Paper 3 (HL Only) - Generic Guidance on the 17 Marker - FINAL

Key points to remember:

● When answering this question all resources must be mentioned in the response,
e.g. (resource 1), (resource 2) etc (Criterion A Max 4 marks).
● In your plan you will expand on the two challenges you mentioned from Question
2. You may wish to discuss other challenges/opportunities too, this is allowed.
● There is no set structure for this question.
● Try to use business tools/theories where possible (Criterion B Max 4 marks).
● Make reference to the four functions of a business where relevant in your
response (Marketing, HR, Finance and Operations).
● Planning will not be marked (be sure to put a line through any planning/rough
work).

Introduction

1. Begin by providing a summary of the contextual information from the case study.
2. Make reference to any mission/vision statements.
3. Mention any of the challenges the business is facing.
4. Thesis statement. E.g. This study looks closely at a social enterprise to see how
new business ideas can help solve big social problems.

What the response will examine

Identify at least 2 Challenges from the research question.

- What are they?
Explain these 2 issues from the research question.
- Why is it?
Identify the key concept from the research question.
- What is it?
- How does it connect to the content (connect it with the lens of the key concept)
- Reminder: Also include the key concept connection in the CONCLUSION.

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Body Paragraph 1
Challenge 1
1. Address the challenge
2. Use any theories/tools to analyse why the business is in this position and which
stakeholders are affected.
3. Recommend how to resolve the problems caused by challenge 1.
a. Address a positive impact - which department do they link back to HR,
Marketing, Finance or Operations.
b. Address a negative impact or limitation of the proposed solution - which
department do they link back to HR, Marketing, Finance or
Operations.
4. Link back your information to the thesis statement/Evaluation (Criterion C - Max
6 marks).

Recommendation for the challenges with regards to the advantages:

- Use of long-term or short-term framework to shape/develop your argument

- Could be based on assumptions such as ‘depending on the external factors, or
situations’
- Choose a stakeholder perspective to shape/develop your argument
- Use of financial or non-financial framework to shape/develop your argument

Body Paragraph 2
Challenge 2

1. Address the challenge

2. Use any theories/tools to analyse why the business is in this position and which
stakeholders are affected.
3. Recommend how to resolve the problems caused by challenge 1.
a. Address a positive impact - which department do they link back to HR,
Marketing, Finance or Operations.
b. Address a negative impact - which department do they link back to HR,
Marketing, Finance or Operations.
4. Link back your information to the thesis statement/Evaluation (Criterion C - Max
6 marks).

Recommendation for the challenges with regards to the advantages:

- Use of long-term or short-term framework to shape/develop your argument

- Could be based on assumptions such as ‘depending on the external factors, or
situations’
- Choose a stakeholder perspective to shape/develop your argument
- Use of financial or non-financial framework to shape/develop your argument

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Conclusion

Justify your recommendation (plan of action), linking this to how it supports the
objectives of the social enterprise and why it is the best strategic choice.

Limitations of the case study / stimulus material are also needed.

● Clear judgement which relates back to the question

● Use of different stakeholder perspectives to substantiate your judgement

● Use of financial v non-financial framework to substantiate your judgement

● Use of long-term v short-term framework to substantiate your judgement

● Concluding statement (potentially refer back to the business)

Note: Be sure to recap the main arguments – both pros and cons. Also, keep in mind
that there should be no new information included in the conclusion. Finally, ensure that
the question is answered in its entirety.

Criterion D - Sequencing of ideas and plan of action - Max 3 marks

This should be evident all the way through your response.

Depending on the challenges experienced by the company - some appropriate

business tools/theory - See pages 3 & 4.

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Challenges experienced Tools/Theories

Sustainability Triple Bottom Line (framework)

Circular Business Models
Lean Production Methods.

Unhappy Employees Hofstede's cultural dimensions

Charles Handy “Gods of Management”
Taylor; Maslow; Herzberg
McClelland “Acquired Needs theory”
Deci & Ryan “Self-Determination theory”
Conflict in the workplace & conflict
resolution methods
Internal vs External recruitment methods
Financial vs Non-financial motivation
methods.

Communication Organisational structure

Change in leadership and management
(leadership styles).

Financial Debt/Equity Ratio analysis & strategies to

improve ratios (Unlikely to be included
in stimulus)
Profitability / Liquidity Ratio analysis &
strategies to improve ratios
Investment appraisal (ARR, NPV,
Payback Period)
Strategies to improve cash flow problems
Budget vs variance analysis
Internal vs external sources of finance
Capital vs revenue expenditure.

Business Growth Opportunities Internal vs external economies of scale

Internal vs external growth methods
Stakeholder conflict
Business objectives (vision/mission
statements,strategies/tactical objectives);
Ansoff Matrix.

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Marketing Market orientation vs product orientation
BCG matrix
Product Position Map
Porter’s Generic strategies
Sales forecasting
Market research
Marketing mix or promotional mix
Pricing strategies.

Production Production planning

Lean production methods
Quality control methods
Change in location
Research and development
Crisis management
Contingency planning
Management Information Systems.

The action plan can also possibly be in the form of a business plan.