AQA Business AS: 2014

BUSS2 is a challenging paper given that you have two case studies to tackle. In addition, with the paper being 80 marks and 90 minutes you are advised to spend no more than 5 minutes on each case study. Many students don't finish the last question and given that BUSS2 is worth 30% of your entire A level than this MUST be avoided. So, what are my top tips? (1) Time management. You must stick to the rule of a minute per mark. Spending too long on the first case study results in less time to do the second which often results in students failing to read the second case study and/ or not finishing the paper. (2) Read each question carefully and ensure you answer the question you are asked. Often using the key words in the question at the start of each paragraph can help ensure your answer is focused throughout (3) Make sure that you apply your knowledge to the business you are writing about. Good application can be achieved by being completely in context, manipulating data as well as combining data. Being in context means that your answer relates to the business in the case study as well as the problems or issues that the business is specifically facing. (4) Analysis. To achieve GOOD analysis you must provide a coherent and logical multi-stage argument that is focused on the question. (5) When analysis, think HOW and WHY. For example, if you say that increased labour productivity will reduce labour costs per unit, explain HOW and WHY this is important to the business you are writing about. Put your answer in CONTEXT. (6) Evaluation. To achieve GOOD evaluation you must provide a clear and well supported judgment in relation to the question being asked which is built on prior analysis and evidence. A useful strategy is to explain what the most significant point or argument was that led you to that judgement. Why did you choose one argument over another? Why did you reject one? (7) Efficient use of the case study is crucial. Underlining everything often results in key points being missed. (8) Definitions. If there are two key words in the question you only need to define ONE. Defining both wastes time. Definitions only contribute to your knowledge marks. Define one key term well and then move on. (9) Calculations. Work quickly and accurately and keep to the time limit. If (for a 6 mark question) after 6 minutes you are still struggling then move on. It is unlikely that further time will result in a significant increase in your mark for that question and you run the risk of rushing the last question (10) Read the examiners reports and mark schemes for past papers. They are free and are designed to help you improve The Difference Between Reasonable and Good Application and Analysis Loake was established in 1880 and are known for their range of fine, handmade shoes. A pair of Loake English Brogues takes around 8 weeks to make from start to finish and involves over 135 craftsmen. The average price of a pair of Loake brogues is around £200 which is justified given the reputation for fine, handmade shoes. Analyse the consequences to Loake of introducing more technology into its operations Student A 'Introducing more technology into the business could damage the business as the business is known for producing a handmade product which will result in fewer units being sold if products are not produced this way' From the above, we can see that this has been answered from a very theoretical perspective. There is no real application and the analysis is only reasonable in so much that the arguments aren't really developed and the argument doesn't really explain HOW or WHY fewer units will be sold. Student B 'One consequence of introducing more technology into Loake is that Loake are known for producing fine, handmade shoes and as such have developed a unique selling point allowing the business to charge £200 for a pair of shoes (here, data has been combined). Consequently, the use of more technology may mean that the reputation that Loake has established since 1880 could be ruined which may result in Loake struggling to justify the £200 price tag in addition to the possibility of lower sales as fewer customers may want to buy their shoes if they aren't produced in the traditional way that Loake are famous for' Here, we can see that the answer is completely in context, combines data and has a coherent and multi-stage argument. Source: http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/developing-buss2-exam-skills-application-and-analysis Developing Answers BLT Whilst delivering the AQA sessions we discussed with the students a simple strategy to help them develop their answers further. This technique can be applied equally to A Level. The technique is BLT. Now, to many people a BLT is a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. To me, it is key to exam success. BLT stands for: 1.Because 2.Leading to 3.Therefore (resulting in, leading to etc) How does this work in practice? Take the following question: Explain one way in which John could reduce the risk of setting up his own business One way in which John could reduce the risk of setting up his own business is to form a limited company. This would reduce the risk Because it would give John unlimited liability Leading to Johns liability being limited to the amount that he has invested. Therefore, if the business failed he wouldn't risk losing his own personal possessions due to the protection of limited liability. 'Such as seasoning' is a way to help students be in context. Many students use terms like 'raw materials' and variable costs' in their answers (for example, when looking at ways in which a business can reduce costs). Take the example below in relation to how Vue cinemas could increase their profits. One way in which view cinemas could increase their profits is by reducing their costs, such as popcorn. This is because if Vue bought cheaper popcorn it would lead to a reduction in their variable costs and therefore lead to an increase in their profit margins.