing support
  • Study guide resources to monitor upcoming lessons
  • Complete visibility of their child's learning journey
  • Safety assurance with our fully moderated, child-friendly platform
  • Flexible scheduling options to fit family routines
How do you ensure student safety online?

We maintain a fully moderated, child-friendly platform with:

  • Secure login systems
  • Monitored virtual tutor interactions
  • Age-appropriate content
  • Privacy protection measures
  • Clear reporting mechanisms for any concerns
What if I'm not satisfied with my course?

We're confident in our course quality, but if you're not satisfied within the first 14 days, we offer a full refund. After this period, we'll work with you to address any specific concerns and ensure you get the most from your learning experience.

How does online learning compare to classroom teaching?

Online learning with BrainyLemons offers:

  • Flexibility: Study when and where it suits you
  • Personalisation: Learn at your own pace
  • Accessibility: 24/7 access to materials and support
  • Focused attention: No classroom distractions
  • Comprehensive resources: Everything you need in one place

However, it requires more self-discipline and motivation than traditional classroom learning.

Will universities and employers accept my qualifications?

Yes! GCSEs and iGCSEs obtained through independent study are identical to those achieved in traditional schools. What matters is your exam results, not how you prepared for them. Our courses prepare you for the same official exams as school students.

How do I stay motivated when studying alone?

We help maintain motivation through:

  • Clear progress tracking and celebration of achievements
  • Interactive quizzes and games that make learning fun
  • Regular check-ins with virtual tutors
  • Flexible scheduling that prevents burnout
  • Community features to connect with other learners
How can I contact support?
  • Email: support@brainylemons.com
  • Live Chat: Available on our website during business hours
  • Help Centre: Comprehensive guides and tutorials
  • Community Forum: Connect with other students and get peer support
What makes BrainyLemons different from other online learning platforms?
  • Expert-created content aligned with official exam specifications
  • 30-minute lesson format perfect for busy schedules
  • 24/7 AI support plus specialised virtual tutors
  • 97% success rate with proven results
  • Comprehensive progress tracking for students and parents
  • Affordable pricing with flexible payment options
  • 12 months access giving you plenty of time to complete courses
Got questions? Contact us!

Brainy Lemons helps you learn with AI

Our unique learning assistant is always on hand if there's something you don't understand and is trained on your subject. Our advanced AI will also read content to you helping you really learn and momorise important facts and concepts.

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