Unit 1: Exploring Business
P4, P5 and M3 Guidelines
Scenario/Introduction
You are on work placement in the Economic Development Unit (EDU) at your local council working
with the officers who are responsible for publications, brochures and guides.
You have been asked to write a report on a large business that trades in the EU. You should
research a number of businesses before selecting one to report on. Once you have decided on
your business, please write an introduction. Include a brief history, aims/objectives of the
business and discuss the product/s that the business sells.
Your research should include:
• The external environment that effects the business to include political, economic, fiscal, monetary
and other government policies, social attitudes to saving, spending and debt; social responsibility
requirements, technological change, environmental factors and ethical trends and the legal
environment. (Discuss PESTLE analysis and the effects of each factor on your chosen business) (P4)
• The internal environment to include corporate culture, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and
ethics. (P4)
• The competitive environment to include competition, competitive advantage and the factors that
influence competitive advantage (P4)
Using this research, prepare a report that discusses and assesses the effects of the environment on
the business. Use P4 to complete M3. Note that the effects of the environment (external/PESTLE,
internal and competitive) can be both positive and negative. (M3)
The report should include a situational analysis of the business environment using a variety of
techniques such as PESTLE (good news! – already done in P4) and SWOT. (P5)
The report will be logically structured and have a clear conclusion that is fully justified by well-
balanced, developed arguments, and is supported by good use of research evidence. Please have a
reference page (websites, books, etc.).
NOTE: Use the example of Cadbury to help you to complete P4, P5 and M3. Also make use of the
presentation notes given to you.
P4, P5 and M3 Guidelines
Scenario/Introduction
You are on work placement in the Economic Development Unit (EDU) at your local council working
with the officers who are responsible for publications, brochures and guides.
You have been asked to write a report on a large business that trades in the EU. You should
research a number of businesses before selecting one to report on. Once you have decided on
your business, please write an introduction. Include a brief history, aims/objectives of the
business and discuss the product/s that the business sells.
Your research should include:
• The external environment that effects the business to include political, economic, fiscal, monetary
and other government policies, social attitudes to saving, spending and debt; social responsibility
requirements, technological change, environmental factors and ethical trends and the legal
environment. (Discuss PESTLE analysis and the effects of each factor on your chosen business) (P4)
• The internal environment to include corporate culture, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and
ethics. (P4)
• The competitive environment to include competition, competitive advantage and the factors that
influence competitive advantage (P4)
Using this research, prepare a report that discusses and assesses the effects of the environment on
the business. Use P4 to complete M3. Note that the effects of the environment (external/PESTLE,
internal and competitive) can be both positive and negative. (M3)
The report should include a situational analysis of the business environment using a variety of
techniques such as PESTLE (good news! – already done in P4) and SWOT. (P5)
The report will be logically structured and have a clear conclusion that is fully justified by well-
balanced, developed arguments, and is supported by good use of research evidence. Please have a
reference page (websites, books, etc.).
NOTE: Use the example of Cadbury to help you to complete P4, P5 and M3. Also make use of the
presentation notes given to you.
