Cambridge IGCSE: 0450/12 Business Studies
Cambridge IGCSE: 0450/12 Business Studies
Cambridge IGCSE: 0450/12 Business Studies
Cambridge IGCSE
INSTRUCTIONS
• Answer all questions.
• Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
• Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
• Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
• Do not write on any bar codes.
• You may use a calculator.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 80.
• The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
03_0450_12_2020_1.24
© UCLES 2020 [Turn over
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1 HSN uses batch production to make breakfast cereals. The products are sold using several
distribution channels. HSN employs 600 production workers. HSN has problems with many
employees leaving. Following the dismissal of the Operations Manager, the Human Resources
Director has to recruit a new manager. She said: ‘The person must have good communication skills
to help solve the communication barriers HSN has with employees.’ The Human Resources Director
has to decide whether to use internal recruitment or external recruitment for the new manager.
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Problem 1: ........................................................................................................................
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Problem 2: ........................................................................................................................
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(d) Explain how each of the following could cause communication barriers within HSN.
Language: .........................................................................................................................
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(e) Do you think external recruitment is better than internal recruitment when recruiting a new
manager for a large business? Justify your answer.
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2 Gomez is a sole trader. He provides painting and decorating services to business customers. His
business does not benefit from any economies of scale because it is small. Gomez has to pay his
suppliers within 1 month. However, he gives customers 3 months to pay. Gomez uses an old van
he has borrowed from his father to travel to his customers’ offices and shops. As the van often
breaks down, Gomez is thinking of buying a new van. A cash-flow forecast for the next 3 months
is shown in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1
Cash-flow forecast for Gomez’s business ($)
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X: ......................................................................................................................................
Y: ...................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) Outline two factors Gomez should consider when choosing a source of finance for the new
van.
Factor 1: ...........................................................................................................................
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Factor 2: ...........................................................................................................................
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(d) Explain one advantage and one disadvantage to Gomez of being a sole trader.
Advantage: .......................................................................................................................
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Explanation: ......................................................................................................................
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Disadvantage: ...................................................................................................................
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Explanation: ......................................................................................................................
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(e) Do you think asking customers to pay more quickly is the best way for a small business to
improve its cash-flow? Justify your answer.
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3 Globalisation has changed the way many businesses operate. VKW makes cell (mobile) phones.
It uses just-in-time inventory control. VKW exports 40% of its products. It imports most of its raw
materials to help reduce total costs. All 800 of VKW’s employees understand the importance of
quality assurance. The Operations Director has asked all suppliers to ensure they do not use child
labour. She is also concerned that many governments are planning to increase import controls
such as quotas.
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Advantage 1: ....................................................................................................................
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Advantage 2: ....................................................................................................................
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(c) Outline two ways VKW might be affected by increased import controls.
Way 1: ...............................................................................................................................
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Way 2: ...............................................................................................................................
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(d) Explain one advantage and one disadvantage to VKW of using just-in-time inventory control.
Advantage: .......................................................................................................................
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Explanation: ......................................................................................................................
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Disadvantage: ...................................................................................................................
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Explanation: ......................................................................................................................
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(e) Do you think that businesses should be concerned about ethical issues such as child labour?
Justify your answer.
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4 WFG is a private limited company in country X. It owns 120 supermarkets, of which 20 are operated
as franchises. One of WFG’s objectives is to expand by opening 30 more shops in the next 18
months. The Managing Director said: ‘Market research shows that fewer people are going to the
local markets every day to buy their food. It is important for us to set prices at the right level.’ The
Managing Director is thinking about whether to introduce new technology into the business.
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(b) State two objectives (other than expansion) a business might have.
Objective 1:........................................................................................................................
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Objective 2:........................................................................................................................
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(c) State four factors a business should consider when deciding the price of a product.
Factor 1:............................................................................................................................
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Factor 2:............................................................................................................................
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Factor 3:............................................................................................................................
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(d) Explain two factors WFG should consider when deciding whether to introduce new technology
into its business.
Factor 1: ...........................................................................................................................
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Explanation:.......................................................................................................................
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Factor 2:............................................................................................................................
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Explanation:.......................................................................................................................
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(e) Do you think selling franchises is a better way for a retail business to expand than opening
more of its own shops? Justify your answer.
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INFORMATION
• This insert contains the case study.
*8605031596-I*
• You may annotate this insert and use the blank spaces for planning. Do not write your answers on the
insert.
03_0450_22_2020_1.11
© UCLES 2020 [Turn over
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Bob recently set up BW, a window washing business after he had been unemployed for 7 months.
Many home owners are extremely busy and find it difficult to find the time to wash the windows in
their houses. Increasing incomes have also led to a high demand for window washing services.
The primary market research carried out by Bob before setting up his business confirmed this high
demand. Bob used sampling when carrying out a questionnaire.
Bob is a sole trader. He invested $2 000 to get his business started and to provide working capital.
He needed $250 to purchase ladders, buckets and cleaning products. He also needed transport
to travel between customers houses. Bob decided to lease a van at a cost of $150 per month. Bob
has to pay wages to his 2 part-time employees of $300 per month each.
Bob only has a few regular customers and he needs to promote the business to attract more
customers. He is considering printing leaflets, advertising in local newspapers or just relying on
social media. He has to decide which method of promotion to use. He hopes his regular customers
will tell their friends about BW’s excellent services. If the promotion is successful he will need to
ensure his employees can meet this higher demand.
Appendix 1
10:44
Employee 1 >
Employee 2:
My last employer
always told me what to
do. I do not like having
to make decisions.
Working fewer hours
and being flexible with
the times I work makes
it easier to look after
my family.
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
The most effective products used to wash windows contain chemicals which damage the
environment. However, these products reduce the time taken to wash windows by 50%.
Many window washing businesses use plastic bottles as containers for all their cleaning products.
Most of these bottles cannot be refilled or recycled.
Washing windows can use a lot of water which reduces the amount of water available for other
uses. Recently a new machine has been developed for washing windows which is very efficient
and recycles the water it uses. Each machine costs $1000.
The Government is being encouraged by environmental pressure groups to introduce legal controls
over the window washing industry.
BLANK PAGE
Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every reasonable
effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the publisher will
be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.
To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge Assessment
International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download at
www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.
Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of
Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which itself is a department of the University of Cambridge.
INSTRUCTIONS
• Answer all questions.
• Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
• Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
• Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
• Do not write on any bar codes.
• You may use a calculator.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 80.
• The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
• The insert contains the case study.
03_0450_22_2020_1.11
© UCLES 2020 [Turn over
2
1 (a) Explain four reasons why a person may set up their own business.
Reason 1: .........................................................................................................................
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Reason 3: .........................................................................................................................
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(b) Explain the benefits to BW of employing part-time employees and full-time employees. Do you
think Bob should continue to employ only part-time employees? Justify your answer.
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Conclusion: .......................................................................................................................
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2 (a) Explain two reasons why Bob used sampling when carrying out a questionnaire.
Reason 1: .........................................................................................................................
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Explanation: ......................................................................................................................
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Reason 2: .........................................................................................................................
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(b) Explain the following three methods of promotion BW could use. Which method should Bob
use? Justify your answer.
• Leaflets
• Advertise in local newspaper
• Social media
Leaflets: ............................................................................................................................
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Social media:.....................................................................................................................
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Recommendation: ............................................................................................................
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Reason 1: .........................................................................................................................
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Explanation: ......................................................................................................................
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Reason 2: .........................................................................................................................
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Explanation: ......................................................................................................................
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(b) Consider the three main styles of leadership Bob could use in his business. Which leadership
style do you think he should use? Justify your answer.
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Recommendation: ............................................................................................................
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4 (a) (i) Calculate the break-even level of output for BW using the information in Appendix 2.
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(ii) Calculate the margin of safety for BW using the information in Appendix 2.
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Way 1: ...................................................................................................................
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Way 3:....................................................................................................................
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(b) Consider the following three options for BW. Which option should Bob choose to improve
BW’s reputation? Justify your answer.
Option 1: ...........................................................................................................................
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Option 2: ...........................................................................................................................
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Option 3: ...........................................................................................................................
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Recommendation: ............................................................................................................
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BLANK PAGE
Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every reasonable
effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the publisher will
be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.
To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge Assessment
International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download at
www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.
Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of
Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which itself is a department of the University of Cambridge.
Published
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the March 2020 series for most Cambridge
IGCSE™, Cambridge International A and AS Level components and some Cambridge O Level components.
These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers. They should be applied alongside the
specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these
marking principles.
• the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
• the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit is given for valid answers which go beyond the
scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
• marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
• marks are not deducted for errors
• marks are not deducted for omissions
• answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these features are specifically assessed by the
question as indicated by the mark scheme. The meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
Rules must be applied consistently e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level
descriptors.
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question (however; the use of the full mark range may
be limited according to the quality of the candidate responses seen).
Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should not be awarded with grade thresholds or
grade descriptors in mind.
Award two marks for a full definition. Award one mark for a 2 For both marks, candidates must show that it is the
partial definition. business that ends the employment and indicate why the
employee has been asked to leave the business.
Termination by the employer because the employee has
broken company rules or is not performing work to the
required standard [2]
Award one mark per distribution channel. 2 Only award the first two responses given.
Two from:
• Wholesalers
• Retailers
• Direct to customers/Online/Internet/website
• Use of agents
Award one mark for each relevant problem. 4 Answers must focus on problems for the business.
Award one mark for each relevant reference to this Do not award answers which identify the impact on
business. employees/other stakeholders.
Points might include: Application marks may be awarded for appropriate use of
• Cost of recruiting new/replacing workers [k] as employ the following:
600 employees [app] • 600 (employees)
• Cost of training new employees [k] to use batch • Batch production
production [app] • Breakfast cereal
• Disruption to production/lower productivity/lower
output [k] of breakfast cereals [app]
• Can damage business reputation [k] so difficult to
recruit new manager/so harder to use external
recruitment [app]
• Takes managers time away from other aspects of the
business [k] such as reducing communication barriers
[app]
• Time taken to recruit new/replace workers [k]
• Time taken to train new employees [k]
1(d) Explain how each of the following could cause communication barriers within HSN.
Award one mark for identification of how each 6 Answers must focus on how the communication barrier is
communication barrier arises (max two). created/arises, not the impact it has on the business.
Award one mark for each relevant reference made to this Application marks may be awarded for appropriate use of
business (max two). the following:
• 600 (employees)
Award one mark for each relevant explanation (max two) • Batch production
• (Breakfast) cereal
Points might include: • (Several) distribution channels
Language:
• Use of new/different jargon/technical terms/difficult Do not award solutions.
words/vocabulary [k] when using batch production
[app] so employees may not understand the message
[an]
• Use foreign/different language [k] when making
cereals [app]
Medium of communication:
• The wrong channel may be used/workers may not be
able to use the method selected [k] so messages may
not be seen [an] by all 600 employees [app]
• Physical breakdown of medium [k] so that the
message is never received [an] which is important as
use several distribution channels [app]
• Message may be lost/distorted (if have a long chain of
command) [k] so may be misinterpreted [an]
• No feedback is received [k]
1(e) Do you think external recruitment is better than internal recruitment when recruiting a new manager for a large
business? Justify your answer.
Award up to two marks for identification of relevant issues. 6 Advantages of one method can be presented as
Award up to two marks for relevant development of points. disadvantages of the other method but do not award the
Award two marks for justified decision as to whether same point twice.
external recruitment is better than internal recruitment
when recruiting a new manager for a large business. For both evaluation marks justification must clearly relate
to a large business.
Points might include:
External recruitment: No not award ‘no need to train’ unless refers to induction
• Wider pool/choice of candidates [k] improving chances training.
of finding the most appropriate person [an]
• Bring in new ideas/experience/skills [k] could help
increase efficiency [an]
• Avoids risk of upsetting other employees when
someone who is internal is promoted [k]
Internal recruitment:
• Quicker/cheaper than external recruitment [k] which
reduces expenses [an]
• Acts as an incentive/motivation for employees [k] so
reducing labour turnover [an]
• People know the business [k] so can start work more
quickly [an]
• Company knows the people/employee [k]
• Suitable candidates may not be available [k]
• Would create another vacancy for the business to fill
[k]
Award two marks for a full definition. Award one mark for a 2 Do not award examples.
partial definition.
Do not award answers which refer to price.
Factors that lead to lower average costs as a business
increases in size [2]
OR
Award one mark for each correct calculation. 2 $ sign is not required.
X: 400
Y: 2400
2(c) Outline two factors Gomez should consider when choosing a source of finance for the new van
Award one mark for each relevant factor. 4 Answers must focus on factors to consider, not sources of
finance.
Award one mark for each relevant reference to this
business. Points might include: Application marks may be awarded for appropriate use of
the following:
• Amount needed/how much it will cost [k] as cash • Sole trader
available is only $600 [app] • Small business
• Cost of finance/interest rate [k] for this painting • Correct use of data from Table 2.1
business [app] • Borrowed from father
• Amount of security/whether he has any security to • Painting/decorating
offer [k] as has borrowed old van [app]
• Size/type of business [k] may be viewed as a higher
risk as he is a sole trader [app]
• Time needed to repay/time to obtain finance [k]
• Current level of debt/loans/gearing [k]
• Whether to buy or lease [k]
• Amount of finance/money available in
business/liquidity [k]
2(d) Explain one advantage and one disadvantage to Gomez of being a sole trader.
Award one mark for identification of each relevant 6 Analysis must explain how it represents an
advantage/disadvantage (max two). advantage/disadvantage.
Award one mark for each relevant reference made to this Do not award quick/easy to set up as this is an established
business (max two). business.
Award one mark for each relevant explanation (max two) Application marks may be awarded for appropriate use of
the following:
Points might include: • (Old) van
Advantage: • Borrowed from father
• Painting / decorating
• Keeps all the profit [k] so if successful will make more • Customers are offices / shops
money/will encourage him to do better [an] from • Customers given 3 months credit
painting business [app] • Pay suppliers within 1 month
• Own boss/has complete control [k] so can make • Correct use of data from Table 2.1
decisions more quickly [an]
• Does not have to give information about his business
to anyone else/secrecy in business matters [k]
• Has freedom to choose own holidays/hours of
work/prices to charge [k] such as whether to offer
customers 3 months credit [app]
• Has close contact with customers [k] so able to
respond quickly to changes in demand [an]
2(d) Disadvantage:
• Unlimited liability [k] so if business is not able to pay
the suppliers within 1 month [app] could lose his
personal possessions [an]
• Limited sources of finance/difficult to raise funds [k] to
buy new assets [an] such as the van [app]
• May have limited range of skills [k] as only a small
business [app]
• No continuity/if ill who will take control [k]
• Has to work long hours/difficult to take holidays [k]
otherwise may lose out on potential sales/revenue [an]
• No one to share the risks/losses with [k]
• Not able to benefit from economies of scale [k]
2(e) Do you think asking customers to pay more quickly is the best way for a small business to improve its cash flow? Justify
your answer.
Award up to two marks for identification of relevant 6 Analysis and Evaluation must focus on whether asking
points/alternative methods. customers to pay more quickly is the best way for a small
business to improve its cash flow.
Award up to two marks for relevant development of points.
Points might include: For both evaluation marks justification must clearly relate
• Asking customers to pay more quickly means: to a small business.
• Less/no need to borrow [k] so no interest paid so does
not increase cash outflows [an]
• Customers may be unable or unwilling to pay more
quickly [k] so may look for alternative suppliers so
reducing cash inflows [an]
Award two marks for a full definition. Award one mark for a 2
partial definition.
Award one mark per advantage. 2 Only award the first two responses given.
3(c) Outline two ways VKW might be affected by increased import controls.
Award one mark for each relevant way. 4 Application marks may be awarded for appropriate use of
the following:
Award one mark for each relevant reference to this • trying to reduce total costs
business. • phones
• 40 per cent exported
Points might include: • (Most) raw materials are imported
• Increased import costs/more expensive to import [k] at • quotas
a time when trying to reduce total costs [app]
• Can export less products/fewer sales in other Do not award examples.
countries [k] which is a problem as export 40% of its
phones [app] Do not award lower prices or increased sales in other
• May not be able to obtain sufficient number/range of countries.
parts so delay/halt production [k] so difficult to use
just-in-time [app] For knowledge must identify the effect of import control.
• May have to spend time finding local suppliers [k] as
currently most raw materials are imported [app]
• Might have to charge higher prices [k]
• Domestic sales might rise [k]
3(d) Explain one advantage and one disadvantage to VKW of using just-in-time inventory control.
Award one mark for identification of each relevant 6 Application marks may be awarded for appropriate use of
advantage / disadvantage (max two). the following:
• reduce total costs
Award one mark for each relevant reference made to this • phones
business (max two). • 40 per cent exported
• 800 (employees)
Award one mark for each relevant explanation (max two). • Quality assurance
• Imports most of its raw materials
Points might include:
Advantage:
• Less inventory held [k] to make phones [app] so less
chance of wastage [an]
• Lower storage costs [k] because there is less
space/smaller warehouse needed [an] which also
helps reduce total costs [app]
• Improve working capital/cash-flow [k] as less money
tied up as stock [an]
• Less risk of inventory becoming obsolete/damaged [k]
which helps quality assurance [app]
Disadvantage:
• Parts might not arrive in time/limited inventory held [k]
especially as many are imported [app] causing
production delays [an]
• No extra stock/materials available to meet unexpected
orders [k] could lead to lower revenue/sales [an]
• Little room for mistakes in production as little/no
inventory kept for rework [k]
• May not have good relationship/communication with
suppliers/requires a lot of planning to make sure
goods delivered on time [k]
• No economies of scale possible [k] leading to higher
average costs [an]
3(e) Do you think that businesses should be concerned about ethical issues such as child labour? Justify your answer.
Award up to two marks for identification of relevant issues. 6 Candidates can discuss points in relation to ethical issues
other than child labour.
Award up to two marks for relevant development of points.
Advantages of being ethical can be disadvantages of
Award two marks for justified decision as to whether being unethical but do not award the same point twice.
businesses should be concerned about ethical issues such
as child labour. Do not credit answers which refer to legal or quality issues
as these do not answer the question.
Points might include:
• Being ethical may enhance image/reputation [k] so Do not award examples of how a business can be ethical.
more customers want to buy its products [an] which
may increase revenue [an]
• People want to support ethical businesses/help attract
customers/being ethical can help increase sales [k]
• Can help attract investors (who want to be associated
with such businesses) [k] leading to access to more
finance [an]
• Help attract/retain employees [k] leading to higher
productivity [an]
• Can charge/may have to set higher prices [k] so
customers may switch to cheaper competitors [an]
• Being ethical can conflict with profit objective/short
term profits may fall [k]
• Being ethical may mean paying higher wages which
can increase costs [k] which a business might not be
able to afford [an]
• Pressure groups might organise a boycott [k]
Award two marks for a full definition. Award one mark for a 2 To award both marks response must refer to at least two
partial definition. stages of the research process, not for example primary or
secondary market research.
Process of gathering, analysing and interpreting
information about the market [2] Do not award examples.
4(b) State two objectives (other than expansion) a business might have.
Award one mark per objective 2 Only award the first two responses given.
Objectives might include: Do not award growth as this is the same as expansion.
• survival/stay in business beyond first two years/break-
even/improve cash flow
• make a profit
• increase market share/increase sales/increase
revenue/enter new markets (or examples such as start
selling online)/become market leader
• return to shareholders/increase return on capital
employed
• be socially/ethically/environmentally responsible (or
examples but allow only once)
• provide a service to the community
• cuts costs/improve profit margin/add value
4(c) State four factors a business should consider when deciding the price of a product.
Award 1 mark per factor. 4 Only award the first four responses given.
4(d) Explain two factors WFG should consider when deciding whether to introduce new technology into its business.
Award one mark for identification of each relevant factor 6 Answers must focus on a retail business and appropriate
(max two). types of new technology.
Award one mark for each relevant reference made to this Application marks may be awarded for appropriate use of
business (max two). the following:
• 120 or 30 or 150
Award one mark for each relevant explanation (max two). • Supermarkets or shops
• Local markets or food
Points might include: • 20 or franchises
• Cost of technology [k] as has 120 locations [app]
which they may not be able to afford [an]
• Cost of training time taken for training/are workers
able or willing to learn how to use it [k] as need to offer
training for the 20 franchises [app] increasing its
expenses [an]
• Potential efficiency gains [k] to lower average cost [an]
so able to lower the prices of its food [app]
• How many workers may lose jobs/number of
redundancies [k]
• Level of demand [k] as most people buy at local
markets [app] so may not be able to justify cost [an]
• Opportunity cost [k]
• Availability of power/electricity [k]
• Sufficient space available [k] as if not the rent might
increase [an]
• Customer ability to operate the technology [k] as if
cannot use could result in fewer sales/less revenue
[an]
4(e) Do you think selling franchises is a better way for a retail business to expand than opening more of its own shops?
Justify your answer.
Award up to two marks for identification of relevant points. 6 Do not award answers which refer to advantages and/or
disadvantages to franchisees.
Award up to two marks for relevant development of points.
Do not award more sales as this would apply to both
Award two marks for justified decision as to whether options.
selling franchises is a better way for a retail business to
expand than opening more of its own shops. For both evaluation marks justification must clearly relate
to a retail business.
Points might include:
Selling franchises:
• Franchisee pays fee to franchisor to use the brand
name [k] so franchisor does not have to raise as much
capital [an]
• Can expand more quickly (than if franchisor had to
finance all new outlets) [k]
• Franchisees are responsible for day-to-day
management [k] so franchisor has time to focus on
more strategic objectives [an]
• Franchisee should have local knowledge [k] which
could help increase sales/revenue [an]
• Franchisor receives a percentage of revenue/profits
[k]
• Franchisor shares risks with franchisee [k]
• Brand/customer awareness increases [k]
• All products sold must be obtained from the franchisor
[k]
• Wrong decision or poor management by one
franchisee can damage reputation for whole business
[k] reducing sales/revenue [an]
• Franchisor may have to provide training and support
[k] which will increase franchisors costs [an]
Published
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the March 2020 series for most Cambridge
IGCSE™, Cambridge International A and AS Level components and some Cambridge O Level components.
These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
• the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
• the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme,
referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
• marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
• marks are not deducted for errors
• marks are not deducted for omissions
• answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
Rules must be applied consistently e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should
not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.
1(a) Explain four reasons why a person may set up their own business. 8
Award one mark for each relevant reason (maximum of four). Relevant
reasons might include:
Well-justified conclusion.
1(b)
1 Limited application of knowledge and understanding 1–4
of relevant business concepts.
0 No Creditable Response 0
1(b)
Conclusion Justification might include:
• As the business is new and may not have a lot of
customers then part-time employees might be cheaper
in terms of wage costs than full-time employees and
willing to only work at busy times – therefore saving
BW costs.
• If BW is planning to expand in the future then full-time
employees may be better as they will gain more skills
and be suitable to take on more responsibility – helping
Bob to cope and delegate some of his tasks managing
the window cleaning business. Which would be more
difficult to do with part-time employees.
2(a) Explain two reasons why Bob used sampling when carrying out a 8
questionnaire.
Award one mark for each relevant reason (maximum of two reasons).
For example: To reduce costs for the business (1) because if the whole
population is asked about cleaning windows this will be very expensive
(App) therefore choosing a small number of people will be less expensive
(1). This is important for a small business which will have other costs to pay
(1).
• Leaflets
• Advertise in local newspaper
• Social media
Well-justified recommendation.
0 No Creditable Response 0
2(b)
Social Media • Can be free with no cost – unless paid for
advertising – seen by many younger consumers
although may not be home owners
• Reputation of the cleaning business helps
encourage new customers – spread quickly as
easier to share
• Allows video and audio to be added – makes the
advertisement more attractive – may be more
likely to persuade customers to have their
windows cleaned
• Advertising can be carried out across the local
area and not national area – so more targeted
on potential customers
• However, limited number of family and friends of
the small number of current regular
customers – restricting sales
• Customers may not trust posts on social media
– may think they are fake
For example:
3(b) Consider the three main styles of leadership Bob could use in his 12
business. Which leadership style do you think he should use? Justify
your answer.
Well-justified recommendation.
0 No Creditable Response 0
3(b)
Recommendation Justification might include:
• Autocratic might be best so that Bob gives clear
instructions to be followed by his two part-time
employees. They may not be there all the time
or working together and mistakes may be made
if decisions are left to these two people. They
will not have all the information about the
business and what the future plans are.
• Democratic might be suitable as there are only
two employees and Bob may have a close
working relationship with them. This may make
autocratic less likely to be used as it may require
Bob to keep his distance from his employees
and this would not make for a good working
relationship in the business.
• Laissez-faire is not suitable as consistent
customer service is required to maintain a good
reputation for cleaning windows and for the
business to gain more customers.
4(a)(i) Calculate the break-even level of output for BW using the information 2
in Appendix 2.
Two marks for correct calculation. One mark for correct method/formula but
wrong answer.
Break-even output = Fixed costs + Price – Variable cost per unit (1)
$1250 ÷ ($11–$1)(1) = 125 (1)
Note: If answer is only 125 with no working then award two marks.
Two marks for correct calculation. One mark for correct method but wrong
answer. OFR applies.
Note: If answer is only 100 with no working then award two marks.
4(b) Consider the following three options for BW. Which option should Bob 12
choose to improve BW’s reputation? Justify your answer.
Well-justified recommendation.
4(b)
1 Limited application of knowledge and understanding 1–4
of relevant business concepts.
0 No Creditable Response 0
4(b)
Recommendation Justification may include:
• Choose Option 1 as although costs may be
slightly higher the increased efficiency and
cleaning more windows per hour increases
reputation for a fast service. Customers may not
know about the new machine or bottles being
refilled and therefore this may not improve BW’s
reputation.
• Choose Option 2 as plastic bottles would not
need to go to waste and this can be a USP in
advertising if other window washing businesses
do not use these, hence improving BW’s
reputation. It is also a lot cheaper than paying
$1000 for a new machine.
• Choose Option 3 as it may be better in the long
term as water is important and BW will not be
wasting it. It also means that BW can wash
windows without having to gain water from the
house if the owners are out. This may increase
efficiency and improve the reputation for being
careful with the scarce resource of water. BW’s
reputation will not be enhanced as much if it
refills bottles, as this may not be noticed by
customers and they may not be aware of the
chemicals being used.