Answering 2-mark questions (DP IB Business Management): Revision Note
State questions
The command word state requires no explanation
One mark is awarded for each valid answer given
Marks are not awarded for definitions of key terms
Example
Case Study
African Solar Solutions Ltd, a renewable energy provider in Kenya, requires immediate working capital to fulfil a major government contract. The company is considering various short-term financing options.
State two types of short-term finance available to businesses. [2]
Define questions
Define questions require two main statements to guarantee both marks
No application to the scenario is required
Example
Case Study
Global Logistics Corp has restructured its transportation division. Each depot manager has a span of control of 15 shift supervisors, with each supervisor responsible for 10 delivery drivers.
Define the term 'span of control'. [2]
Explain questions
The command word explain requires a point to be made in context
In the example below, the benefit to customers of having a choice of colours, storage capacity and additional features is clearly stated
You must apply your answer to the scenario
In the example below, the answer refers specifically to TechGadgets' personalised smartphones
Example
Case Study
TechGadgets, a consumer electronics company, uses mass customisation to offer personalised smartphones. Customers can select colours, storage capacity, and additional features.
Explain one benefit of mass customisation for TechGadgets' customers. [2]
Calculate questions
Calculate questions require the use of data from a short case study or extract
Two marks are awarded for a fully correct answer, including workings
In the example below, the correct working is awarded one mark
Example
Case Study
EliteFit Ltd. produces premium gym equipment. The company produced and sold 847 units in 2024. Each unit had a variable cost of $319, and the company’s fixed costs were $125,685. EliteFit achieved a profit of $244,175.
Selected Financial Data for 2024 | Amount ($) |
|---|---|
Units Sold | 847 |
Variable Cost Per Unit | 319 |
Fixed Costs | 125,685 |
Profit | 244,175 |
Calculate EliteFit Ltd's revenue in 2024 (show all your working). [2]
Comment on questions
The command word comment on requires a contextual point to be made
In the example below, a comment that only 20% of staff felt supported
You must mention at least one item of data in terms of a percentage from the results of the survey or the way in which it was conducted
In the example below, two piece of data from the table are used to support the comment
Case Study
SecureMove is a logistics company specialising in long-distance shipping across Europe, transporting goods for manufacturers, retailers, and distributors. It operates a fleet of trucks and employs 400 staff, including drivers, logistics coordinators, and administrative personnel.
All employees receive extensive training, including a three-week induction covering vehicle safety, route planning, and customer service.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of SecureMove’s most experienced drivers and logistics staff left for alternative jobs with better work-life balance. They have not returned, and new employees have had to be trained. However, Martin Hunter, the chief executive officer (CEO), is concerned that newer staff are less committed than their predecessors.
Since 2021, tensions between managers and employees have risen. To understand concerns, Martin conducted an internal survey between February and March 2024, but only 35% of employees responded. He is now considering whether performance-related pay (PRP) could improve relations.
A summary of the key findings is shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Employee Survey Findings for SecureMove
Employee opinions about: | Happy | Acceptable | Unhappy |
|---|---|---|---|
Hours of work | 15% | 70% | 15% |
Salary | 5% | 20% | 75% |
Support from management | 5% | 15% | 80% |
Do managers listen? | 7% | 14% | 79% |
Do you feel valued? | 4% | 9% | 87% |
Comment on the employee survey carried out by Martin. [2]
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