The IGCSE Business Studies syllabus develops students’ understanding of business activity in the public and private sectors, and the importance of innovation and change. Students learn how the major types of business organisation are established, financed and run, and how their activities are regulated. Factors influencing business decision-making are also considered, as are the essential values of cooperation and interdependence. Through their studies, students not only learn about business concepts and techniques but also enhance related skills such as numeracy and enquiry.

The aims, which are not listed in order of priority, are to enable candidates to:

• make effective use of relevant terminology, concepts and methods and recognise the strengths and limitations of the ideas used;
• apply their knowledge and critical understanding to current issues and problems in a wide range of appropriate contexts;
• distinguish between facts and opinions, and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data in order to help build arguments and make informed judgements;
• appreciate the perspectives of a range of stakeholders in relation to the environment, individuals, society, government and enterprise;
• develop knowledge and understanding of the major groups and organisations within and outside business and consider ways in which they are able to influence objectives, decisions and activities;
• develop knowledge and understanding of how the main types of businesses and commercial institutions are organised, financed and operated and how their relations with other organisations, consumers, employees, owners and society are regulated;
• develop skills of numeracy, literacy, enquiry, selection and employment of relevant sources of information, presentation and interpretation;
• develop an awareness of the nature and significance of innovation and change within the context of business activities.