business studies ieb exam
questions
, BUSINESS STUDIES IEB EXAM QUESTIONS
GR 11/12 FOCOUS
Contents
BUSINESS STUDIES IEB EXAM QUESTIONS...................................................................................... 1
Section: Ethics and Professionalism................................................................................................ 3
Section: Creative thinking and problem solving.............................................................................. 7
Section: entrepreneurship, Management and leadership................................................................9
Section: Environments and Strategies (micro, macro and market)...............................................13
Section: Marketing and Branding.................................................................................................. 18
Section: Legislation....................................................................................................................... 22
Section:Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance............................................25
Section: Human resources............................................................................................................ 29
Section: Industrial Relations.......................................................................................................... 32
Section: Insurance......................................................................................................................... 35
Section: conflict management....................................................................................................... 38
Section: Investment Opportunities................................................................................................ 40
Secton: Performance Management............................................................................................... 43
300 marks
(3 hours)
Section A: 30 minutes (100 marks)
Section B: 90 minutes (150 marks)
Section C (Report): 45 minutes. (50 marks)
Extra 15 minutes
1
@SMARTMATRICS-STUVIA
, Depending on the exam
Outline/Define/Name/List/Identify → 2–3 marks
Explain/Discuss → 4–6 marks
Analyse/Evaluate/Recommend → 6–10 marks
Scenario-based or integrative questions → 8–12 marks
Questions key words
List / Name / Identify → Give short answers or items only. No explanation.
Define → Give the exact meaning or definition of a term.
Explain / Discuss → Give reasons, details, or descriptions. Show understanding.
Analyse → Break down the question into parts and examine causes, effects, or
relationships.
Evaluate → Give positive and negative points, weigh them, and make judgments.
Recommend / Suggest / Propose → Give a solution or action and justify why it works.
How → Explain the process, method, or way something happens.
Why → Explain the reason behind something happening.
Describe → Give features, characteristics, or details.
Impact / Effect / Consequence → Discuss positive or negative outcomes. Advantages or
disadvantages.
Compare / Contrast → Show similarities and differences.
Justify → Provide clear reasoning or proof for a choice or action.
Outline → Give the main points or a summary.
Illustrate → Show by using a scenario, steps, or a diagram.
Scenario-based / Integrative → Apply theory to a situation, combine different concepts,
show understanding, and give possible solutions.
Mark allocation: The mark allocation directly tells you how many distinct, explained facts
(points) you need. Each point/fact you make is = 1 mark… not a sentence!
Include examples in you answers to support arguments even when not asked for
examples – however be specific and stick to the principles of the IEB definition = (past
papers)
What is the action verb?
What mark range would you expect?
What type of information must you provide (list, explanation, or evaluation)?
2
@SMARTMATRICS-STUVIA
, SECTION: ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM
1. Evaluate the importance of having a code of ethics for general retailer store such as Mr Price clothing (5)
The importance of having a code of ethics for a general retailer like Mr Price Clothing includes the following:
o Establishing principles based on values and morals to guide decisions.
o Focusing on values that support the company's mission and standards.
o Guiding the company's decisions on what is right and wrong according to the company's core beliefs.
Example: If Mr Price focuses on these elements, it will strengthen customer trust, maintain fair practices in sourcing,
and build a positive reputation as a responsible retailer.
2. Outline two advantages of implementing ethical programmers. (2)
The advantages of implementing ethical programs include
a. Improved Reputation: Ethical programs help build trust and loyalty with customers, which can enhance the
business's reputation in the market.
b. Better Employee Morale: When employees see that their company values ethical behaviour, it leads to a more
positive work environment, boosting morale and productivity.
3. What is the purpose of having an ethical code? (3)
The purpose of having an ethical code is to set clear guidelines that help employees understand what is right and
wrong, ensuring that business decisions are made responsibly and in alignment with the company's values.
4. Shortly list three differences between a Code of Ethics and a Code of Conduct.(6)
Differences between Code of Ethics and a Code of Conduct
Code of Ethics Code of Conduct
1. Outlines the values and principles that guide 1. Provides specific rules and guidelines for
an organization’s overall mission. acceptable behaviour in different situations.
2. Is values-based, emphasizing what is right 2. Is compliance-based, focusing on rules that
and wrong according to the company's core employees must follow.
beliefs.
3. Is broad and applies to decision-making at all 3. Is detailed, offering instructions on expected
levels. behaviour in specific situations.
5.Describe 3 possible issues that could be considered unethical in general retailer environment such as Mr. Price
clothing (9)
a. Unethical use of funds is the use of a company money for personal purposes
b. Insider trading is the act of Buying or selling stocks based on confidential company information.
c. Unethical advertisement is the act of misleading marketing practices that deceive consumers.
6. Explain the difference between ethics and business ethics (4)
Ethics is about understanding what is right and wrong in general life situations, based on values and
principles. Business ethics focuses specifically on applying what is right and wrong within a business
environment to guide fair and responsible practices in the workplace.
7. Evaluate the importance of having a code of conduct for general retailer store such as Mr Price clothing (5)
The importance of having a code of conduct for a general retailer like Mr Price Clothing includes the following:
a. Establishing rules and regulations that explain appropriate behaviour for employees.
b. Providing guidance on how employees should act in specific situations to ensure consistency.
c. Focusing on compliance, so employees understand their responsibilities within their roles.
Example: If Mr Price focuses on these elements, it will maintain a positive reputation, create a respectful
workplace, and build stronger customer relationships by showing commitment to high ethical standards.
8. Compare how ethical behaviour is approached in the private and public sectors.
a. Discuss how the pressure to focus on profit in the private sector can sometimes lead to unethical practices. Provide
an example to support your answer. (3)
a. In the private sector, shareholders often push companies to focus on maximizing profits, which is critical for
business success. However, this pressure can sometimes lead to unethical practices, such as ignoring
environmental standards to cut costs. For example, a company may prioritize profits over environmental
regulations, leading to pollution without facing consequences.
b. Explain the role of the public sector in promoting ethical behaviour and how legislation and codes of conduct
support this. Why is this important for society? (3)
b. In the public sector, the government acts in the best interest of citizens, with laws and codes of conduct
guiding public servants in their decisions. This is important as it ensures that public sector employees make
choices that benefit society rather than focus on profit. Legislation, such as anti-corruption laws, is essential to
maintaining trust in public services.
1. For each of the unethical issues below, describe the issue by providing an example from Pick n Pay. Then suggest
a course of action that management could take to deal with the situation.
3
@SMARTMATRICS-STUVIA
questions
, BUSINESS STUDIES IEB EXAM QUESTIONS
GR 11/12 FOCOUS
Contents
BUSINESS STUDIES IEB EXAM QUESTIONS...................................................................................... 1
Section: Ethics and Professionalism................................................................................................ 3
Section: Creative thinking and problem solving.............................................................................. 7
Section: entrepreneurship, Management and leadership................................................................9
Section: Environments and Strategies (micro, macro and market)...............................................13
Section: Marketing and Branding.................................................................................................. 18
Section: Legislation....................................................................................................................... 22
Section:Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance............................................25
Section: Human resources............................................................................................................ 29
Section: Industrial Relations.......................................................................................................... 32
Section: Insurance......................................................................................................................... 35
Section: conflict management....................................................................................................... 38
Section: Investment Opportunities................................................................................................ 40
Secton: Performance Management............................................................................................... 43
300 marks
(3 hours)
Section A: 30 minutes (100 marks)
Section B: 90 minutes (150 marks)
Section C (Report): 45 minutes. (50 marks)
Extra 15 minutes
1
@SMARTMATRICS-STUVIA
, Depending on the exam
Outline/Define/Name/List/Identify → 2–3 marks
Explain/Discuss → 4–6 marks
Analyse/Evaluate/Recommend → 6–10 marks
Scenario-based or integrative questions → 8–12 marks
Questions key words
List / Name / Identify → Give short answers or items only. No explanation.
Define → Give the exact meaning or definition of a term.
Explain / Discuss → Give reasons, details, or descriptions. Show understanding.
Analyse → Break down the question into parts and examine causes, effects, or
relationships.
Evaluate → Give positive and negative points, weigh them, and make judgments.
Recommend / Suggest / Propose → Give a solution or action and justify why it works.
How → Explain the process, method, or way something happens.
Why → Explain the reason behind something happening.
Describe → Give features, characteristics, or details.
Impact / Effect / Consequence → Discuss positive or negative outcomes. Advantages or
disadvantages.
Compare / Contrast → Show similarities and differences.
Justify → Provide clear reasoning or proof for a choice or action.
Outline → Give the main points or a summary.
Illustrate → Show by using a scenario, steps, or a diagram.
Scenario-based / Integrative → Apply theory to a situation, combine different concepts,
show understanding, and give possible solutions.
Mark allocation: The mark allocation directly tells you how many distinct, explained facts
(points) you need. Each point/fact you make is = 1 mark… not a sentence!
Include examples in you answers to support arguments even when not asked for
examples – however be specific and stick to the principles of the IEB definition = (past
papers)
What is the action verb?
What mark range would you expect?
What type of information must you provide (list, explanation, or evaluation)?
2
@SMARTMATRICS-STUVIA
, SECTION: ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM
1. Evaluate the importance of having a code of ethics for general retailer store such as Mr Price clothing (5)
The importance of having a code of ethics for a general retailer like Mr Price Clothing includes the following:
o Establishing principles based on values and morals to guide decisions.
o Focusing on values that support the company's mission and standards.
o Guiding the company's decisions on what is right and wrong according to the company's core beliefs.
Example: If Mr Price focuses on these elements, it will strengthen customer trust, maintain fair practices in sourcing,
and build a positive reputation as a responsible retailer.
2. Outline two advantages of implementing ethical programmers. (2)
The advantages of implementing ethical programs include
a. Improved Reputation: Ethical programs help build trust and loyalty with customers, which can enhance the
business's reputation in the market.
b. Better Employee Morale: When employees see that their company values ethical behaviour, it leads to a more
positive work environment, boosting morale and productivity.
3. What is the purpose of having an ethical code? (3)
The purpose of having an ethical code is to set clear guidelines that help employees understand what is right and
wrong, ensuring that business decisions are made responsibly and in alignment with the company's values.
4. Shortly list three differences between a Code of Ethics and a Code of Conduct.(6)
Differences between Code of Ethics and a Code of Conduct
Code of Ethics Code of Conduct
1. Outlines the values and principles that guide 1. Provides specific rules and guidelines for
an organization’s overall mission. acceptable behaviour in different situations.
2. Is values-based, emphasizing what is right 2. Is compliance-based, focusing on rules that
and wrong according to the company's core employees must follow.
beliefs.
3. Is broad and applies to decision-making at all 3. Is detailed, offering instructions on expected
levels. behaviour in specific situations.
5.Describe 3 possible issues that could be considered unethical in general retailer environment such as Mr. Price
clothing (9)
a. Unethical use of funds is the use of a company money for personal purposes
b. Insider trading is the act of Buying or selling stocks based on confidential company information.
c. Unethical advertisement is the act of misleading marketing practices that deceive consumers.
6. Explain the difference between ethics and business ethics (4)
Ethics is about understanding what is right and wrong in general life situations, based on values and
principles. Business ethics focuses specifically on applying what is right and wrong within a business
environment to guide fair and responsible practices in the workplace.
7. Evaluate the importance of having a code of conduct for general retailer store such as Mr Price clothing (5)
The importance of having a code of conduct for a general retailer like Mr Price Clothing includes the following:
a. Establishing rules and regulations that explain appropriate behaviour for employees.
b. Providing guidance on how employees should act in specific situations to ensure consistency.
c. Focusing on compliance, so employees understand their responsibilities within their roles.
Example: If Mr Price focuses on these elements, it will maintain a positive reputation, create a respectful
workplace, and build stronger customer relationships by showing commitment to high ethical standards.
8. Compare how ethical behaviour is approached in the private and public sectors.
a. Discuss how the pressure to focus on profit in the private sector can sometimes lead to unethical practices. Provide
an example to support your answer. (3)
a. In the private sector, shareholders often push companies to focus on maximizing profits, which is critical for
business success. However, this pressure can sometimes lead to unethical practices, such as ignoring
environmental standards to cut costs. For example, a company may prioritize profits over environmental
regulations, leading to pollution without facing consequences.
b. Explain the role of the public sector in promoting ethical behaviour and how legislation and codes of conduct
support this. Why is this important for society? (3)
b. In the public sector, the government acts in the best interest of citizens, with laws and codes of conduct
guiding public servants in their decisions. This is important as it ensures that public sector employees make
choices that benefit society rather than focus on profit. Legislation, such as anti-corruption laws, is essential to
maintaining trust in public services.
1. For each of the unethical issues below, describe the issue by providing an example from Pick n Pay. Then suggest
a course of action that management could take to deal with the situation.
3
@SMARTMATRICS-STUVIA
