Cambridge Assessment International Education

Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level

BUSINESS 9609/11
Paper 1 Short Answer and Essay
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 40

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2019 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE™, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and
some Cambridge O Level components.

This document consists of 14 printed pages.

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Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:

Marks must be awarded in line with:

• the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
• the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:

Marks must be awarded positively:

• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme,
referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
• marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
• marks are not deducted for errors
• marks are not deducted for omissions
• answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:

Rules must be applied consistently e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:

Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should
not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.

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9609 Paper 1 Specific Marking Principles

Marks are awarded for each answer when the following Assessment Objectives (AO) are met. The
mark scheme for each answer indicates when and how each AO can be met.

AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business concepts.

The focus in Section A of the Examination Paper is on this first AO.

(a) Questions 1, 2, and 4 will meet this AO using definitions and explanations of
business concepts.
(b) Question 3 provides an opportunity for the application and a more developed
explanation of a business concept. The 4–5-mark level specifically provides for this more
developed explanation.

In Section B of the Examination Paper

(a) Questions 5, 6, and 7 still require supporting Knowledge and Understanding (AO1), but there is
now a focus on Application (AO2), Analysis (AO3), and Evaluation (AO4). These skills are set
out below:

AO2 – Apply knowledge and understanding of business concepts to general and specific
situations and contexts.

(a) Where a specific business or context is named in the question then the candidate is required to
relate answers specifically to this business or context.
(b) It is not sufficient to merely repeat the name of the business or the context.

AO3 – Analyse business problems, issues, situations and contexts, through a

discussion and interpretation of evidence, debate, theory, impact and consequence, to
produce reasoned and coherent arguments.

(a) Level 3 answers will likely use terms such as – because, leads to, therefore, so that, as a result,
consequently – thereby showing analytical development for AO3.

AO4 – Limited Evaluation is given

(a) When an attempt is made, (probably in a concluding section of an answer), to address and
comment on the value and validity of the previous analysis.
(b) These comments may be quite brief and be more opinionated than reasoned.
(c) A mere concluding summary of preceding analysis is, however, not evaluation.

AO4 – Evaluation occurs

(a) When an answer comments on the validity/significance of previous analysis in an evidence based
and reasoned way.
(b) This often leads to the presentation of appropriate substantiated judgements, decisions, or
recommendations.

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Question Answer Marks

1(a) Define the term ‘competitive pricing strategy’. 2

A pricing strategy / method of pricing where a price for a product or service

is set / made (1)
Based upon the price set by competitors (1).
A business offers to match the price of competitors (1).
Set a price slightly below competitors (1).
An example Mcdonalds v Burger King (1).

Sound definition 2 of the factors listed above (2 marks)

Partial definition 1 of the factors listed above (1 mark)
No creditable content. (0 marks)

1(b) Briefly explain why a business might use a price skimming strategy. 3

Answers could include:

• Price skimming is the setting of a high price for a product that is

considered to be unique or having special features and thus has a low
price elasticity of demand (inelastic).
• May be a new product – aim is to maximise short-term profits before
competitors enter the market.
• Create customer perception of high quality.
• Customers can equate quality with high price.
• Producers of luxury goods/designer goods focus on status conscious
customers who will pay high prices.
• Recoup high costs involved in production (e.g. pharmaceutical
companies).
• To maximise profit.
• To exploit a product with a low elasticity of demand.

Sound explanation of the advantages of a business using a price

skimming strategy. (3 marks)
Partial / limited explanation of the advantages of a business using
a price skimming strategy. (2 marks)
Explanation / reference to a price skimming strategy. (1 mark)
No creditable content (0 marks)

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Question Answer Marks

2(a) Define the term ‘retained earnings’. 2

The profits made by a business that are not distributed to shareholders (1).
Profits left after all deductions have been made / dividends have been paid
(1).
Profits re-invested in the business (1).
Profits kept as a reserve (1).
A source of internal finance (1).

Sound definition 2 of the factors listed above (2 marks)

Partial definition 1 of the factors listed above (1 mark)
No creditable content. (0 marks)

2(b) Briefly explain the distinction between short-term and long-term 3

sources of business finance.

Answers could include:

Short-term financing.
• Usually refers to financing that spans a period of less than a year but
could extend according to the types of loan/debt being considered.
• Loan requiring a short repayment period, probably at a lower interest.
• Risk is lower so more accessible to smaller businesses.
• Include short-term loans, overdrafts, short-term leases, accounts
payable.
• Used for day to day financial requirements / to cover any shortfall
between income and expenditure.

Long-term financing
• Spans a longer period of time, from over 1 year – 30 years.
• Long-term financing is riskier, so banks often require collateral to
prevent default on repayment.
• Includes share issue, bonds, long-term bank loans, long-term leases,
retained earnings, mortgages.
• Restricted to large businesses, established businesses that can supply
collateral.
• Used for longer term/larger investment projects.

Answers may make reference to features of short-term and long-term

sources of business finance such as those listed above. Accurate
references to these features are acceptable as explanations of the
distinction between these two sources of business finance.

Sound explanation of the features of short-term and long-term

sources of business finance. (3 marks)
Partial / limited of the features of short-term and long-term sources
of business finance. (2 marks)
Explanation / reference to sources of business finance. (1 mark)
No creditable content (0 marks)

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Question Answer Marks

3 Explain factors that could influence the scale of operations of a 5

business.

Answers could include:

• The size of the operations of a business from small / limited to large /

extensive.
• The objectives of the owners of a business – there may be reluctance to
expand a small business.
• Capital available may be limited – growth will be restrained.
• The size of the market that a business operates in may be relatively
small – or a deliberate choice for a niche market.
• The extent of competition – intensive competition may limit scale of
operations.
• Possibility / scope for economies of scale – may offer opportunities for
expansion.
• State of the external economy may affect scale.
• Legal restrictions may affect opportunities to expand.
• Size of labour resource available.
• Nature of product – less standardised products such as handicrafts may
mean small scale business.
• Nature of demand – if demand for a product is high the size of a
business may well increase.
• The ability of the business owner – if motivated and skilful will seek to
build a bigger business.

Effective explanation of factors that could influence the scale of

operations of a business. (4–5 marks)
Explanation of factors that could influence the scale of
operations of a business. (2–3 marks)
Description / information of scale of operations. (1 mark)
No creditable content. (0 marks)

NOTE

Some answers may interpret this question as the internal factors that could
influence the operational capacity of a business, e.g. an interruption in the
supply chain might mean a lack of raw materials to support a productive
process. Consequently, the scale of production reduces.

This interpretation of the question is acceptable and should be rewarded.

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Question Answer Marks

4(a) Define the term ‘private limited company’. 2

A business owned by private shareholders (1).

A small to medium-sized company (1).
Owned by shareholders (1).
Shareholders have limited liability (1).
Shareholders are often members of the same family (1).
The business is a separate legal entity (1).
Cannot sell shares to general public / stock exchange (1).

Sound definition 2 of the factors listed above (2 marks)

Partial definition 1 of the factors listed above (1 mark)
No creditable content. (0 marks)

4(b) Briefly explain two possible disadvantages to a sole trader of changing 3

to a private limited company.

Answers could include:

• Loss of 100% ownership of the business.

• Loss of control of the business (might not be a majority shareholder).
• Cost of changing to a private limited company.
• May lose influence over key decisions such as distribution of profit,
future growth policies.
• Needs to produce end of year accounts – more transparency of
financial affairs.
• Information disclosure could make a business competitively
disadvantaged.

Sound explanation of two disadvantages to a sole trader of

changing to a private limited company. (3 marks)
Sound explanation of one disadvantage or partial explanation of
two disadvantages to a sole trader of changing to a private limited
company. (2 marks)
Partial explanation of one disadvantage or a list of two
disadvantages to a sole trader of changing to a private limited
company. (1 mark)
No creditable content. (0 marks)

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Question Answer Marks

5(a) Analyse the difference between autocratic and laissez-faire leadership. 8

Level Description Marks

4 Good analysis of the difference between 7–8

autocratic and laissez-faire leadership.

3 Some analysis of the difference between 5–6

autocratic and laissez-faire leadership.

2 Some application of the difference between 3–4

autocratic and laissez-faire leadership.

1 Some understanding of autocratic/laissez-faire 1–2

leadership.

0 No creditable content. 0

Answers could include:

• An autocratic leader has complete command over employees.

• Leader takes all major decisions.
• Views / ideas / suggestions are discouraged.
• Criticism not allowed.
• Can lead to speedy decision making and high productivity.
• Can lead to poor employee motivation and high labour turnover.
• Works best with unskilled, monotonous, routine work where leader is
best performer.

• A laissez-faire leader is one who trusts employees / team to perform

the job themselves.
• Arm’s length management.
• Views are shared and suggestions welcomed.
• Works best when employees are highly skilled, loyal, and experienced.
• Works best with employees who are subject area specialists – capable
of accepting responsibility.
• Should not be used to mask managerial incompetence.

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Question Answer Marks

5(b) ‘A democratic style of leadership is the most effective leadership style 12

for a manufacturing business in a very competitive industry’. Discuss
this view.

Level Description Marks

4 Effective evaluation of the view that a democratic 9–12

style of leadership is the most effective leadership
style for a manufacturing business in a very
competitive industry.

3 Limited evaluation of the view that a democratic 7–8

style of leadership is the most effective leadership
style for a manufacturing business in a very
competitive industry.

2 Analysis and some application of the view that a 3–6

democratic style of leadership is effective in a
business.

1 Understanding of democratic style of leadership / 1–2

manufacturing business / competitive industry.

0 No creditable content 0

Answers could include:

• An initial definition of democratic leadership style might be given – key

features.
• References to the competitive business environment may include a
discussion of the requirement for a business to be a brand leader, or
innovative/different, or flexible, or efficient and effective – to compete.
• Such a competitive position may need to be built on a motivated
workforce – sound operational management decisions – perhaps
stimulated by a democratic distinctive senior management leadership.
• However, could lead to slow decision making and business falls behind
the competition.
• Could lead to more mistakes being made.

Evaluation could include:

• Strong candidates may well refer to the manufacturing business context

and question the importance of democratic leadership with possibly
unskilled/routine work and where capital investment might be more
important than leadership styles.
• Candidates may well refer to the importance of leadership (democratic
leadership) in a very competitive industry.
• Discussion might be advanced in relation to what is meant by ‘the most
effective leadership style’.

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Question Answer Marks

6 Discuss the view that the limitations of Income statements and 20

statements of financial position significantly reduce their usefulness
as measures of business performance.

Level Description Marks

5 Effective evaluation of the view that the limitations 17–20

of these two financial statements significantly
reduce their usefulness as measures of business
performance.

4 Limited evaluation and good analysis of the view 13–16

that the limitations of these two financial
statements significantly reduce their usefulness
as measures of business performance.

3 Analysis of the view that the limitations of these 11–12

two financial statements significantly reduce their
usefulness as measures of business
performance.

2 Limited analysis, with application, of the view that 5–10

the limitations of financial statements affect their
usefulness.

1 Understanding of financial statements / business 1–4

performance.

0 No creditable content. 0

Answers could include:

• A focus on the component parts of the two financial statements.

• A reference to those aspects of the statements that could be used as
measures of business performance such as profit, level of sales, stock
levels, value of assets, long-term liabilities.
• Some analysis of the value/usefulness of such measures.
• Leading to a recognition of the limitations of such quantitative
measures:
– Numbers may be incomplete or approximate.
– Trends not shown.
– Assumptions made by accountants.
– Window dressing of accounts.
– Historic costs may not reflect economic reality.
– Conventions, assumptions, judgements may lead to imprecision.
– Non-monetary factors ignored.

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Question Answer Marks

6 Evaluation could include:

• Reference to the limitations of financial accounts and consideration of

what might be missing, such as qualitative factors – reputation, morale
of staff, nature of organisation culture, capability of senior management
etc.

• Opportunity to address/evaluate the relative usefulness of quantitative

and qualitative measures of business performance. How significant are
the limitations? Do we need both to get a full understanding of health /
strength of a business? The case for a balanced scorecard approach?

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Question Answer Marks

7(a) Analyse the advantages and disadvantages for a retail business of 8

using Just in Time (JIT) to manage its inventory.

Level Description Marks

4 Good analysis of the advantages and 7–8

disadvantages for a retail business of using JIT to
manage its inventory.

3 Some analysis of the advantages and 5–6

disadvantages for a retail business of using JIT to
manage its inventory.

2 Some application of the advantages and 3–4

disadvantages for a retail business of using JIT to
manage its inventory.

1 Some understanding of JIT / retail business. 1–2

0 No creditable content. 0

Answers could include:

• Definition of JIT – avoid holding high levels of inventory to require

supplies to arrive just as they are needed.
• Advantages and disadvantages of JIT set out and analysed in the
context of retail – great variety of products – need to consistently meet
customer demand – limited space for holding inventory – products may
be fragile, perishable.
• Advantages – capital investment in stock reduced as is opportunity cost
of stockholding – cost of storage reduced – more space to display
products – danger of out-of-date stock reduced – reduced risk of
wastage – quicker response to customer demand.
• Disadvantages – failure of supply delivery could mean empty shelves,
product shortage – delivery costs (frequent) may be high – may not be
able to benefit from bulk buying (depends on the size of the retail
business) – very dependent on quality of supplier (it may, of course, be
its own delivery service in a large retail business). It is often difficult for
retailers to accurately calculate customer demand.

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Question Answer Marks

7(b) Discuss the importance of flexibility and innovation to a multi-national 12

furniture manufacturer.

Level Description Marks

4 Effective evaluation of the importance of flexibility 9–12

and innovation to a multi-national furniture
manufacturer

3 Limited evaluation of the importance of flexibility 7–8

and innovation to a multi-national furniture
manufacturer.

2 Analysis and some application of the importance 3–6

of flexibility / innovation to a business.

1 Understanding of flexibility / innovation. 1–2

0 No creditable content. 0

Answers could include:

• Operational flexibility is the ability of a business to vary the level of

production and range of products in response to consumer demands.
• Flexibility might be achieved by having a flexible and adaptable
workforce, flexible flow-line production equipment, increase capacity by
purchasing more equipment / logistics / supply chain management.
• Innovation is the use of new or improved processes e.g. production /
design / R&D / work practices / systems.
• Innovation might be achieved by developing new products or new
production processes / CAD and CAM / training and restructuring of the
workforce.
• There are then a number of topic areas that could be applied to a home
furnishing retailer (IKEA is an example), such as:
– The need to provide affordable, high quality furniture; adapt to
trends; adapt to different cultural requirements; need to have
effective inventory control mechanisms to ensure constant
stock/inventory availability.
• Production processes needed to guarantee furniture products at a
specific quality and price for a specific amount of time.
• Reduce the number of components in the furnishings – maintain good
relations with suppliers – long term.
• Engage in product/process innovation to use more sustainable/recycled
products.
• Innovative design and production of self-assembly furnishings.
• Unique packaging to reduce space in storage units.
• Innovative means of selling, distributing products – e.g. customers
select and take home products – delivery costs reduced or none at all.
• Credit application of flexibility and innovation measures that will be
important to the performance of a home furnishing retailer – in areas
such as production, retailing, supply chain, inventory management.

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Question Answer Marks

7(b) Evaluation could include reference to how important flexibility and

innovation could be in relation to other factors such as marketing and
investment and to factors such as the state of development of a particular
furniture business.

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