D081 QBM3 Task 1 – Innovative & Strategic Thinking | WGU Complete Solution (2024)

MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 2 AQA A-level BUSINESS (7132/3) Paper 3 Mark scheme 2025 SPECIMEN V1MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 3 A-LEVEL BUSINESS 7132/3 Paper 2 Mark scheme Specimen Assessment Material Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’ responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way. As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are required to refer these to the Lead Assessment Writer. It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination paper. Further copies of this mark scheme are available from MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 4 Level of response marking instructions Level of response mark schemes are broken down into levels, each of which has a descriptor. The descriptor for the level shows a description of the response at the middle of the level. There are marks in each level based on the division of the total number of marks for the question. Before you apply the mark scheme to a student’s answer, read through the answer and annotate it (as instructed) to show the qualities that are being looked for. You can then apply the mark scheme. Step 1 Determine a level Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the answer meets the descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the different qualities that might be seen in the student’s answer for that level. If it meets the lowest level then go to the next one and decide if it meets this level, and so on, until you have a match between the level descriptor and the answer. With practice and familiarity you will find that for better answers you will be able to quickly skip through the lower levels of the mark scheme. When assigning a level you should look at the overall quality of the answer and not look to pick holes in small and specific parts of the answer where the student has not performed quite as well as in the rest. If the answer covers different aspects of different levels of the mark scheme you should use a best-fit approach for defining the level and then use the variability of the response to help decide the mark within the level; ie if the response is predominantly level 3 with a small amount of level 4 material it would be placed in level 3 but be awarded a mark near the top of the level because of the level 4 content. Step 2 Determine a mark Once you have assigned a level you need to decide on the mark. The descriptors on how to allocate marks will help with this. The exemplar materials used during standardisation will illustrate the performance needed to achieve a specific mark. There will be an answer in the standardising materials which will correspond with each level of the mark scheme. This answer will have been awarded a mark by the Lead Examiner. You can compare the student’s answer with the example to determine if it is the same standard, better or worse than the example. You can then use this to allocate a mark for the answer based on the Lead Examiner’s mark on the example. You may well need to read back through the answer as you apply the mark scheme to clarify points and assure yourself that the level and the mark are appropriate. Indicative content in the mark scheme is provided as a guide for examiners. It is not intended to be exhaustive and you must credit other valid points. Students do not have to cover all of the points mentioned in the indicative content to reach the highest level of the mark scheme. An answer which contains nothing of relevance to the question must be awarded no marks. Examiners are required to assign each of the candidates’ responses to the most appropriate level according to its overall quality, then allocate a single mark within the level. When deciding upon a mark in a level examiners should bear in mind the relative weightings of the assessment objectives (included for each question and summarised on page 22) and be careful not to over/under credit a particular skill. For example, in questions 3, 4, 5 and 6 more weight should be given to AO4 than to AO3, AO1 and AO2. This will be exemplified and reinforced as part of examiner training and standardisation.MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 5 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 evidencebased 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.MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 6 1 Analyse the advantages to ITV plc of having a more diversified business. [12 marks] Total for this question paper: 100 marks Marks for this question: AO1 = 3, AO2 = 3 and AO3 = 6 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. 9–12 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 relatively few issues in the question demonstrates analysis which is developed and is applied to the context. 5–8 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. 1–4 marks Examples of how the assessment objectives might be met in this question include: - demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant issues such as diversification and advantages resulting from diversification (AO1). - application to the context of ITV (AO2). - analysis of the possible advantages of diversification to ITV (AO3).MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 7 Possible advantages could include: • spread of risk – ITV is no longer reliant on income from advertising • a more balanced product portfolio – ITV now offers a variety of products at different stages of the product life cycle • opportunities to attract different market segments eg teenagers for ITV2 and sports enthusiasts for ITV4. Not reliant on just one market – ITV sells its products in overseas markets and also through digital technology. • increased potential of faster growth of business • ability to regulate cash flow throughout the year balancing sales in different markets across peaks and troughs • exploit economies of scale and opportunity to reduce costs further • synergies from increased strength of ITV brand and presence. This indicative content is not exhaustive; other creditworthy material should be awarded marks as appropriate.MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 8 Marks for this question: AO1 = 3, AO2 = 3 and AO3 = 6 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. 9–12 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 relatively few issues in the question demonstrates analysis which is developed and is applied to the context. 5–8 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. 1–4 marks Examples of how the assessment objectives might be met in this question include: - demonstrates knowledge and understanding of relevant issues such as the factors that ITV would have to consider (AO1) - application to the context of ITV (AO2) - analysis of the possible impact to ITV of relevant factors when deciding whether to sell the licence for a show to an international buyer rather than developing the programme itself (AO3). 2 Analyse the factors that ITV plc might consider before deciding whether to sell the licence for a show to an international buyer rather than trying to develop the programme itself in that country. [12 marks]MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 9 Possible factors to consider could include: • type of programme – shows that have universal appeal and/or a format that requires little adaptation • type of viewing audience – differences in language and culture may require the show to be adapted to meet these needs • costs of market research plus production of the show for the particular country • comparison of potential financial rewards between selling to an international buyer and developing the programme itself • potential loss of control resulting from licensing the show to an international buyer This indicative content is not exhaustive; other creditworthy material should be awarded marks as appropriate.MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 10 Marks for this question: AO1 = 2, AO2 = 3, AO3 = 4 and AO4 = 7 Level The student will typically demonstrate: Marks 4 An excellent response overall that is fully focused on the key demands of the question Provides an answer to the question set that: demonstrates a depth and range of knowledge and understanding that is precise and well selected in relation to issues in the question demonstrates analysis throughout which is well developed, is applied effectively to the context and considers a balanced range of the issues in the question makes judgements or provides solutions which are built effectively on analysis, show balance and have a clear focus on the question as a whole throughout. 13–16 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, applied effectively to the context and considers a range of issues in the question makes judgements or provides solutions which are built on analysis, show balance and address the question as a whole. 9–12 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 relatively few issues in the question demonstrates analysis which is developed, applied to the context and considers some of the issues in the question makes judgements or provides solutions which are built on analysis, but lack balance and are not fully focused on the question as a whole. 5–8 marks 3 Do you think that getting the programme content right for its audience is the most important element of ITV plc’s marketing decisions? Justify your answer. [16 marks]MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 11 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, mainly descriptive application to the context and considers a limited number of issues in the question makes judgements or proposes solutions which have limited links to analysis or limited focus on the question as a whole. 1–4 marks Examples of how the assessment objectives might be met in this question include: - demonstrates knowledge and understanding of relevant issues such as arguments for getting the programme content right and other elements of marketing decisions (AO1) - be applied to the context of ITV’s marketing decisions (AO2) - analyse the possible impact to ITV of the importance of programme content and other elements of its marketing decisions (AO3) - evaluate qualitative and quantitative information to make an informed judgement on the importance to ITV of getting the programme content right compared to other elements of its marketing decisions (AO4). Possible answers could include: • good quality content should lead to popular programmes such as ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ • popular programmes will attract large audiences providing opportunities for generating increased advertising revenues and international sales • programmes with good quality content will have extended product life cycles and act as ‘cash cows’ generating income for the development of new programmes • emphasising good quality content will help recruit and retain creative talent • focusing on good quality content may lead to increased costs • there is a need for constant market research to identify what programme content is popular with viewers • distribution is also important to ensure the programme is available to the target audience eg which ITV channel would be the most appropriate and/or is it available on ITV Player • promotion is also key to ensure that audiences are aware of when programmes are being shown • in order to generate revenue from advertisers and selling to international buyers, ITV need to ensure that they charge the correct price. This indicative content is not exhaustive; other creditworthy material should be awarded marks as appropriate.MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 12 Marks for this question: AO1 = 2, AO2 = 3, AO3 = 4 and AO4 = 7 Level The student will typically demonstrate: Marks 4 An excellent response overall that is fully focused on the key demands of the question Provides an answer to the question set that: demonstrates a depth and range of knowledge and understanding that is precise and well selected in relation to issues in the question demonstrates analysis throughout which is well developed, is applied effectively to the context and considers a balanced range of the issues in the question makes judgements or provides solutions which are built effectively on analysis, show balance and have a clear focus on the question as a whole throughout. 13–16 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, applied effectively to the context and considers a range of issues in the question makes judgements or provides solutions which are built on analysis, show balance and address the question as a whole. 9–12 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 relatively few issues in the question demonstrates analysis which is developed, applied to the context and considers some of the issues in the question makes judgements or provides solutions which are built on analysis, but lack balance and are not fully focused on the question as a whole. 5–8 marks 4 To what extent do you think that the restructuring at ITV plc (lines 27-41) would inevitably have faced opposition? Justify your answer. [16 marks]MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 13 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, mainly descriptive application to the context and considers a limited number of issues in the question makes judgements or proposes solutions which have limited links to analysis or limited focus on the question as a whole. 1–4 marks Examples of how the assessment objectives might be met in this question include: - demonstrates knowledge and understanding of relevant issues such as the resistance to change and how to overcome resistance to change (AO1) - be applied to the context of ITV in terms of the changes made (AO2) - analyse the possible impact to ITV of change and link this to resistance to change (AO3) - evaluate qualitative and quantitative information to make an informed judgement on whether resistance was inevitable (AO4). Restructuring involved: • many of the regional companies were closed or merged together • staff were relocated to ‘Media City’ in Salford • two-thirds of the remaining top 200 staff were replaced and there were significant redundancies • Crozier brought in a number of people from outside of the television industry • ITV also outsourced the production of over 40% of its programmes to specialist independent television production companies, but also focused on developing and improving the content of programmes. This may have caused resistance due to: • loss of jobs and insecurity that more job losses might follow • inconvenience of moving to Salford • uncertainty of the likely success of the changes. Restructure may not have been resisted • the need for change may have been understood and felt necessary • belief in Crozier and the management team • methods adopted to overcome resistance – Kotter • use of Lewin’s force field analysis • effectiveness of consultation and communication. This indicative content is not exhaustive; other creditworthy material should be awarded marks as appropriate.MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 14 Marks for this question: AO1 = 4, AO2 = 3, AO3 = 5 and AO4 = 8 Level The student will typically demonstrate: Marks 5 An excellent response overall that is fully focused on the key demands of the question Provides an answer to the question set that: demonstrates a depth and range of knowledge and understanding that is precise and well selected in relation to issues in the question demonstrates analysis throughout which is well developed, is applied effectively to the context and considers a balanced range of the issues in the question makes judgements or provides solutions which are built effectively on analysis, show balance and have a clear focus on the question as a whole throughout. 17–20 marks 4 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, applied effectively to the context and considers a range of issues in the question makes judgements or provides solutions which are built on analysis, show balance and address the question as a whole. 13–16 marks 3 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 relatively few issues in the question demonstrates analysis which is developed, applied to the context and considers some of the issues in the question makes judgements or provides solutions which are built on analysis, but lack balance and are not fully focused on the question as a whole. 9–12 marks 5 To what extent do you think Adam Crozier has improved the financial performance of ITV plc between 2010 and 2013 sufficiently to justify his earnings of over £8 million in 2013? You should use relevant calculations to support your answer. [20 marks]MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 15 2 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, mainly descriptive application to the context and considers a limited number of issues in the question makes judgements or proposes solutions which have limited links to analysis or limited focus on the question as a whole. 5–8 marks 1 A weak response overall lacking focus on the demands of the question Provides an answer to the question set that: demonstrates isolated or imprecise knowledge and understanding demonstrates undeveloped analysis with descriptive application to the context and lacking focus on the question makes judgements or proposes solutions based on assertions. 1–4 marks Examples of how the assessment objectives might be met in this question include: - demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant issues such as profitability, liquidity and gearing (AO1) - be applied to the context of ITV through the use of relevant information from their accounts (AO2) - analyse the possible impact to ITV of the changes in its accounting ratios (AO3) - evaluate qualitative and quantitative information to make an informed judgement on whether the financial performance of ITV has improved sufficiently to justify Adam Crozier’s earnings (AO4). Quantitative data includes: Profitability: ROCE = 364 x 100 = 16.1% 546 x 100 = 31.6% 1593 + 663 838 + 889 Profit margin = 364 x 100 = 17.6% 546 x 100 = 22.8% Liquidity: Current ratio = 1.9 1.5 Gearing = 1593 x 100 = 70.6% 838 x 100 = 48.5% 1593 + 663 838 + 889MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 16 Between 2010 and 2013 • revenue increased by £327 million - 15.7% • operating profits increased by £182m - 50% • share price increased by £1.30 – 185% • Crozier’s earnings increased by £5.5 million – 189.6%. Possible answers could include: • revenue and profitability have improved; this could be due to the efficiency measures achieved by Adam Crozier • ITV is generating greater profits in relation to its capital employed • shareholders will be impressed as the share price should rise and dividend payments increase • liquidity has worsened but is still in the ‘ideal’ range of between 1.5 and 2:1 • gearing has fallen indicating it is less reliant on long-term borrowing. Overall, the financial performance has improved justifying Adam Crozier’s earnings. This indicative content is not exhaustive; other creditworthy material should be awarded marks as appropriate.MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 17 Marks for this question: AO1 = 5, AO2 = 4, AO3 = 6 and AO4 = 9 Level The candidate will typically demonstrate: Marks 5 An excellent response overall that is fully focused on the key demands of the question Provides an answer to the question set that: demonstrates a depth and range of knowledge and understanding that is precise and well selected in relation to issues in the question demonstrates analysis throughout which is well developed, is applied effectively to the context and considers a balanced range of the issues in the question makes judgements or provides solutions which are built effectively on analysis, show balance and have a clear focus on the question as a whole throughout. 21–24 marks 4 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, applied effectively to the context and considers a range of issues in the question makes judgements or provides solutions which are built on analysis, show balance and address the question as a whole. 16–20 marks 3 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 relatively few issues in the question demonstrates analysis which is developed, applied to the context and considers some of the issues in the question makes judgements or provides solutions which are built on analysis, but lack balance and are not fully focused on the question as a whole. 10–15 marks 6 A key element of ITV plc’s Transformation Plan is to generate more revenue from the growth in digital business. Do the opportunities now offered by digital technology always outweigh the threats for businesses? Justify your view. [24 marks]MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 18 2 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, mainly descriptive application to the context and considers a limited number of issues in the question makes judgements or proposes solutions which have limited links to analysis or limited focus on the question as a whole. 5–9 marks 1 A weak response overall lacking focus on the demands of the question Provides an answer to the question set that: demonstrates isolated or imprecise knowledge and understanding demonstrates undeveloped analysis with descriptive application to the context and lacking focus on the question makes judgements or proposes solutions based on assertions. 1–4 marks Examples of how the assessment objectives might be met in this question include: - demonstrates knowledge and understanding of relevant issues such as the threats and opportunities resulting from digital technology (AO1) - be applied to the context of ITV in terms of its use of digital technology (AO2) - analyse the possible impact of the threats and opportunities to ITV from digital technology(AO3) - evaluate qualitative and quantitative information to make an informed judgement whether the opportunities offered by digital technology outweigh the threats (AO4). An excellent response will make a supported judgement on whether the opportunities offered by digital technology outweigh the threats. Possible answers could include: Opportunities: • increased usage of tablet computers and smartphones to watch TV programmes • social changes – busy lifestyles have led to consumers requiring programmes to be accessible ‘on demand’ • ITV.com website and ITV Player have enabled the company to make its programmes more widely available • resulted in a 104% increase in revenue between 2009 and 2012 • increased opportunities to sell programmes to operators such as NetFlix and LoveFilm. Threats: • increased investment costs in developing and improving ITV.com and ITV Player • rapid rate of change in digital technology requires constant innovation • possible lack of expertise in digital technology – need to recruit staff with specialist knowledge plus train existing staff • dangers from computer virusesMARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 19 Overall, the evidence suggests that the rapid growth in digital technology means that ITV plc must focus on this as a key part of its strategy in order to exploit the opportunities it offers. However the company must be prepared to provide the necessary investment and be aware of the potential threats if it is to succeed. This indicative content is not exhaustive; other creditworthy material should be awarded marks as appropriate. Assessment Objectives A01 A02 A03 A04 TOTAL 1 3 3 6 12 2 3 3 6 12 3 2 3 4 7 16 4 2 3 4 7 16 5 4 3 5 8 20 6 5 4 6 9 24 Paper total MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL BUSINESS PAPER 3 – 7132/3 – SPECIMEN 20