Does enterprise at IGCSE have a project? What is the project, if any, this year?
Where is it
included in the student coursebook?
Yes, the Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise (0454) includes a project as a key component of the
course. The project involves students identifying, planning, implementing, and evaluating a
real or simulated enterprise activity. This is designed to help them apply their understanding
of business principles to practical situations. The project is assessed and makes up 50% of the
final grade, with the remaining 50% being the written examination.
The Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise Coursebook provides structured guidance through the
stages of the project: identifying an idea, creating a business plan, implementing it, and finally
evaluating its success. Theory is integrated throughout the project process to help students
connect practical experience with the academic concepts they learn. The project is a crucial part
of the course and is covered in detail in the coursebook, helping students complete each phase
effectively.
For more information, you can refer to the Cambridge website or the official coursebook.
Does enterprise at IGCSE have a project? What is the project, if any, this year? Where is it
included in the student coursebook?
Yes, the Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise (0454) includes a project as a key component of the
course. The project involves students identifying, planning, implementing, and evaluating a real
or simulated enterprise activity. This is designed to help them apply their understanding of
business principles to practical situations. The project is assessed and makes up 50% of the final
grade, with the remaining 50% being the written examination.
The Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise Course book provides structured guidance through the
stages of the project: identifying an idea, creating a business plan, implementing it, and finally
evaluating its success. Theory is integrated throughout the project process to help students
connect practical experience with the academic concepts they learn. The project is a crucial part
of the course and is covered in detail in the course book, helping students complete each phase
effectively.
For more information, you can refer to the Cambridge website or the official course book (
IGCSE ENTERPRISE
PROJECT PROPOSAL
Students are expected to identify, plan, implement, and evaluate a real or simulated enterprise
activity.
Project Title: Eco-Friendly Tote Bags for School Events
1. Identification of an idea
Objective:
The goal of this project is to design, produce, and sell eco-friendly tote bags that can be used by
students and staff during school events. The aim is to provide a sustainable alternative to plastic
bags, with a focus on reducing waste and promoting environmental awareness within the school
community.
Rationale:
Plastic bags are widely used, but they contribute to environmental pollution. Offering reusable
tote bags can help reduce plastic waste, and the school events provide a great platform to
promote this initiative. The bags can be branded with the school's logo, appealing to both
students and staff, and can serve as a memorable and practical product.
Target Market:
Primary market: Students and staff at the school.
Secondary market: Parents and event attendees.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP):
Eco-friendly materials.
Custom designs with school branding.
Practical for use at school events and beyond.
2. Planning the Enterprise
Business Plan Overview:
1. Product Design:
o Materials: Cotton or jute fabric (biodegradable and reusable).
o Features: A simple, durable design with the school's logo and motivational quotes
about sustainability.
o Customization: Option for students to pre-order bags with their names printed.
2. Production Strategy:
o Partner with a local supplier who can provide the fabric and handle printing.
o In-house team for quality checks and distribution.
3. Financial Plan:
o Initial Capital: Raise $300 through a crowdfunding campaign among students
and staff.
o Cost per Unit i.e. variable cost per unit: $2.25 (including materials, printing,
and labor). The fixed cost is $330.
o Selling Price: $5.00 per bag, ensuring a 122% profit margin.
o Break-even Point: Selling 120 bags.
4. Marketing Plan:
o Channels: School website, social media, newsletters, and posters around campus.
o Promotion: Discount offers for bulk purchases (e.g., three bags for $12).
Announcements during school assemblies to create awareness.
5. Timeline:
o Week 1-2: Finalize designs and place the order with the supplier.
o Week 3: Receive and inspect the products.
o Week 4: Launch the sales campaign and begin distribution at school events.
3.Implementation of the Enterprise
Production Process:
Week 1-2: Contact local suppliers and finalize the design. Ensure the supplier meets the
environmental standards for producing sustainable products.
Week 3: Monitor the production to ensure the quality of the bags and timely delivery.
Week 4: Organize a launch event during a school assembly, explaining the importance of
sustainability and offering the bags for sale.
Sales Process:
Set up a stall during the next school event where students, staff, and parents can purchase
the tote bags.
Utilize an online form on the school website to take pre-orders.
Offer a discount for bulk orders to encourage more sales.
Financial Record:
Item Cost per Unit Total Cost Quantity
Cotton fabric $1.00 $150 150 bags
Printing $0.75 $112.50 150 bags
Labor $0.50 $75 150 bags
Total Cost $2.25 $337.50 150 bags
Selling Price $5.00
Profit per Bag $2.50
Projected sales revenue: 150 bags × $5.00 = $750.
Projected profit: $750 - $337.50 = $412.50.
4.Evaluation of the Enterprise
Successes:
Profitability: The project exceeded the break-even point, selling 150 bags and generating
$412.50 in profit. The high demand shows the product was well-received by the target
audience.
Environmental Impact: Feedback from students and staff suggests that the project
raised awareness about sustainability, and many expressed appreciation for the eco-
friendly initiative.
Teamwork: The project was successfully managed by a team of five students, each
taking responsibility for different aspects of the project (e.g., marketing, sales, production
monitoring). This promoted collaboration and developed leadership skills.
Challenges:
Production Delays: The supplier faced a delay in sourcing sustainable fabric, which
pushed the project timeline back by one week. In future projects, identifying multiple
suppliers could mitigate such risks.
Higher Costs: While the project was profitable, unforeseen costs related to printing
made the initial investment slightly higher than anticipated. A thorough analysis of all
potential costs before finalizing the plan could prevent this issue.
Lessons Learned:
Effective marketing and a clear USP are critical to project success. The eco-friendly
angle resonated with the target market, and leveraging school events as sales points
ensured visibility.
Planning for unexpected delays and expenses in future projects can help smooth the
implementation process and protect profit margins.
Recommendations for Future Projects:
To further increase sales, consider expanding the market to nearby schools or local
events. This could potentially double the customer base and profits.
Offering limited-edition designs or seasonal promotions could encourage repeat
purchases and build brand loyalty within the school community.
By following this structure—identifying, planning, implementing, and evaluating—students can
gain practical experience in running a small-scale enterprise while contributing to environmental
sustainability. The project also teaches valuable skills like teamwork, financial management, and
customer relations.
NOTES APPENDED
A USP (Unique Selling Proposition) is a feature or characteristic of a product or service that
sets it apart from competitors and makes it attractive to a specific target audience. It highlights
the distinct benefit or advantage that a product offers, which customers cannot easily find
elsewhere. The USP is crucial in marketing, as it communicates why a customer should choose a
particular product over others.
For example, in a business selling eco-friendly tote bags, the USP might be that the bags are
made from 100% biodegradable materials, and include custom designs specific to school
branding. This differentiates the product from standard plastic bags or generic reusable ones,
adding unique value for the buyer.
A strong USP can help build a brand's identity and drive customer loyalty by focusing on what
makes the product special and better-suited to meet the needs of its audience.
