Question 130 marks
Question
The Research Agency (TRA) TRA is a quaternary sector business. It is the market leader in providing social media data to food manufacturers in country F. TRA’s market has grown by 40% over the last year. DF is a multinational business that specialises in non-alcoholic drinks. DF has asked TRA for data about a new bottle of water with pod attachments. The pods give a fruity flavour which is combined with sparkling water. TRA has sampled 8000 potential consumers on 5 social media to identify their favourite fruity flavour (see Fig. 1.1). None, 6% Watermelon, 14% Banana, 18% Lemon, 34% Strawberry, 28% Fig. 1.1 Data about consumer flavour preferences for DF TRA employs 65 researchers. Since 2020, all of these employees work from home. They are provided with all the necessary IT equipment and a high-speed internet connection. However, motivation is poor, and this has led to high labour turnover. The Human Resource 10 Director has received some feedback from employees. Fig. 1.2 shows some of this feedback. • I hate being so isolated – I never get to speak to any other employees. • I have to use my own electricity, and the cost has doubled in the last two years. • I know some employees are not working very hard, but they get paid the same as 15 me. It’s not fair! Fig. 1.2 summary of feedback from employees at TRA (a) (i) Identify one stage of the transformational process. [1] (ii) Explain the term multinational business. [3] (b) (i) Refer to Fig 1.1 and other information. Calculate the combined total number of potential consumers who would prefer lemon or strawberry flavoured water. [3] (ii) Explain one reason why TRA uses sampling. [3] (c) Refer to Fig 1.1 and other information. Analyse two reasons why the data collected for DF may not be reliable. [8] (d) Evaluate the most effective way for TRA to improve the motivation of the home working employees. [12]
Mark scheme
1(a)(i) Identify one stage of the transformational process. 1 Responses include: The stages of the transformational process: • Inputs • Adding value / production / manufacturing / operations / process • Outputs Do not accept examples of inputs and outputs 1(a)(ii) Explain the term multinational business. 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. Responses may include: AO1 Knowledge and understanding Knowledge of a multinational businesses (max 1 mark). Must be knowledge that shows clear distinction between a national and international business including: • Capital in more than one country • Operates in more than one country 1(a)(ii) AO2 Application Limited application applies knowledge of a multinational business to a business context. Developed application + applies knowledge of a multinational business to a business context. • Any exemplification of a multinational business (not just naming a MNC) • A business might have production factories in country F and another country • Can take advantage of lower cost production in low-income countries • Benefits of lower transport costs and better market information about consumer tastes etc • Can bring the business closer to their main markets • Can take advantage of relatively weak government restrictions. • May avoid import restrictions by producing in the local country. • Gain access to natural resources which might not be available in their base country. • Communication links with headquarters may be poor. • Language, legal and culture differences could make communications difficult. • Coordination with other plants in the multinational group will become more difficult. • Skill levels of the local employees may be low, requiring substantial investment in training programmes. Do not expect, but reward • Can take advantage of comparative/absolute advantage in countries • To gain economies of scale Accept all valid responses. 1(a)(ii) Exemplar and annotations Mark Rationale A business with capital in more than one country . For 3 Clear distinction between MN and example, a business that has factories in two countries to take international/national business. advantage of lower production costs abroad . Example of factories in two countries and a benefit. Headquarters in one country, but with operating branches in 3 Knowledge of an MNC and a another . This can allow the business to operate within other reason and a benefit. markets to reduce transportation costs . Own shops in two or more countries so that it can take 2 Distinction shown by shops in more advantage of lower transportation costs . than one country (capital) and understanding of a feature of MN. Operating in different countries by selling goods abroad. 1 A definition, but ‘selling abroad’ is an international business, not a multi-national. A business that sells in other countries. 0 No credit – this is an international business. 1(b)(i) Refer to Fig 1.1 and other information. Calculate the combined total number of potential consumers who would prefer lemon or strawberry flavoured water. Formula: Number of potential customers = number who prefer lemon + number who prefer strawberry (1 – formula may be inferred by correct use of numbers) OR Calculation: 34% of 8000 = 2720 (1) 34% + 28% = 62(%) (1) 28% of 8000 = 2240 (1) 62% of 8000 (1) 2720 + 2240 = 4960 (1 – OFR applies) = 4960 (1) Ans = 4960 (3 marks) 1(b)(i) Examples and annotations Marks Awarded Explanation Annotations 3 marks Correct answer Working and $ do not matter. 4960 Allow one to denote the three marks next to correct answer. 2 marks Two of the following: To award two marks, there must be • Correct formula • Two and a • Correct calculation of number OR who prefer lemon (2720) • One , one and • Correct calculation of number who prefer strawberry (2240) 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 calculation of number who prefer lemon (2720) • Correct calculation of number who prefer strawberry (2240) 0 marks No creditable content. To award zero marks, there must be • One 1(b)(ii) Explain one reason why TRA uses sampling. 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. Responses may include: AO1 Knowledge and understanding Identification of a reason why a business uses sampling (max 1 mark), including: • Cheaper/low cost • Quicker/less time • More representative AO2 Application Explanation of a reason why a business uses sampling (max 1 mark), including: • Explanation of how this affects market research • More practical, for example than asking the entire population • Opportunity cost 1(b)(ii) Context applied to TRA (max 1 mark), including: • Quaternary sector business • Market is to provide social media data (vast amounts of data) • To food manufacturers in country F (large industry) • TRA is the market leader in country F to provide this data • Market has grown by over 40% over the last year • Sample size is 8000 potential consumers • 65 researchers • All work from home • Use of Fig 1.1 Accept all valid responses. Exemplar and annotations Mark Rationale Cheaper which keeps the cost of market research low by 3 A reason identified, explained and only asking 8000 potential consumers . in context, so all 3 marks. Faster to find out Lemon is the most preferred flavour . 2 A reason identified, but not explained. The context about TRA/DF is fine. Makes it cheap for TRA. 1 Identification of a reason, but no explanation or context. Names are not enough for context. It allows TRA to find out information about the market. This 0 This is a reason to use market means that it can let DF know that Lemon is the most preferred research – not sampling. flavour and DF is likely to be able to sell more products. 1(c) Refer to Fig 1.1 and other information. Analyse two reasons why the data collected for DF may not be reliable. 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 relevant • Application of two relevant Limited analysis points is used to answer the points to a business • Limited analysis that question. context. identifies connections • Knowledge of one relevant • Application of one relevant between causes, impacts point is used to answer the point to a business context. and/or consequences of question. two points. • Limited analysis that identifies connections between causes, impacts and/or consequences of one point. 0 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks No creditable response. No creditable response. No creditable response. Annotate the first reason in the left-hand margin and the second reason in the right-hand margin 1(c) Responses may include: AO1 Knowledge and understanding – reasons why data collected may not be reliable, including: Identification of a reason why market research data may not be reliable , including: • Bias • Sample size • Sample not representative of the market • Wrong/poor questions • Wrong media used • Human error • Poorly defined objectives • Time lag between research and implementation This is not secondary market research, so do not credit answers about why secondary market research may not be reliable. However, answers which suggest the data may have changed (time lag) are acceptable. AO2 Application Application of the reason to DF , including: • TRA is the market leader in providing social media data to food manufacturers in country F • Market has grown by over 40% over the last year • DF specialises in non-alcoholic drinks • DF is a multinational business • TRA sampled 8000 potential customers • Sampled on social media • Asked about favourite fruity flavours • Use of data in Fig 1.1 • TRA employs 65 researchers • All of TRA’s researchers work from home • TRA’s workers have poor motivation • TRA has high labour turnover • Suggestion that some TRA employees are not working very hard. 1(c) AO3 Analysis Limited analysis of a reason why market research data may not be reliable – developed analysis , including: • Bias; may mean that potential customers are persuaded to give a wrong answer leading to launching the wrong product – low sales. • Sample size; not enough people asked which may mean it launches the product with few sales – leading to a loss. • Sample representation; not enough different views sought leading to the wrong product being launched – no profit. • Wrong/poor questions; potential customers may not know what is being asked, leading to the product not being purchased – makes a loss. • Wrong media used; if the customers do not tend to use that medium then the results will not transform into sales – leading to it not making a profit. • Human error; if the results are inaccurate this could lead to the wrong products being launched – ruining the brand image of the business. • Poorly defined objectives; if the reason for the research is unclear this can lead to the questions not representing what the business needs to know – leading to launch of the wrong product and weak sales. Accept all valid responses. Exemplar and annotations AO1 Knowledge AO2 Application AO3 Analysis The wrong questions were Of the 8000 potential Which could lead to DF launching asked , customers , the wrong flavour leading to lower sales . Sampling bias . By only asking young people about So the flavours only appeal to the their favourite fruity flavour , young, which may lead to lower sales of the drink and therefore decrease DF’s profit . 1(d) Evaluate the most effective way for TRA to improve the motivation of the home working employees. 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. 2 2 marks 2 marks 2 marks 3–4 marks Developed knowledge Developed Developed analysis Developed evaluation of relevant key term(s) application of that identifies • A developed and/or factor(s) is used relevant point(s) to connections judgement/conclusion is to answer the question. the business between causes, made. context. impacts and/or • Developed evaluative consequences. comments which balance some key arguments. o 1(d) Level AO1 Knowledge and AO2 Application AO3 Analysis AO4 Evaluation understanding 2 marks 2 marks 6 marks 2 marks 1 1 mark 1 mark 1 mark 1–2 marks Limited knowledge Limited application Limited analysis Limited evaluation of relevant key term(s) of relevant point(s) that identifies • A judgement/conclusion and/or factor(s) is used to the business connections is made with limited to answer the question. context. between causes, supporting impacts and/or comment/evidence. consequences. • An attempt is made to balance the arguments. 0 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks 0 marks No creditable response. No creditable No creditable No creditable response. response. response. 1(d) Responses may include: AO1 Knowledge and understanding Knowledge of ways to improve motivation (max 2 marks), including: • Payment (financial) methods: time based, salary, piece rates, commission, bonuses, profit sharing, performance - related pay, fringe benefits • Non-financial motivators: training, opportunities for promotion, development, status, job re -design, team working, empowerment, participation, job enrichment • Use of the main motivation content theories (Taylor, Mayo, Maslow, Herzberg and McClelland) and motivation process theory (Vroom). AO2 Application Application to TRA , including: • TRA is the market leader in providing social media data to food manufacturers in country F • Market has grown by over 40% over the last year • Samples using social media • TRA employs 65 researchers • High speed internet connection • TRA’s workers have poor motivation • TRA has high labour turnover • Suggestion that some TRA employees are not working very hard. • Data from Fig 1.2 – I hate being so isolated – I never get to speak to any other employees. – I have to use my own electricity, and the cost has doubled in the last two years. – I know some employees are not working very hard, but they get paid the same as me. It’s not fair! 1(d) AO3 Analysis Limited analysis of ways to improve motivation – developed analysis , including: • Payment methods: may increase costs – however may make employees work harder for higher pay, leading to improved productivity. • Non-financial methods; may be less cost or free – leading to higher productivity without impacting the costs of the business. • Content theories: likely to improve working conditions for the employees leading to increased productivity – however may have a significant cost increase leading to lower profit. • Process theory: increased productivity for workers who expect increased rewards – however if the employees do not believe the promises, then this may increase costs for no benefit. AO4 Evaluation Limited evaluation of the most effective way to improve motivation – developed – developed in context , including: • Relative importance of motivation to TRA – how important is the productivity of employees – likely to be highly important due to the quaternary nature of the business. • Choice of method depends on; cost of method, likely increases in productivity, finance available, future forecasts in market changes, how skilled the researchers job actually is and what training is involved. • The impact of the chosen motivation method(s) and the impact of poor motivation / high labour turnover. • The extent to which this is a matter of working from home and is inherent in the whole country, as opposed to just TRA employees. • A judgement that other issues may be more important than motivation of the employees. A valid judgement must identify one way to motivate the employees (a ‘depends upon’ may include more than one because it is not a judgement as such). If the candidate gives more than one judgement, only reward the best judgement and put SEEN next to the other(s). Accept all valid responses. 1(d) Exemplars for awarding evaluation Evaluate the most effective way for TRA to improve the motivation of the home working employees. L1 (limited supporting L2 (developed supporting L3 (developed supporting evidence) evidence) evidence with context) Money is the most effective way. Money is the most effective way, Money is the most effective way, because it will allow all of TRA’s because it will allow all of TRA’s employees to fix the issues which employees to fix the issues which they are complaining about. they are complaining about, such as their rising electricity bills. TRA should use teamworking as it TRA should use teamworking as it TRA should use teamworking as it is the best solution. is the best solution because it will is the best solution because it will motivate the employees, without motivate the isolated employees, adding significantly to the costs of without adding significantly to the the business. costs of the business. The most effective way depends on The most effective way depends on The most effective way depends on the type of employees at TRA. the type of employees at TRA. If the type of employees at TRA. If the employees are Theory X, then the employees are more concerned money is more likely to be the best about their electricity bills, then way. However, if they are Theory money is more likely to be the best Y, then teamworking may be better. way. However, if they are more concerned about being isolated, then teamworking may be better.