Introducing principles of business
Yvonne Harvey, Contributor

Greetings. Wow! It has really been a hot summer. Despite that, however, I hope you were able to get enough relaxation and rest, because now it's time for work again. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the principles of business (POB) lessons for 2008-2009.

This lesson, as you will see, is an introductory one. It will outline the entire course and indicate to you what lies ahead. You must begin to work right away and work consistently right up to the examination in May/June 2009.

The first thing I need to point out is that the POB syllabus that will be examined in May/June 2009 was examined for the first time in June 2008. You must ensure, therefore, that you obtain the correct syllabus. It will state on the front cover, 'Effective for examinations from May/June 2008'. You may also check the website www.cxc.org for an update of the syllabus.

Organisation of the syllabus

The syllabus has three profile dimensions:

Profile dimension 1 - Organisational principles

Profile dimension 2 - Production, marketing and finance

Profile dimension 3 - The business environment

Profile dimension 1 has four sections, profile dimension 2 has three and profile dimension 3 also has three sections. The titles of these sections are given in the syllabus.

You should also note that, unlike previously, the syllabus that was first examined in June 2008 is only examined at the general proficiency level. Each candidate will be awarded a grade on a six-point scale (grades 1-3 are regarded as passing grades). In addition, a letter grade will be given under each profile dimension.

The examination

This will consist of three papers:

Paper 01 (1hr 15 min) - This will be a 60-item multiple-choice test. Questions will be based on all three profile dimensions. Total marks:60. This will serve as 30% of the final mark.

Paper 02 (2 hrs) - This is commonly called the essay paper. Section A will consist of three compulsory questions from sections 1,2,5,6 and 7 of the syllabus. Section B will consist of four questions, two from sections 1-7 and two from sections 8-10. Candidates will be required to answer two questions from this section. All questions on this paper are worth 20 marks (total marks:100). This paper is 50% of the final grade.

For students who are registered in the regular school system, there will still be the requirement of the School-Based Assessment (SBA). This is paper 03/1. However, the SBA has also changed. Details of the new SBA are given in the syllabus on pages 34-37. I will also be doing a lesson or two on the SBA and, of course, you should also be guided by your subject teacher.

The alternate to the SBA for private candidates only, paper 03/2, is discussed on pages 37-38 of the syllabus. The SBA and the alternative to the SBA are marked out of 40 and constitute 20% of the final mark.

There are a number of POB textbooks on the market. Some have been revised and others are being revised in line with the new syllabus. Research the topics thoroughly and do not stick 'religiously' to any one text.

The lesson that I will look at next week is communication. We will consider the communication process and strategies for effective communication within an organisation.

I look forward to our weekly lessons and hope that you will enjoy and benefit from them.

Bye for now.

All eyes are on Raymond Miles, vice-president, JMA, as he offers students tips on preparing their business plans for the JMA's Nicola Gordon-Rowe Schools Entrepreneurship Competition. - Contributed

Cumberland High School girls share a conversation during a business clinic hosted by the Jamaica Business Development Centre in collaboration with the South East St Catherine constituency office recently. - Contributed

Yvonne Harvey teaches at Glenmuir High School.