Oxford AQA International AS Business specification (9625)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA International AS Business exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Oxford AQA International AS Business specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Oxford AQA International AS Business (9625) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Oxford AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
OxfordAQA’s International AS Business qualification encourages students to develop an interest in the business world through the study of contemporary issues and real-life case studies. The course is designed to build enthusiasm and inspire students of all abilities by equipping them with skills in analysis, critical thinking, and decision making. It highlights key business developments such as digital technology, business ethics, and globalisation. The specification builds on prior knowledge from International GCSE, fostering progression in business education and providing a foundation for higher education or employment. Assessment methods, including essays, data responses, and case studies, support the development of practical and evaluative business skills.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 Business and markets
3.1.1 What is business?
- Understand business concepts: inputs, transformation, outputs, adding value.
- Strategy, objectives, risk, profit, stakeholders, ethical decisions.
- Entrepreneurship, start-ups, business impact on economy and society.
- Types of business ownership: sole traders, companies, co-operatives, non-profits.
- The external environment's effect on markets, demand, costs, and profits.
3.1.2 Marketing
- Marketing objectives, planning, and influence on competitiveness.
- Value of marketing data and research, including sampling and forecasting.
- Market segmentation, targeting, positioning in various markets.
- The marketing mix (7Ps): product, price, place, promotion, people, process, physical evidence.
3.2 Managing operations, human resources and finance
3.2.1 Operational performance
- Operations management, objectives, planning, data analysis.
- Managing capacity, efficiency, productivity, quality, flexibility, customer service.
- Inventory control, supply chain management, logistics.
3.2.2 Human resources
- Human resource planning, objectives, organisational design.
- Motivation theories and methods, employer-employee relations.
3.2.3 Finance
- Financial objectives, budgeting, interpreting financial data.
- Sources of finance, breakeven analysis, cash flow management, profitability.
3.3 Business strategy and business decision making
3.3.1 Mission, objectives and strategy
- Business objectives, SWOT analysis, stakeholder mapping.
3.3.2 Analysing internal position
- Financial performance analysis, ratio analysis, non-financial data.
3.3.3 Analysing industry environment
- Porter’s five forces.
3.3.4-3.3.6 Analysing external environment
- Political, legal, economic, social, technological, environmental change.
3.3.7 Analysing strategic options
- Investment appraisal, sensitivity analysis.
3.3.8 Choosing strategic direction
- Ansoff matrix, market choices, Bowman’s clock, competitive advantage.
3.3.9 Strategic methods
- Growth, retrenchment, innovation, internationalisation.
3.3.10 Managing strategic change
- Leadership, change management, organisational culture, strategic implementation.
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Business and markets
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks
- 50% of International AS, 20% of International A-level
- Three compulsory sections:
- Section A: multiple choice, short answer, data response (≈17 marks)
- Section B: extended response (≈27 marks)
- Section C: extended response (≈36 marks)
Unit 2: Managing operations, human resources and finance
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks
- 50% of International AS, 20% of International A-level
- Three compulsory sections:
- Section A: multiple choice, short answer, data response (≈17 marks)
- Section B: extended response (≈27 marks)
- Section C: extended response (≈36 marks)
Unit 3: Business strategy
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks
- 30% of International A-level
- Two compulsory sections:
- Section A: case study with short answer and extended response (≈40 marks)
- Section B: case study with short answer and extended response (≈40 marks)
Unit 4: Business decision making
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks
- 30% of International A-level
- Two compulsory sections:
- Section A: extended response (≈36 marks)
- Section B: case study with short answer questions and business report (≈44 marks)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA International AS Business isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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