Unit 1 Learning Aim C challenges students to analyse how external and internal factors influence business success. Using frameworks such as SWOT and DESTEP, students learn to identify opportunities, risks, and critical success factors. They explore how organisations set objectives, balance stakeholder interests, and respond to competitive pressure. Through practical cases ranging from family businesses to global brands, students practice weighing evidence, prioritising key issues, and developing realistic recommendations. Assignments mirror the open-book exam format by providing partial clues, which students must complete, analyse, and translate into clear advice. This learning aim builds skills in structured problem-solving, critical thinking, and responsible use of sources, preparing students to evaluate complex business challenges.