BUSINESS MARK SCHEME PAPER 2A MAY-JUNE SERIES EDEXCEL GCSE BUILDING A BUSINESS

BUSINESS MARK SCHEME PAPER 2A MAY-JUNE SERIES EDEXCEL GCSE BUILDING A BUSINESS Mark scheme Section A Question Number Answer Mark 1 (a) A (1) AO1a Question Number Answer Mark 1 (b) C (1) AO1a Question Number Answer Mark 1 (c) Award 1 mark for identification of an impact, plus 2 further marks for explaining this impact up to a total of 3 marks. Productivity can be increased (1) as technology can speed up the production process (1) therefore reducing the unit cost of making an item (1). Quality can be improved (1) because technology can ensure all products are made to the same standard with no mistakes (1) which means increased customer satisfaction (1). Accept any other appropriate response. Answers that list more than one impact with no explanation will be awarded a maximum of 1 mark. (3) AO1a = 1 AO1b = 2 Question Number Answer Mark 1 (d) Award 1 mark for identification of an impact, plus 2 further marks for explaining this impact up to a total of 3 marks. It may result in a business changing the raw materials used in the production of its products (1) as pressure groups may have identified they cause environmental damage (1) which could lead to the business experiencing a rise in product design costs (1). The business may change its promotion, for example a TV advertisement (1), because it is seen as offensive to specific groups of consumers (1). This would lead to a significant increase in the business’s costs (1). Accept any other appropriate response. Answers that list more than one impact with no explanation will be awarded a maximum of 1 mark. (3) AO1a = 1 AO1b = 2 Question Number Answer Mark 2 (a) A, B (2) AO1a Question Number Answer Mark 2 (b) C, E (2) AO1a Question Number Answer Additional guidance Mark 2 (c) Substitution into correct formula: Net profit margin = £24,900 x 100 (1) £450,600 Answer: 5.53% (1) Award full marks for correct numerical answer without working. Do not accept any other answer (2) AO2 Question Number Answer Mark 2 (d) Award 1 mark for identification of an advantage, plus 2 further marks for explaining this advantage up to a total of 3 marks. New training needs can be identified (1) such as an employee’s lack of skill when using new technology (1) which can therefore be addressed through the provision of training which would lead to an increase in employee productivity (1). Employees will feel more motivated and valued discussing their performance (1) which means the business will likely retain staff for longer (1) meaning recruitment costs do not increase (1). Accept any other appropriate response. Answers that list more than one advantage with no explanation will be awarded a maximum of 1 mark. (3) AO1a = 1 AO1b = 2 Question Number Answer Mark 2 (e) Award 1 mark for identification of an impact, plus 2 further marks for explaining this impact up to a total of 3 marks. UK businesses will experience increased competition from overseas imports (1) which means sales may be lost as these goods may be cheaper (1) leading to lower profits (1). UK businesses will be able to locate overseas to access global markets more easily (1) which would reduce the costs of transporting products abroad (1) and therefore increase profits (1). Accept any other appropriate response. Answers that list more than one impact with no explanation will be awarded a maximum of 1 mark. (3) AO1a = 1 AO1b = 2 Question Number Answer Mark 3 (a) A (1) AO1a Question Number Answer Additional guidance Mark 3 (b) Substitution into correct formula: £35,000,000 x 0.45 (1) Answer: £15,750,000 (2) Award full marks for correct numerical answer without working. Do not accept any other answer. (2) AO2 Question Number Answer Mark 3 (c) Award 1 mark for identification of a reason, plus 2 further marks for explaining this reason up to a total of 3 marks. It will enable a business to charge a higher price (1) because customers may be prepared to pay more for a product which is different to that of its competitors (1) which means profit can be increased (1). It will enable a business to create brand loyalty with its customers (1) which means repeat business (1) resulting in increased sales (1). Accept any other appropriate response. Answers that list more than one reason with no explanation will be awarded a maximum of 1 mark. (3) AO1a = 1 AO1b = 2