AQA A2 BUSS3, 13 June 2013

That's a bit weird considering I have seen so many papers marked 58 and over. Not only that but a few people in my class got A's, they never even attempt to answer any questions in class and if they do, they give vague answers! Yet, they end up with A's in exams.

No. Net profit is gross profit minus overheads. Operating profit takes into account all revenues and costs from regular trading but none from one-off events.

If gross profits are rising but operating profit is falling, then it means the company isn't controlling its costs.

I'm still kind of confused on this whole 'exam technique' for Q4.

In the example essays some people put a few different points in ONE big paragraph, but I thought you were suppose to have one point per paragraph?

Just a recommendation. You guys should bring 4 highlighters with you. 3 for the Functions you're studying and 1 for Corporate/Functional Objectives. Very useful when flicking through the case study.

1. Structure - keep it simple

Use the three parts of the question to split your answer into three sections as sub-headings, this will help to focus your points and keep your structure logical. A good approach is to stick to two paragraphs of ‘for’ and two ‘against’, with a final section for the ‘recommendations’

2. Data, data, data

Make sure the paragraphs of ‘for’ and ‘against’ have plenty of data from the appendices to back up your points. This will strengthen both your application and analysis. The best points/paragraphs are ones that can identify and explain links between two different pieces of data, for example you might see that staff are paid piece rate, and that this has improved productivity

3. Focused analysis

When you start a paragraph ‘for’ or ‘against’ make sure you can analyse the point you are making back to the overall plan. WHY does that data/point suggest they should/should not go ahead with the plan? This should be the key focus of all your paragraphs

4. Recommendations

Here, you need a FIRM judgement. No fence-sitting!! Should the business go ahead with the plan? Why do you think they should/should not. Use evidence to back your judgement up and link it back to the overall aims and objectives of this business. It is then a good idea to consider what the success of this plan might depend on. Think functional areas….might it depend on finance? (can they afford it?)....perhaps it depends on operations (do they have enough capacity?)...it could depend on Human Resources (how might staff react?)...or perhaps on marketing (image/market size).

So you'd have one point per paragraph, but expand is in GREAT detail? and compare it to other aspects of the business e.g. HR?

You do 2 F 1 A or 2 A 1 F, right? If you have time or can find a 4th point you can include that too

Will only three functions come up?

Good luck to everyone
The exam is at 1, any more help needed, quickly ask here!

Mine's at 1:30PM. Woohoo extra half hour! xD

So what exactly does npv, arr and payback tell us! How do we know if they are good ? And what would we have to say about them?

So what exactly does npv, arr and payback tell us! How do we know if they are good ? And what would we have to say about them?

Just a last minute question. Should I incorporate Ansoff's Matrix in the last question regardless whether the question is on marketing or not ?