Higher Business ManagementExam DoctorCOMMAND WORDSCommand Word Definition Compare Identify similarities and differences between two or more factorsDescribe Provide a thorough descriptionDiscuss Examine closely taking account of strengths and weaknesses in an argument; offer reasons for and against Distinguish Identify the differences between two or more factors Explain Give a detailed response (definition and explanation) as to how/why something may benefit/hinder Identify Give the name or identifying characteristics of something Justify Give reasons to support suggestions, conclusionsOutline State the main features
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One word answers for 'descriptions' are very unlikely to gain marks – usually expansion of the answer is
required.No half marks are awarded – if part of an answer is almost right and the candidate goes on to expand
the point further through the answer, the whole section should be indicated and awarded one mark.
When marking a candidate response you should be careful that the candidate response relates to what
was actually asked. 'Key terms' used in questions are explained in the glossary of key terms available in
the right-hand side index.
SECTION 1
Section 1 of the examination tests the candidates' knowledge, understanding, problem solving and
decision making and is assessed through a case study or interpretation item of about 750 words. Thereare a number of mandatory questions and candidates may be required to assume a management position
making decisions necessary to solve problems or identifying problems from the stimulus material.
Question 1
This question tests the candidates' ability to apply their understanding of management theory to thecase study/interpretation item. In this question a number of aspects of management theory are
identified and the candidates are asked to analyse the case study under headings eg human resources,operations, marketing. This question is worth 10 marks.
To gain any marks, the response must always relate to the case study/interpretation item. Generalstatements on, for example, human resource issues will gain no marks if not related to the passage.
The question will include a number of headings, under which the question should be answered. It is
important that the candidates use these headings in their responses. There will be a maximum number of
marks available if no headings are used.Each heading will attract a maximum number of marks. So, for example, all 10 marks cannot be gained
under one heading.If the question asks only for concerns/problems/issues, ‘solutions’ to the concerns/problems/issues will
For Describe, Explain and Justify questions, get in the habit of a definition, followed by
an example and/or an explanation.
QUESTION:
Describe 2 strategic objectives of a public sector organisation. (2)
ANSWER:
A public sector organisation is owned by the Government.
The NHS is an example of a public sector organisation.
One strategic objective of a public sector organisation would be to provide an efficient
health service for everyone.
Another strategic objective would be to serve the public interest, as people want to be
healthy and live longer.
For Compare and Contrast/Distinguish questions use connecting words like 'WHEREAS','ON THE OTHER HAND', 'IN COMPARISON'. If stuck just use whereas every single
time. It may be boring but it will get marks.
QUESTION:
COMPARE a private sector organisation with that in the public sector...
Also remember my tip for advantages/disadvantages cost/benefit questions if you are
stuck. TCP. (Time, Cost, People). It will get you 3 marks at least if you talk about how
the topic is affected by or affects these 3 elements.
If a question is 6 marks then give 6 points if possible.
Read the Case Study Questions first before reading the Case Study.
Remember question 1 in the Case Study may ask for problems or solutions to the
different headings. Make sure you write the headings and don't get mixed up.
Look at the options questions in Section Two and pick the 2 questions you will lose the
least amount of marks, even if it means sacrificing your favourite question. It is better
to get 18/25 by maybe losing a duff 7 marker than getting 13/25 and of that you got
8/8 on your favourite question.
GENERAL EXAM TIPS
1. Know what you have to do
First you should go through your notes or an exam syllabus and list the topics which haveto be covered - your own study checklist. Also, make sure you know exactly when your
exams are and how many papers you will have to sit.
2. Make a revision plan
Well before your exams, set up a revision timetable. Many people don't do this, but it is
essential. Set a realistic number of hours for revision each week. Plan to work through
each of the topics in the period up to the exam, leaving a few weeks for final revision.
Regularly review your plan and make changes in the light of your progress.
3. Revise effectively
Find a quiet private place to revise (try the library if there's no room at home), with a
suitable, well-lit table or desk to work at and always have all the equipment you need at
hand - class notes, Study Guides, calculator, etc. Work for a set period (30-40 minutes
suits most people), and then have a 10 minute break away from your desk.
I t is very easy when you are revising to get despondent and to
think about all the things you cannot do or find difficult. It happens to us all. You must
look back at your original plan, from time to time, and realise the progress you have
made. With determination and the right approach, you can succeed!
FROM BULLET POINTS TO Bs
Often people panic and just jot down bullet point answers. This may be acceptable if you
are running out of time for ONE question but not for a full paper.
You are a HIGHER candidate so act like one. Show off your linguistic prose! There is
always at least one Bullet Point King every year and they argue all the time about 'this
deserves a mark'. Listen, it is not up to me. I am not the geezer who will mark your
paper. It is a game and it is your future at stake. So play the game. Avoid bullet points.
Using bullet points reminds me of a quote from Oscar Wilde:
The trick is to practise writing out answers to questions WITH the bullet point marking
scheme in front of you. EXPAND the bullet points into reasoned answers. Turn a bulletpoint into a sentence and into a paragraph. This is one surefire way to turn those Fs and
Describe the benefits to an organisation of having a strong corporate culture. (3)
MARKING SCHEME SOLUTION
• Employees feel part of the organisation.
• Is motivational to staff.
• Improves employee relationships.
• Increases employee loyalty.
• Gives customers a sense of quality/efficiency.
• May attract new workers.
• Improves the business image.
Now let's turn a couple of these bullet points into Bs.
One benefit of an organisation would be that employees feel part of the organisation.
This is because employees identify with the firm and are proud to work there.
A strong culture motivates staff because they are all pulling in the same direction and
want to be successful.
It also improves employee relationships because it promotes team building exercises orsocial gatherings, giving employees an opportunity to mix outwith their department.
REMEMBER
You are communicating with examiner. Keep it neat and tidy (I know that is hypocritical
coming from me and my handwriting, but it is not me who has to go into the Exam!!!) and
use the space of the page.
In other words don't be afraid to spread your answers out using diagrams, clearparagraphs and the odd use of underlining words (or UPPERCASE or the odd bullet
point).
You can put your working in the script also. You may wish to draw a quick mindmap before