Mark Scheme – As Business Paper 1 – 7131-1 – Specimen.

Candidates are expected to: AO1 Demonstrate knowledge of terms, concepts, theories, methods and models to show an understanding of how individuals and organisations are affected by and respond to business issues This occurs when students demonstrate knowledge of relevant terms, concepts, theories, methods and models to show an understanding of how individuals and organisations are affected by and respond to business issues. AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding to various business contexts to show how individuals and organisations are affected by and respond to issues This occurs when students apply knowledge and understanding to a business context to show how individuals and organisations are affected by and respond to business issues. The context could be any scenario such as a case study or a scenario provided in an essay question; it can also include data used for calculations. AO3 Analyse issues within business, showing an understanding of the impact on individuals and organisations of external and internal influences This occurs when students analyse issues within business, showing an understanding of the impact on individuals and organisations of external and internal influences. Analysis involves deconstructing an issue to consider its component parts; making linkages and connections and understanding their impact; and constructing logical chains of reasoning. AO4 Evaluate quantitative and qualitative information to make informed judgements and propose evidence- based solutions to business issues This occurs when students evaluate quantitative and qualitative information to make informed judgements and propose evidence -based solutions to business issues. Evaluation involves a balanced judgement based on relevant arguments, which makes salient points, acknowledging qualifying factors and understanding the potential limitations of the arguments. Where relevant, a judgement may involve developing and proposing solutions. The business issues referred to in the descriptors above are internal and external changes and include business opportunities and problems. Section A Objective Test Questions Total for this section: 10 marks Question Number Answer 1 C 2 C 3 C 4 D 5 D 6 D 7 C 8 A 9 B 10 D (1 mark for each correct answer) Section B Total for this question: 20 marks Marks for this question: AO1 = 1, A02 = 1 Answer: 20 (2 marks) 16% of 125 (1 mark) = 20 (1 mark) OR 0.16 x 125 (1 mark) = 20 (1 mark) Marks for this question: AO1 = 1, A02 = 2 Answer: Capacity utilisation falls to 91.7% (92%) (3 marks) OR Capacity utilisation falls by 8.3% (8%) (3 marks) Capacity utilisation (%) = Actual number of calls Maximum number of calls x 100 (500 + 50) = x 100 = 550 (1 mark) x 100 500 + [20% of 500] 600 (1 mark) = 91.7% (1 mark) OR Fall of 100 – 91.7 = 8.3% (1 mark) Marks for this question: AO1 = 1, A02 = 2 Examples of how the assessment objectives might be met in this question include: - demonstrates knowledge and understanding of relevant issues such as capacity utilisation (AO1) - be applied in the context of a call centre (AO2). Possible reasons include: • more productive use of labour force, thus improving labour productivity • more efficient use of labour leads to lower unit costs for the call centre • gains goodwill from customers if capacity utilisation means that calls are answered promptly. This indicative content is not exhaustive; other creditworthy material should be awarded marks as appropriate. Marks for this question: AO1 = 2, A02 = 2, A03 = 2 Level The candidate will typically demonstrate Marks 3 A good response overall that focuses on many of the demands of the question. Provides an answer to the question set that: demonstrates a depth and range of knowledge and understanding of issues in the question demonstrates analysis which is well developed and is applied effectively to the context. 5–6 marks 2 A reasonable response overall that focuses on some of the demands of the question. Provides an answer to the question set that: demonstrates a limited knowledge and understanding of a range of issues in the question or a good knowledge and understanding of a relatively few issues in the question demonstrates analysis which is developed and is applied to the context. 3–4 marks 1 A limited response overall with little focus on the demands of the question. Provides an answer to the question set that: demonstrates a limited range and depth of knowledge and understanding of issues in the question demonstrates analysis with little development and with mainly descriptive application to the context. 1–2 marks Examples of how the assessment objectives might be met in this question include: - demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant issues such as legal structure or limited liability (AO1) - be applied in the context of a shop design business that is changing from being a sole trader (AO2) - analyse how a small business might benefit from becoming a private limited company (AO3) Possible reasons include to: • acquire limited liability, so that Sarah is no longer wholly responsible for the debts of the business • enable Sarah to attract additional finance in the form of share capital • enable the business to attract new expertise from new shareholders • reduce the pressure on Sarah who will no longer be the only person responsible for the operation of the business. This indicative content is not exhaustive; other creditworthy material should be awarded marks as appropriate. Marks for this question: AO1 = 2, A02 = 2, A03 = 2 Level The student will typically demonstrate Marks 3 A good response overall that focuses on many of the demands of the question. Provides an answer to the question set that: demonstrates a depth and range of knowledge and understanding of issues in the question demonstrates analysis which is well developed and is applied effectively to the context. 5–6 marks 2 A reasonable response overall that focuses on some of the demands of the question. Provides an answer to the question set that: demonstrates a limited knowledge and understanding of a range of issues in the question or a good knowledge and understanding of a relatively few issues in the question demonstrates analysis which is developed and is applied to the context. 3–4 marks 1 A limited response overall with little focus on the demands of the question. Provides an answer to the question set that: demonstrates a limited range and depth of knowledge and understanding of issues in the question demonstrates analysis with little development and with mainly descriptive application to the context. 1–2 marks