Mr Hamilton’s class blogs

Tomorrows prelims

February 1, 2009

Monday 2 February 2009 1.15 – 4.00 Hall

Question Paper

The paper examines knowledge and understanding, problem solving, critical thinking and decision making. The paper requires you to apply their knowledge and understanding to the current situation of a particular business

The paper will consist of two sections, One and Two.

Section One will consist of extended response interpretation items related to a case study of a business while Section Two will be extended response questions.

The paper will have a total of 100 marks.

Questions in both sections may focus on particular areas of Course content but there will also be questions which provide an opportunity to integrate topics across all areas of the Course content.

These integrative questions may cover topics from two or more of the three Units which comprise the Course.

Section One (total marks available 50)This section of the paper will assess knowledge and understanding, problem solving, critical thinking and decision making.

It will consist of a case study of a business organisation with a number of extended response questions totalling 50 marks. You will be expected to attempt all questions. The questions will require you to interpret the information in the case study and to explain, analyse and evaluate the situation faced by the company. The number of marks allocated to each question will vary depending on the nature of the response required. You may be required to assume a management position and make decisions necessary to solve problems. You have to make specific reference to the case study. You will have to recall information from both the Higher and Advanced Higher courses. Your Business Investigation research techniques will come in handy here.

The case study will be about 1250 words long and will explain the current situation of a Scottish based organisation. It will be based on information from company annual reports but may also include information from the newspaper or magazine articles and from company websites or other internet sources. The case study will be supplemented by a small number of exhibits containing additional information such as extracts from company accounts, details of the internal and external environment faced by the company and quotes from leading managers in the company.

You may be asked to:

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analyse the information given and identify the problems

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evaluate the significance of the context in which the case study is located

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examine critically the issues faced by managers and any constraints on them

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devise solutions and make recommendations for managerial action

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justify their recommendations.

Section Two (total marks 50)This section of the paper will assess knowledge and understanding and critical thinking.

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It will consist of four questions drawn from any part of the Course content.

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You should attempt any TWO questions.

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Each question will require extended answers and will be worth 25 marks.

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Questions maybe divided into two or more parts.

In the Section Two you are expected to make use of wider knowledge and understanding in their answers. The case study may provide a stimulus for questions and you may use examples from it in their responses. Section Two questions will widen the coverage of the assessment to reflect more fully the Course content. You are expected to refer to examples of other organisations and to refer to business issues which are not covered directly in the case study.

Read the case study and questions carefully. Take your time, chose your section 2 questions wisely, and GOOD LUCK!

Entry Filed under: Advanced Higher, Business Management. Tags: prelim.