The structure of the Higher Business Management course assessment (the question paper and the assignment), and what the assignment requires: researching and reporting on a business issue using business-management knowledge and skills.

What this key area is asking

This overview explains how Higher Business Management is assessed. The award has two components, the question paper and the assignment, and the SQA wants you to understand the purpose of each and, in particular, what the assignment (the coursework) requires. This is a single overview of the assessment, not a content topic to be examined in the question paper, but knowing the structure helps you prepare.

The structure of the course assessment

The question paper

The question paper is a written exam sat under exam conditions. It contains questions, often based on stimulus material (a business scenario or case), that test:

• knowledge and understanding of the five areas of study; and
• the ability to apply, analyse and evaluate that knowledge in a business context.

It uses the SQA's command words (describe, explain, compare, distinguish, discuss, justify), and rewards precise business terminology, balanced evaluation and use of the stimulus. It carries the larger share of the total marks. (The SQA has confirmed changes to the marks and timing of the question paper from session 2026-27, so always check the current course specification for the exact figures.)

The assignment

The assignment is the coursework component, produced under controlled conditions, in which the candidate independently investigates a business or business issue.

What the assignment requires

The assignment rewards a clear set of skills:

• Choosing and researching a suitable business or issue and gathering relevant information from a range of sources;
• using appropriate research methods (primary and secondary information about the business);
• applying knowledge of the five areas of study to the chosen issue;
• analysing and interpreting the information gathered, identifying the key points;
• drawing reasoned conclusions and, where appropriate, recommendations supported by the evidence; and
• communicating the findings clearly in an appropriate format, using business terminology.

Examples in context

Example 1. Preparing for the question paper. A candidate revises by working through each of the five areas of study against the course specification, learning the key terms and practising past papers under timed conditions. They focus on the SQA command words, describing, explaining, comparing, distinguishing and discussing, and on applying knowledge to the stimulus business rather than writing everything they know. This targets exactly what the question paper rewards.

Example 2. A focused assignment. A candidate's assignment investigates how a named local business uses marketing to attract customers. They research the business, apply marketing concepts from the course (the marketing mix, segmentation), analyse what works and why, and reach conclusions and recommendations supported by their findings, communicated clearly with business terminology. The focus and the analysis, not just description, are what lift the marks.

Try this

Q1. Name the two components of the Higher Business Management course assessment. [2 marks]

• Cue. The question paper (a written exam testing knowledge and application across the five areas of study) and the assignment (coursework researching and reporting on a business issue). Both are set and marked by the SQA.

Q2. Describe two skills assessed by the Higher Business Management assignment. [4 marks]

• Cue. Choosing and researching a suitable business or issue; using research methods to gather information; applying course knowledge to the issue; analysing and interpreting the information; drawing reasoned conclusions and recommendations; communicating findings clearly using business terminology (any two, developed).