Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
5th Year Business.
This Leaving Certificate Business and Economics curriculum for 5th Year students explores the fundamental principles of the economic environment, enterprise, and business management. Students will develop critical thinking skills to analyse real-world business scenarios and economic policies within an Irish and global context.
01The Economic and Business Environment
An introduction to foundational economic concepts and how macroeconomic factors influence the Irish business landscape.
Students explore the foundational economic concepts of scarcity, choice, and opportunity cost. They will analyse how these principles affect decision-making for individuals and businesses.
An investigation into the laws of demand and supply and how they interact to determine market equilibrium. Students will model price changes based on market shifts.
Examine key macroeconomic indicators such as inflation, economic growth, and unemployment. Students will evaluate how these factors impact the Irish business landscape.
02People in Business
A detailed look at the stakeholders involved in commercial activities, focusing on industrial relations and consumer protection in Ireland.
Identify the various stakeholders in a business and analyse their competing interests. Students will explore cooperative and competitive relationships within the commercial environment.
Analyse the causes of industrial disputes and the mechanisms for conflict resolution in Ireland. Students will review the role of trade unions and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Evaluate the legislative framework protecting consumers in Ireland, including the Consumer Protection Act. Students will apply consumer rights to real-world purchasing scenarios.
03Enterprise and Management
Exploration of the entrepreneurial spirit and the core principles of effective business management, leadership, and communication.
Explore the characteristics and skills of successful entrepreneurs. Students will assess the importance of enterprise to the local and national economy.
Examine the core management activities of planning, organising, and controlling. Students will apply these principles to various business contexts.
Analyse different leadership styles and motivational theories, such as Maslow and McGregor. Students will evaluate how leadership impacts employee performance and morale.
Investigate the importance of internal and external communication in business. Students will evaluate the barriers to effective communication and how to overcome them.
04Business in Action
Practical application of business concepts, focusing on identifying opportunities, developing marketing strategies, and managing business expansion.
Learn how businesses generate new ideas and conduct market research. Students will differentiate between desk and field research methods.
Explore the four Ps of marketing: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. Students will design a marketing strategy for a hypothetical product.
Analyse the reasons for business expansion and the methods used, including organic growth, mergers, and acquisitions. Students will evaluate the financial and economic implications of growth.