Meeting Customer Needs (Edexcel A Level Business): Exam Questions

Exam code: 9BS0

3 hours20 questions
1
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4 marks

Read the following extracts (A to D) (opens in a new tab) before answering.

Air passenger numbers were forecast to grow from 3.5bn people in 2015 to 3.75bn people in 2016

Using the data from Extract A and the information above, calculate the difference in percentage growth in air passenger numbers between 2015 and 2016. You are advised to show your working

2
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4 marks

Read the following extracts (A to C) (opens in a new tab) before answering

Between 2010 and 2011, the number of music streaming subscribers grew by 62.34%

Using the data from Extract A, calculate, to 2 decimal places, the difference between percentage growth in 2010 to 2011 and that in 2019 to 2020. You are advised to show your working

3
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4 marks

Read the following extracts (A to C) (opens in a new tab) before answering

In 2018, the value of the UK market for sugar-free sweets was 3% of total sales revenue. In 2023, it is forecast to be 5% of total sales revenue

Using the data in Extract A, calculate the change in value of sugar-free sweets sales predicted between 2018 and 2023. State your answer to 2 decimal places. You are advised to show your working

4
4 marks

Read the following extracts (A to C) (opens in a new tab) before answering

Explain one way in which a business such as Bon Bon’s adds value to the products it sells

5
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4 marks

Read the following extracts (D to G) (opens in a new tab) before answering

Using the data in Extract D, calculate the percentage growth in the total McDonald’s restaurants operating in Brazil, between 2012 and 2018. State your answer to 2 decimal places. You are advised to show your working

6
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4 marks

Read the following extracts (A to D) (opens in a new tab) before answering

The UK's £17bn live entertainment industry is forecast to grow by £400m in 2018. Revenue of £2.1bn achieved by live performances is expected to grow by 7% during the same period

Using the information above, calculate the proportion of live entertainment industry revenues expected to be generated from live performances in 2018

7
4 marks

Read the following extracts (D to G) (opens in a new tab) before answering

Explain one limitation of secondary market research data, such as that presented in Extract D

8
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4 marks

Read the following extracts (A to C) (opens in a new tab) before answering

Explain one way in which product orientation is important to Rolex.

9
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4 marks

Read the following extracts (D to G) (opens in a new tab) before answering

Using the data in Extract D, calculate Nike’s market share of worldwide sports footwear in 2018. State your answer to 2 decimal places. You are advised to show your working.

10
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4 marks

Read extracts D to F before answering the Question.

Extract D

Nimbus Sports Equipment plc

Nimbus Sports Equipment plc is a UK-based manufacturer of specialist running shoes. The business designs and produces performance footwear for endurance runners and sells its products in the UK and a range of international markets. Nimbus positions itself as a premium, performance-focused brand, competing on quality, innovation and technical design rather than low prices.

Nimbus currently sells the same core running shoe design in all markets but adapts colours and sizing to reflect local preferences. Senior managers are considering whether to move towards a more standardised global product strategy in order to reduce production and design costs.

However, there are concerns that a fully standardised product may fail to meet local customer preferences in some international markets. Nimbus’s managers must decide whether the potential cost savings from standardisation outweigh the risk of reduced customer satisfaction.

Extract E

Selling Nimbus products online

Nimbus sells its products through specialist sports retailers and via its own online sales platform. Online sales have grown rapidly in recent years, particularly in international markets where Nimbus does not have a strong retail presence.

The business believes that its online platform allows it to reach niche groups of endurance runners worldwide. However, selling footwear online can increase delivery and returns costs, particularly when customers order multiple sizes.

Extract F

Global competition in the running footwear market

The global market for running footwear is highly competitive. Large multinational brands compete aggressively on innovation, marketing and sponsorship of elite athletes. Consumers are often willing to switch brands if performance, comfort or value for money improves.

Nimbus’s senior managers believe that long-term success in global markets will depend on balancing cost efficiency with the ability to meet the needs of different customer groups.

Explain one benefit to Nimbus Sports Equipment plc of targeting a niche market of endurance runners.

1
10 marks

Read the following extracts (A to D) (opens in a new tab) before answering 

Assess the likely reasons for Hot Chip using mainly quantitative market research data.

2
12 marks

Read the following extracts (A to C) (opens in a new tab) before answering.

Assess the consequences to a business, such as Spotify, of operating in a dynamic market.

3
8 marks

Read the following extracts (A to D) (opens in a new tab) before answering.

Assess two ways restaurant chain companies such as Jamie's Italian 'positively disrupt' the competitive market in which they operate.

4
10 marks

Read the following extracts (A to C) (opens in a new tab) before answering

Assess a likely trade-off for Bon Bon’s of not having ‘mass market ambition.’

5
10 marks

Read the following extracts (A to D) (opens in a new tab) before answering

Assess the possible limitations of secondary market research to restaurant chain companies, such as Jamie Oliver’s

6
12 marks

Read the following extracts (A to D) (opens in a new tab) before answering

Assess the likely importance of its market positioning to the success of a business, such as Emirates.

7
12 marks

Read the following extracts (E to H) (opens in a new tab) before answering

Assess the likely value to Derby Theatre of producing and staging shows that recognise the cultural diversity of Derby’s population

8
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12 marks

Read Extracts A to C in the Source Booklet (opens in a new tab) before answering

Assess the likely value of secondary market research data to Deliveroo’s marketing.

1
20 marks

Read the following extracts (E to H) (opens in a new tab) before answering.

Cost competitiveness and product differentiation are two key strategies to achieve global competitive advantage.

Evaluate these two strategies and recommend which one would be better to achieve a global competitive advantage for a business, such as Cadbury.

2
20 marks

Read the following extracts (E to H) (opens in a new tab) before answering.

Derby University has set the objective for Derby Theatre to increase its box office income by 40% by 2022. Its management team has decided that it could either produce and stage more shows that recognise the cultural diversity of Derby’s population or launch a Derby Theatre live tour across the Midlands.

Evaluate these two options and recommend which one would be better to increase Derby Theatre's box office income.