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ICT in business, administration and finance principal learning

Students will be able to consider the contribution that technology makes to business functions. They will also discover how new technologies can affect businesses and bring about change. With opportunities to set up and run their own business, and to sell a product or service, they develop their confidence, creativity and employability skills, including knowledge of and proficiency with the use of various technologies.The business, administration and finance principal learning requires students to use ICT skills that are relevant for employment in the business, administration and finance sectors and that would aid progression to higher level qualifications. A large number of these skills concentrate on processing of numerical data using spreadsheet applications. However there are also requirements for students to develop their ICT knowledge and skills in using communication technologies and digital imaging.

Levels 1 and 2 At levels 1 and 2 students use spreadsheet applications and other finance and accounting software packages. In •(Level 1 unit 1) , as they come to understand market research and promotion, students use spreadsheets to analyse data and create graphs and charts. In

•(Level 2 unit 4) , as students are introduced to the financial services sector, they should have opportunities to explore spreadsheet calculations and record transactions, and financial accounting packages for financial planning, and see how these software packages interact with electronic point-of-sale systems, radio-frequency identification (RFID) and wireless terminals. Also in •(Level 1 unit 1) students should use ICT to explore business websites and to consider business services in their local area by using online business service directories.

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As students explore the importance of business administration to the operation of businesses, in •(Level 2 unit 3) there are opportunities for the development of word-processing skills (memos and invoices), email-writing and use of spreadsheets and databases. In developing their customer service skills and personal selling techniques in •(Level 1 unit 5) there could be opportunities for the use of digital imaging, audio and video capture and editing to analyse customer service performance. •(Level 2 unit 1) provides excellent opportunities for the use of simulation software to explore areas such as setting up a business enterprise.

Teaching implications for levels 1 and 2

There is a focus in the business, administration and finance principal learning on using spreadsheets, with opportunities for presenting information, using communication tools and digital imaging technologies. In order to prepare students adequately for their functional skills level 2 test, students should be given exposure to manipulating databases in the context of the business, administration and finance sectors. Alternatively they could be given consolidation activities or discrete classes.

Level 3There are numerous opportunities for students to use spreadsheets to store and process data and generate tables and charts from market surveys and opinion polls. They could model alternative scenarios in •(Level 3 unit 1) , •(Level 3 unit 4) and •(Level 3 unit 6) .In •(Level 3 unit 4) students should also be using financial accounting packages to explore higher level financial areas such as corporate taxation and budgetary control in organisations. They should have opportunities in •(Level 3 unit 1) to use business simulation software at an appropriate level, including development of business and entrepreneurship skills and an understanding of how innovation and creativity impact on business and society.Students would benefit from exposure to specialist software that they are likely to encounter in the business, administration and finance sectors, such as project management tools. Project management skills would be useful to students at level 3.There are instances in several units where they might use these software tools to help to manage a team project for a business purpose. They would also gain considerably from opportunities in •(Level 3 unit 6) and •(Level 3 unit 8) to use video and audio capture devices and software to be able to demonstrate effective customer service and their understanding of the purpose, principles and techniques of marketing.

Teaching implications for level 3

At level 3 there is scope to work beyond level 2. Students should be given exposure to manipulating databases in the context of the business, administration and finance sectors.

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Business enterprise Level 1 unit 1

Area: know and understand what makes a good business idea and what makes a product or service successful.IT knowledge and understanding: research (Internet, CD/DVD); use of key words and phrases; organising information (bookmarks and favourites); use of word-processing/desktop publishing/presentation software. Example activities:

• develop a strategy for searching local online business directories; search techniques

• format and re-size text in presentational software promoting a product.Overlap with key stage 4 programme of study: Key processes 2.1 Finding information c, d.Supportive prior learning: key stage 3 Key processes 2.1 Finding information a, b, d.

Customer service Level 1 unit 5

Area: understand the role of customer services in a business and how an effective organisation provides these services.IT knowledge and understanding: research (Internet, CD/DVD); checking the validity of the information. Example activity: Develop, present and communicate information – Skill standard 5.1: use video or audio to present evidence of interaction with customers.Overlap with key stage 4: Key processes 2.1 Finding information c, d; 2.2 Developing ideas b; 2.3 Communicating information a.Supportive prior learning: key stage 3 Key processes 2.1 Finding information a, b, d; 2.2 Developing ideas b, c; 2.3 Communicating information a.

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Business enterpriseLevel 2 unit 1

Areas: know about entrepreneurs

• understand what makes a good business idea and develop this into a business proposal

• understand what makes a product or service successful and plan a business enterprise.IT knowledge and understanding: research (Internet, CD/DVD); use advanced search options to refine searches; use of word-processing/presentation software; use spreadsheets to store information in tabular form and perform calculations in financial models; use business simulation software.Example activities:

• search the Internet and gather and check validity of information to put together a business plan, including a financial plan

• use business simulation software to model a business idea, and then evaluate the software.Overlap with key stage 4: Key processes 2.1 Finding information c, d; 2.2 Developing ideas c.Supportive prior learning: key stage 3 Key processes 2.1 Finding information a, b, d; 2.3 Communicating information a.

Business administrationLevel 2 unit 3

Areas:

• know the different roles and processes in a business administration environment

• understand the importance of good and clear communication using standard business documents and working safely in a team. IT knowledge and understanding: use of word-processing/desktop publishing software; combining text, tabular, numerical information and images to create printed and electronic documents that are fit for audience and purpose; communicating and exchanging information; how businesses use databases.Example activities:

• investigate how business use databases to manage customer relationships and generate quotes, statements and accounts

• set out a flow-chart of how a retailer’s point-of-sale system links up with their accounting system.Overlap with key stage 4: Key processes 2.1 Finding information c, d; 2.2 Developing ideas c; 2.3 Communicating information c.Supportive prior learning: key stage 3 Key processes 2.1 Finding information a, b, d; 2.2 Developing ideas a, b, d 2.3 Communicating information a.

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Personal finance and financial servicesLevel 2 unit 4

Areas:

• understand how plan and manage personal finance

• know how to choose and use current and savings accounts and services

• understand income, taxation and other personal costs.IT knowledge and understanding: research (Internet, CD/DVD); use advanced search options to refine searches; use of word-processing/presentation software; use spreadsheets to store information in tabular form and perform calculations in financial models; use business simulation software.Example activities:

• research the Internet for savings accounts, gathering information on key features, deciding on the most important features for personal circumstances (interest rates, accessibility of funds, etc)

• create a spreadsheet to model personal finances over the forthcoming year and model different scenarios, eg getting a Saturday job, different budget for clothes.

Overlap with key stage 4: Key processes 2.1 Finding information c, d; 2.2 Developing ideas b, c; 2.3 Communicating information a.Supportive prior learning: key stage 3 Key processes 2.1 Finding information a, b, d; 2.2 Developing ideas b; 2.3 Communicating information a.

Business enterpriseLevel 3 unit 1

Area: develop, produce and present a business plan based on a viable business idea. IT knowledge and understanding: using spreadsheets to store information in tabular form and perform calculations in financial models, surveys and market analysis.Example activity: use a spreadsheet to model a break-even point and an alternative scenario. Overlap with AS/A level applied ICT: applications software used for presentation and communication of data; applications software for modelling numerical data.Supportive prior learning: key stage 4 Key processes 2.1 Finding information c, d; 2.2 Developing ideas b, c; 2.3 Communicating information a.

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Business finance and accountingLevel 3 unit 4

Areas:

• know how to prepare and interpret financial accounts and statements; use these to make forecasts and business decisions

• understand how financial information is used in business.IT knowledge and understanding: communicate and exchange information; use of word-processing/desktop publishing/presentation/spreadsheet software; use spreadsheets to store information in tabular form and perform calculations in financial models, surveys and market analysis.Example activities:

• use financial management software to run an output report, having specified criteria such as budget code, dates and whether purchase order or non-purchase order

• create a database with functions and features to generate customer invoices and accounts.Overlap with AS/A level applied ICT: applications software used for presentation and communication of data; applications software for modelling numerical data.Supportive prior learning: key stage 4 Key processes 2.1 Finding information c, d; 2.2 Developing ideas b, c; 2.3 Communicating information a.

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Marketing and sales Level 3 unit 6

Areas:

• know the principles of marketing and plan the marketing of a product or service including performing quantitative market research

• know how to promote a business online.IT knowledge and understanding: research (Internet, CD/DVD); use of key words and phrases; copyright; use word-processing/desktop publishing software; communicating and exchanging information; use spreadsheets to store information in tabular form and perform calculations in financial models, surveys and market analysis; use databases with functions and features to track sales and stock.Example activities:

• record and edit a video clip to incorporate in a web page, as part of a marketing campaign

• use a spreadsheet with functions and formulas to model two different scenarios for predicted sales.Overlap with AS/A level applied ICT: value and importance of information; applications software used for presentation and communication of data; applications software for modelling numerical data.Supportive prior learning: key stage 4 Key processes 2.1 Finding information c, d; 2.2 Developing ideas b, c; 2.3 Communicating information a.

Customer services Level 3 unit 8

Area: know about factors that influence customer experience and be able to handle customer transactions. IT knowledge and understanding: research (Internet, CD/DVD); use of key words and phrases; copyright; use word-processing/desktop publishing/ database software; how business use databases to support customer relationships.Example activity: create a customer database with functions and features to flag up recurring events.Overlap with AS/A level applied ICT: applications software used for presentation and communication of data.Supportive prior learning: key stage 4 Key processes 2.1 Finding information c, d.