Question 130 marks
Question
Great Resources (GR) GR is a business partnership that creates educational resources. It sells direct to schools and teachers via its own website. Sanjay, Rukmal and Boris are entrepreneurial teachers who formed the GR partnership. One year ago, they identified a gap in the market to supply interactive, digital resources. GR’s website is subscription only. An online marketing campaign, which used penetration 5 pricing, attracted 250 subscribers in the first six months of operation. The start-up costs were financed with a $5000 bank overdraft, which is GR’s only debt. Reviews for GR’s products in teaching journals are positive but cash flow is poor. Many customers have taken advantage of a recent sales promotion for one month’s free membership and posted positive reviews. Unfortunately, few have then taken out a regular 10 subscription. As revenue has not increased as much as the entrepreneurs had hoped, they must now consider alternative promotion methods. They have researched possible promotion methods and decided to advertise in an educational newspaper. The newspaper has a readership of half a million people. 15 Expert Materials (EM) is a large national company that also advertises in the newspaper. EM is GR’s closest competitor. The EM brand is well-known and trusted in the educational resources market. Table 1.1 shows some marketing data. Table 1.1 Marketing data GR EM Total 20 market Revenue ($000) 15 300 500 Number of customers 300 5000 7000 Annual advertising spend ($000) 7.5 45 60 (a) (i) Identify one barrier to entrepreneurship. [1] (ii) Explain the term partnership. [3] (b) (i) Refer to Table 1.1. Calculate GR’s market share by revenue. [3] (ii) Explain one factor which may influence the supply of GR’s products. [3] (c) Analyse one advantage and one disadvantage to GR of using a bank overdraft. [8] (d) Evaluate whether price or promotion is the most important element of GR’s marketing mix. [12]
Mark scheme
1(a)(i) Identify one barrier to entrepreneurship. 1 Indicative content Identification of a barrier may include: Lack of finances lack of a strategic plan fear of failure strong rules and regulations lack of capacity Accept all valid responses. 1(a)(ii) Explain the term partnership. 3 AO1 Knowledge and understanding AO2 Application 1 mark 2 marks 2 marks Developed application of one relevant point to a business context. 1 mark 1 mark Knowledge of one relevant point is used to answer the Limited application of one relevant point to a business question. context. 0 marks 0 marks No creditable response. No creditable response. Indicative content AO1 Knowledge and understanding Knowledge of partnership may include: Two or more owners of a business AO2 Application Limited application applies knowledge of a partnership one of the factors: Developed application + applies knowledge of a partnership to two of the factors Unlimited liability Unincorporated Deeds of partnership No shares No continuity No separation of legal personality Shares profits Application can be made to the teachers/GR or any other scenario/context/business/person. Accept all valid responses. 1(a)(ii) Exemplar and annotations Mark Rationale A business with 2 or more owners . For example, Sanjay, 3 An answer which starts with the Rukmal and Boris will have created a deed of partnership to knowledge and then applies it to the formally set out who invested what and what their returns are . case study. Where two or more owners directly share control of a business. 3 Again, knowledge first, followed by A partnership does not limit the owners’ liability , and there is no application to a decision (unlimited continuity . liability) and no continuity. It is an unincorporated business , and both partners will be liable 3 A different way of answering the for the debt because both partners share control and question. There is developed application responsibility for the business . to one element of a partnership (the liability) as well as clear knowledge of the concept by the end of the response. Where two or more owners directly share control of a business. 2 Again, knowledge first, followed by A partnership does not limit the owners’ liability , so the owners application to a decision (unlimited could lose their personal assets in a bankruptcy. liability) however the second point is a repetition. Two people share control of a business . For example, two 2 BOD knowledge. Some application of a people invest and share the responsibilities for running a business choice, but not expanded. . Two people owning a business . 1 Not a perfect definition, but enough to award the knowledge mark. No attempt to apply. When two people manage/run a business . 0 No ownership of a business mentioned. 1(b)(i) Refer to Table 1.1. Calculate GR’s market share by revenue. 3 Indicative content Total sales of business Formula: × 100 (1 mark – formula) Total market sales 15 000 Total sales = × 100 (1 mark – ID/use of correct figures) 500 000 Total Sales = 3% (1 mark – correct answer, no % needed) Final answer for MS = 3 (%) (3 marks – no % or working needed) OFR applies Marks 3 marks Correct answer (3) Working and % do not matter. Must be three to denote the three marks. 2 marks EITHER To award two marks, there must be Correct formula AND Two and a Correct identification of figures OR One , one and one OR An incorrect answer with one mistake allowing OFR for final stage. 1 mark One of the following: To award one mark, there must be: Correct formula One and two Correct identification of figures in an incorrect formula 0 marks No creditable content. To award zero marks, there must be One 1(b)(ii) Explain one factor which may influence the supply of GR’s products. 3 AO1 Knowledge and understanding AO2 Application 1 mark 2 marks 2 marks Developed application of one relevant point to a business context. 1 mark 1 mark Knowledge of one relevant point is used to answer the Limited application of one relevant point to a business question. context. 0 marks 0 marks No creditable response. No creditable response. Indicative content AO1 Knowledge and understanding Knowledge of a factor that may influence the supply of products : Knowledge of the impact of a lack of one or more of the factors of production (land, labour, capital and/or enterprise) Price of the item (if the price is high, it will be supplied, if low then maybe not) (not demand) The appropriateness of the sales platform The choice of marketing media chosen Cost of production Government taxes/subsidies that affect suppliers Advances in technology which affect the cost of production Return on investment Feasibility of market share 1(b)(ii) AO2 Application Limited application , applies knowledge of one factor that influences supply to Sanjay, Rukmal and Boris (SRB)/GR once. Developed application + applies knowledge of one factor that influences supply to SRB/GR twice. Application of a factor may include: OFD is a partnership including SRB: 3 only/enough to create enough resources/breadth of subject knowledge GR has a low 3% market share in comparison to 60% EM so less competitiveness in advertising Cost of developing/selling interactive digital materials may rise/reduce the incentive to produce Lack of conversion to regular subscriptions may reduce the return on investment and cause a lack of motivation to write new/update materials direct sales to schools on its own website/is the website/ increased cost of maintenance/ reduce profit margins GR only has $5000 debt/potential to borrow more/invest in new software Poor cashflow/banks may not see profitability/lack of opportunity to invest Answer from Q1(b)(i) (OFR applies) GR offers one month’s free membership but is unable to convert many to regular subscriptions Revenue has not increased as much as hoped Accept all valid responses. 1(b)(ii) Exemplar and annotations Mark Rationale A factor would be the available capital , because free trials are 3 (Availability of) capital is a reasonable not converting into subscriptions which means revenue is not factor, explained in the specific context of increasing as much as hoped . SRB/GR by using the in-text data. GR may not be able to compete when advertising , as they only 3 Ability to compete is reasonable and have 3% MS and GR has 60% and are well known and trusted there are two specific pieces of context . based on this so two . 300 customers is not enough to make the business a success as 3 Although the appears first, it cannot EM spends 6 x more on advertising than GR makes in revenue be awarded until the has been found. so the amount of finance available may influence the ability However, there is obvious , so you to compete. can go back and award the . Government taxes may make the cost of supply too high which 2 The mention of taxes, although not in is why they only have 300 customers . context, is still a factor that influences supply . The context of 300 customers linked to this is reasonable , but only one point of application. The level of expertise of the suppliers because if the output is 1 Expertise is a factor (enterprise). The poor and not well-regarded the business might ultimately fail . rest of the answer is not applying it to the context, so (Not Answering Question). EM is much larger than GR and has 4700 more customers which 0 Although there is some relevant context, means that they have larger brand awareness and customers are there is no knowledge of a factor, so no more likely to trust them and choose them . marks can be awarded. The answer is based on demand, not supply. 1(c) Analyse one advantage and one disadvantage to GR of using a bank overdraft. 8 Level AO1 Knowledge and AO2 Application AO3 Analysis understanding 2 marks 4 marks 2 marks 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 1–2 marks 1–2 marks 1–2 marks Knowledge of two Application of two Limited analysis relevant points is relevant points to a Limited analysis that identifies connections used to answer the business context. between causes, impacts and/or consequences of question. Application of one two points. Knowledge of one relevant point to a Limited analysis that identifies connections relevant point is business context. between causes, impacts and/or consequences of used to answer the one point. question. 0 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks No creditable response. No creditable response. No creditable response. *Advantage in the left hand side column, disadvantage in the right hand side column 1(c) Indicative content AO1 Knowledge and understanding An overdraft is a credit that the bank agrees that can be borrowed by a business/individual up to an agreed limit and as required. Knowledge of the advantages of using a bank overdraft (max 1 ), may include: Flexibility Amount used can vary from day to day Allows a business to overdraw on its account Can make payments of a greater value than the balance of an account The maximum amount agreed in advance allows for financial planning/emergencies Useful for short term lack of cashflow Knowledge of the disadvantages of using a bank overdraft (max 1 ), may include: High interest charges Can be withdrawn if the bank has concerns Usually limited amounts For short term cashflow issues only AO2 Application Max one for application in the first benefit and max one for application in the first disadvantage. Application of knowledge of bank overdrafts to GR (max 2 s), including: OFD is a partnership Sells to schools on its own website Entrepreneurial teachers Interactive digital resources Subscription only Online marketing campaign used penetration pricing, attracting 250 subscribers in the first six months of operation. Start-up costs financed with a $5000 bank overdraft, which is GR’s only debt Cash flow is poor Recent sales promotion for one month’s free membership Few have then taken out a regular subscription Must now consider alternative promotion methods – advertising in an educational newspaper EM also advertises in the ed paper, is well known and trusted Any data from Table 14.1 1(c) 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 or a two-sided analysis. Advantages Flexible cashflow allows for flexibility in use. This can cover lower than expected cashflow – ensures that all payments can be made if the account is not in credit. Lowers the cost of borrowing in the long term for investment which is designed to generate a quick return on investment – allows for increased profit margins. Disadvantages High cost of borrowing can reduce profit margins – leaves less for future investment. The withdrawal of the overdraft with short notice could mean there is not sufficient capital available for the planned advertising – alternative funding would have to be found which increases risk/time frame. Accept all valid responses. Exemplar and annotations AO1 Knowledge AO2 Application AO3 Analysis Useful for short term planning for As the recent sales promotion did not Which may not cover the costs of periods of negative cashflow . convert many free membership trials promotion which means there may into regular subscriptions on the not be enough money in the bank induction training. account to pay for new (newspaper) adverts . Overdrafts have high interest rates Which places pressure on the already Which could make the business . poor cashflow/partners . unprofitable and put the personal assets (of the partners) at risk . 1(d) Evaluate whether price or promotion is the most important element of GR’s marketing mix. 12 Level AO1 Knowledge AO2 Application AO3 Analysis AO4 Evaluation and 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. 2 2 marks 2 marks 2 marks 3–4 marks Developed Developed Developed Developed evaluation knowledge of application of analysis A developed judgement/conclusion relevant key term(s) relevant point(s) to that identifies is made. and/or factor(s) is the business connections Developed evaluative comments used to answer the context. between causes, which balance some key question. impacts and/or arguments. consequences. 1 1 mark 1 mark 1 mark 1–2 marks Limited knowledge Limited application Limited analysis Limited evaluation of relevant key of relevant point(s) that identifies A judgement/conclusion is made term(s) and/or to the business connections with limited supporting factor(s) is used to context. between causes, comment/evidence. answer the question. impacts and/or An attempt is made to balance the consequences. arguments. 0 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks No creditable No creditable No creditable No creditable response. response. response. response. Evaluative judgement (a definitive answer to the question) in the LHS margins Evaluative comments (however/the other side/a rebuttal) in the RHS margins 1(d) Indicative content AO1 Knowledge and understanding Knowledge of the marketing mix (max 1 for knowledge of product OR price; 2 for knowledge of product AND price) including: Knowledge of price Can go up Can go down Can stay the same Pricing strategies (allow but not require knowledge of elasticity) Knowledge of promotion Digital promotion Direct promotion Sales promotion Advertising Above and below the line AO2 Application Limited application applies knowledge of price OR promotion information to GR Developed application + applies knowledge of price AND promotion information to GR. creates educational resources sells direct to schools and teachers via its own website interactive, digital resources GR is subscription only online marketing campaign, which used penetration pricing Reviews for GR’s products in teaching journals are positive but cash flow is poor recent sales promotion for one month’s free membership and posted positive reviews decided to advertise in an educational newspaper with a readership of half a million people Any data in Table 1.1 1(d) 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. Price The penetration pricing model attracted 250 subscribers in 6 months, which shows that customers are price sensitive – and will be attracted to a cheaper option Subscription model may not be considered as a suitable pricing method by customers who do not like continuous cash outflows – especially if they do not have budgets – reduces demand The price may be higher than /not as competitive as EM, the established competition – may be seen as better value – attracts a larger market share The price charged covers the annual advertising spend, however, investment into a newspaper campaign will increase costs – will either reduce profits or increase the price Promotion effective promotion grows the brand– increases brand loyalty Without promotion customers will not know the brand exists – reduces cash inflows Incorrect promotion wastes valuable resources – opportunity cost for product development AO4 Evaluation Limited evaluation - unsupported 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. Relative importance of price and promotion – are other issues more important? e.g. potential customer demand, marketing, qualities/skills of entrepreneurs in creating digital resources Accuracy of promotion/price depends on GR market research and business knowledge/experience. External factors could impact the accuracy of the market research, such as existing contracts, available budgets and competitor materials The impact of inaccurate customer predictions may be based on unrealistic expectations A judgement on which factor is the most important of GR’s marketing mix (could be any of the 4 available). Accept all valid responses. 1(d) Exemplar and annotations Price can vary in relation to demand. . It is important to get price right as GR is challenging a well-known and trusted market leader. The information shows that price is important in the overall mix as penetration pricing attracted 250 out of 300 customers in the initial stages, however a regular price has only attracted a further 50 customers. This shows that customers are price sensitive and if the price/pricing model is incorrect, it would lead to GR’s cash flow and profitability remaining poor . The original online marketing campaign may have only advertised to a niche market while the educational newspaper reaches the mass market. As EM still uses this medium and is the market leader, a successful promotional piece could introduce their service to a wider customer base and increase the number of subscribers to their digital resource platform. Therefore, pricing is the most important element of GR’s marketing mix as even a great promotional campaign that sets the wrong price is unlikely to persuade potential customers to sign up to a costly subscription service . However, this also depends on whether GR has used the right place to advertise its interactive digital services as an educational newspaper may not be used by the technologically savvy teachers who would be GR’s target market and may consist of technologically illiterate teachers who may not use their service at any price. Therefore, while price is the most important element as price sensitivity seems to be high, GR must ensure it targets the appropriate market segment. *A judgement OR a comment is the bottom of the level/A judgement AND a comment is the top of the level ** A Judgement is a yes or no, a comment is anything weighing up the other side of the argument. AO1 – 2 marks AO2 – 2 marks AO3 – 2 marks AO4 – 6 marks TOTAL – 12 marks