In O-Level and A-Level Business Studies, knowledge is only half the battle. The real marks lie in Application (AO2). If you can't relate your answer to the specific business in the case study, you are capped at a C grade.
The "Chain of Analysis" Technique
Examiners hate generic answers. "Higher sales leads to higher profit" is a Level 1 answer. To get top marks, you must build a logical chain of arguments specific to the business.
The BLT Framework:
- Because... (The initial cause)
- Leads to... (The chain of consequences)
- Therefore... (The impact on the business objective)
Common Mistakes (AO2)
Generic Mistake
"The business should lower prices to increase sales."
Applied Answer
"Since 'Luxury Leathers' sells premium handbags, lowering prices might damage their exclusive brand image, potentially alienating their high-income customer base."
Evaluation (AO4): The Game Changer
Evaluation is the hardest skill. It requires you to make a judgment. But saying "I recommend Option A" is not enough. You must justify why Option A is better than Option B, considering the specific context.
Use the "Dependent On" rule:
"The success of this strategy depends entirely on the reaction of competitors. If 'BagMaster' also lowers prices, the expected increase in market share may not happen."
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