http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/10152610.stm
Declan Curry explains just what GDP stands for, and why we should care
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Research Theme –
The Recent Recession in the UKIn your research on the recent recession in the UK you should consider:-
Your research should consider the effects of and reaction to the recent recession in the UK in relation to different businesses and industries.You should make reference to your research in your responses to Section A in the examination.
The Recent Recession in the UKIn your research on the recent recession in the UK you should consider:-
- how the recession can create opportunities and threats for businesses and industries-
- the long-term strategies and short-term plans adopted by businesses in the recession-
- factors influencing the strategies businesses adopt in the recession-
- strategies that businesses could have adopted to prepare for the recession-
- the possible impact of the recession on stakeholders and on relationships between businesses and their stakeholders-
- the case for and against different businesses and industries receiving government financial support during a recession.
Your research should consider the effects of and reaction to the recent recession in the UK in relation to different businesses and industries.You should make reference to your research in your responses to Section A in the examination.
Monday, 17 May 2010
Down-Sizing - in a bottle (1L to 850ml) Part 2
I asked Robinsons/Britvic about the downsizing and here is there response:
We have redesigned the Barley Water bottle in an attractive 'heritage' PET format in celebration of Robinsons 75th year at Wimbledon. We have not made any changes to the Barley Water product itself although we are always exploring ways of making our products taste even better than they do already.
As you are aware we have moved from 1L to 850 ml which provides 17 servings per bottle. We have made this change to deliver a uniform serve size across our 'added-value' squash range (which includes Robinsons be Natural & Robinsons Select a new product).
Per litre Robinsons Barley Water has increased in price. This is due to the ever increasing costs of ingredients and manufacturing. Despite these and other cost pressures, we have frozen our manufactures recommended selling price (MRSP) on Barley Water at £1.59. However Britvic is also significantly increasing the promotional investment in Barley Water. This means that the brand will be discounted more often in-store, with price reductions occurring later in the year depending on the retailer.
So they have shrunk the bottle size by 15% and frozen the MRSP, that's a 15% rise in price then! They promise the higher price will subsidise more special offers - no prizes for spotting that these will be later in the year, not near Wimbledon when the PR will be at a maximum.
We have redesigned the Barley Water bottle in an attractive 'heritage' PET format in celebration of Robinsons 75th year at Wimbledon. We have not made any changes to the Barley Water product itself although we are always exploring ways of making our products taste even better than they do already.
As you are aware we have moved from 1L to 850 ml which provides 17 servings per bottle. We have made this change to deliver a uniform serve size across our 'added-value' squash range (which includes Robinsons be Natural & Robinsons Select a new product).
Per litre Robinsons Barley Water has increased in price. This is due to the ever increasing costs of ingredients and manufacturing. Despite these and other cost pressures, we have frozen our manufactures recommended selling price (MRSP) on Barley Water at £1.59. However Britvic is also significantly increasing the promotional investment in Barley Water. This means that the brand will be discounted more often in-store, with price reductions occurring later in the year depending on the retailer.
So they have shrunk the bottle size by 15% and frozen the MRSP, that's a 15% rise in price then! They promise the higher price will subsidise more special offers - no prizes for spotting that these will be later in the year, not near Wimbledon when the PR will be at a maximum.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Down-Sizing - in a bottle (1L to 850ml)
With Wimbledon five weeks away, drinks supplier has chosen an interesting time to shrink the size of their Orange and Lemon Barley Water lines. Quantities have slipped to 850ml. I don't know if the price shrank to 85%, what do you think?
This is not the only drinks supplier to engaging in this cost reducing strategy as Copella have done the same with their line of premium apple juice.
What links Robinson's Barley Water with Copella? The are both attached to PepsiCo, either owned in the case of Copella (via Tropicana) or as a distributing partnership.
What are the cost and environmental implications for smaller pack sizes?
This is not the only drinks supplier to engaging in this cost reducing strategy as Copella have done the same with their line of premium apple juice.
What links Robinson's Barley Water with Copella? The are both attached to PepsiCo, either owned in the case of Copella (via Tropicana) or as a distributing partnership.
What are the cost and environmental implications for smaller pack sizes?
Friday, 14 May 2010
Assessment Activity 2
With reference to the item on the car industry and your own research, to what extent do you believe the degree of competition in the market is the KEY FACTOR determining the startegy adodpted by firms in the recession?
This question is not asking what strategies firms should adopt but, instead what factors influence the strategies they adopt.
Essentially you have to contrast the level and nature of competition experienced, with other factors that are influencial.
What we have looked at so far: -
From paragraph 1
Who the competitors are, where they are, and how they become competive (lower costs with labour plus the competitiveness of their exchange rates).
From paragraph 2
We identified that Europe was a developed market where mostly all those who want cars, and can afford them have them (a saturated market), plants have closed, reference to GM, and its UK subsidiary, Vauxhall.
From Paragraph 4
We looked at disposable incomes in the developing economies of S.E. Asia, as a driver of demand in that area of cars, and how economies of scale could be used, specifically technical economies if plant.
We put each paragraph has been put together as an analytical paragraph with, application appropriate to the context of the material.
Now over to you.
This question is not asking what strategies firms should adopt but, instead what factors influence the strategies they adopt.
Essentially you have to contrast the level and nature of competition experienced, with other factors that are influencial.
What we have looked at so far: -
From paragraph 1
Who the competitors are, where they are, and how they become competive (lower costs with labour plus the competitiveness of their exchange rates).
From paragraph 2
We identified that Europe was a developed market where mostly all those who want cars, and can afford them have them (a saturated market), plants have closed, reference to GM, and its UK subsidiary, Vauxhall.
From Paragraph 4
We looked at disposable incomes in the developing economies of S.E. Asia, as a driver of demand in that area of cars, and how economies of scale could be used, specifically technical economies if plant.
We put each paragraph has been put together as an analytical paragraph with, application appropriate to the context of the material.
Now over to you.
Monday, 3 May 2010
Thursday, 29 April 2010
AS Business Unit 2, Chapter 31
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xC_dZhbGro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHcm1ec7CcY
- Who is this advert aimed at?
- What is its purpose?
- What are the benefits of stocking ragu?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHcm1ec7CcY
- What was the advert attempting to do?
- Who was it aimed at?
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Vue for you?
Cinema Giant Weighs Up £400m Auction - potential buyers saught for the Vue Cinema chain.
- http://news.sky.com/skynews/video/Business-News?videoCategory=Business+News
- http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/feb/18/vue-film-richards-westfield
What are privat equity firms and why might they be interested?
Starbucks strategy and growth
Coffee Shops thrive through the recession
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/starbucks-the-famous-strategic-change-memo-from-2007/
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Starbucks-Plans-To-Open-New-Stores-In-Uk-And-Ireland-As-Profits-Rise/Article/201004415613030
And for the visual learners: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8334993.stm
Interesting suggestion that customers may be trading down from other lunchtime or business venues
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/starbucks-the-famous-strategic-change-memo-from-2007/
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Starbucks-Plans-To-Open-New-Stores-In-Uk-And-Ireland-As-Profits-Rise/Article/201004415613030
And for the visual learners: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8334993.stm
Interesting suggestion that customers may be trading down from other lunchtime or business venues
Procter & Gamble Go for Growth as the recession ends
P&G are one of the largest consumer goods firms in the UK. Emerging with secure finances from the recession has allowed them to launch an aggressive marketing strategy in an attempt to increase market share in it's key markets.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/7575115/Procter-and-Gamble-to-raise-ad-spend.html
Points to consider for higher level analysis and evaluation
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/7575115/Procter-and-Gamble-to-raise-ad-spend.html
Points to consider for higher level analysis and evaluation
- What market structure do they compete in?
- How would this affect their chances of success in this strategy?
- What else could they consider?
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Current Economic Performance
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/the_daily_politics/8640034.stm
Stephen Alambritis, from the Federation of Small Businesses, on the economic data as CPI inflation was up by more than expected to 3.4% in March, and unemployment rose to 2.5 million in the three months to February - the highest level since 1994.
Stephen Alambritis, from the Federation of Small Businesses, on the economic data as CPI inflation was up by more than expected to 3.4% in March, and unemployment rose to 2.5 million in the three months to February - the highest level since 1994.
The Nissan L:eaf
Motoring Reviews
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/03/nissan-leaf-ev-price/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/5977911/Nissan-gives-electric-car-the-go-ahead.html
Gordon Brown should realise electric cars are a battery-powered nightmare
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/5126987/Gordon-Brown-should-realise-electric-cars-are-a-battery-powered-nightmare.html
Alternatives
The G-Wizz - £15,795
Homework
Analyse Four reasons for Nissan to Launch the LEAF
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/03/nissan-leaf-ev-price/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/5977911/Nissan-gives-electric-car-the-go-ahead.html
Gordon Brown should realise electric cars are a battery-powered nightmare
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/5126987/Gordon-Brown-should-realise-electric-cars-are-a-battery-powered-nightmare.html
Alternatives
The G-Wizz - £15,795
Homework
Analyse Four reasons for Nissan to Launch the LEAF
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Pizza Express - exercise
This national firm has survived the recession by using the sustained use of a BOGOF promotion limited to Pizzas.
I asked that the 13-2 BS explain the benefits of such a promotion.
Whilst there is help here, your answer should be in more formal business language, with issues analysed in detail.
I asked that the 13-2 BS explain the benefits of such a promotion.
- You should consider the obvious: the incentive to customers of a lower priced meal; the impact on the sale of other items (kids meals; starters; puddings; drinks).
- Analysis of issues such as Breat Even; meeting direct costs; cash flow; plus HR benfits (can you analyse this?) and Op. Man. - working the assets.
- You should also consider the impact of sustained sales promotion on Brand value (you might consider the impact on Innocent Smoothies).
- Pizza Express is a private limited company. Is that relevant?
- What else could they have done?
- On balance, was this the best method? (and why?)
Whilst there is help here, your answer should be in more formal business language, with issues analysed in detail.
Evaluation - mitigation and exacerbation (making worse)
Evaluation is a critical skill in the coming U4 examination. All of you can comfortable manage the direct evaluation that I call "So what?" style.
In the examination a question based around the RECESSION theme may bring in some other external factor. We introduced the impact of the volcanic activity as such a random factor.
We identified that the fall out from the volcano has affected the airlines, BAA, other businesses supporting the industry as well as those engaged ion IMPORT and EXPORT.
But: How bad would it be and what could be done?
Firstly, firms exiting the recession may have fared badly. Their cashflow may have been WEAKENED by few customers, lower priced tickets necessitated by increased competition for customers.
The volcanic activity would worsen their plight. No flights means no revenue. The overheads still have to be paid, this would cause a period of NEGATIVE cash flow (- this is where AT would have been correct). This could push firms who had survived the recession into administration or towards commercial partnership with other firms (perhaps BA and Iberia would have merged earlier). In this way the Volcanic activity therefore exacerbates the cash flow problems.
[For the highest evaluation a solution to the problem may be appropriate.]
Something that mitigates the impact could be suggested. The Government could subsidise the Airline, if the candidate developed this to identifie such a subsidy would need the agreement of the EU, the candidate would score very highly. Perhaps an awareness of the need to preserve jobs as a reason for the EU to act would add value to the answer.
To maximise the score the candidate would need to clearly say that the subsidy would lower the Airlines costs, and therefore increase its chances of survival. This is critical as it is the solution to the problem.
In the examination a question based around the RECESSION theme may bring in some other external factor. We introduced the impact of the volcanic activity as such a random factor.
We identified that the fall out from the volcano has affected the airlines, BAA, other businesses supporting the industry as well as those engaged ion IMPORT and EXPORT.
But: How bad would it be and what could be done?
Firstly, firms exiting the recession may have fared badly. Their cashflow may have been WEAKENED by few customers, lower priced tickets necessitated by increased competition for customers.
The volcanic activity would worsen their plight. No flights means no revenue. The overheads still have to be paid, this would cause a period of NEGATIVE cash flow (- this is where AT would have been correct). This could push firms who had survived the recession into administration or towards commercial partnership with other firms (perhaps BA and Iberia would have merged earlier). In this way the Volcanic activity therefore exacerbates the cash flow problems.
[For the highest evaluation a solution to the problem may be appropriate.]
Something that mitigates the impact could be suggested. The Government could subsidise the Airline, if the candidate developed this to identifie such a subsidy would need the agreement of the EU, the candidate would score very highly. Perhaps an awareness of the need to preserve jobs as a reason for the EU to act would add value to the answer.
To maximise the score the candidate would need to clearly say that the subsidy would lower the Airlines costs, and therefore increase its chances of survival. This is critical as it is the solution to the problem.
Friday, 16 April 2010
Recession hangovers...
Cashflow video from the BBC
Government help with businesses coming out of recession
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8483633.stm
Late payments cripple small business
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/puffbox/hyperpuff/business/2010/toyota_recall/8622111.stm
Government help with businesses coming out of recession
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8483633.stm
Late payments cripple small business
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/puffbox/hyperpuff/business/2010/toyota_recall/8622111.stm
Pay dirt for pandering to the rich..
Acting rich: recession sees roaring trade in champagne and Louis Vuitton handbags
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/apr/13/rich-recession-designer-luxury-brands
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/apr/13/rich-recession-designer-luxury-brands
Sales down 28%, world recession and still they make a profit!
Sony Ericsson - make profit!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8624450.stm
Smart Phones - recession proof?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8292101.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8624450.stm
Smart Phones - recession proof?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8292101.stm
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Girl Power
From T2U Monday, April 12, 2010 by Debbie Gordon
There is no doubt that the recent recession has been a painful time for most businesses - but some have managed to come out on top. Here is a great article about four female entrepreneurs who have been recognised for their outstanding achievement over the last year and nominated for Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year Award and four case study exam style questions for you to practice with.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8583691.stm
Perfect case study material for BUSS4 on the recession, and as possible ‘essay’ style questions for exam practice here are a few examples for you to try out your extended exam style. Remember to PEE with conviction throughout your answer!
1) With reference to article above and your own research, discuss the view that retrenchment is inevitable in a recession. (40 marks)
2) With reference to article above and your own research, discuss the view that experienced leadership is the key to surviving a recession. (40 marks)
3) With reference to article above and your own research, evaluate the strategies businesses might deploy in response to the recession. (40 marks)
4) With reference to article above and your own research, evaluate the different range of management approaches to decision making in a recession. (40 marks)
There is no doubt that the recent recession has been a painful time for most businesses - but some have managed to come out on top. Here is a great article about four female entrepreneurs who have been recognised for their outstanding achievement over the last year and nominated for Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year Award and four case study exam style questions for you to practice with.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8583691.stm
Perfect case study material for BUSS4 on the recession, and as possible ‘essay’ style questions for exam practice here are a few examples for you to try out your extended exam style. Remember to PEE with conviction throughout your answer!
1) With reference to article above and your own research, discuss the view that retrenchment is inevitable in a recession. (40 marks)
2) With reference to article above and your own research, discuss the view that experienced leadership is the key to surviving a recession. (40 marks)
3) With reference to article above and your own research, evaluate the strategies businesses might deploy in response to the recession. (40 marks)
4) With reference to article above and your own research, evaluate the different range of management approaches to decision making in a recession. (40 marks)
Padded Bras, Ethical Behaviour and Pressure Groups
The sexualisation of girls is an ethical issue. Primark has withdrawn their padded bikini tops aimed at seven year olds. They were accused by thhe Children's Society of "premature sexualisation" and "unprincipled advertising" that is damaging to children's well-being.
The firm's PR department have rushed to mitigate the damage with the statement that "Primark will donate all the profits made from this product line to a children's charity, and apologises to customers for any offence caused."
Details here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8619329.stm
The firm's PR department have rushed to mitigate the damage with the statement that "Primark will donate all the profits made from this product line to a children's charity, and apologises to customers for any offence caused."
Details here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8619329.stm
Monday, 12 April 2010
Help for Heroes
A novel approach to sales promotion with this broadening of distribution channels:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8614620.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8614620.stm
Sunday, 11 April 2010
Invest to succeed...
This article looks at how a firm can use its relative strength in a recession to bolster its market position.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article7036976.ece
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article7036976.ece
- The firm is owned by Associated British Foods (ABF). What does this suggest about risk management within its owners?
- How would this help it meet the challenges in a recession?
Cadbury
Cadbury did well out of the recession - people like chocolate and pizza when they are miserable according to sales. The firm has been taken over by Kraft in a debt finance deal.
Its latest strategy is this: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8611228.stm
Can you spot the strategy?
Why might this strategy be likely to succeed?
Its latest strategy is this: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8611228.stm
Can you spot the strategy?
Why might this strategy be likely to succeed?
Friday, 2 April 2010
Recession Survival Strategies Cost UK SMEs £16bn
Strategies to save business cost money, this one from T2U.net
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/recession-survival-strategies-cost-uk-smes-16bn/
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/recession-survival-strategies-cost-uk-smes-16bn/
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Monday, 29 March 2010
Primark - Still Bovvered?
Remember the sweat shops? Let this BBC video remind you... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7824291.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7824787.stm
Or the profits?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jan/14/primark-abf-clothing-sales
Ethics for evaluation
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/nov/05/primark-ethical-pledges-sweatshops
So in 2008 and early 2009 the press was castigating Primark for the way it its suppliers treated their workers. By late 2009 and early 2010, it seems that these issues are less important, or is it that Primark customers were never that bothered.
It's a recession, can we afford to be bothered?
Or the profits?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jan/14/primark-abf-clothing-sales
Ethics for evaluation
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/nov/05/primark-ethical-pledges-sweatshops
So in 2008 and early 2009 the press was castigating Primark for the way it its suppliers treated their workers. By late 2009 and early 2010, it seems that these issues are less important, or is it that Primark customers were never that bothered.
It's a recession, can we afford to be bothered?
Selfridges - Great performance in 2008 and 2009
2008
http://www.drapersonline.com/news/selfridges-profits-rise-but-xmas-sales-soften/1937529.article
http://www.retail-week.com/selfridges-profits-to-climb-after-christmas-sales-rise/1968496.article
2009
http://www.retail-week.com/multichannel/online-retail/selfridges-ready-for-online-debut-as-centenary-profits-to-hit-100m/5008544.article
http://www.drapersonline.com/news/selfridges-profits-rise-but-xmas-sales-soften/1937529.article
http://www.retail-week.com/selfridges-profits-to-climb-after-christmas-sales-rise/1968496.article
2009
http://www.retail-week.com/multichannel/online-retail/selfridges-ready-for-online-debut-as-centenary-profits-to-hit-100m/5008544.article
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Friday, 19 March 2010
Government intervention
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/government-financial-support-the-requests-come-flooding-in/
Investment in the recession
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/data-watch-what-happened-to-business-investment-in-the-uk-recession/#extended
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/government-financial-support-the-requests-come-flooding-in/
Investment in the recession
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/data-watch-what-happened-to-business-investment-in-the-uk-recession/#extended
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
13-2 BS AQA Unit 4
Homework
Produce a mark scheme for one of the following questions:
Either: To what extent do you think the bail out of the banks was unfair on manufacturing firms such as Corus? (40)
or: How could government financial support best prevent firms such as Corus closing? (40)
Homework
Produce a mark scheme for one of the following questions:
Either: To what extent do you think the bail out of the banks was unfair on manufacturing firms such as Corus? (40)
or: How could government financial support best prevent firms such as Corus closing? (40)
- I have included a PDF link below to show what I want.
- This task must be brought with you to next Tuesday's lesson
- You should focus on the elements included in page 4 and 5 rather than the generic material as on pages 3 and 6.
Friday, 12 March 2010
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Big increase in demand for Merchant Bankers
Hat Tip to Ben Maylor http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8551036.stm
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Developing Your Ability to Write Essays
Over the next few weeks look at the following link:
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/buss4-exam-technique-big-mac-or-hamburger-fries/#extended
The links at the bottom of the page will be to specimen essays
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/buss4-exam-technique-big-mac-or-hamburger-fries/#extended
The links at the bottom of the page will be to specimen essays
Sunday, 7 March 2010
British Chamber of Commerce
Check this out: "GDP growth will be slower than forecast"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8552522.stm
Your evaluation could challenge the data, but how would you do this?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8552522.stm
Your evaluation could challenge the data, but how would you do this?
Thursday, 4 March 2010
See the story of the recession
Hyperlinks to videos are on page 2!!!
http://www.slideshare.net/toejamatic/story-of-the-recession-links
http://www.slideshare.net/toejamatic/story-of-the-recession-links
A few more businesses that have thrived in the recession...
http://money.uk.msn.com/markets/photos.aspx?cp-documentid=151943986&page=9
http://money.uk.msn.com/markets/photos.aspx?cp-documentid=151943986&page=9
Third Piece of Work
This is a difficult article to read but the executive summary is useful background knowledge on how company's will approach the future
http://www.cbi.org.uk/pdf/20091123-cbi-shape-of-business.pdf
http://www.cbi.org.uk/pdf/20091123-cbi-shape-of-business.pdf
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Second Piece of Work
The following articles have been produced by Tutor2U. Please read them and follow the links
Article One: CORUS STEEL and TEESIDE
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/buss4-research-a-corus-of-disapproval/
Article Two: BRITISH AIRWAYS
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/buss4-and-british-airways-a-marriage-made-in-heaven/
The following articles explain strategies that a business could follow in a recession:
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/strategy-in-a-recession-cost-optimisation-not-cost-minimisation/
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/recession-strategy-what-happens-when-a-market-dives-by-30-per-cent/
And a success story in a recession:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1252954/Cath-Kidston-pocket-30m-sale-brand-20-years-shop-assistant-created-famous-nostalgic-designs.html
It is important that read all of these articles and make notes
Article One: CORUS STEEL and TEESIDE
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/buss4-research-a-corus-of-disapproval/
Article Two: BRITISH AIRWAYS
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/buss4-and-british-airways-a-marriage-made-in-heaven/
The following articles explain strategies that a business could follow in a recession:
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/strategy-in-a-recession-cost-optimisation-not-cost-minimisation/
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/recession-strategy-what-happens-when-a-market-dives-by-30-per-cent/
And a success story in a recession:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1252954/Cath-Kidston-pocket-30m-sale-brand-20-years-shop-assistant-created-famous-nostalgic-designs.html
It is important that read all of these articles and make notes
Monday, 1 March 2010
First Piece of Work
Read the following articles
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8445696.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8537611.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8507608.stm
What does it suggest about the car industry and the strategies they are following in a recession?
And what does this article suggest about GMs strategy in a recession? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8448370.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8445696.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8537611.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8507608.stm
What does it suggest about the car industry and the strategies they are following in a recession?
And what does this article suggest about GMs strategy in a recession? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8448370.stm
Higher marks will be gained by quoting relevant theory: Michael Porter was in London last week, details here:
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/michael-porter-on-the-importance-of-long-term-strategic-thinking-in-a-reces/
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/comments/michael-porter-on-the-importance-of-long-term-strategic-thinking-in-a-reces/
Buss4 Pre-Released Material can be found at http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/pdf/AQA-BUSS4-PM-W-PM-JUN10.PDF
However, the theme material is:
Research Theme – The Recent Recession in the UK
In your research on the recent recession in the UK you should consider:
- how the recession can create opportunities and threats for businesses and industries
- the long-term strategies and short-term plans adopted by businesses in the recession
- factors influencing the strategies businesses adopt in the recession
- strategies that businesses could have adopted to prepare for the recession
- the possible impact of the recession on stakeholders and on relationships between businesses and their stakeholders
- the case for and against different businesses and industries receiving government financial support during a recession.
However, the theme material is:
Research Theme – The Recent Recession in the UK
In your research on the recent recession in the UK you should consider:
- how the recession can create opportunities and threats for businesses and industries
- the long-term strategies and short-term plans adopted by businesses in the recession
- factors influencing the strategies businesses adopt in the recession
- strategies that businesses could have adopted to prepare for the recession
- the possible impact of the recession on stakeholders and on relationships between businesses and their stakeholders
- the case for and against different businesses and industries receiving government financial support during a recession.
Your research should consider the effects of and reaction to the recent recession in the UK in relation to different businesses and industries.
You should make reference to your research in your responses to Section A in the examination.
Advice on Essay Writing for Buss4
The following advice has been produced from material from Tutor2U. Please read it carefully:
BUSS4 Essay Technique - PEEing throughout the Paper by Jim Riley
In this part of our guide to BUSS4 essay technique, I’ll suggest an acronym (PEE) which students may find effective in helping them build a well-constructed and argued essay.
An effective essay builds an argument based around a series of coherent and linked paragraphs. But what should go into a good paragraph? How long should an effective paragraph be? That’s where the acronym PEE comes in handy.
PEE stands for:
· P = PARAGRAPH MAKES A POINT
· E = EXPLANATION, EVIDENCE AND EXAMPLES
· E = EVALUATION
Lets develop this a little further.
PARAGRAPH MAKES A POINT
Well written paragraphs that focus only on the essay question set are the foundation of a good essay. The golden rule for an effective paragraph is that it should seek to make one relevant point, to an appropriate depth. And what do effective points make? Prizes!
Remember that. A paragraph should not contain two or more main points. If you find yourself tempted to move onto another point mid-way through a paragraph you should resist. First, ask yourself whether you have achieved the right depth on your original point. If you haven’t - then develop that point further (finish the PEE). If you have, then leave three lines of space on the paper and then move onto the next point.
Why leave three lines of space between paragraphs? Here’s why
(1) It provides enough space to add further explanation or evaluation to the point, if needed and if time permits towards the end of the exam (2) It gives a clear signal to the examiner that you have moved onto the next major point (paragraph) (3) It is easier for an examiner to read an exam script if there is a little white space between paragraphs.
EXPLANATION, EVIDENCE AND EXAMPLES
The meat of your paragraph is the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the business topic in the question. It is the chance to move onto strong application and analysis with some well written and logical sentences.
- A sentence that explains the importance of the topic or which reveals the issues raised is a great way to lead into further sentences where you can demonstrate your BUSS4 research, evidence of wider reading or understanding of how business works in real-life (application). Ideally, every paragraph you write in BUSS4 essays should include some element of your own research - it builds credability with the examiner.
- A suitably brief explanation linking the point or issue to relevant business studies theory or model (keep it short) shows how you can apply theory to real-world business contexts. Don’t go overboard here - you mustn’t repeat great chunks of your notes or textbook. Use theories and models to help frame the discussion.
- Use your sentences in the middle of the paragraph to illustrate, where relevant, the processes of cause and effect. This demonstrates really good analysis. But remember to keep thinking about, and referring back to the essay question. Every word you write should be about answering the question.
EVALUATION
- Evaluation is the holy grail of business studies exams - and this has never been more true than in BUSS4. But don’t leave it until the last or concluding paragraph before you try to evaluate. Try to add some evaluation to each of your pararaphs.
- How important is the point or the side of the argument that you have made? What does it depend on? Do the preceding paragraphs help build the strength of the argument? To what extent is the argument based on facts (e.g. relevant data) or opinion / unreliable data.
In later blog posts, we’ll provide some examples of the PEE acronym at work, and also consider how long an essay paragraph needs to be in order to reach the required depth.
Friday, 26 February 2010
Introduction
The aim of this blog is to provide information and assistance to A level Business students at Spalding Grammar School. Please read with care and take the time to comment on the material contained in this blog. Read on... reflect.... and develop your business understanding.