Business Studies 2014 HSC exam pack

Section II

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• understanding the reasons for resistance to change (Q.21)
• describing the features and characteristics of sequencing and scheduling (Q.21)
• understanding SWOT and marketing strategies relevant to the scenario (Q.22)
• understanding the role of employer associations (Q.23)
• making clear the relationship between maintenance (as a human resource management strategy) and improved business outcomes (Q.23)
• interpreting and calculating cash flow statements (Q.24)
• explaining how government influences financial management (Q.24).

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• linking the use of sequencing and scheduling to improved business operations (Q.21)
• understanding the role of government in influencing financial management and cash flow management (Q.24).

Section III

Question 25

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• using the stimulus provided
• explaining an appropriate financial option which might be available to the business
• comparing a variety of issues associated with both outsourcing and the factory expansion
• showing the relationship between global factors and outsourcing
• structuring the response using appropriate report features.

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• explaining global factors
• making reference to the stimulus throughout each part of the question
• relating global factors to business operations.

Section IV

Question 26

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• demonstrating understanding of both resolution strategies and preventative strategies to address workplace disputes
• supporting responses with relevant case studies
• communicating using relevant business terminology and concepts.

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• analysing rather than outlining or describing the causes and strategies.

Question 27

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• displaying knowledge of a range of promotional strategies such as advertising, personal selling, sales promotion and relationship marketing
• making a judgement about the importance of individual promotional strategies in the marketing of goods and services
• understanding communications processes such as opinion leaders and word-of-mouth
• integrating the case study throughout
• using relevant business terminology and concepts.

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• knowing the difference between the promotional mix and the marketing mix
• making judgements about the importance of having a mix of promotional strategies rather than the importance of individual promotional strategies.
• using one or more relevant case studies.