BUSINESSLevel 2 and Level 3

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What are Cambridge Technicals?Cambridge Technicals are vocational qualifications at Level 2 and Level 3 that have been developed on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

Why Cambridge?Cambridge Technicals have been developed by building on our link with the University of Cambridge and the Cambridge Approach to assessment and its reputation for offering creative and inspiring vocational qualifications. We’ve done this by ensuring that Cambridge Technicals have a clear, practical and sensible approach to assessment. We’ve worked in partnership with practising tutors/teachers, as well as industry specialists and leading employers in the development of these qualifications and the support materials, to offer your students an exciting, inspiring and challenging qualification created to develop transferable skills that are essential in the workplace or for further study.

Cambridge Technicals – Business Level 2 Cambridge Technical Certificate in Business

Level 2 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Business

Level 2 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Business

Level 3 Cambridge Technical Certificate in Business

Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Business

Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma in Business

Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Business

Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Business

BusinessFrom small, single-owner enterprises to large multinational organisations, the impact of businesses is far reaching. They provide goods and services, create jobs and growth in the economy, as well as creating new opportunities through skill development and innovation.

Our Level 2 and Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Business encapsulate this through a wide range of units enabling learners to focus on specific areas including finance, human resources, and marketing. They are an ideal foundation for students entering the workplace or for those who wish to progress to HE, providing them with a theoretical background reinforced with practical skills that transfer into the modern workplace. Business is one of the most popular subjects we currently offer.

Cambridge Technicals and Cambridge Nationals – how they differ

Cambridge Technicals are targeted at students aged 16+ in either school or FE. They allow for greater

flexibility with the choice of units that make up the qualification and are 100% internally assessed.

OCR believes Cambridge Technicals provide a good grounding for progression to University. All our Level

3 Cambridge Technicals have UCAS tariff points. (It is important to check individual course requirements

when applying to university).

Plus, they meet the DfE’s published criteria for ‘Applied General’ and ‘Tech Award’ qualifications in

Key Stage 5 Performance Tables 2016.

Cambridge Nationals are targeted at 14- to 16-year-olds. They’re available as an Award, Certificate

and Diploma, with the Certificate being the same size as a GCSE. They use both internal and external

assessment and are recognised in the DfE’s Key Stage 4 Performance Tables. In addition, most are

recognised within Progress 8 performance measures for 2016.

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Cambridge Technicals – at a glanceFreedom and excitement You can enjoy the freedom and excitement of teaching the Cambridge Technicals that have been developed to help you inspire your students.

FREE visiting moderation We offer two FREE moderation visits a year, providing you with supportive feedback, advice and guidance.

Qualification credibility Our Cambridge Technicals have UCAS points ensuring that they will be valuable and recognised for your students to be able to progress into HE.

No external assessment We don’t have external assessment in Cambridge Technicals, providing you with the freedom to choose when to assess your students depending on their learning styles and ability.

Work experience Work experience can be customised to the learning style of your students and the availability of placements.

FREE support materials and training We have FREE, high-quality support materials for all our Cambridge Technicals, which are available for you to download from ocr.org.uk/cambridgetechnicals.

Minimal mandatory units Cambridge Technicals have minimal mandatory units, providing you and your students with the ability to consider specialist pathways and choose the units they want to study.

Wide range of qualifications Within the suite of Cambridge Technicals, there is a wide range of different qualification sizes to fit all learning programmes.

Natural progression of grading criteria within units There is a natural progression through the grading criteria from Pass through to Merit and Distinction, reflecting current sector practice.

Funding is available Funding is available for Cambridge Technicals.

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OCR has a proven track record in providing an exemplary service to support our qualificationsThe specifications are designed with you in mind, using a clear and easy-to-understand format, making them straightforward to deliver.

Our clear and sensible assessment approach means that requirements are clearly presented and sensibly structured for you and your students.

Pathways for choice – we have the broadest range of vocational qualifications, and the Cambridge Technicals provide an ideal foundation for students to progress to more advanced studies and to the workplace.

Working in partnership to support you – together with teachers, we’ve developed a range of practical help and support to save you time. We provide everything you need to teach our specifications with confidence and ensure that your students get as much as possible from our qualifications.

Cambridge Technicals are supported with new, exciting products and continuing professional development opportunities.

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Assessment and moderationCambridge Technicals can be assessed and claimed when the

student is ready, so you’re not restricted to set dates and times.

Our team of Visiting Moderators will be able to offer you support,

advice and guidance throughout, and will moderate a selection

of assessments.

Simple and sensible certificationWe’ve introduced a Distinction* grade for the full qualification.

The grades offered are Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*

at Level 2 and Level 3.

Unit number Unit title

Certificate 15 credits

GLH 90

Extended Certificate 30 credits GLH 180

Diploma 60 credits GLH 360

1 Business purposesThis unit will introduce students to the main features, characteristics and purposes of business.

5 5 5

2 Business organisationsStudents will learn about the various types of business, functional areas, and long-term and short-term aims.

5 5 5

3 Financial forecasting for businessStudents will explore the principles of finance, classification of costs, and how to forecast financial activity.

5 5 5

4 People in organisationsIn this unit students will consider the skills needed in business, the recruitment process and organisational structures.

5 5 5

5 The marketing planStudents will gain an understanding of the 4Ps of marketing, how to create an online marketing plan and develop promotional activities.

5 5 5

6 Verbal and non-verbal communications in business contextsStudents will learn about the importance of verbal and non-verbal communications, and how to use verbal communications in a number of business contexts. They will also have the opportunity to practise different styles.

5 5 5

7 Business communication through documentationStudents will consider why written documents are important in business, the different audiences and stakeholders. They will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge to a number of scenarios.

5 5 5

8 Training and employment in businessStudents learn about understanding the legal rights and responsibilities of employees and employers, support in the workplace through motivation, job satisfaction and teamwork.

5 5 5

9 Personal selling in businessStudents will consider the impact of effective sales and promotional activity, techniques used and the knowledge and skills required for a sales role.

5 5 5

10 Customer relations in businessStudents will learn about the importance of customer relations in any business, how presentation and interpersonal skills are used, and processes to monitor and evaluate service.

10 10 10

11 Business onlineAs more and more businesses go online to find new audiences, this unit explores the issues associated with doing business online and what make an effective website.

10 10 10

12 Business ethicsThis unit is designed to give students an understanding of the differences between business ethics and business values, and how ethics go beyond the legal requirements and challenge businesses.

5 5 5

13 Bookkeeping for businessThis unit will enable students to complete and use common financial documents in the workplace and understand the impact of financial fraud on a business.

5 5 5

Minimum mandatory credits 0 0 25

Minimum optional credits 15 5 core credits, 25 optional 35

Total minimum credits required 15 30 60

OCR Level 2 Cambridge Technicals in Business

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OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Business

Unit number Unit title

Certificate 30 credits GLH 180

Introductory Diploma

60 credits GLH 360

Subsidiary Diploma

90 credits GLH 540

Diploma 120 credits

GLH 720

Extended Diploma

180 credits GLH 1080

1 The business environmentThis unit will introduce students to the different types of business and how they are influenced by the wider environment.

10 10 10 10 10

2 Business resourcesStudents will develop an understanding of managing the core resources available to businesses, including human, physical, technological and financial.

10 10 10 10 10

3 An introductionThis unit will introduce students to the basics of marketing, focusing on the role of market research and how it contributes to marketing planning and the marketing mix.

10 10 10 10 10

4 Business accountingThis unit will show students how to use some of the most common financial accounting methods, including ratios, to determine business performance.

10 10 10 10 10

5 Human resource management in businessManaging people is a key skill in any sector. This unit will include how to motivate staff and how to measure performance effectively.

10 10 10 10 10

6 Business communicationThis unit will focus on developing skills, evaluating and reviewing performance of different types of business communication.

10 10 10 10 10

7 Financial accountingThis unit will enable students to develop an understanding of the format of financial statements, including the legal and regulatory frameworks within which they are produced.

10 10 10 10 10

8 Management accountingStudents will learn how to use financial data in management and operational problem-solving scenarios.

10 10 10 10 10

9 Creative product promotionThis unit will provide students with an in-depth study of the promotional mix, the role of advertising agencies and the media.

10 10 10 10 10

10 Market research in businessStudents will explore primary and secondary research methods and their role in problem-solving.

10 10 10 10 10

11 Internet marketing in businessStudents will consider how the internet is used in the marketing mix and the impact it can have.

10 10 10 10 10

12 Recruitment and selection in businessThis unit is designed to give students an overview of the complete recruitment process within a business from preparing to advertise, to recruitment and selection, including an insight into the legislation that surrounds it.

10 10 10 10 10

13 Development planning for a career in businessBy creating their own career plan, students will have gained an understanding of their skills and how to apply them as they progress in their career.

10 10 10 10 10

14 Managing a business eventThis unit will enable students to learn about the role of the events manager in business and the important elements of running a business event.

10 10 10 10 10

15 Developing teams in businessRecognising the principles of leading a team is an important transferable skill, as is understanding the dynamics of teamwork and motivation.

10 10 10 10 10

16 Aspects of contract and business lawStudents will develop an understanding of the principles of contract law within a business context.

10 10 10 10 10

17 Understanding health and safety in the business workplaceThis unit will introduce students to health and safety legislation, and the regulations and requirements for any employee with H&S responsibility within a business setting.

10 10 10 10 10

18 Business project managementCreating the purpose, aims and objectives of a project are key to its success; students will prepare a project plan, manage it and report on the outcomes.

10 10 10 10 10

19 Website design strategyStudents will explore the purpose of a website and how effective design can make it more successful.

10 10 10 10 10

20 Understanding business ethicsFrom corporate social responsibility to the impact that different stakeholders have on the decision-making process, this unit provides a solid foundation in business ethics.

10 10 10 10 10

21 Business and the economic environmentThis unit focuses on the impact of the global and UK economies on business. 10 10 10 10 10

22 International businessOperating overseas can be key to the success of some businesses. This unit explorescultural differences, financial structures and strategies used overseas.

10 10 10 10 10

Minimum mandatory credits 20 20 30 50 50

Minimum optional credits 10 40 60 70 130

Total minimum credits required 30 60 90 120 180

Notes Mandatory units are shaded

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Business purposeThe aim of this unit is to enable students to have an understanding

of the purpose and different forms of ownership of business and of

the business context in which organisations operate. In particular,

students will gain a clear understanding of the main features and

characteristics of the local business environment in which they live.

Business organisationsThe aim of this unit is to enable students to have an understanding

of the various aims and objectives that business organisations have,

distinguishing between the short term and the long term, and

how they are organised into different functional areas to meet

these aims and objectives effectively.

Financial forecasting for businessThe aim of this unit is for students to know how to classify costs,

revenue and profit; use these to predict the financial future of

the business, and be able to recognise the limitations of the

techniques that they have used.

People in organisationsUpon completion of this unit, students will understand their

skills in relation to their employment prospects, how skills

for employability are broadly formalised and documented in

recruitment processes, and how they are broadly categorised

into job roles and organisational structures.

Verbal and non-verbal communications in a business contextBy the end of this unit, students will have an increased awareness

of the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication skills

in a business context. In addition, students will have achieved an

understanding of the purpose of verbal communication in a range

of different contexts. Students will have the opportunity to use and

reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of their own speaking and

listening business skills.

Business communication through documentationBy completing this unit, students will develop an understanding

of the reasons for communication in a business. Students will be

able to apply their knowledge to various business situations and

explain why written documentation is vital in business and be

able to produce documents for a business to use to communicate

internally and externally to a range of stakeholders.

Students will consider the various audiences the business needs

to communicate with, and select the most appropriate form of

written communication.

Level 2 units

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Training and employment in businessOn completion of this unit, students will understand the legal

rights and responsibilities of employees and employers. They will

also understand how employers try to ensure that employees are

supported within the workplace, by considering the impact of

motivation, job satisfaction and teamwork.

Personal selling in businessStudents will be able to understand the role of sales staff in an

organisation, including the identification of the techniques used

in personal sales and the knowledge and skills required to fulfil

the sales role. The unit also aims to prepare students for a sales

position by acquiring a good understanding of the sales process

and allowing students to demonstrate their selling skills.

Customer relations in businessBy the end of this unit, students will know how organisations

provide customer service, demonstrate the presentation and

interpersonal skills used in customer service, know the benefits

of consistent and reliable customer service to organisations,

and the methods used in monitoring and evaluating

customer service.

Business onlineIn this unit, students will examine different online business activities

carried out by a range of businesses. They will explore the issues

associated with doing business online and the impact to businesses

and society of having an online presence. Students will understand

the key features of an effective website and design web pages to

meet a user need.

Business ethicsBy the end of this unit, students will be able to differentiate

between business and ethical values and how ethics go above and

beyond legal requirements. Students will also be able to discuss

current ethical issues that impact on businesses. Finally, students

will be able to create an ethical policy, as well as testing a business

decision to ensure that it is ethical.

Bookkeeping for businessThe aim of this unit is for students to complete and use common

financial documents in the workplace and understand the impact of

financial fraud on a business.

The marketing planBy the end of this unit, students will have developed an

understanding of marketing concepts used by businesses and will

be able to produce an online marketing plan for an organisation

based on the 4Ps concept of marketing. The unit will also help

students to gain a basic understanding of a range of promotional

activities and be able to plan simple cost promotional activities for a

start-up business.

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The business environmentThe aim of this unit is to enable students to have an understanding

of the different business organisations that can exist and of the

ways in which they can be influenced by the wider environment.

Business resourcesThis unit looks at how a range of resources, including human,

physical, technological and financial resources, are used within

business. The aim of this unit is to enable students to know how

these resources are used and managed within a business.

Introduction to marketingThe aim of this unit is to provide students with a basic

understanding of the role of the marketing function, with

particular emphasis on the role of marketing research and how

it contributes to marketing planning and the development of

the marketing mix for a target group of customers.

Business communicationBy the end of this unit, students will have developed an

understanding of one of the key areas that can contribute to

business success. Students will have had the opportunity to

develop, analyse and evaluate a range of methods used to

communicate different types of business information and the

purpose of such communication.

Business accountingThe aim of this unit is for students to be able to identify the

need for accounting and be able to create and use some of

the most common financial accounts. Students should also be

able to review business performance through the use of simple

ratio analysis.

Financial accountingThe aim of this unit is to help students understand the format of

financial statements that are used in business. Students will be

able to understand the legal and regulatory framework within

which financial statements are produced.

Management accountingThe aim of this unit is for students to be able to use financial

data to make management decisions for an organisation.

Creative product promotionWhen studying this unit, students will gain an in-depth knowledge

of the promotional process: learning about the promotional mix,

the role of advertising agencies and the media, as well as gaining

the skills to enable them to create a simple promotional campaign.

Market research in businessWhen studying this unit, students will gain an in-depth

understanding of the main primary and secondary research

methods used to inform marketing decision making.

Internet marketing in businessBy completing this unit, students will understand the role of

internet marketing in today’s workplace. They will explore the

role that internet marketing has in the context of wider marketing

and how businesses use the internet to maximise promotions and

sales opportunities. The effect of internet marketing on society is

also considered along with the challenges that businesses face in

achieving a global online presence.

Recruitment and selection in businessBy completing this unit, students will know and understand the

process that a business has to go through when recruiting staff.

Students will prepare documents necessary to help select the right

person for the job and plan to take part in a selection interview.

Development planning for a career in businessOn completion of this unit, students will have created their own

career plan, and will have gained an understanding of their skills

and how to apply them as they progress in their career.

Human resource management in businessBy the end of this unit, students will have gained an understanding

of the factors that are taken into account by organisations when

planning their human resource management. This unit will include

how to motivate staff and how to measure performance effectively.

Level 3 units

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Managing a business eventStudents will gain an understanding of the role of the events

manager in business and the important elements of running a

business event.

Developing teams in businessBy completing this unit, students will know and understand the

importance of teams in business and how teams are formed.

Students will find out how teams should be led and identify

the attributes and skills needed to be a good leader.

Aspects of contract and business lawThe aim of this unit is for students to be able to recognise

aspects of contract law as it pertains to businesses. Students

will gain an understanding of the principles of contract law

within a business context.

Understanding health and safety in the business workplaceThe aim of this unit is to introduce students to the health and

safety legislation, regulations and requirements that form the

basis of all workplaces in the UK. The aim is not to create

students who are experts in this field, but to allow a level of

knowledge that would be expected of a new employee in an

organisation who has responsibility for areas of health and safety.

Business project managementBy the end of this unit, students will know that the purpose, aims

and objectives of a project are key to its success. Students will also

have the opportunity to prepare a project plan, manage it and

report on the outcomes.

Website design strategyThis unit gives students the opportunity to explore the purpose

of websites and the main features that make a website effective.

Students will also plan the development of a website for a business.

Understanding business ethicsBy the end of this unit, students will understand the importance

of ethics in business and the impact of different stakeholders on

business decisions. Students will also learn about corporate social

responsibility (CSR) and the implications of CSR for the different

areas of business activity.

Business and economic environmentThis unit aims to enable students to understand the impact of

the economic environment on business and how business affects

economic policy in the UK. They will also be able to discuss how

government spending affects business and the impact of fiscal

and monetary policies. Students will know how the international

economy impacts on UK business.

International businessBy the end of this unit, students will understand the international

business environment, the impact of cultural differences when

businesses operate internationally, the financial support that

international businesses can gain, and the strategies used by

businesses when operating at an international level.

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Learning resources Learning resources are an important part of any qualification and Cambridge Technicals are no exception. We have developed a suite of support and learning resources that provides what teachers tell us they want.

By working in this collaborative way, we have ensured that our range of resources supports classroom activities, from lesson planning and teaching to monitoring student progression and success.

Unit Introduction Presentations We have developed an introductory presentation for each of the mandatory units. These presentations provide an overview of the unit in an interesting and informative manner. These can be used either in the classroom or during open evening events.

Delivery Guides We have produced a Delivery Guide for each of the mandatory units. These guides give a framework with teaching suggestions covering all the learning outcomes within each unit.

Lesson Elements Lesson Elements are activities that can be used in the classroom and relate to the topics covered in the units.

Resources Link Resources Link is an interactive PDF that allows teachers to view external resources that may be of use in teaching the qualification.

Skills Guides We are producing a set of Skills Guides that are not specific to a particular qualification, but covers a topic that could be relevant for a range of qualifications – for example, communication, legislation and research.

Rules of Combination (ROC) Calculator The ROC Calculator is an administrative tool that allows centres to identify the correct combination of units for students to undertake in order to be eligible for a certain qualification path.

Progress Tracker The Progress Tracker is an administrative tool that teachers can use for tracking the progress of their students through the learning outcomes of the units selected for their qualification path.

Project ApproachesWe’re currently developing this resource for Business – it’ll show you how setting a project for your students enables them to cover all the learning outcomes in a range of units.

Download these resources today from ocr.org.uk/cambridgetechnicals.

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OCR CPD Hub – your route to our teacher training Whether you want to come to a specific event or search for resources and training materials, you can find what you’re looking for on our CPD Hub.

Training eventsVisit the CPD Hub to find out about our face-to-face training events available to help support your preparation, teaching and assessment.

Assignment Checker Service Due to the vocational nature of Cambridge Technicals we think it’s really important for your students to be set assignments that reflect the local environment. This is why we have left the setting of assignments up to you.

If you’re an OCR centre and concerned that your assignment may not meet the requirements of the unit we will check it for you. You will be able to access this service via cpdhub.ocr.org.uk for all Cambridge Technicals subjects. The checking of mandatory unit assignments will be free of charge, and there will be a charge for checking assignments for optional units.

Sample learner workYou’ll find sample learner work for a range of Cambridge Technicals subjects on our CPD Hub. The work shows you examples of how students have performed against learning outcomes/assessment criteria. We’ll upload further sample learner work as it becomes available.

Advisory visits If you’re an OCR centre delivering Cambridge Technicals, you can take advantage of a free advisory visit. This is available before your first moderation visit and will provide an opportunity to discuss the specification and assessment criteria, delivery ideas, centre-set assignments and more.

To book a visit, please email the CPD team at cpdhub@ocr.org.uk. To make sure this can be arranged as quickly as possible, you must take the following steps:

• Use ‘Advisory Visit’ as the subject title

• List the Cambridge Technical subject/s for which you’re requesting a visit

• List the topics you’d like to go through

• List any particularly suitable/unsuitable dates over the next few weeks from the date of request.

• Clearly include contact details for the person with whom we should arrange the visit.

Need more help?Visit cpdhub.ocr.org.uk or email our team at cpdhub@ocr.org.uk

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Administration overviewWith Cambridge Technicals we try to make your life easier. Follow the simple steps below to implement the qualification in your centre.

7 Steps to Achievement

1 Centre approvalFor further details, please visit ocr.org.uk/approval/general, which includes the application form and centre

approval policy.

2 Enter your candidatesEnter your candidates online or via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). We’ll assign an expert OCR Visiting Moderator and you

will receive two free visits each academic year.

3 AssessmentThere is a sample model assignment available at each level to give you some ideas, as well as assessment guidance in each

unit. Assignments are set and assessed by the centre. You will then internally standardise your candidates’ work on the units,

prior to the Moderator visits.

4 Submit your gradesLet the Moderator know which candidates and units are ready to be moderated. There is no need to send candidates’ work.

5 Prepare your sampleYour Moderator will require a sample after you’ve submitted your grades and will let you know which candidates’ work will

be moderated during their visit.

6 Moderation visitYour Moderator will confirm grades, provide feedback, advice and guidance, and share best practice during their visit.

7 ResultsWe will issue electronic results and send unit and full award certificates as appropriate.

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Preparing for first teachingAdopting a new specification can appear daunting. There’s quite a lot of information to weigh up: the demands of the course, the quality of support, and the needs and expectations of teachers and candidates. Here’s some advice to help you make the best decision.

7 Steps to First Teaching

1 Make the most of the OCR websiteThe unit specifications will be available online. While the overall programme of study might be familiar, it’s important to check

each unit specification to make sure that you’re happy with the learning outcomes, knowledge, understanding and skills.

2 Review the model assignmentsThere is a model assignment available at each level. These will give you a clear idea about the type of tasks you can set.

They can be used directly, or adapted, or used as templates for completely new assignments.

3 Make good marking decisionsUsing the specification and Administration Guide for cross-reference, check our model assignments, which come complete with

Moderator’s commentary to support marking decisions.

4 Get socialVisit our social media site at social.ocr.org.uk – by registering, you’ll have FREE access to a dedicated platform where

teachers can engage with each other – and OCR – to share best practice, offer guidance, and access a range of support

materials produced by other teachers, such as lesson plans, presentations, videos and links to other helpful sites.

5 Enjoy support and guidanceIt’s wise to review our Chief Co-ordinator’s annual report for generic guidance and to explore their summary of key issues.

6 Get great trainingCheck OCR’s INSET training programme to see if there is a convenient course available. INSET training is an excellent way to

get practical advice on the best ways to deliver Cambridge Technicals.

7 Explore external websitesIt’s often worthwhile carrying out an internet search to see if there is any free or paid-for resource material available.

Please always check that whatever material you incorporate into your teaching meets the qualification’s assessment requirements.

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CONTACT US

Staff at the OCR Customer Contact Centre are available to take

your call between 8am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

We’re always happy to answer questions and give advice.

Telephone 02476 851509Email cambridgetechnicals@ocr.org.ukocr.org.uk/cambridgetechnicals