What is Business Management?

Do you ever wonder how companies like Apple, Google, and Tesla started as small ideas and grew into the global brands we know today? Or maybe you dream of one day creating your own business, turning your ideas into reality, or leading a team of professionals to make a lasting impact. If so, then learning more about business is the perfect way to get started.

Studying business management will allow you to understand how businesses work, from how they make decisions and grow to how they connect with customers and solve problems.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of business courses - what they are, the skills you’ll learn, and the careers they can lead to. We’ll explore how studying business can help you build essential skills like leadership, problem-solving, and financial know-how. Whether you’re a student looking to get a head start on your future or a parent looking into summer courses to help your child grow, this article will show you why you should study business.

By the end, you’ll see how business summer schools like Oxford Summer Courses offer a great way to kickstart your academic journey with programmes that are fun, challenging, and inspiring.

What is Entrepreneurship?

Many people think that entrepreneurship is all about making money, and in a way, that’s true. However, the real reason businesses succeed isn’t just because they turn a profit - it’s because they create value. They understand people's needs, develop solutions that make life easier or better, and then build something that lasts.

When you study business, you learn how companies do this - how they turn ideas into products or services that make a difference. Business courses give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to grow a company, make smart decisions, and keep customers coming back. Here’s a closer look at some of the key areas you’ll explore:

Management

Effective management means guiding a team with clear goals and strategic decision-making. It involves understanding how to inspire and empower others, overcoming challenges, and steering the business towards growth. Developing these skills will enable you to create an environment where everyone can perform at their best, driving the company to reach its full potential.

Finance

Finance delves into the crucial role of managing a company’s money. From budgeting and tracking expenses to making smart investment choices, finance equips you with the knowledge to build a financially stable business. Mastering these principles ensures that a business can sustain growth and adapt to any financial challenges it may face.

Marketing

Marketing connects a brand with its audience by understanding customer needs and finding the most effective ways to engage them. It involves creating messaging and campaigns that resonate with people, sparking interest, and encouraging them to take action. Learning these techniques allows you to turn curiosity into genuine customer loyalty.

Entrepreneurship

If you have big ideas and a passion for creating something new, entrepreneurship might be the best career path to explore. It’s about taking a vision and turning it into reality. You’ll learn how to build a business from scratch, write a business plan, secure funding, and tackle the challenges of running your own company.

Operations Management

Operations is essentially the nuts and bolts of how a business works. It focuses on everything that happens behind the scenes - like managing supply chains, streamlining processes, and making sure that products and services get to customers efficiently and on time.

Exploring these areas helps you understand the inner workings of businesses -what drives their success and the challenges they face. Business studies aren't just for aspiring CEOs or entrepreneurs; they’re valuable for anyone looking to develop strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to make a real impact in any career path they choose.

Why Study Business Management?

Studying business management gives you a deep dive into how companies work, make decisions and are to grow. It equips you with practical skills that you can use across various industries, giving you the flexibility to adapt to different roles as your career evolves.

If you’re thinking of becoming an entrepreneur, leading a team, or exploring fields like finance or marketing, business studies can guide you toward those goals.

Here are five key reasons why you should choose to study business:

1. Build Essential Skills

Business courses teach you skills that are crucial in any workplace. You’ll learn how to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, and lead projects with confidence.

For example, you might work on a project that requires you to analyse a company’s strategy and present your recommendations to improve its performance. This hands-on experience helps you develop a real understanding of what it takes to make smart business decisions.

2. Expand Your Career Options

The skills you learn in business studies are highly transferable, meaning they can be applied to almost any industry. Graduates with a business background are in demand for roles in marketing, finance, human resources, consulting, and more.

For instance, if you study marketing, you’ll learn how to create campaigns that target specific audiences, drive engagement, and increase sales - skills that companies of all sizes need to grow.

Potential career paths include:

• Marketing and Sales
• Finance and Accounting
• Human Resources
• Consulting and Management
• Retail and Operations

3. Understand How the Business World Works

Business studies provide a deep dive into how companies operate in real life. You’ll learn about market trends, economic principles, and strategies that guide business success.

For example, through case studies of global brands like Amazon or Google, you’ll see how they adapt to market changes, innovate, and consistently stay ahead of their competition. Understanding these real-world applications gives you the insight to connect theory to practice.

4. Personal Growth

Beyond gaining professional skills, business studies help you grow personally. You’ll build abilities in decision-making, critical thinking, and communication that are useful in both your career and everyday life.

For example, managing a group project simulates real business scenarios where teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership are crucial skills that make you adaptable.

5. Think Like an Entrepreneur

Studying business management can ignite your entrepreneurial mindset. You’ll learn how to take a great idea, develop it into a business plan, and navigate the challenges of launching a startup.

For instance, many business courses offer the chance to pitch your startup idea to a panel of experts, gaining feedback that helps you refine your concept and make it market-ready. Understanding concepts like risk management and innovation gives you the confidence to turn your ideas into a reality.

At Oxford Summer Courses, our business summer school programmes focus on bringing these concepts to life through real-world applications. We guide you through interactive projects, case studies, and team challenges that mirror what it’s like to work in a dynamic business environment. The goal is to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience you need to succeed beyond the classroom.

Key Skills You’ll Learn in Business

Studying business management isn’t just about sitting through lectures and reading textbooks - it helps you learn life skills that are applicable professionally and personally.

Leadership That Inspires

In business classes, you’ll often work on group projects that put you in leadership positions. These experiences teach you how to set clear goals, make decisions under pressure, and guide a team toward achieving its objectives.

You’ll practise leading others through challenges, thinking ahead, and planning steps to reach a business goal. These are the skills that turn managers into leaders.

In our courses, you’ll learn how to set goals, give clear directions, and keep everyone in your team motivated - even when things don’t go as planned.

Money Management (Without the Headaches)

A big part of business is understanding money - how to manage it, track it, and make it grow.

Business courses break down the basics of budgeting, reading financial statements, and making smart investments.

You’ll learn to see the bigger picture behind the numbers and use financial data to make decisions that improve a company’s performance.

Communication That Connects

Ever had a great idea but didn’t know how to explain it? Business is all about getting your message across in a way that clicks with people.

Every idea needs a voice, and business courses teach you how to express yourself clearly and confidently. You’ll practise through presentations, discussions, and pitching your ideas to classmates.

Negotiation Like a Pro

Let’s face it - life’s full of negotiations, whether you’re haggling over the last slice of pizza or closing a big business deal.

Business studies give you hands-on practice in negotiation through role-play and case studies. You’ll learn how to find common ground, build your case, and reach deals that benefit both sides. These skills come in handy when you’re closing deals, working with suppliers, or even just trying to get a team on board with your ideas.

Turning Problems into Solutions

Business is never smooth sailing, and that’s where problem-solving comes in. In our courses, you’ll tackle real-life problems that force you to think on your feet.

You’ll learn to break down complicated issues, look at them from different angles, and come up with creative solutions that work. This way of thinking helps you make smarter decisions when the pressure’s on.

Adaptability That Keeps You Ahead

The world doesn’t wait around, and neither does business. Being adaptable means rolling with the punches and staying one step ahead.

You’ll learn how to handle unexpected situations with a cool head, bounce back from setbacks, and use every twist and turn as a chance to grow stronger.

At Oxford Summer Courses, you’ll put these skills to the test through hands-on projects, team challenges, and real-life scenarios that show you exactly how business works in the real world. By the end, you’ll feel ready to take on whatever comes your way and get ready to hit the ground running in any career you choose.

Famous Business Experts and Their Work

When you study business, it’s easy to get inspired by the stories of those who’ve come before. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs and leaders started with the same skills you’ll learn in a business course.

Let’s take a look at a few famous business minds, including some who began their journey at prestigious institutions like Oxford or Cambridge:

Sir Richard Branson (Virgin Group)

Richard Branson, who briefly studied at Stowe School and never finished formal higher education, has often said he built his business empire by learning from experience.

Even though he didn't attend Oxford or Cambridge, his story is one of passion and persistence. Branson turned a small record shop into the Virgin Group - a multinational company with ventures in music, airlines, and space travel. His ability to adapt, take risks, and think outside the box is something that resonates in every business lesson.

Dame Sharon White (John Lewis Partnership)

A Cambridge alumna, Dame Sharon White studied Economics at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. She later made history by becoming the first woman to lead the John Lewis Partnership, one of the UK’s most beloved retail brands.

Her leadership style focuses on strong ethical principles, employee welfare, and sustainable growth, which makes her a standout example of how business can drive positive change.

Steve Jobs (Apple Inc.)

Steve Jobs didn’t attend Oxford or Cambridge, but his legacy in business is hard to overlook. Jobs revolutionised the tech world by combining creativity with strategic business thinking.

His focus on user-friendly design and innovation helped turn Apple into one of the most valuable and recognisable companies known today. He demonstrates that with a clear vision and a drive to push boundaries, the sky's the limit for success.

These leaders demonstrate that leading a business with integrity can drive real impact, transforming ideas into something much greater. They remind us that the skills you gain in business courses - from financial expertise to leadership - can set you on a path to build something significant.

Future Careers in Business

Studying business doesn’t just give you a diploma - it opens the door to exciting career paths across different industries.

Here are some directions you might take with a background in business:

Corporate Leadership

If you see yourself leading a team or even running a company one day, business studies can help you get there. You’ll learn the strategic thinking and leadership skills that CEOs, managers, and department heads use to make big decisions, inspire their teams, and drive their companies forward.

Consulting

Business consultants are the problem-solvers that companies turn to when they need expert advice. With your knowledge of business operations and strategy, you’ll help organisations find smarter ways to work, boost their profits, and stay ahead of the competition. It’s like being a detective for businesses-analysing what’s not working and coming up with solutions that make a real impact.

Entrepreneurship

Got a big idea that you think could change the world. Studying entrepreneurship gives you the tools to turn those ideas into something real, guiding you through everything from creating a solid business plan to navigating the ups and downs of running your own company. Who knows, the next big startup could be yours!

Marketing and Brand Management

If you’re more of a creative thinker, marketing and brand management might be better suited to you. This path lets you work on creative campaigns, build brand identities, and figure out how to reach the right people.

Finance and Investment

For those who love working with numbers and making smart financial decisions, a career in finance could be a great alternative. You could help companies manage their investments, work in banking, or advise on budgets.

Our business management courses provide students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to succeed in these dynamic fields, guiding you every step of the way.

Why Choose Oxford Summer Courses?

One of the things that makes Oxford Summer Courses unique is the flexibility of our curriculum. Unlike traditional programmes, our tutors aren’t tied to a set curriculum. This means they can adapt the course content to suit the preferences and interests of the students attending.

Students will have the opportunity to discuss their learning goals with admissions, and we’ll do our best to tailor the course accordingly to ensure a personalised experience.

For younger students (ages 13-15), our teaching methodologies focus on seminars and small group learning. In Oxford and Cambridge, students participate in interactive seminars and small group sessions that challenge them intellectually and help them refine critical thinking, research, and presentation skills. Through expert guidance and collaborative learning, students gain the support they need to excel.

For students aged 16-24, our courses follow a tutorial-style teaching model. This method encourages independent thought, academic exploration, and lively debates in small group seminars. Tutorials provide personalised feedback, helping students develop their ideas and arguments, and preparing them for success in higher education and beyond.

​​Conclusion

In conclusion, Oxford Summer Courses provide a well-rounded and enriching experience for students eager to explore the world of business. Our programmes are designed to challenge your thinking and spark your curiosity, with a blend of interactive lessons, hands-on projects, and personalised learning that helps you connect theory to real-life practice.

You’ll develop essential skills, from leadership to financial literacy, while engaging in seminars and tutorials that encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of business principles. However, it’s not just about the academics - you’ll also get to enjoy a vibrant social experience, make new friends, and soak in the culture of historic cities like Oxford and Cambridge.

With a supportive community and experienced tutors by your side, you’ll have everything you need to feel at home while expanding your horizons.

For more information on how to apply, deadlines, and pricing, visit our application page. If you have any questions, our FAQs and friendly team are always here to help. Your adventure at Oxford or Cambridge awaits - let’s get started!

Apply to Study Economics

Are you ready to take the first step toward an exciting career in business? We offer business courses for ages 13-24 across Oxford and Cambridge. Our courses are designed to provide a personalised learning experience that adapts to your academic interests. Spaces are limited and fill up quickly, so we highly recommend applying early. Don’t miss your chance to study business with an award-winning summer school - submit your application today!

FAQs about Economics

1. What is business studies? Business studies involve learning about different aspects of running a company, including management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
2. How can studying business help my career? Studying business equips you with versatile skills that are in demand across various industries, increasing your employability and career opportunities.
3. What skills will I gain in a business summer course? You’ll develop leadership, strategic thinking, financial literacy, communication, and problem-solving skills.
4. What is the difference between business and economics? Business focuses on the practical aspects of running companies, while economics studies broader economic systems and theories.
5. What opportunities are there for entrepreneurship in the course? Our courses provide hands-on projects, mentorship, and the chance to develop your own business ideas, making them ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs.