1. GCSE Pearson Edexcel Business How to approach your exam
Mrs Wickson
The Henry Box School
@bizatthebox

2. Assessment Objectives
AO1a = knowledge & recall AO1b = demonstrating understanding AO2 = application and calculations AO3a = analysis AO3b = evaluation

3. Application
Section A – not required, testing knowledge only (AO1)
Sections B & C application essential! (AO2)

4. 1/2 marks - multiple choice Q’s

5. 2 marks - calculate Could be in all 3 sections
No marks are available for stating the formula (but you will be expected to memorise them!)
Marks available for showing your working out
Your answer must be to 2 decimal places (if applicable)
Must write on the line provided to be awarded the mark!

6. Don’t forget to write on the line to be awarded the marks!

7. 3 marks – explain one
There will be 6 explain Q’s only in section A, so NO application
Give your answer (AO1a)
Then use 2 links/chains to explain your answer (AO1b). You do this by using connectives
Knowledge (AO1a) = 1 mark
Demonstrating understanding (Ao1b) = 2 marks

8. Explain one method a business could use to add value to its product (3)
One way could be to have a USP (AO1a) 1. As a result this will help the product or service stand out from competitors (AO1b) 1. This could lead to customers willing to pay more for the product (AO1b) 1.

9. 2 marks – outline one
There will be 2 or 3 explain Q’s only in sections B&C, which means you have to APPLY them
Give your answer, which applies to the case study (AO2)
Then use 1 link/chain to explain your answer (AO2), which applies to the case study. You do this by using connectives
Application (AO2) = 2 marks

10. Outline one reason why being an e-tailer gives Amazon an advantage over Argos (2)
Because there are lower fixed costs for Amazon such as rent (AO2) 1, due to no need for high street stores (AO2) 1
Outline one method of promotion that would be appropriate for Greggs (2)
TV advertising because they operate in a mass market (AO2) 1 and have enough finance available to be able to afford it (AO2) 1

11. Discuss – 6 marks
Only one question and will only appear at the end of section A, so no application required!
State your answer (AO1b)
Then analyse it (AO3a)
Need at least 2 connectives/links for 3/4 marks
Need at least 5 connectives/links for 5/6 marks
Demonstrating understanding (AO1b) = 3 marks
Analysing (AO3a) = 3 marks

12. AO3a analysis – at least 5 chains/links = 3 marks
Discuss the likely benefit of having a decentralised organisational structure (6)
A decentralised structure means that local areas have more power. As a result they are more flexible (AO1b – identified benefit), which means they can react to local changes faster. This would benefit a business because it would be easier to meet customer demands, meaning customers may find the products ore desirable, therefore more sales revenue will be made which could mean increased profits.
AO1b level 3 – demonstrates accurate knowledge and understanding of business concepts and issues throughout = 3 marks
AO3a analysis – at least 5 chains/links = 3 marks

13. Analyse – 6 marks
Same technique as discuss BUT need to APPLY! This means they analyse questions will be in sections B and C.
State your answer (AO2)
Then analyse it (AO3a)
Need at least 2 connectives/links for 3/4 marks
Need at least 5 connectives/links for 5/6 marks
Applying knowledge and understanding (AO2) = 3 marks
Analysing (AO3a) = 3 marks

14. Levels-based mark scheme

15. AO3a analysis – at least 5 chains/links = 3 marks
Analyse the impact on Greggs of allowing customers to order their food online in advance (6)
On impact could be that it shortens the length of queues. As a result the service will be more efficient (AO2 – identified impact) as customers can use the contactless payment. This could lead to an increase in sales as more people can buy pies more often.
They will also be able to prepare in advance. As a result Greggs will have more time for customers when they come into the shop (AO2 – identified impact). This could lead to them building a positive relationship and could lead to repeat custom.
AO2 level 3 – detailed application of knowledge and understanding of business concepts and issues to the business context throughout = 3 marks
AO3a analysis – at least 5 chains/links = 3 marks

16. Justify – 9 marks
Two questions. One at the end of section B, and one in section C
You will be given a choice of 2 options and have to decide which is the best for the business given and WHY
State your choice and explain WHY
Explain the disadvantage of your choice
Explain the disadvantage of the other choice
Justify WHY your option is better and what it DEPENDS ON
Need at least 2 connectives/links for L2
Need at least 5 connectives/links for L3

17. Levels-based mark scheme

18. Increasing average prices Reducing the cost of ingredients
Reduce the amount they need to BREAK EVEN
Look out for the hidden words which will ensure you ATQ!
Increasing average prices
Reducing the cost of ingredients

19. competition, the state of the economy, finance, objectives
Evaluate – 12 marks
Only one question and will only appear at the end of section C, the FINAL question!
Will test ALL of the assessment objectives
Same written structure as justify BUT open ended (no choices given)
State your reason and explain WHY
Explain the disadvantage of your reason – HOWEVER…..
Evaluate WHY your reason is suitable and what it DEPENDS ON e.g.:
competition, the state of the economy, finance, objectives
Need at least 2 connectives/links for L2
Need at least 5 connectives/links for L3