Cambridge IGCSE™: Business Studies 0450/13 October/November 2020
Cambridge IGCSE™: Business Studies 0450/13 October/November 2020
Cambridge IGCSE™: Business Studies 0450/13 October/November 2020
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 2020 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE™, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some
Cambridge O Level components.
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 descriptors for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these
marking principles.
• 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.
Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
• 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.
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level
descriptors.
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).
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.
1(b) State two reasons why sampling is used when carrying out 2 Only award the first two responses given.
market research.
1(c) Outline two ways in which being ethical could help Mercy and 4 Note: To use words from the stem as application,
Ayo’s business. the reference must be appropriate (i.e. make
sense) in relation to the point being made.
Award 1 mark for each relevant way.
The following words are likely to be appropriate for
Award 1 mark for each relevant reference to this business. this question:
Other appropriate responses should also be credited. Do not accept answers which explain how a
business can be ethical as this is not the question.
1(d) Explain two ways in which market research results can help 6 Note: To use words from the stem as application,
Mercy and Ayo’s business. the reference must be appropriate (i.e. make
sense) in relation to the point being made.
Award 1 mark for identification of each relevant way (max 2).
The following words are likely to be appropriate for
Award 1 mark for each relevant reference made to this business this question:
(max 2). • Ice cream
• Shop/ store
Award 1 mark for each relevant explanation (max 2). • Organic milk/farm
• Entrepreneur
Points might include: • New business/start-up
• Identify consumer needs/demand/target market [k] as it’s a new • 300 (people)
business [app] to ensure sales/revenue [an]
• Helps set price/decide what price to set [k] to help ensure they Other appropriate examples in context can still be
can break-even/ cover costs [an] credited.
• Help decide how to promote/promotion strategy for its products [k]
• Help decide the best location/place/distribution channel [k] so
know whether/where to locate the shop [app]
• Help identify (strength of) the competition [k]
• Help decide what/amount to produce/buy right amount of raw
materials [k] to keep variable costs low/reduce wastage [an]
• Reduces risks/products launched with more confidence [k] for
these entrepreneurs [app]
• Discover current and future market size/trends [k] for ice cream
[app]
1(e) Do you think a new business has a better chance of success if it 6 This is a general question so there are no marks
locates where there is no competition? Justify your answer. for application.
Award up to 2 marks for identification of relevant issues. Some points could be awarded for different
options, but do not award the same point twice.
Award up to 2 marks for relevant development of points.
For evaluation to be awarded justification will
Award 2 marks for justified decision as to whether a new business has usually follow on from relevant analysis of points.
a better chance of success if it locates where there is no competition.
Do not award vague answers such as ‘easier to
Points might include: compete, ‘lower/high risk’.
• Able to gain more customers/sales/no risk of brand loyalty to
another business [k] so increase in (potential) revenue/market Do not award answers which outline solutions
share [an] such as ‘should advertise’ etc.
• May indicate a gap in the market [k]
• Lower costs of promotion [k] reduce expenses/can help maintain/
improve its profit margin. [an]
• May indicate low demand/few or no customers available/small
target market [k] so difficult to break-even [an]
• Could depend on product or service offered [k] as if they have
developed a new product there may not be many competitors [an]
• Able to set higher prices (as no one to compete against) [k]
leading to higher revenue [an]
I think they have less chance of success. While setting up where there
are no customers may allow them to gain more customers [k] which
can increase revenue [an]. But it might also mean there are few or no
customers available [k] so small target market [an]. However, if there
is no demand, there is no point in setting up there unless it is unique
because they will not gain enough sales to break even let alone be
successful. [eval] [eval]
Makes one product from start to finish (before starting the next one)
[2]
2(b) Identify two reasons why a business might want to expand. 2 Only award the first two responses given.
2(c) Outline two ways Lola and Raul’s business could use a website. 4 Note: To use words from the stem as application,
the reference must be appropriate (i.e. make
Award 1 mark for each relevant way. sense) in relation to the point being made.
Award 1 mark for each relevant reference to this business. The following words are likely to be appropriate for
this question:
Points might include: • Hand-printed or examples such as T-shirts/
• Take orders/sell its products [k] as well as the shop [app] bags/posters
• Advertise/promote/raise awareness/give out information about its • Tourists
products [k] to people other than tourists [app] • (Small) shop/store
• Obtain feedback/reviews [k] about its t-shirts [app]
• Advertise job vacancies [k] Other appropriate examples in context can still be
credited.
Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
2(d) Explain one advantage and one disadvantage to Lola and Raul of 6 Note: To use words from the stem as application,
being in a business partnership. the reference must be appropriate (i.e. make
sense) in relation to the point being made.
Award 1 mark for identification of each relevant advantage and
disadvantage (max 1 for each). The following words are likely to be appropriate for
this question:
Award 1 mark for each relevant reference made to this business • Hand-printed (items) or examples such as T-
(max 2). shirts/bags/posters
• Tourists
Award 1 mark for each relevant explanation (max 2). • Shop/ store
• Website
Points might include: • Introduce machinery
Advantage: Other appropriate examples in context can still be
• More ideas [k] about what type of hand printed items to offer [app] credited.
can help increase revenue/sales [an]
• Access to more capital (than sole trader) [k] to pay for setting up a
website [app] improving chance of expanding [an]
• More skills/expertise/can specialise [k] Raul does the finance and
sales [app] allowing time for Lola to focus on her job [an]
• Share loss/risk [k] so do not have to carry all the financial burden
[an]
• Share workload [k]
Disadvantage:
• Disagreements [k] such as how to increase output [app] which
could lead to lower productivity [an]
• Unlimited liability/each responsible for debts of other [k] so their
personal belongings are at risk as well [an] as the shop [app]
• Have to share profits [k]
• Slower decision-making [k]
2(e) Do you think introducing machinery is a better way for a small 6 This is a general question so there are no marks
business to increase output than recruiting more employees? for application.
Justify your answer.
Advantages of one method can be presented as
Awards up to 2 marks for identification of relevant issues. disadvantages of the other method but do not
award the same point twice as mirror answers are
Award up to 2 marks for relevant development of points. not accepted.
Award 2 marks for justified decision as to whether introducing Candidates can also discuss factors which need to
machinery is a better way for a small business to increase output than be considered when making decisions about
recruiting more employees. increasing output e.g. cost, whether demand is
temporary or not.
Points might include:
For evaluation to be awarded justification will
Introducing machinery usually follow on from relevant analysis of points.
• Likely to be more consistent/better quality/fewer mistakes [k]
reducing the amount of rework/wastage [an] For evaluation, candidates must relate answer to
• Machines do not need to rest [k] so can work for longer periods of increase in output.
time/24-7 [an]
• Higher productivity/more efficient [k] lower average cost [an]
• High cost/expensive to invest in equipment [k] which would
increase cash outflows [an] which a small business might not be
able to afford [an]
• May not have space to introduce machinery [k]
• May required more skilled workers [k] increasing labour costs [an]
• Higher maintenance costs [k] increasing expenses [an]
• Can become outdated quite quickly/need to replace regularly [k]
Items owned by a business that last for more than 12 months [2]
OR 60 – 40 / 30 [1]
3(c) State four factors that can affect the source of finance a business 4 Only award the first four responses given.
might use.
3(d) Explain two ways in which local communities might be affected 6 Note: Ways can be either positive or negative.
by CLN’s decision to close some of its shops.
Note: To use words from the stem as application,
Award 1 mark for identification of each relevant way (max 2). the reference must be appropriate (i.e. make
sense) in relation to the point being made.
Award 1 mark for each relevant reference made to this business
(max 2). The following words are likely to be appropriate for
this question:
Award 1 mark for each relevant explanation (max 2). • 30 or 120 (shops)
• Electrical products or examples such as
Points might include: televisions / computers
• Job losses/higher unemployment [k] so lower standard of • $250m (loss)
living/have less money to spend at other businesses [an] as well
as those selling electrical goods [app] Other appropriate examples in context can still be
• Environmental benefits or examples such as less traffic [k] so less credited.
pollution (leading to health issues) [an] outside the 120 shops
[app]
• Reduction in local facilities [k] which could lead to higher prices
having to be paid [an]
• Reduction in house prices/damage image of the local area [k]
3(e) Do you think the number of sales from each shop is the best way 6 This is a general question so there are no marks
for a retail business to decide which shops to close? Justify your for application.
answer.
Some points could be awarded for different
Award up to 2 marks for identification of relevant issues. options, but do not award the same point twice.
Award up to 2 marks for relevant development of points. For evaluation to be awarded justification will
usually follow on from relevant analysis of points.
Award 2 marks for justified decision as to whether the number of sales
from each shop is the best way for a retail business to decide which
shops to close.
Lower sales could suggest shop is not popular [k] so customers less
likely to complain if it closes [an]. However, lower sales might be
misleading as some shops might sell a small number of higher value
items [k] so number of sales alone might lead to a potential loss of
revenue [an]. Costs could be used as a factor, but the problem is that
a popular location might have a higher rent. Therefore, as no method
will give perfect answers but as number of sales is probably best
especially as it is simple to use, so at least people will be able to
understand the reasons for using it. [eval][eval]
4(a) State two ways quality production can be achieved. 2 Only award the first two responses given.
Award 1 mark per way. Do not award lean production as this is a different
concept.
Points might include:
• Quality control Do not award vague answers such as use
• Quality assurance machinery/improve motivation/check quality
• Total Quality Management/quality circles
• Further training/recruit skilled workers
• Improve quality of raw materials
• Use new/better technology/CAM/CAD
4(b) Identify two benefits to a business of having a clear 2 Only award the first two responses given.
organisational structure.
4(c) Outline two factors Kane should consider when preparing the job 4 Note: To use words from the stem as application,
advertisement. the reference must be appropriate (i.e. make
sense) in relation to the point being made.
Award 1 mark for each relevant factor.
The following words are likely to be appropriate for
Award 1 mark for each relevant reference to this business. this question:
• Furniture/wood
Points might include: • 5 (production workers)
• What information to include [k] such as skills needed to make • Well-motivated employees
furniture [app]
• Where advert should be placed/which method of job Other appropriate examples in context can still be
advertisement to use [k] for 5 production workers [app] credited.
• Cost/which method can they afford to use [k]
• Comply with legal controls i.e. no age/gender discrimination [k]
4(d) Explain how each of the following external influences might 6 Note: To use words from the stem as application,
affect LFP: the reference must be appropriate (i.e. make
sense) in relation to the point being made.
Award 1 mark for each relevant affect (max 1 for each influence).
The following words are likely to be appropriate for
Award 1 mark for each relevant reference made to this business this question:
(max 2). • Furniture
• wood
Award 1 mark for each relevant explanation (max 2). • 5 (production workers)
• 40%
Points might include:
Other appropriate examples in context can still be
Lower employment levels: credited.
• Wider pool of potential employees [k] for the 5 workers [app]
possibly at lower wage rates/better able to find quality candidates
[an]
• Lower incomes [k] lower demand/lower sales [an] for its furniture
[app]
Import quotas:
• Limit amount of products that a business can bring into a country
[k] so have access to less wood [app] so may be unable to fulfil all
its orders [an]
• Could force LFP to find new suppliers [k] as 40% imported [app]
which could increase costs of sales/selling price [an]
4(e) Do you think increasing wages is a better way for a business to 6 This is a general question so there are no marks
motivate employees than introducing profit sharing? Justify your for application.
answer.
Some points could be awarded for different
Award up to 2 marks for identification of relevant issues. options, but do not award the same point twice.
Award up to 2 marks for relevant development of points. For evaluation to be awarded justification will
usually follow on from relevant analysis of points.
Award 2 marks for justified decision as to whether increasing wages in
a better way for a business to motivate employees than introducing
profit sharing.
Increase wages:
• Taylor’s theory suggests that higher wages increases motivation/
Herzberg’s theory states pay is a hygiene factor and not a
motivator [k]
• Higher wages add to business costs [k] which may not be covered
by the additional output [an]
• Only a short-term boost to motivation/likely to be paid the higher
amount whether they work harder or not [k] so any increase is
productivity is only temporary [an]
• Will provide a regular/steady income [k] to maintain standard of
living [an]
Profit sharing:
• Creates team spirit/common goal/sense of belonging/all
employees focused on success of business [k] which could lead
to higher overall profit/increase output [an]
• Only receive/pay out if profits made [k]
• Sharing profits might reduce retained profit [k] which could mean
less capital for expansion [an]
4(e) • Other factors can affect profit which employees cannot control [k]
so there is no guarantee they will receive any/much from profit
sharing [an]
Higher wages add to business costs [k] which might increase more
than output increases [an]. Whereas sharing profits might reduce
retained profit [k] which could mean less capital for expansion [an]
However, I think profit sharing is the better way. This is because
higher wages will automatically have to be paid whether business
makes a profit or not which could also reduce the potential profit that a
business can make so it is better to use profit sharing as the business
only has to give it when a profit has been made. [eval] [eval]