Paper 2 Preparation - Large Businesses » Large Business Mock Examination

Introduction to Paper 2 Preparation

Paper 2 of the iGCSE Business Studies exam focuses on large businesses and requires you to analyse case studies, evaluate business decisions and demonstrate your understanding of how big companies operate. This paper tests your ability to apply business knowledge to real-world scenarios and think critically about business problems.

Key Definitions:

• Case Study: A detailed examination of a real business situation used to test your analytical skills.
• Evaluation: Making judgements about business decisions by weighing up advantages and disadvantages.
• Analysis: Breaking down business information to understand causes, effects and relationships.
• Application: Using business theory and concepts to explain real business situations.

Understanding Large Business Characteristics

Before tackling Paper 2, you must understand what makes large businesses different from small ones. Large businesses have unique challenges, opportunities and ways of operating that you'll need to recognise in case studies.

Key Features of Large Businesses

Large businesses typically employ over 250 people, have high turnover and operate across multiple markets. They face different challenges compared to small businesses, including communication difficulties, coordination problems and the need for formal management structures.

🏦 Size Indicators

Number of employees, annual turnover, market share and number of locations are key measures of business size.

⚙ Complex Operations

Large businesses often have multiple departments, layers of management and operate in several countries.

📈 Market Power

Large businesses can influence prices, have strong bargaining power with suppliers and significant market presence.

Exam Technique and Strategy

Success in Paper 2 depends not just on business knowledge but also on exam technique. Understanding how to approach different question types and manage your time effectively is crucial for achieving top marks.

Question Types and Command Words

Paper 2 questions use specific command words that tell you what type of answer is expected. Understanding these commands is essential for structuring your responses correctly and earning maximum marks.

📝 Lower-Level Commands

State/Identify: Give a short, factual answer
Define: Explain the meaning of a business term
Calculate: Work out a numerical answer using given data

🧠 Higher-Level Commands

Explain: Give reasons why something happens
Analyse: Break down information and show relationships
Evaluate: Make judgements and reach conclusions

Time Management Strategies

With 90 minutes for 80 marks, you have just over one minute per mark. However, some questions require more thinking time than others, so you need a clear strategy for allocating your time effectively.

Reading and Planning Techniques

Start by reading the entire case study carefully, highlighting key information and making notes in the margins. Look for financial data, problems the business faces and any recent changes or developments mentioned.

Top Tip

Read all questions before starting to answer. This helps you identify which parts of the case study are most relevant and prevents you from repeating information across different answers.

Structuring High-Mark Answers

Questions worth 8-12 marks require detailed, well-structured responses that demonstrate analysis and evaluation skills. These questions often ask you to discuss advantages and disadvantages, or to recommend a course of action.

The PEEL Structure

For longer answers, use the PEEL structure: Point, Evidence, Explain, Link. This ensures your answers are logical and well-developed.

💡 Point

Make a clear statement answering the question

📊 Evidence

Use data or examples from the case study

🔗 Explain & Link

Develop your point and link back to the question

Common Topics in Large Business Case Studies

Certain topics appear frequently in Paper 2 case studies. Being familiar with these areas will help you quickly identify key issues and apply relevant business theory.

Frequent Examination Areas

Large business case studies often focus on growth strategies, organisational structure, financial performance, marketing in competitive markets and managing human resources across multiple locations.

📈 Growth and Expansion

Questions about mergers, acquisitions, international expansion and the challenges of managing growth. Consider both benefits and drawbacks of expansion strategies.

👥 Organisational Issues

Communication problems, delegation, span of control and organisational structure changes. Large businesses often struggle with coordination and control.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Many students lose marks through avoidable errors rather than lack of knowledge. Understanding these common pitfalls will help you maximise your performance in Paper 2.

Typical Student Errors

The most common mistakes include not reading questions carefully, failing to use case study information, writing generic answers that could apply to any business and not managing time effectively.

⚠ Content Mistakes

Avoid generic textbook answers. Always relate your response to the specific business in the case study. Use names, figures and details from the case study to support your points.

🕑 Technique Mistakes

Don't spend too long on low-mark questions. Ensure you attempt all questions, even if you're running short of time. Partial answers can still earn marks.

Final Preparation Tips

In the weeks leading up to your exam, focus on practising with past papers and mark schemes. This will help you understand exactly what examiners are looking for and how to structure your answers effectively.