Cambridge O Level: Business Studies 7115/21 May/June 2022

Cambridge O Level
BUSINESS STUDIES 7115/21

Paper 2 Case Study May/June 2022
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 80
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 May/June 2022 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some
Cambridge O Level components.
This document consists of 18 printed pages.
© UCLES 2022 [Turn over

7115/21 Cambridge O Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED
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 descriptors
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.
Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
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.
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.
© UCLES 2022 Page 2 of 18

PUBLISHED
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).
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.

PUBLISHED
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.
0450/7115/0086 Business Studies – Paper 2 Annotations
Annotation Description Use
Tick Tick Indicates a point which is relevant and rewardable (used in

part (a) questions).
Cross Cross Indicates a point which is inaccurate/irrelevant and not
rewardable.
BOD Benefit of doubt Used when the benefit of the doubt is given in order to
reward a response.
TV Too vague Used when parts of the answer are considered to be too
vague.
REP Repetition Indicates where content has been repeated.
NAQ Not answered Used when the answer or parts of the answer are not
question answering the question asked.
APP Application Indicates appropriate reference to the information in the
context.
OFR Own figure rule If a mistake is made in a calculation, and the incorrect
figure that results from the mistake is used for subsequent
calculations.
SEEN Noted but no credit Indicates that content has been recognised but not
given rewarded.
L1 Level 1 Used in part (b) questions to indicate where a response
includes limited knowledge and understanding.
has a more detailed discussion and contains some
evidence of justification.
includes a well-justified recommendation.

PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks
1(a) Explain four reasons why governments might support business start- 8
ups.
Award 1 mark for each relevant reason (maximum of four).
Award a maximum of 1 additional mark for each explanation of the reason.
There are no application marks available for this question.
Relevant reasons might include:

 To reduce unemployment – new businesses create jobs and therefore
help to reduce unemployment in the country / fewer welfare benefits to
pay
 To increase competition – new businesses will provide more choice for
consumers and therefore will provide more competition for existing
businesses / may keep prices lower and quality higher
 To provide/have a wider variety of goods and services available – so
there will be a wider choice for consumers
 To increase output / improve standard of living – new businesses will
produce more goods and services in the economy/increase in GDP
 To benefit society – new start-ups may support social enterprises and
therefore provide benefits other than just creating jobs
 They may grow into larger businesses in the future – successful larger
businesses started small, so it is worth supporting businesses to get
started
 Earns taxation – the business will pay tax if profitable and this will be a
source of revenue for the government which they can then use for
providing public services.
 To motivate/encourage entrepreneurs – government support may reduce
the risk of failure
For example: To reduce unemployment (1) – as new start-up businesses

often need to hire employees and these people may have been unemployed
(1).

PUBLISHED
1(b) Consider the benefits to Yasin of the two sections of his business plan 12
shown in Appendix 1. Which section do you think helped him most
when starting up his business? Justify your answer.
Level Description Marks
3 Sound application of knowledge and understanding of 9–12

relevant business concepts using appropriate
terminology.
Detailed discussion of both sections.
Well-justified conclusion.
Candidates discussing both sections in detail, in context

and with a well-justified conclusion including why the
alternative section was rejected should be rewarded with
the top marks in the band.

terminology.
Detailed discussion of at least one section.
Judgement with some justification / some evaluation of

choice made.
Candidates discussing at least one section in detail and

applying it to the case should be rewarded with the top
marks in the band.
1 Limited application of knowledge and understanding of 1–4

relevant business concepts.
Limited ability to discuss the sections with little/no

explanation.
Simple judgement with limited justification / limited

evaluation of choice made.
Candidates outlining both sections in context should be

rewarded with the top marks in the band.
0 No Creditable Response 0

PUBLISHED
1(b) Relevant points might include:
Market  Able to identify the market for eating bread as being

research targeted at all age groups
 Market research shows that starting to produce cakes is
likely to be successful as 70% of respondents want to
buy cakes
 Use of local ingredients could be emphasised in
advertising if MB changes production techniques and
suppliers
Resources  To be able to calculate how much start-up capital is

needed by Yasin to buy the bakery equipment
 It is a starting point for Yasin to make the necessary
purchases to get the bakery started
 helps him to more effectively plan for the opening of the
bakery
 Helpful to identify the costs for Yasin to set up the
bakery – to see if he needs a bank loan
Conclusion Justification might include:

 Market research is the most important as this shows that
the bakery has the demand for it to be successful.
Without a demand for bread the business will fail.
However, a lack of experience may mean the list is not
accurate or complete and Yasin may need a lot more
capital than he thinks.
 Resources is the most important as this helped Yasin to
plan what items of equipment are required for the
bakery and how much all these items will cost. This is
important for Yasin to work out how much start-up
capital is required and make sure he has sufficient
finance to get started successfully or arrange to raise
additional finance if necessary. However, the sample
was small and therefore the results may not be
accurate so Yasin may make bad decisions when
starting the bakery.

PUBLISHED
2(a) Explain one benefit and one limitation to Yasin of using a break-even 8
chart.
Award 1 mark for each benefit/limitation (maximum of two marks).
Award a maximum of 3 additional marks for each explanation of the

benefit/limitation of using the break-even chart– one of which must be
applied to this context.
Relevant benefits might include:

 Shows break-even output – so Yasin knows how much bread he needs to
sell to break even – this will allow him to plan the bakery and equipment
required – to ensure at least the minimum quantity of bread is produced
and sold
 Shows the margin of safety – this is the amount of bread Yasin predicts
will be sold above the break-even output – it provides a target for sales of
bread – so that MB makes a profit
 Helps in decision making – so that Yasin knows the minimum target
amount of bread to produce – he can see if he needs to increase the
price to break-even more quickly – or if lower ingredient costs is required
by MB to make a profit
 Shows the area of profit or loss – and therefore what the output needs to
be to cover all costs – if the market research shown in the business plan
does not indicate that sufficient sales will be made to make a profit – then
Yasin may need to think again about his plans for the bakery.
Relevant limitations might include:

 A break-even chart assumes all the output will be sold/provides an
estimate of sales – but MB may not sell all the bread in the day – some
may be wasted and the costs of producing these will not be taken into
account – so at a specific output the business may not make a profit but
may make a loss
 The break-even chart is drawn on the assumption of straight lines – but
when the output is higher Yasin may be able to bulk buy ingredients – this
may mean he can receive discounts so the variable cost per unit may not
be constant
 Fixed costs/variable costs may change – if the scale of production
changes as the bakery expands – the rent or depreciation of equipment
will change/ingredient costs may change
 Need a separate break-even chart for each product/need a new chart if
prices are changed – relevant if going to make cakes
For example: The chart shows the break-even output for MB (1) so Yasin will
know how many units of bread he will need to sell each month to break even
(app). This will allow him to plan for the equipment required (1) so he can
ensure the bakery sells the minimum amount of bread to cover all the costs
and not make a loss (1).
Application could include: bread; bakery; cakes; data presented in

Appendix 2; fixed costs will change if either of the options in Appendix 2 go
ahead.

PUBLISHED
2(b) Consider the following two ways MB could achieve lean production. 12
Which is the best way for Yasin to choose? Justify your answer.
 Kaizen.
 Just-in-time inventory control.

terminology.
Detailed discussion of both ways.
Well-justified recommendation.
Candidates discussing both ways in detail, in context and

with a well-justified recommendation including why the
alternative way was rejected should be rewarded with the
top marks in the band.

terminology.
Detailed discussion of at least one way.

choice made.
Candidates discussing at least one way in detail and

marks in the band.

Limited ability to discuss the ways with little/no

explanation.

Candidates outlining both ways in context should be

0 No creditable response. 0

PUBLISHED
Advantages Disadvantages
Kaizen  Employees might be  The 2 employees

able to offer may not be
suggestions about willing/able to make
how small continuous suggestions for
changes may improve improvements
the efficiency of the  The employees may
bakery have reduced hours if
 Helps eliminate waste efficiency is improved
– time is not wasted which may make
between tasks / them reluctant to help
eliminating waste of  It will take time and/or
space / eliminating money to reorganise
wasted resources the bakery to improve
 As there is less time the flow of products
between the different through the different
processes of baking processes
bread – it can lead to  Yasin may not have
increases in the skills and
productivity/efficiency knowledge to do this
 There should be less effectively – may
work-in-progress – as have to pay someone
the flow through and else to plan the
layout of the bakery is bakery layout –
more efficient, and increased costs for a
the amount of part- small business in the
finished bakery short-term
products should be  There may be a limit
reduced to the improvements
MB can make using
Kaizen

PUBLISHED
2(b)
Just-in-time  Reduces the costs of  If there is an increase

inventory control holding inventory of in demand for certain
ingredients such as types of bread, then
flour there may not be
 Less working capital sufficient ingredients
required to pay for to meet the increased
inventory demand
 Less storage space  Any delays in orders
required – reduces being delivered may
costs or makes more disrupt production
effective use of the and may stop the
bakery production production of some
area items
 Bread and cakes will  It relies on a good
be fresh due to fresh relationship between
ingredients – helps Yasin and his
ensure customer suppliers
satisfaction  Relies on Yasin
 No excess ingredients making the orders
purchased – so does quickly when needed
not go out-of-
date/does not go stale
Recommendation Justification might include:

 Kaizen is the most effective because it could save
time between the different tasks performed in the
bakery. This may speed up baking and allow more
output to be produced in a shorter time period
therefore increasing the output of bread and
possibly increasing revenue or reducing costs as
more efficient. JIT is less important as the bread is
baked each day and ingredients will need to be
purchased regularly anyway.
 Less working capital is required for JIT, so this is
the best option for a small bakery as Yasin is likely
to have limited funds to run the new business. The
bread is made each day so fresh ingredients are
required, and this makes JIT the most suitable
because a small bakery may have limited
opportunities to implement Kaizen ideas.

PUBLISHED
3(a) Explain four ways Yasin can advertise MB’s products. 8
Award 1 mark for each appropriate way (maximum of four).
Award a maximum of 1 additional mark for each explanation in context.
Relevant ways might include:

 Local radio – as the bakery attracts only local people so many potential
customers may hear the advert
 Local newspaper/magazine – as a voucher could be included for money
off bread
 Posters – in the window of the bakery shop to attract customers passing
by
 Leaflets/fliers – can be handed out in the local town centre so that
potential customers will know the location of the shop as it is new
 Social media – emphasise that he uses imported ingredients
 Packaging/carrier bags – emphasise the ethical image of the business
 Website/online/internet – so if consumers are searching for local shops
that sell bread so it can give information of the products and location of
the shop
 Billboards – can be placed in busy areas of the local town directing them
to the bakery location
 Sponsorship – local sports team may have shirts with the MB name to
raise awareness of the bakery
 Word-of-mouth – existing customers recommend good bread/tasty bread
to their friends and family
For example: Leaflets (1) can be handed out in the local town centre and to
raise awareness of where the bakery shop is located (app).
Application could include: bread; bakery; cakes; bakery shop; uses imported
ingredients; ethical image; ingredients; fresh products; sustainable packaging;
consumed by all age groups.

PUBLISHED
3(b) Consider the two options outlined in Appendix 2. Which option should 12
Yasin choose? Justify your answer using appropriate calculations.

terminology.
Detailed discussion of both options.
Well-justified recommendation.
Candidates discussing both options in detail, in context

and with a well-justified recommendation including why
the alternative option was rejected should be rewarded
with the top marks in the band.

terminology.
Detailed discussion of at least one option.

choice made.
Candidates discussing at least one option in detail and

marks in the band.

Limited ability to discuss the options with little/no

explanation.

Candidates outlining both options in context should be


PUBLISHED
Option 1 – small  Sales are higher by 3900 per month (L1)

cupcakes  Total cost is $5000 per month (L1)
 Total revenue $8000 per month (L1)
 Profit per month is $ 3000, $1000 more than
Option 2 (L2)
 Break-even output 2000 cupcakes a month (L2)
 Forecast margin of safety is 2000 per month (L2)
Option 2 – large  Total revenue $6000 (L1)

birthday cakes  Total cost is $4000 per month (L1)
 Profit per month is $2000 (L2)
 Break-even output 60 large birthday cakes a
month (L2)
 Forecast margin of safety is 40 per month (L2)

 Option 1 is the better one to choose as it has the
higher profit by $1000 than Option 2 and a higher
margin of safety (as a proportion of sales). Option
2 may have a higher predicted growth of sales, but
this is only a forecast and may not happen. It is
better to choose the more certain higher profit now
than the possibility of higher sales later.
 Option 2 is better than Option 1 as the gross profit
margin is 8.33% higher. However, the future
growth of sales is forecast to be higher and may
lead to higher profits in the future.

PUBLISHED
4(a) Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of Yasin using a 8

democratic leadership style.
1 mark for each advantage/disadvantage identified (maximum 2 marks).
Award a maximum of 3 additional marks for each explanation of an

advantage/disadvantage of Yasin using a democratic leadership style – one
of which must be applied to this context.
Relevant answers might include:
Advantages:
 Better decisions – as employees are consulted – may offer additional
ideas from own experience of doing the job
 Motivating for employees – asked to offer opinions before decisions are
made – feel more trusted/valued – less likely to leave/lower labour
turnover
 Employees work better due to their sense of belonging/builds a
relationship – more productive/positive
Disadvantages:
 Takes time to consult employees – Yasin and the employees could be
more productive doing other jobs – less productive/less output produced
 Unpopular decisions may be difficult to make – such as making
employees redundant – may be less effective if employees are asked for
their opinions as the decision may affect them directly – therefore
opinions may be biased
 Employees may not have the experience to make suitable contributions –
unable to make helpful suggestions
 Suggestions made by employees may be different to the objectives of
management – may lead to conflict/confusion
For example: Better decisions may be made by Yasin (1) because employees
are asked for their opinions before decisions are made (1). Yasin only
employs 3 people (app) so it will be easier for them to offer additional ideas
from their own experience of doing the job (1).
Application could include: bakery; 3 employees; work five days a week: paid
legal minimum wage: produce bread; Yasin needs to keep the business
competitive; introduction of cakes; changing suppliers; ethical image

PUBLISHED
4(b) Consider the following three ways Yasin could improve the ethical 12
image of MB. Which way would be most effective? Justify your answer.
 Buying all ingredients from local suppliers.
 Using only environmentally friendly packaging.
 Increasing wage rates to 20% above the legal minimum wage.

terminology.
Detailed discussion of two or more ways.
Well-justified conclusion.
Candidates discussing all three ways in detail, in context

and with a well-justified conclusion including why the
alternative ways were rejected should be rewarded with
the top marks in the band.

terminology.
Detailed discussion of at least one way.

choice made.
Candidates discussing two or more ways in detail and

applying them to the case should be rewarded with the
top marks in the band.

Limited ability to discuss the ways with little/no

explanation.

Candidates outlining all three ways in context should be


PUBLISHED
Buying all  Ingredients are  Costs of ingredients

ingredients from obtained with less are likely to be higher
local suppliers pollution from than low-cost imports
transportation as they and may have to
will no longer be charge higher prices
imported  May not be able to
 Support local purchase all the
community as flour range of ingredients
produced by local you want – may
businesses restrict the range of
 Delivery is cheaper / bread produced
quicker – less impact
on the environment
 Popular with
customers – research
showed 85% wanted
this
 Can compete with
local competitors –
they already use local
suppliers
Using only  Improves the brand  May reduce the

environmentally image for the bakery quality of the bakery
friendly packaging – more attractive to products if the
consumers who are packaging does not
environmentally protect the bread as
aware – target a well
different market  Takes time to source
segment the environmentally
 Will not be affected if friendly packaging –
new environmental less time for Yasin to
laws demand carry out other tasks
sustainable  Likely to cost more
packaging than current
 Reliable supplier packaging – not all
available (appendix 3) customers will be
 Less chance of willing to pay higher
pressure group prices
activity

PUBLISHED
4(b)
Increasing wage  Employees more  Wage costs will be

rates to 20% motivated – Taylor’s higher – increasing
above the legal motivation theory – total costs – possibly
minimum wage workers treated lower profit
well/feel appreciated  If other bakeries pay
 Lower labour turnover higher wage rates,
– as other employers then MB may not
may be less ethical have any advantage
 Easier to recruit new and it may not
employees – as motivate employees
attracted by higher  The higher wage
rates of pay by a policy may not be
good employer known in the local
community hence
little effect on
reputation

 Buying from local suppliers is best because it
supports local businesses, and this will make the
bakery popular with local people. The business is
small and relies on local customers and local
people in the town may have relatives running
other local businesses, improving MBs image and
reputation. Paying higher wages may not be
known by customers and therefore may not help to
improve MB’s ethical image and packaging may
just be thrown away by customers who may not
take much notice of what is used for packaging as
they will be more interested in the product.
 Having environmentally friendly packaging is most
important even if the costs are slightly higher for
the packaging as this should ensure the bakery
packaging is sustainable which is a good
marketing point which may be popular with many
potential customers. Buying from local suppliers
may not be possible if the range of ingredients isn’t
wide enough or increasing the wage may increase
costs too much for MB to remain competitive.
 Paying above the minimum wage will make the
bakery a better place to work for the 3 employees
and will make them less likely to leave. They will
also tell their family and friends about the bakery,
and this will improve the image of the bakery
therefore attracting local people to buy their bread
from BM.

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Cambridge O Level

BUSINESS STUDIES 7115/21

This document consists of 18 printed pages.

© UCLES 2022 [Turn over

Generic Marking Principles

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:

Marks must be awarded in line with:

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:

Marks must be awarded positively:

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

© UCLES 2022 Page 2 of 18

Social Science-Specific Marking Principles

1 Components using point-based marking:

From this it follows that we:

2 Presentation of mark scheme:

© UCLES 2022 Page 3 of 18

0450/7115/0086 Business Studies – Paper 2 Annotations

Annotation Description Use

Tick Tick Indicates a point which is relevant and rewardable (used in

© UCLES 2022 Page 4 of 18

Question Answer Marks

Award 1 mark for each relevant reason (maximum of four).

Award a maximum of 1 additional mark for each explanation of the reason.

There are no application marks available for this question.

Relevant reasons might include:

For example: To reduce unemployment (1) – as new start-up businesses

© UCLES 2022 Page 5 of 18

Question Answer Marks

Level Description Marks

3 Sound application of knowledge and understanding of 9–12

Detailed discussion of both sections.

Candidates discussing both sections in detail, in context

2 Sound application of knowledge and understanding of 5–8

Detailed discussion of at least one section.

Judgement with some justification / some evaluation of

Candidates discussing at least one section in detail and

1 Limited application of knowledge and understanding of 1–4

Limited ability to discuss the sections with little/no

Simple judgement with limited justification / limited

Candidates outlining both sections in context should be

© UCLES 2022 Page 6 of 18

Question Answer Marks

1(b) Relevant points might include:

Market  Able to identify the market for eating bread as being

Resources  To be able to calculate how much start-up capital is

Conclusion Justification might include:

© UCLES 2022 Page 7 of 18

Question Answer Marks

Award 1 mark for each benefit/limitation (maximum of two marks).

Award a maximum of 3 additional marks for each explanation of the

Relevant benefits might include:

Relevant limitations might include:

Application could include: bread; bakery; cakes; data presented in

© UCLES 2022 Page 8 of 18

Question Answer Marks

Level Description Marks