1.3
Putting a business idea into practice
Written test by topic. The Discuss question comes first and does not need context. The full case study is then shown before the State, Outline and Analyse questions that do need context. Each written question now includes a structure prompt and self-assessment prompts, with one-paragraph or two-paragraph options shown for Discuss and Analyse.
Marks entered for this topic: 0 / 15 · RED
Discuss · 6 marks
1. Discuss one reason why planning finance carefully is important before a business expands.
This Discuss question does not need case study context.
Structure prompt
- Option 1: write one flowing paragraph with one clear point followed by linked development.
- Option 2: write two short paragraphs, each with one clear point and linked development.
- Whichever approach you choose, keep the discussion focused on reasons, impacts, benefits or drawbacks.
- Finish by showing the overall effect on the business.
Self-assessment prompts
- Have I chosen either one strong flowing chain or two short developed paragraphs?
- Have I made each point clear rather than vague?
- Do my ideas develop logically instead of repeating the same point?
- Have I explained the final business effect clearly?
- Have I avoided adding unnecessary context to this non-contextual Discuss question?
Full case study extract for the contextual questions
Aphrodite is a clothes shop that was formed in 1994 by two brothers, Andrew and Duncan McKenzie. They opened the shop because they had a lifelong enthusiasm for new fashion.
Andrew and Duncan visit Paris, Milan and London each year to buy their stock. They aim to buy well-known brands, such as Stone Island and Hugo Boss, and to also stock clothes from new designers. This range of stock helps provide them with an advantage over their competition.
Customer service has always been an important part of Aphrodite's success. A polite and friendly attitude greets all customers on arrival at the shop. In 2007 the business launched its website, which sells its range of clothing using e-commerce. The owners looked to maintain existing high standards of service for customers using their website.
A new opportunity was created when the shop premises next to Aphrodite became available to buy. Andrew and Duncan are considering buying the shop in order to convert the two shops into one large premises. They have calculated that this will cost them £250 000 but are undecided on the best way to finance this.
Andrew and Duncan visit Paris, Milan and London each year to buy their stock. They aim to buy well-known brands, such as Stone Island and Hugo Boss, and to also stock clothes from new designers. This range of stock helps provide them with an advantage over their competition.
Customer service has always been an important part of Aphrodite's success. A polite and friendly attitude greets all customers on arrival at the shop. In 2007 the business launched its website, which sells its range of clothing using e-commerce. The owners looked to maintain existing high standards of service for customers using their website.
A new opportunity was created when the shop premises next to Aphrodite became available to buy. Andrew and Duncan are considering buying the shop in order to convert the two shops into one large premises. They have calculated that this will cost them £250 000 but are undecided on the best way to finance this.
State · 1 mark
2. State one source of finance Aphrodite could use to pay for the expansion.
Use the full case study above when answering this question.
Structure prompt
- Give one valid example, item or point only.
- Keep it precise and relevant to the question.
- Do not add extra explanation unless it naturally fits after the answer.
Self-assessment prompts
- Have I given one clear answer?
- Is my answer specific enough to be creditworthy?
- Have I avoided changing this into an outline or analyse answer?
- Have I used precise case study context instead of a vague business reference?
Outline · 2 marks
3. Outline one benefit to Aphrodite of using e-commerce.
Use the full case study above when answering this question.
Structure prompt
- Make one clear point first.
- Add one linked development using because, so or which means.
- Keep the answer short and focused on one benefit, drawback or reason.
Self-assessment prompts
- Have I made one clear point?
- Have I added one linked development?
- Have I kept the answer focused on one idea?
- If context is needed, have I used the case study clearly?
- Have I used precise case study context instead of a vague business reference?
Analyse · 6 marks
4. Analyse one benefit to Aphrodite of offering a wide range of stock.
Use the full case study above when answering this question.
Structure prompt
- Option 1: write one strong analytical paragraph with one clear point and a linked chain of effects.
- Option 2: write two short analytical paragraphs, each with a clear point and linked development.
- Use precise case study context inside the analysis, not just dropped in at the start.
- Finish by explaining the final consequence for the business.
Self-assessment prompts
- Have I chosen either one strong developed chain or two short analytical paragraphs?
- Do my links build logically from one step to the next?
- Have I used words, issues or aims from the case study?
- Have I explained the final business consequence clearly?
- Have I used precise case study context instead of a vague business reference?