Cambridge International AS & A Level: Business 9609/32
Cambridge International AS & A Level: Business 9609/32
Cambridge International AS & A Level: Business 9609/32
BUSINESS 9609/32
Paper 3 Business Decision-making May/June 2024
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 60
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 2024 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some
Cambridge O Level components.
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specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptions 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.
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).
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.
Marking of work should be positive, rewarding achievement where possible, but clearly differentiating across the whole range of marks, where
appropriate.
The examiner should look at the work and then make a judgement about which level statement is the best fit. In practice, work does not always
match one level statement precisely so a judgement may need to be made between two or more level statements.
Once a best-fit level statement has been identified, use the following guidance to decide on a specific mark:
If the candidate’s work convincingly meets the level statement, award the highest mark.
If the candidate’s work adequately meets the level statement, award the most appropriate mark in the middle of the range.
If the candidate’s work just meets the level statement, award the lowest mark.
L1, L2 etc. must be clearly annotated on the response at the point where the level is achieved.
Assessment objectives
AO2 Application
Apply knowledge and understanding of business concepts, terms and theories to problems and issues in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar
business situations and contexts.
AO3 Analysis
Analyse business problems, issues and situations by:
using appropriate methods and techniques to make sense of qualitative and quantitative business information
searching for causes, impact and consequences
distinguishing between factual evidence and opinion or value judgement
drawing valid inferences and making valid generalisations
AO4 Evaluation
Evaluate evidence in order to make reasoned judgements, present substantiated conclusions and, where appropriate, make recommendations for
action and implementation.
2 3–4 marks
Developed analysis
Developed analysis that
identifies connections between
causes, impacts and/or
consequences of two points.
Developed analysis that
identifies connections between
causes, impacts and/or
consequences of one point.
1 Note:
Only reward advantages.
If more than two advantages are referred to, reward the best two.
L2AN (3 marks) is possible for just one point made.
Indicative content
AO2 Application
Limited application, applies knowledge to SF once.
Developed application, + applies knowledge to SF twice.
Max one for application for the first advantage and max one for application for the second advantage.
Seasonal nature of farming. At harvest time more demand for labour on the farms to harvest crops.
Competitive markets that SF operates in.
There is seasonal demand for Sosoy Ice Cream so there is a need to vary production.
SF employs peripheral employees on temporary or zero-hour contracts linked to seasonal production.
1 AO3 Analysis
Limited analysis – candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis.
Developed analysis – candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis.
Temporary contracts enable SF to respond flexibly to changing labour needs over time reducing costs for the business
.
Reducing costs will enable SF to set competitive prices which can attract customers and therefore increase market
share .
SF will be able to call in workers when needed if other employees are sick or on maternity leave thus ensuring that
production is not disrupted .
Zero-hour contracts enables SF to increase production quickly in response to unexpected changes in demand meeting
customer needs more efficiently and boosting sales which may result in an increase in profit .
Motivating for employees because they can pick their own hours/allow employees to work at home this would lead to
lower employee turnover which would reduce costs for SF.
2 Analyse two problems SF may experience when implementing total quality management (TQM). 8
2 3–4 marks
Developed analysis
Developed analysis that
identifies connections between
causes, impacts and/or
consequences of two points.
Developed analysis that
identifies connections between
causes, impacts and/or
consequences of one point.
2 Note:
Only reward problems/disadvantages.
If more than two problems are referred to, reward the best two.
L2AN (3 marks) is possible for just one point made.
Indicative content
AO2 Application
Limited application, applies knowledge to SF once.
Developed application, + applies knowledge to SF twice.
Max one for application for the first problem and max one for application for the second problem.
SF’s use of flexible contracts including part-time, temporary and zero-hours.
Temporary workers employed at harvest time for short period.
Current approach focuses on detection of quality problems rather than prevention.
Factory operating close to capacity.
Limited training given to peripheral employees.
Unskilled workers – more training required.
2 AO3 Analysis
Limited analysis – candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis.
Developed analysis – candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis.
Difficult to change culture of business as many employees are on flexible contracts and may therefore lack commitment
to the business .
Cost of training will be relatively high as workers on temporary contracts not in the business for long. Each new group
of temporary workers at harvest time each year will need training, increasing costs .
No need for quality inspectors so may need to make redundancies adding to costs of implementation and causing
concerns over job security which could reduce productivity .
In short-term may result in increase in defective products as adjusting to TQM approach takes time. This could result in
short-term customer dissatisfaction and impact sales negatively and therefore reducing profit .
3(a) Refer to Table 1.1. Calculate for quarter 1, 2023, the seasonal variation. 1
3(b) Refer to Table 1.1. Calculate for quarter 2, 2023, the centred quarterly moving average. 3
For anything other than the full mark answer there should be relevant working.
Level AO1 Knowledge and AO2 Application AO3 Analysis AO4 Evaluation
understanding 2 marks 2 marks 6 marks
2 marks
3 5–6 marks
Developed evaluation in
context
A developed
judgement/conclusion is
made in the business context.
Developed evaluative
comments which balance
some key arguments in the
business context.
3(c)
0 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks
No creditable response. No creditable response. No creditable No creditable response.
response.
Indicative content
AO2 Application
Limited application, applies knowledge to SF once.
Developed application, + applies knowledge to SF twice.
Reference to current capacity utilisation of over 90%.
Need for forecast of sales if start to export to country D.
Role of market reports and market research in forecasting.
3(c) Identifying likely demand for tofu and Sosoy Ice Cream.
Identifying employees needed in factory and decision about employment contracts to use.
Inability to control the weather.
AO3 Analysis
Limited analysis – candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis.
Developed analysis – candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis.
Helps ensure efficient use of labour and machinery helping to control costs of production and therefore increase
profit .
Contributes to creating cash flow forecast which will help ensure that SF has sufficient finance in place to deal with
future needs .
Sales forecasts for entering country D will help evaluate whether break-even can be achieved and therefore
whether exports are likely to be successful .
Because the market is dynamic it could lead to misallocation of resources such as having too many peripheral
employees in the factory which would lead to increased costs .
AO4 Evaluation
Limited evaluation – limited supported judgement and/or a weak attempt at evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation – supported judgement and/or reasonable evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation in context – supported judgement in context and/or reasonable evaluative comment in
context.
Using 4 period moving average fits the data well as there are clear seasonal variations ensuring that the technique is
more likely to give reliable results.
Unexpected changes in the external environment such as entry of a new competitor will result in the predictions being
incorrect and therefore less useful in making the best decisions.
TSA relies on future events behaving as in the past so may not be reliable as markets are dynamic.
May be advisable to introduce an element of probability to the forecasts – what if analysis?
The longer the time frame the less useful the forecast is because there are more likely to be external events that impact
the forecast.
Using simple moving averages and a line of best fit may be too simplistic.
Usefulness is limited if managers don’t use the sales forecast to make decisions.
Should be used in conjunction with qualitative data and current market data to improve usefulness.
4(a) Refer to Table 1.2. Calculate the accounting rate of return (ARR) of automating production. 4
4(a)
Note Answer Mark
Calculation of profit (0.3 + 0.5 + 0.8 + 1.0 + 1.1 + 1.7) – 3.0 = 2.4 OR $2.4 m 1
OR (3.0 + 0.5) / 2 = 1.75 OR $1.75 m
Calculation of average investment
OR ARR = Average profit / average investment 100
ARR equation
OR 5.4 / 6 = 0.9
Attempt to calculate mean yearly
profit without deducting capital cost
Level AO1 Knowledge and AO2 Application AO3 Analysis AO4 Evaluation
understanding 2 marks 2 marks 6 marks
2 marks
3 5–6 marks
Developed evaluation in
context
A developed
judgement/conclusion is
made in the business context.
Developed evaluative
comments which balance
some key arguments in the
business context.
4(b)
0 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks
No creditable response. No creditable response. No creditable No creditable response.
response.
Indicative content
AO2 Application
Limited application, applies knowledge to SF once.
Developed application, + applies knowledge to SF twice.
Use of results to investment appraisal OFR/case study information.
ARR is above criterion rate of 20%.
Payback is 4 years and 4 months (4.36 years). Allow within 5 years. Allow 132.7 days.
Sales forecast data shows clear upward sales trend of ice cream.
Capacity utilisation is 90%.
Plans to export to country D.
Possible impact of joining free trade area.
AO4 Evaluation
Limited evaluation – limited supported judgement and/or a weak attempt at evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation – supported judgement and/or reasonable evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation in context – supported judgement in context and/or reasonable evaluative comment in
context.
Elements that the evaluation/judgement might depend on:
– Accuracy of the data over 6 years.
– Significance of retaining control over quality for food products.
– Depends on whether the increase in demand is long-term.
– Reaction of employees and consideration of duty to them.
– Availability of finance.
– How long will it take to implement?
– Impact on quality.
– Availability of appropriately trained/skilled labour.
5 Evaluate the impact on SF of country B becoming a member of the NFTA international trading agreement. 12
Level AO1 Knowledge and AO2 Application AO3 Analysis AO4 Evaluation
understanding 2 marks 2 marks 6 marks
2 marks
3 5–6 marks
Developed evaluation in
context
A developed
judgement/conclusion is
made in the business context.
Developed evaluative
comments which balance
some key arguments in the
business context.
5
0 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks
No creditable response. No creditable response. No creditable No creditable response.
response.
Indicative content
AO2 Application
Limited application, applies knowledge to SF once.
Developed application, + applies knowledge to SF twice.
Reduce cost of fertiliser imports from country D.
A member of the NFTA is one of the largest producers of soya in the world.
High income of NFTA member states.
Membership will facilitate exports of Sosoy Ice Cream.
Country B currently has tariffs on agricultural commodities and processed food products.
SF’s manufactured products are likely to be income elastic.
5 AO3 Analysis
Limited analysis – candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis.
Developed analysis – candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis.
Removal of tariffs will reduce the cost of importing fertiliser and therefore reduce the costs of producing soya and maize
. Therefore, potential increase in profit margins or can reduce prices to increase sales .
Free trade will increase competition from member states of NFTA which may result in lower sales for SF and
reduce revenue and profit .
Increase in consumer incomes due to free trade will increase demand for food products that SF sells .
As member states are high income countries free trade should enable SF to take advantage of likely demand for its
food products and can increase exports .
AO4 Evaluation
Limited evaluation – limited supported judgement and/or a weak attempt at evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation – supported judgement and/or reasonable evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation in context – supported judgement in context and/or reasonable evaluative comment in
context.
Elements that the evaluation/judgement might depend on:
– Impact on costs depends on proportion of imported inputs used in the production process.
– Increased competition in the soya market likely to have significant impact as the product is undifferentiated so SF
will have to reduce the price of its soya beans sold to manufacturers of soymeal and soy oil.
– Export success of SF manufactured foods will depend on brand loyalty that exists in country D and other member
states.
Supported identification of most important factor or consequence.