Introducing the POB syllabus
Yvonne Harvey, Contributor

Hello readers. It seems that each year the summer break gets shorter and shorter. Nevertheless, we must continue to do what we know we have to do. It is a pleasure for me to welcome you all to the principles of business series of lessons for 2009-2010.

This lesson will outline the entire course and indicate what lies ahead for you. I am encouraging you to begin working right away and to be consistent in your efforts, especially those of you who will sit the examination in May/June 2010.

The first thing I need to point out to you is that the POB syllabus that will be examined in May/June 2010 was examined for the first time in June 2008. You must ensure, therefore, that you obtain the correct syllabus. The syllabus will state on the front, 'Effective for examinations from May/June 2008'. You may also check the website www.cxc.org for an update of the syllabus.

Structure and organisation of the syllabus

The syllabus has three profile dimensions (PD) as follows:

PD 1 - Organisational principles (four sections)

PD 2 - Production, marketing and finance (three sections)

PD 3 - The business environment (three sections)

The titles of these sections are given in the syllabus.

You should also note that unlike the previous syllabus, 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

The examination will consist of three papers. Paper 01 (1hour 15 minutes). This will be a 60-item multiple choice test. Questions will be based on all three profile dimensions.

Total marks: 60. This will be 30 per cent of the final mark.

Paper 02 (2 hours) 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 per cent of the final mark.

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 alternate to the SBA are marked out of 40 and constitute 20 per cent 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.

Marketing is a very important and interesting area of the principles of business syllabus. Next week we will discuss copyrights and some methods of promoting sale. As we go along in our series of lessons, I will set practice questions for you. These questions will be quite useful so take them seriously and write outlines to them. If you are not sure of the answer, do some research then try to answer the question without looking at notes or textbooks.

I am looking forward to an interesting and productive year.

Bye for now.

Andron Coote (right), a first form student at Munro College, receives school supplies and cash from Sandre Bacchas, marketing assistant at the Westmoreland Co-operative Credit Union. Coote, who formerly attended Mount Airy All-Age School in Westmoreland, is one of 12 new bursary recipients of the credit union. The total number of recipients now stands at 54, and $700,000 was paid out for 2009/2010. Cheques ranging from $10,000 to $80,000 were presented to students attending high schools and tertiary institutions. - Photo by Dalton Laing

Yvonne Harvey teaches at Glenmuir High School.