Questions & Answers

Q1b(i).
Short Answer 3 marks

Refer to Table 1.1. Calculate the change in GT's total costs between 2020 and 2022.

Model Answer:
Calculate total costs for 2020 and 2022 from Table 1.1, then subtract 2020 total costs from 2022 total costs. The change in GT's total costs is the difference between these two figures.
Explanation: The question requires a numerical calculation based on Table 1.1, but the table values are not included in the provided text.
Q1b(ii).
Short Answer 3 marks

Explain one way to measure the size of GT.

Model Answer:
One way to measure the size of GT is by its number of employees. A business with more employees is usually larger because it needs more labour to operate.
Explanation: Number of employees is a common measure of business size.
Q1c.
Structured 8 marks

Analyse two possible sources of secondary market research that the Marketing Director could use to help improve GT.

Model Answer:
One source of secondary market research could be government statistics. These may provide data on population, income levels, age groups and spending patterns, helping GT identify target markets and adapt products or marketing strategies accordingly.
Explanation: Government statistics are a valid source of secondary research and can help a business understand market conditions.
Model Answer:
Another source could be industry reports or trade publications. These can give information about competitors, market trends and consumer demand, allowing GT to compare performance and make better marketing decisions.
Explanation: Industry reports are another valid source of secondary research and can support analysis of market trends and competition.
Q1d.
Essay 12 marks

Evaluate the importance to the ongoing success of GT of developing intrapreneurship.

Model Answer:
Developing intrapreneurship can be very important to GT's ongoing success because it encourages employees to act like entrepreneurs within the business. This can lead to new ideas, improved products, better processes and greater innovation, which may help GT stay competitive and respond to changes in the market. Intrapreneurship may also improve motivation and retention because employees feel trusted and valued. If staff are encouraged to suggest improvements and take initiative, productivity may rise and the business may benefit from lower staff turnover and better problem solving. However, the importance depends on GT's situation. Intrapreneurship may require training, time and financial support, and not all ideas will be successful. If GT has more urgent problems such as cash flow, quality control or weak demand, these may be more important than intrapreneurship in the short term. Overall, intrapreneurship is likely to be important for long-term success because it supports innovation and adaptability, but its impact depends on how well GT manages and supports it.
Explanation: This is a balanced evaluative response covering benefits, limitations and a justified conclusion.
Q2a(i).
Short Answer 1 mark

Identify one method of market segmentation.

Model Answer:
Demographic segmentation.
Explanation: Demographic segmentation is a valid method of market segmentation.
Q2a(ii).
Short Answer 3 marks

Explain the term mass customisation (line 3).

Model Answer:
Mass customisation is the production of goods in large quantities while still allowing individual products to be adapted to meet the specific needs or preferences of customers.
Explanation: This defines mass customisation as combining mass production with customisation.
Q2b(i).
Short Answer 3 marks

Calculate BB's fixed costs last month.

Model Answer:
Fixed costs = total contribution - profit. BB sold 4000 units at a contribution of $6 each, so total contribution = $24,000. If profit information is provided in the original question context, fixed costs can be calculated as $24,000 minus profit. The exact fixed cost cannot be determined from the provided text alone.
Explanation: The calculation requires profit or break-even data not fully included in the provided text.
Q2b(ii).
Short Answer 3 marks

Explain one limitation for BB of using break-even analysis.

Model Answer:
One limitation is that break-even analysis assumes costs and revenue per unit stay constant, which may not be true for BB if material costs, labour costs or selling prices change. This makes the results less reliable.
Explanation: A key limitation of break-even analysis is its reliance on simplifying assumptions.
Q2c.
Structured 8 marks

Analyse two possible impacts on BB of adopting a just in time (JIT) approach to inventory management.

Model Answer:
One possible impact is lower inventory holding costs. If BB uses JIT, it will keep less raw material and fewer finished goods in storage, reducing warehouse costs, insurance and the risk of inventory becoming damaged or obsolete.
Explanation: JIT typically reduces inventory levels and therefore holding costs.
Model Answer:
Another possible impact is a greater risk of production disruption. Because BB would hold less inventory, any delay in receiving cotton fabric, fibre or other inputs could stop production and delay customer orders, which may damage customer satisfaction.
Explanation: JIT can increase vulnerability to supply delays and disruption.
Q2d.
Essay 12 marks

Evaluate the most likely impact on BB of increased equality in its stitching department.

Model Answer:
Increased equality in the stitching department is likely to have a positive impact on BB. If David is treated fairly, morale may improve and he may become more motivated and productive. Better equality could also reduce complaints, conflict and the risk of legal action, which would save time and money for the business. A fairer workplace may also improve BB's reputation as an employer. This could help attract and retain skilled workers, reducing recruitment and training costs. If tasks are allocated more fairly and facilities are improved, efficiency may rise because employees can focus more on their stitching work. However, the impact may not be immediate or large if the main problems are operational rather than motivational. For example, if BB has poor machinery, weak management or supply issues, then equality alone may not significantly improve output or profits. There may also be some short-term costs in providing better facilities or changing work practices. Overall, increased equality is most likely to have a positive long-term impact on BB because it should improve motivation, reduce conflict and support productivity, although the size of the benefit depends on how well the changes are implemented.
Explanation: This is a balanced evaluation with clear judgement on likely impact.