In the familiar style of the Pitman GNVQ series, Keith Vincent offers a solid basic text for this advanced business option. The inclusion at the start of the module specifications for BTEC, City and Guilds and RSA ought to be an invaluable aid to students when completing assignments.

Each section in part two leads the reader logically through the relevant points, part three containing case study materials, part four assignments and part five a full list of sources of further information.

Part three offers case studies which allow discussion in more depth, and in a business context, of the subject matter delivered in part two. As a springboard for discussions and project work these studies will help ensure coverage of the range, essential in option modules which do not have an end-test.

You have to smile, however, given recent events in the City, at case study six, which deals with merchant banking. No doubt the choice of Barings as the focus of this section will lead to wider discussion than Keith Vincent ever envisaged!

Efrem Jones is a main grade lecturer at Blackburn College.