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VCE Business Management is known for its content-heavy study design, demanding precise terminology, strong answer structure and effective case study application. Here are some study tips to help you master the content, prepare for SACs and exams, and achieve your best results.
What score did you achieve?
I achieved a raw study score of 45.
How would you advise students to organise their notes?
I would recommend organising your notes by Area of Study, covering each dot point in the study guide (always stick to the study guide!). I would also advise using flashcards to thoroughly memorise the content. Use colours and highlighters, as colours can help with memory.
What is your advice for SACs?
Don’t just churn through practice SACs: know the content really well and memorise it through active recall, such as flashcards and talking aloud. Make sure your notes are organised as you go through the unit or, if that isn’t possible, at least one to two weeks before the SAC. Spend the week leading up to the SAC thoroughly memorising the content, making sure you understand it as well. For Business Management, if you know the content really well, the application will not be too difficult because the content does not stray too far from its application. I found the challenge was more in organising and memorising the content than understanding it.
What is your advice for exams?
Don’t mindlessly go through practice exams: so many people say they are the key, but I only completed two or three under timed conditions before my final exam. Focus on knowing the content first. I memorised my flashcards per AOS, then, after completing the said AOS, selected and answered exam questions relating to it. I then memorised and corrected my responses against the marking guide to check the structure the examiners wanted. Also, make sure you link your answers closely to the case study, as this is highly rewarded in exams and something many students do not do well. It is an easy way to strengthen your answers by connecting the content directly to the case study.
How did you study? What techniques/resources did you use?
I studied using flashcards and notes. My top tip would be to become familiar with the structure of answers. This usually involves a topic sentence, an explanation, a link to the case study or an example for application, and then a conclusion. Use the marks to guide how much you write, generally aiming for a sentence per mark. After becoming familiar with the structure, memorisation is key. I also occasionally used Edrolo, but I mainly stuck to class slides and the textbook.
Furthermore, I would advise students to handwrite notes. In Business Management, you are under a lot of time pressure (in SACs and the exam). It is important to develop the skill of writing quickly (the more you write substantively, the more marks you will receive!). This is also why it is important to do at least a few exams/SACs before your given assessment to see if you can perform under time pressure.
How did you balance study with the rest of your life during Year 12?
My general study tip would be not to get caught up in the idea that you need to complete huge numbers of practice exams. So many people around me were completing more than 20 exams, and I felt less confident knowing I had only done a couple for each subject because I spent most of my time on active recall. However, for Business Management, knowing the content before practising is the top priority. Still, try to complete a few practice exams for time management!
Anything else you would like to add?
To help prevent burnout at the end of the year, try studying in libraries so you don’t socially isolate yourself! Don’t feel guilty having a few off-days throughout the year and also during SWOTVAC - you need some to reset.
