Cambridge International AS & A Level

BUSINESS 9609/32
Paper 3 Case Study October/November 2024
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 100

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the October/November 2024 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.

This document consists of 27 printed pages.

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Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers. They should be applied alongside the
specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptions for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these
marking principles.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:

Marks must be awarded in line with:

• the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
• the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:

Marks must be awarded positively:

• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit is given for valid answers which go beyond
the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
• marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
• marks are not deducted for errors
• marks are not deducted for omissions
• answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these features are specifically assessed by the
question as indicated by the mark scheme. The meaning, however, should be unambiguous.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:

Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level
descriptors.

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GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:

Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question (however; the use of the full mark range may
be limited according to the quality of the candidate responses seen).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should not be awarded with grade thresholds or
grade descriptors in mind.

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Social Science-Specific Marking Principles
(for point-based marking)

1 Components using point-based marking:

• Point marking is often used to reward knowledge, understanding and application of skills. We give credit where the candidate’s answer
shows relevant knowledge, understanding and application of skills in answering the question. We do not give credit where the answer
shows confusion.

From this it follows that we:

a DO credit answers which are worded differently from the mark scheme if they clearly convey the same meaning (unless the mark
scheme requires a specific term)
b DO credit alternative answers/examples which are not written in the mark scheme if they are correct
c DO credit answers where candidates give more than one correct answer in one prompt/numbered/scaffolded space where extended
writing is required rather than list-type answers. For example, questions that require n reasons (e.g. State two reasons …).
d DO NOT credit answers simply for using a ‘key term’ unless that is all that is required. (Check for evidence it is understood and not used
wrongly.)
e DO NOT credit answers which are obviously self-contradicting or trying to cover all possibilities
f DO NOT give further credit for what is effectively repetition of a correct point already credited unless the language itself is being tested.
This applies equally to ‘mirror statements’ (i.e. polluted/not polluted).
g DO NOT require spellings to be correct, unless this is part of the test. However spellings of syllabus terms must allow for clear and
unambiguous separation from other syllabus terms with which they may be confused (e.g. Corrasion/Corrosion)

2 Presentation of mark scheme:

• Slashes (/) or the word ‘or’ separate alternative ways of making the same point.
• Semi colons (;) bullet points (•) or figures in brackets (1) separate different points.
• Content in the answer column in brackets is for examiner information/context to clarify the marking but is not required to earn the mark
(except Accounting syllabuses where they indicate negative numbers).

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3 Calculation questions:
• The mark scheme will show the steps in the most likely correct method(s), the mark for each step, the correct answer(s) and the mark
for each answer
• If working/explanation is considered essential for full credit, this will be indicated in the question paper and in the mark scheme. In all
other instances, the correct answer to a calculation should be given full credit, even if no supporting working is shown.
• Where the candidate uses a valid method which is not covered by the mark scheme, award equivalent marks for reaching equivalent
stages.
• Where an answer makes use of a candidate’s own incorrect figure from previous working, the ‘own figure rule’ applies: full marks will be
given if a correct and complete method is used. Further guidance will be included in the mark scheme where necessary and any
exceptions to this general principle will be noted.

4 Annotation:
• For point marking, ticks can be used to indicate correct answers and crosses can be used to indicate wrong answers. There is no direct
relationship between ticks and marks. Ticks have no defined meaning for levels of response marking.
• For levels of response marking, the level awarded should be annotated on the script.
• Other annotations will be used by examiners as agreed during standardisation, and the meaning will be understood by all examiners
who marked that paper.

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Guidance on using levels-based marking

Marking of work should be positive, rewarding achievement where possible, but clearly differentiating across the whole range of marks, where
appropriate.

The examiner should look at the work and then make a judgement about which level statement is the best fit. In practice, work does not always
match one level statement precisely so a judgement may need to be made between two or more level statements.

• L2 and L3 must be clearly annotated on the response at the point where the level is achieved.

Assessment objectives

AO1 Knowledge and understanding

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business concepts, terms and theories.

AO2 Application
Apply knowledge and understanding of business concepts, terms and theories to problems and issues in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar
business situations and contexts.

AO3 Analysis
Analyse business problems, issues and situations by:
• using appropriate methods and techniques to make sense of qualitative and quantitative business information
• searching for causes, impact and consequences
• distinguishing between factual evidence and opinion or value judgement
• drawing valid inferences and making valid generalisations.

AO4 Evaluation
Evaluate evidence in order to make reasoned judgements, present substantiated conclusions and, where appropriate, make recommendations for
action and implementation.

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Annotations and their Use

Annotation Use

✓ As an indication of relevant and rewardable content. Better to put these in the body of the answer.

NAQ Used when the answer or parts of the answer are not answering the question asked.

BOD Used when the benefit of the doubt is given in order to reward a response.

TV Used when parts of the answer are considered to be too vague.

K Indicates knowledge and understanding of the concepts and issues relating to the question.

APP Indicates that there is specific application to the context of the question.

AN Indicates where the answer has demonstrated analysis.

EVAL Indicates where the answer has demonstrated evaluation.

REP This indicates where content has been repeated.

SEEN Indicates that content has been recognised but not rewarded.

L1, L2, L3 Indicates where the answer reaches the required standard.

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Question Answer Marks

1 Analyse two impacts on HCC of the increase in competition in country E. 8

Level AO1 Knowledge and AO2 Application AO3 Analysis

understanding 2 marks 4 marks
2 marks

2 3–4 marks
Developed analysis
• Developed analysis that identifies connections
between causes, impacts and/or consequences of
two points.
• Developed analysis that identifies connections
between causes, impacts and/or consequences of
one point.

1 1–2 marks 1–2 marks 1–2 marks

• Knowledge of two • Application of two Limited analysis
relevant points is relevant points to a • Limited analysis that identifies connections
used to answer the business context. between causes, impacts and/or consequences of
question. • Application of one two points.
• Knowledge of one relevant point to a • Limited analysis that identifies connections
relevant point is business context. between causes, impacts and/or consequences of
used to answer the one point.
question.

0 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks

No creditable response. No creditable response. No creditable response.

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Question Answer Marks

1 Note:
• If more than two impacts are referred to, reward the best two.

All annotation ( ) should be in the left margin

AO1 Knowledge and understanding

• Customers will have greater choice.
• Competition may reduce sales.
• Competition may impact pricing decisions.
• HCC may need to reduce costs.
• Encourage HCC to innovate to differentiate its product.
• HCC may need to increase promotion.
• Reduction in profit.
• Reduction in market share.
• Could threaten HCC’s survival.

AO2 Application
Limited application, applies knowledge to HCC once.
Developed application, + applies knowledge to HCC twice.
Max one for application for the first impact and max one for application for the second impact.

• CA benefits from greater economies of scale – potentially lower prices than HCC.
• HCC customers have low incomes.
• Profit has decreased in 2023/24.
• Sales are increasing.
• HCC is a social enterprise – this could impact how HCC responds to competition.
• HCC’s expenses have increased in 2023.

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Question Answer Marks

1 AO3 Analysis
Limited analysis – candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis.
Developed analysis – candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis.

• Greater choice for customers may lead to reduced sales volume for HCC and therefore reduce revenue and profits
.
• As CA has economies of scale , its prices can be lower which will attract customers from HCC as customers are
on low incomes, thus reducing market share .
• Market will become more saturated slowing possible growth of HCC sales .
• HCC may need to change policies such as looking to new markets or increasing promotion to maintain sales in the
future .
• HCC may need to reduce costs to compete and therefore be forced to reduce benefits given to employees resulting
in higher labour turnover .

Accept all valid responses.

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Question Answer Marks

2 Analyse two factors influencing HCC’s method of entry into international markets. 8

Level AO1 Knowledge and AO2 Application AO3 Analysis

understanding 2 marks 4 marks
2 marks

2 3–4 marks
Developed analysis
• Developed analysis that identifies connections
between causes, impacts and/or consequences of
two points.
• Developed analysis that identifies connections
between causes, impacts and/or consequences of
one point.

1 1–2 marks 1–2 marks 1–2 marks

• Knowledge of two • Application of two Limited analysis
relevant points is relevant points to a • Limited analysis that identifies connections
used to answer the business context. between causes, impacts and/or consequences of
question. • Application of one two points.
• Knowledge of one relevant point to a • Limited analysis that identifies connections
relevant point is business context. between causes, impacts and/or consequences of
used to answer the one point.
question.

0 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks

No creditable response. No creditable response. No creditable response.

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Question Answer Marks

2 Note:
• This question is about the factors that influence methods of entry to international markets NOT about the marketing
strategy that should/should not be used in country K
• If more than two factors are referred to, reward the best two.

AO1 Knowledge and understanding

• Methods of entry include direct export, use of agents, franchising and joint ventures.

Factors influencing decision

• Cultural differences between country K and E
• Cost of alternative methods.
• Availability of finance.
• Desire to maintain control over marketing.
• Knowledge of the market.
• Market size.
• Competition in the market.
• Infrastructure available.

AO2 Application
Limited application, applies knowledge to HCC once.
Developed application, + applies knowledge to HCC twice.
Max one for application for the first problem and max one for application for the second problem.

• Current marketing depends on demonstrations of products to potential customers using regional sales agents. (using
agents with knowledge of the local market might be appropriate)
• Objective is to enter the market ahead of competition in January 2025. (direct export might be quickest way of entering
the market)
• Social mission of HCC. (direct investment as jobs will be created)
• High gearing ratio. Has increased from 60% to 70%. (lower cost option of entry such as franchising or joint venture)
• Low profit margin. (lower cost option favoured rather than direct investment)
• Declining liquidity. (might suggest joint venture would be appropriate)

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Question Answer Marks

2 AO3 Analysis
Limited analysis – candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis.
Developed analysis – candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis.

• High gearing ratio and low profitability may mean that HCC needs to consider cost of method of entering the market
due to lack of finance . This may favour a joint venture to share costs .
• Country K may be culturally different to country E, making it more difficult for HCC to replicate its marketing mix It
may be beneficial to use an agent with greater knowledge of the market to gain entry .
• Licensing production could reduce costs of selling products making them more competitive . However, this could
result in a loss of control over quality and brand image of HCC .
• Producing in country K could avoid economic barriers to trade therefore increasing the probability of success

Accept all valid responses.

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Question Answer Marks

3(a) Refer to Table1.1. Calculate annual labour productivity for 2023. 1

Labour productivity = 60 000 / 8 = 7500 (units) (1)

Do not accept $7500
To award zero marks, there must be
One

3(b) Refer to Table 1.1. Calculate the rate of absenteeism for 2023. 3

Note Answer Marks

Correct answer 1.7021% OR 1.7% 3

No working required, % not required

Correct equation AND total number 32 / 1880  100 2

of workdays
OR 4 / 235  100
Correct equation and days absence
per employee 32 / 235  100 = 13.62% OR 13.6% OR 14% (Allow
OR 13.61%)
OFR based on incorrect number of
total days

Total number of workdays 8  235 = 1880 1

OR
Days of absence per employee 32 / 8 = 4
OR
Correct equation Rate of absenteeism = number of days of employee
absence / total number of workdays  100
OR
Rate of absenteeism = average number of days per
employee absent / work days per employee  100

To award zero marks, there must be No creditable content 0

One

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Question Answer Marks

3(c) Evaluate HCC’s approach to human resource management (HRM). 12

Level AO1 Knowledge AO2 Application AO3 Analysis AO4 Evaluation

and understanding 2 marks 2 marks 6 marks
2 marks

3 5–6 marks
Developed evaluation in context
• A developed judgement/conclusion
is made in the business context.
• Developed evaluative comments
which balance some key
arguments in the business context.

2 2 marks 2 marks 2 marks 3–4 marks

Developed Developed Developed Developed evaluation
knowledge of application of analysis • A developed judgement/conclusion
relevant key term(s) relevant point(s) to that identifies is made.
and/or factor(s) is the business connections • Developed evaluative comments
used to answer the context. between causes, which balance some key
question. impacts and/or arguments.
consequences.

1 1 mark 1 mark 1 mark 1–2 marks

Limited knowledge Limited application Limited analysis Limited evaluation
of relevant key of relevant point(s) that identifies • A judgement/conclusion is made
term(s) and/or to the business connections with limited supporting
factor(s) is used to context. between causes, comment/evidence.
answer the question. impacts and/or • An attempt is made to balance the
consequences. arguments.

0 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks

No creditable No creditable No creditable No creditable response.
response. response. response.

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Question Answer Marks

3(c) All annotation ( ) should be in the left margin.

AO1 Knowledge and understanding

Limited knowledge will be demonstrated through knowledge of HRM or knowledge of the impact of HCC’s approach to
HRM.
Developed knowledge + will be demonstrated through knowledge of HRM and knowledge of the impact of HCC’s
approach to HRM.
• Knowledge of hard and/or soft approaches to HRM
Hard – focus on cutting costs
Soft – focus on developing workers

Benefits of HCC approach:

• Increased motivation of workers.
• Reduced labour turnover.
• More satisfied workers.

Disadvantages of approach:
• Higher labour costs.
• Slows decision making.

AO2 Application
Limited application, applies knowledge to HCC once.
Developed application, + applies knowledge to HCC twice.
• HCC takes a soft approach to management of HR
Use of quality circles
Negotiation of targets
Investment in training (5 days per employee per year) and facilities (new canteen and rest room)
Good pay
Discusses plans with employees
Reviews employee satisfaction regularly

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Question Answer Marks

3(c) Benefits identified from the case:

• High levels of worker satisfaction
• Attract workers from competitors
• Increase in productivity from 7100 to 7500 Cook Bags
• Low rate of absenteeism; 1.7% compared to country E average of 5%

Disadvantages from the case:

• Increased competition faced
• Falling profitability

AO3 Analysis
Limited analysis – candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis.
Developed analysis – candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis.
• HCC’s soft approach managing human resources will result in a satisfied workforce will reduce labour turnover and
therefore costs of recruitment resulting in HCC being more competitive in the market
• Productivity has increased which could result in lower unit costs and more competitive pricing
• Low rate of absenteeism due to satisfied workforce will increase efficiency
• Good pay and better working conditions result in higher costs and decrease competitiveness of HCC so could lose
sales to CA
• May be difficult for HCC to respond to market changes because of time spent consulting employees therefore
losing competitive advantage

AO4 Evaluation
Limited evaluation – limited supported judgement and/or a weak attempt at evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation – supported judgement and/or reasonable evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation in context – supported judgement in context and/or reasonable evaluative comment in
context.
• A judgement about HCC’s approach to HRM.
• Evaluation of the relative importance of different advantages/disadvantages of HCC’s approach to HRM.
• Elements that the evaluation/judgement might depend on – financial cost to HCC of its soft approach to HRM, impact
on motivation and productivity of employees, impact on quality of HCC’s products and link to customer satisfaction,
ethical considerations given that HCC operates as a social enterprise, significance of profit v other objectives.
• HCC faces increased competition and therefore needs to control costs to remain competitive as customers have low
incomes so price will be a significant factor in customer purchasing decisions.
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Question Answer Marks

3(c) Accept all valid responses.

Exemplar evaluation and levels

L1 Limited evaluation
A satisfied workforce will be more productive and in the long term this will outweigh the additional costs of the soft HR
approach.
OR
HCC’s HRM approach has benefits for employee satisfaction, but in a competitive market, the high costs of this strategy
may limit its ability to keep prices low for customers.

Comment: Judgement made but with limited supporting comment even though there is context.

L2 Developed evaluation

Overall, a soft HRM strategy is good as the staff will be more loyal to the business which means even though it is more
expensive, due to cost and time of involving staff, they can reap the benefits through higher productivity and a lower
absenteeism which means it is effective.

Comment: EVAL is sufficiently developed, but could apply to any business as there is no context, so limit to L2.

L3 Developed evaluation in context.

In the short term a soft HRM approach will be more costly to the business, for example spending $500 000 on new staff
facilities may prevent them from investing in new products. In the longer term, maintaining a satisfied workforce should
keep absenteeism below the industry average of 5% which allows production to continue, and therefore meeting the targets
set for production. Overall, as a social enterprise HCC is not primarily concerned with profit and the treatment of workers
may be more important to Abeba than profit.

Comment: Balanced EVAL with points firmly in the context of the case material leading to an overall supported judgement.

In awarding EVAL marks examiners should take a holistic approach to the answer considering its balance and
judgement.

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Question Answer Marks

4(a) Refer to Table 1.2. Calculate for 2023–24, the operating profit margin. 4

Note Answer Marks

Correct answer 0.5 / 10.8  100 = 4.63% OR 4.6% OR 4.629% 4

Working and % not required. Correct
rounding must be applied

Calculation of operating profit AND $0.5 m AND Operating profit margin = operating 3
statement of equation for operating profit / revenue  100
profit margin
OR e.g. 4.62% OR 4.7%
Incorrect rounding
OR 0.6 / 10  100 = 6%
Operating profit margin for 2022–23
OR 4.4 / 10.8  100 = 40.74% (GPM)
Statement of equation for operating 0.2 / 10.8  100 = 1.85% (NPM)
profit margin AND OFR for answer
including an error in calculating
operating profit

Calculation of operating profit 10.8 – 6.4 – 3.9 = $0.5 m 2

OR 10.8 – 10.3 = $0.5 m

Equation for calculating operating Operating profit = Revenue – (cost of sales + expenses) 1
profit
OR Operating profit margin = operating profit / revenue  100
Equation for operating profit margin
OR 4.4 m (GP) OR 0.2 m (NP)
Error in calculating operating profit

To award zero marks, there must be No creditable content 0

One

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Question Answer Marks

4(b) Evaluate methods HCC could use to increase profitability. 12

Level AO1 Knowledge AO2 Application AO3 Analysis AO4 Evaluation

and understanding 2 marks 2 marks 6 marks
2 marks

3 5–6 marks
Developed evaluation in context
• A developed judgement/conclusion
is made in the business context.
• Developed evaluative comments
which balance some key
arguments in the business context.

2 2 marks 2 marks 2 marks 3–4 marks

Developed Developed Developed Developed evaluation
knowledge of application of analysis • A developed judgement/conclusion
relevant key term(s) relevant point(s) to that identifies is made.
and/or factor(s) is the business connections • Developed evaluative comments
used to answer the context. between causes, which balance some key
question. impacts and/or arguments.
consequences.

1 1 mark 1 mark 1 mark 1–2 marks

Limited knowledge Limited application Limited analysis Limited evaluation
of relevant key of relevant point(s) that identifies • A judgement/conclusion is made
term(s) and/or to the business connections with limited supporting
factor(s) is used to context. between causes, comment/evidence.
answer the question. impacts and/or • An attempt is made to balance the
consequences. arguments.

0 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks

No creditable No creditable No creditable No creditable response.
response. response. response.

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Question Answer Marks

4(b) AO1 Knowledge and understanding

Limited knowledge will be demonstrated through knowledge of one method to increase profitability OR knowledge of
profitability.
Developed knowledge + will be demonstrated through knowledge of two or more methods to increase profitability OR
knowledge of profitability and one method to increase profitability.
• Profitability measures the relationship between profit and sales, or profit and capital employed.
• Need to increase revenue with a less than proportionate increase in costs.
• Reducing costs without a corresponding loss of sales or reduction in price.

Possible methods:
• Increasing price/Adding value
• Reducing cost of sales (direct costs) e.g. cheaper materials
• Reducing expenses e.g. reducing indirect employees
• Reduce promotion costs
• Reduce long-term borrowing
• Increasing sales through promotion

AO2 Application
Limited application, applies knowledge to HCC once.
Developed application, + applies knowledge to HCC twice
• ROCE has decreased by 0.4%
• OPM in 2023/24 is 4.6% (reduced from 6% in 2022/23).
• Revenue has increased $0.8 m but COS as increased by $0.85 m.
• Premium recycled materials used for CookBag.
• HR policy increasing direct labour costs – ‘pay is good’
• HCC is a social enterprise.
• Increased competition.

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Question Answer Marks

4(b) AO2 Analysis

Limited analysis – candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis.
Developed analysis – candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis.
• The increase in COS has caused profitability to decrease , this could be linked to the human resources approach
indicating that HCC should take a harder HR approach to control costs
• Increasing price to customers to increase profit margin as HCC may have good branding and therefore sales would
be largely unaffected
• Switching from premium recycled materials to reduce material costs to reduce COS and therefore increase gross
profit margin .
• Reducing wages to reduce COS and therefore increase profit however this could result in higher labour turnover
and lower productivity and therefore cause profits to decrease .
• Set higher productivity targets to increase output per employee and therefore reduce unit costs which would result
in higher profit
• Expand product range to increase revenue by targeting new market segments
• Target a higher income market so that HCC can increase prices and therefore increase the profit margin .

AO3 Evaluation
Limited evaluation – limited supported judgement and/or a weak attempt at evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation – supported judgement and/or reasonable evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation in context – supported judgement in context and/or reasonable evaluative comment in
context.
• A judgement about how to increase profitability
• Evaluation of the relative advantages/disadvantages of different methods of increasing profitability.
• Elements that the evaluation/judgement might depend on – impact on workers, alignment with social objectives of
HCC, ease and speed of implementation, impact on branding of HCC impact on customers, price elasticity of demand.
• As a social enterprise HCC should consider impact of any change on customers. Higher prices may be unacceptable
as key objective is to help customers cut cooking costs.
• Although a reduction in material costs by using non-recycled materials will be beneficial this might be at the expense of
HCC’s concerns for reducing CO2 emissions.

Accept all valid responses.

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Question Answer Marks

4(b) Exemplar evaluation and levels

L1 Limited evaluation
Overall, the best way of increasing profitability is by reducing costs, such as lowering wages but this could impact employee
satisfaction.

Comment: Judgement made but with limited supporting comment.

L2 Developed evaluation
The best method to increase profits would be to lower the cost of sales so that gross profit increases. HCC could find a
cheaper supplier. However, HCC would need to ensure that a change in supplier does not impact quality as this could
result in less sales or having to reduce price and therefore not achieving an increase in profitability.

Comment: EVAL is sufficiently developed, but could apply to any business as there is no context, so limit to L2.

L3 Developed evaluation in context.

In the short term reducing costs through a reduction in material costs by using non-recycled materials might be the quickest
way to improve profitability. However, this may be at the expense of HCC’s long term aims for reducing CO2 emissions
which as a social enterprise is important. Overall, HCC must decide whether increasing profit is important as a social
enterprise or whether their current profit levels allow them to achieve their aims and objectives successfully without making
any changes.

OR

Overall, I believe the best way to improve profitability is to reduce their cost of sales. These have increased by 16% in the
last two years and therefore is something they should look at to minimise cost and increase profit. As competition is
increasing with the entry of CA it is critical they become as efficient as possible however lowering their staffing costs might
have a significant impact on employee morale and productivity. Of course, they do need to make sure that using cheaper
supplies doesn't affect their social enterprise credentials and quality as this could impact their brand position.

Comment:
Well balanced answers using the case context to development argument.

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Question Answer Marks

5 Evaluate the usefulness to HCC of critical path analysis (CPA) as a management tool for operations planning. 12

Level AO1 Knowledge AO2 Application AO3 Analysis AO4 Evaluation

and understanding 2 marks 2 marks 6 marks
2 marks

3 5–6 marks
Developed evaluation in context
• A developed judgement/conclusion
is made in the business context.
• Developed evaluative comments
which balance some key
arguments in the business context.

2 2 marks 2 marks 2 marks 3–4 marks

Developed Developed Developed Developed evaluation
knowledge of application of analysis • A developed judgement/conclusion
relevant key term(s) relevant point(s) to that identifies is made.
and/or factor(s) is the business connections • Developed evaluative comments
used to answer the context. between causes, which balance some key
question. impacts and/or arguments.
consequences.

1 1 mark 1 mark 1 mark 1–2 marks

Limited knowledge Limited application Limited analysis Limited evaluation
of relevant key of relevant point(s) that identifies • A judgement/conclusion is made
term(s) and/or to the business connections with limited supporting
factor(s) is used to context. between causes, comment/evidence.
answer the question. impacts and/or • An attempt is made to balance the
consequences. arguments.

0 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks

No creditable No creditable No creditable No creditable response.
response. response. response.

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Question Answer Marks

5 AO1 Knowledge and understanding

Limited knowledge will be demonstrated through knowledge of CPA or knowledge of CPA as a management tool for
operations planning.
Developed knowledge + will be demonstrated through knowledge of CPA and knowledge of CPA as a management
tool for operations planning.
• Understanding of CPA – network diagram, critical path, floats, minimum duration.
• Benefits of CPA: knowing minimum project time, start times for activities, progress monitoring, managing resources,
reducing costs, assessing significance of delays and if necessary corrective actions.
• Limitations of CPA: analysis only as good as input data, planning costs, does not ensure effective management.

AO2 Application
Limited application, applies knowledge to HCC once.
Developed application, + applies knowledge to HCC twice.
• Operations Manager produced the CPA.
• Six-week minimum time.
• Reduces disruption to production during improvements to employee facilities.
• Use of CPA for other projects e.g. development and launch of the Wonder Stove, expansion to international market.
Wonder Stove launched on schedule
Target to export by January 2025

AO2 Analysis
Limited analysis – candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis.
Developed analysis – candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis.
• CPA will help manage resources efficiently to ensure that resources are available when needed which will therefore
reduce costs of HCC’s operational changes and therefore support achievement of HCC’s social objectives .
• Identifying critical tasks of investing in the new employee facilities will ensure that those tasks are completed on time
and therefore reduce disruption to production minimised which reduce the cost to HCC of the improvements .
• Important to use CPA so that customers can be kept informed of any potential impact on orders . Important to avoid
customer dissatisfaction as this could result in loss of sales .
• Entering international market requires careful planning to get product to market on time and ensure products are
available for customers to purchase thus increasing sales .

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Question Answer Marks

5 AO3 Evaluation
Limited evaluation – limited supported judgement and/or a weak attempt at evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation – supported judgement and/or reasonable evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation in context – supported judgement in context and/or reasonable evaluative comment in
context.
• A judgement about the usefulness of CPA for operations planning.
• Evaluation of the relative importance of different advantages/disadvantages of CPA as a tool for operations planning.
• Elements that the evaluation/judgement might depend on – accuracy of the data used in CPA, need for constant
monitoring of external events
• CPA only as good as data – is operations manager capable of completing accurate CPA for the factory development?
• Other information is also important e.g. CPA needs to be interpreted
• Work progress has to match the CPA plan.
• HCC would be wise to maintain constant check on progress before and after work starts.

Accept all valid responses.

Exemplar evaluation and levels

L1 Limited evaluation
Overall, CPA could help HCC plan projects more efficiently, but its usefulness depends on having accurate data and skilled
staff to interpret it.

Comment: Judgement made but with limited supporting comment.

L2 Developed evaluation
Overall CPA is useful, especially for large costly projects, to make sure the production remains on time and does not
increase unnecessary costs with delays. Any delays or unplanned activities can increase costs and reduce profit. However,
it depends on the accuracy of the CPA. If there are errors in the plan then ultimately it would still cost the business money,
despite having made one. Its usefulness depends on the quality of the data used.

Comment: EVAL is sufficiently developed, but could apply to any business as there is no context, so limit to L2.

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Question Answer Marks

5 L3 Developed evaluation in context.

Critical Path Analysis (CPA) is useful to HCC as it helps ensure that deadlines for the improvements to staff facilities are
met. By highlighting the essential sequence of activities, HCC can allocate resources and reduce delays to ensure future
orders of their cook bags are still fulfilled. In the long term, without CPA, HCC may fall behind their schedule and disappoint
customers leading to a fall in brand image. However, it will rely on the skill of the operations manager to effectively plan the
sequence of works.

Comment:
Well balanced conclusion in context of the case L3.

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