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EDUCATION
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
Foreword ii
Acknowledgements iii
1 Introduction 1
2 Aims 2
3 Assessment Objectives 3
4 Scheme of Assessment 4
5 Content 6
6 Coursework/Practical Skills 31
7 Grade Descriptions 33
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FOREWORD
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Examinations, Research and Testing Division (ERTD) wishes to express its
gratitude to all colleagues who contributed in different ways to the planning,
development and production of this Senior Secondary Business Studies syllabus.
Special thanks must go to all members of the Business Subjects Task Force whose
names are listed below.
ERTD feels that this Business Studies syllabus reflects the outcome of a genuinely
collaborative work across a broad educational spectrum and reiterates its gratitude to
all individuals and organisations who contributed in any way to the production of this
syllabus.
The Division would also like to acknowledge the technical support provided by the
University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) in the production of
this syllabus.
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1. INTRODUCTION
As part of the Senior Secondary Education Programme, this Business Studies syllabus is
designed to assess candidates who have completed a two-year course based on t he
Senior Secondary Business Studies Teaching Syllabus.
This syllabus aims to assess positive achievement at all levels of ability. Candidates will be
assessed in ways that encourage them to show what they know, understand and can do, and
which provide opportunities to articulate their insights, perceptions and responses.
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2. AIMS
As far as possible, the Aims will be reflected in the Assessment Objectives. However, some
of them cannot be readily assessed.
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3. ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
For assessment purposes, the objectives have been broken down into smaller units.
However, a question designed to test, for example, Judgement and Decision Making would,
require candidates to demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis and Application.
Questions testing these objectives will often begin with words such as define, list, outline,
name, describe, explain, etc.
Questions testing these skills will often begin with words such as compare, analyse, calculate,
prepare, how might, differentiate, distinguish between, explain in context, etc.
3. Investigation
Candidates should be able to:
3.1 Set objectives, plan and carry out an investigation of a particular business situation;
3.2 Select, analyse, collate, interpret and evaluate data from a variety of sources
appropriate to the objectives of an investigation;
3.3 Present the result of an investigation in an accurate and logical manner.
Questions testing these objectives will often begin with words or phrases such as assess,
recommend, choose between, justify, evaluate, discuss, decide, why, etc.
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4. SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT
All candidates will be graded on a scale A* to G. All candidates who do not achieve grade G
will be Unclassified (U) and no grade will appear on their certificate.
The knowledge, understanding and the skills required for papers and the coursework are
identified in the syllabus content given in section 5 below.
The Papers
Paper 1
Written 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks
There will be five questions, each with a number of sub-questions. The paper will contain
short-answer and stimulus response questions and will test Assessment Objectives 1, 2,
and 4. There will be no choice of questions.
Paper 2
Written 2 hours 90 marks
The paper will have five structured questions. Candidates will be presented with a case
study involving a business situation or problem, and required to answer questions arising
from it. It may include structured/data response questions. The paper will assess
Assessment Objectives 1, 2, and 4. There will be no choice of questions.
Paper 3
Coursework 60 marks
The paper will be a continuous assessment in the form of coursework covering a productive
activity or research into an existing productive activity in which the learner took part. The
coursework will be completed over a period of three school terms. Candidates will be
required to submit a portfolio which will be about 2500 words in length. The coursework will
assess Assessment Objectives 2, 3, and 4.
Note: Business Studies is an integrated subject, and questions may relate to more than one
syllabus topic.
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Assessment Grid
The following table shows the approximate number of marks allocated to each Assessment
Objective in each paper.
PAPER WEIGHT
1 35%
2 40%
3 25%
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5. CONTENT
2 Production Management
3 People and Organisational Behaviour
4 People in the Work Place
5 Business Finance
6 Marketing Management
7 Starting a Business
Each section has one or more sub-sections. The sub-sections are presented in three columns:
(a) Topics
A topic refers to the main subject, which candidates should have studied.
(b) General Objectives
General Objectives are derived from the topics and are the general knowledge,
understanding and demonstration of skills on which candidates may be assessed.
(c) Specific Objectives
Specific Objectives are detailed aspects of the General Objectives. They indicate
which aspects of the topic are likely to be assessed.
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MODULE 1 THE BUSINESS ORGANISATION
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Unit 1.4 The Government In Business
Government know and understand - state the various ways the government
Assistance to how the government of Botswana is assisting small medium
business of Botswana can help and large businesses;
businesses - explain why the government assist
businesses which are involved in
export;
- explain how the Botswana government
assist exporters.
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MODULE 2: PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
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Unit 2.2 Production Strategies
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Unit 2.3 Production Activities
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Unit 2.4 Technology and Business
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MODULE 3; PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR
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Unit 3.2 Managing a Business
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Unit 3.3 Communication In Business
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MODULE 4: PEOPLE IN THE WORKPLACE
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Unit 4.2 Human Resource Management
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Unit 4.3 Industrial Relations
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MODULE 5: BUSINESS FINANCE
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Unit 5.2 Financial Forecasting
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Unit 5.3 Financing Business Activity
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MODULE 6: MARKETING MANAGEMENT
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Unit 6.2 The Marketing Mix Product
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Unit 6.3 The Marketing Mix Price
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Unit 6.4 The Marketing Mix Promotion
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Unit 6.5 Marketing Mix Place
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Unit 7.2 Business Planning And Start Up
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6. COURSEWORK/PRACTICAL SKILLS
Candidates should do a project which he/she will enjoy and will be useful. The following list
shows some suggested topics.
1. Consider the product of any one of the following practical subjects: Agriculture, Home
Economics, Design and Technology and Art. Plan the setting up of a business, which
can produce and sell the product profitably.
2. After you have worked in the school tuck-shop or any other shop for not less than one
term, suggest ways to improve it.
3. Consider any product sold in the local shops. Indicate how you can add value to it to
become your feasible business idea. Write a comprehensive business plan for that
business idea.
4. Consider the small businesses in your locality and investigate the reasons for their
survival.
5. Choose a vacant site in your local area. Consider the kind of business you would
recommend to be opened at the site and why.
6. Choose any business or businesses in the local area. Evaluate the marketing
strategies adopted by the business or businesses.
7. Using examples from your local area, evaluate the methods used by different
companies in the recruitment and retention of staff.
10. Choose any one business whose location has been a blessing or a curse to the
people and the environment in your local area.
11. The impact of tourism (or agriculture, mining, etc.) on the economy of Botswana.
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ASSESSMENT OF COURSEWORK
Coursework will be marked by the teacher and this should provide a reliable order of merit
with a spread of marks which adequately discriminates candidates attainment in accordance
with the following criteria:
ASSESSMENT MAXIMUM
OBJECTIVE MARK
MODERATION
b) External Moderation
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7. GRADE DESCRIPTIONS
Grade Descriptions are provided to give a general indication of the standards of achievement
expected of candidates for the award of particular grades. The grade awarded will depend on
the extent to which the candidate has met the Assessment Objectives.
Grade A
Judgement & decision-making
A consistent ability to present reasoned explanations develops arguments, understand
implications, and communicate them in an accurate and logical manner in a variety of
circumstances.
A consistent ability to make reasoned judgements, decisions and present appropriate
recommendations and conclusions of a high standard.
Investigation
A sound ability to set objectives, plan and carry out and investigation of a particular
business situation.
A consistent ability to select, analyses, collates, interpret and evaluate data from a
variety of sources appropriate to the objectives of an investigation.
A consistent ability to present the result of an investigation in an accurate and logical
manner.
Analysis and Application
A consistent ability to relate facts, concepts, techniques and conventions, learnt in an
acuminate and logical manner.
A consistent ability to classify, interpret and recognise, select, analyse and interpret
information in narrative, numerical and graphical forms.
A consistent ability to distinguish between evidence and opinion.
Grade C
Judgement decision-making
Shows ability to present reasoned explanations, develop arguments, understand
implications, and communicate them in an accurate and logical manner but not
consistently.
Shows ability to make reasoned judgements and present appropriate recommendations
and conclusions but not consistently.
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Investigation
An ability to set objectives, plan and carry out and investigation of a particular
business situation.
A good ability to select, analyses, collates, interpret and evaluate data from a variety
of sources appropriate to the objectives of an investigation.
An ability to present the result of an investigation in an accurate and logical manner.
Analysis and Application
An ability to relate facts, concepts, techniques and conventions to different situations.
A good ability to use and comment on information presented in a non-verbal as well as
a verbal manner.
A good ability to classify, interpret and recognise, select, analyse and interpret
information in narrative, numerical and graphical forms.
An ability to distinguish between evidence and opinion.
A good ability to apply knowledge and understanding to business activity.
Grade F
Judgement & decision-making
Some ability to present reasoned explanations, develops arguments, understand
implications, and communicate them.
Some ability to make reasoned judgements or present appropriate recommendations or
conclusions.
Some ability to understand theories and techniques commonly applied to or used as
part of business behaviour.
Investigation
Some ability to set objectives, plan and carry out and investigation of a particular
business situation
Some ability to select, analyse collate, interpret and evaluate data from a variety of
sources appropriate to the objectives of an investigation.
Some ability to present the result of an investigation.
Analysis and Application
A limited ability to relate facts, concepts, techniques and convention learnt to some
situations.
A limited ability to classify, interpret and recognise, select, analyse and interpret
information in narrative, numerical and graphical forms.
Some ability to distinguish between evidence and opinion.
Some ability to apply knowledge and understanding to business activity.
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Knowledge and Understanding
Some ability to identify specific facts, and techniques in relation to the content of the
syllabus.
Some familiarity with definitions and explanation of theories and techniques commonly
applied to or used as part of business behaviour.
8. APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
Introduction
The Business Studies coursework is aimed at exposing candidates to the world of work and
allow them to put theory into practice. It allows for personal development, creativity, and
resourcefulness by selecting, collecting, investigating and preparing individual written reports.
Coursework is very important in Business Studies because it gives the candidates important
skills and practices such as:
Rationale
The coursework has been incorporated in the examination of the Botswana General
Certificate of Secondary Education Business Studies syllabus as a good way of testing to see
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how well the candidate can apply his or her skills to a real business situation. It gives the
candidate the opportunity to do something totally original and to be assessed on their
performance during the course of study
It enables them to acquire knowledge, develop confidence and the ability to assess their
personal strengths and weaknesses. Coursework gives candidates the opportunity to
appreciate the need to plan and execute a project that is viable in terms of available
resources.
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Candidates should identify evaluation techniques such questionnaires, observation,
This section indicates whether the project was a success or failure in terms of
achieving its aims and objectives. Candidates should mention the strengths and
weaknesses of the project.
Finally, candidates should reflect on the methodology and evaluation instruments
used. The evaluation should include any shortcomings.
(f) Conclusions and Recommendations
In the conclusion, candidates should reflect on the aims and objectives of the project
and the implications of their work on Business Studies. Also, they should summarise
the main activities, benefits and problems.
Their recommendations should include suggestions for future actions based on their
findings, and they should identify implications if any.
(g) Presentation
Candidates should be able to use variety of presentation techniques. Credit will be
given to Logical layout of the data and the whole presentation.
(h) References
Candidate should list secondary sources used in the order of name of author, initials
of author, (year of publication), title (underlined), publisher.
Glossary, questionnaires, tables, should be included as appendices.
MARKING CRITERIA
The Assessment Objectives and the Maximum Marks are on page 25. The detailed criteria for
the award of marks are as follows:
Aims and/ or objectives are developed in the context of the coursework. 6-8
The introduction and background/rationale for the coursework are clear.
Facts and terms used more appropriate to the topic, showing both 3-5
width and depth
Facts and terms used appropriate to the topic, although lacking in 1-2
depth in some areas
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3. METHODOLOGY OF INVESTIGATION AND COLLECTION OF DATA
8 MARKS
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Data is analysed and interpreted more fully 5-7
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APPENDIX B
Glossary of Terms
Analysis
To take apart or break down the whole into its component parts or to examine or consider in detail the
component parts or features of the whole.
Calculate
This is used when a numerical answer is required. In general, working should be shown when two or
more steps are involved.
Determine
This often implies that the quantity concerned cannot be measured directly but is obtained by
calculation or substituting measured or known values of other quantities into a standard formula.
Find
This is a general term that may be interpreted as calculate, measure, or determine.
Discuss
This requires the candidates to give a critical account of the points involved in the topic.
Analyse
Study in depth, identify and describe in detail the main parts or characteristics of something.
Account for
Explain the reasons for, giving an indication of all relevant circumstances. Very different from Give an
account of, which asks only for a detailed description.
Assess
Examine closely, with a view to measuring or weighing up a particular situation. Consider in a
balanced way: strengths and weaknesses, points for and against. In conclusion, state your judgement
clearly.
Comment
State clearly and in a moderate fashions your opinions on the material in question. Support your views
with references to suitable evidence, examples or explanation as appropriate.
Compare
Look for qualities and characteristics, which resemble each other. Emphasise similarities but be aware
also of points of difference.
Contrast
Stress the dissimilarities and differences between the items in question, but do not ignore points of
similarity.
Criticise
Express your balanced judgement about the merit or truth of the material in question. Give the results
of your scrutiny, establishing both strengths and weaknesses. Be specific.
Define
Give concise, clear and authoritative meanings. Do not give too many details, but be sure to state the
limitations of the definition. Show how the thing that you are defining differs from things in other
categories.
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Describe
Give the main characteristics or features of the matter in question, or relate in sequence form.
Discuss
Examine and analyse carefully, giving reasons for and against and the advantages and disadvantages
of the factors being considered. Be complete and give details. You must consider all sides of the issue
and reach a balanced conclusion with your reasons.
Distinguish
Show how one thing differs from another by using certain characteristics, such as the income effect
and how it differs between normal, inferior and Giffen goods.
Enumerate
State in list or outline form, giving points concisely one by one.
Evaluate
Carefully appraise the matter in hand, citing both advantages and limitations. Emphasise the views of
authorities as well as your personal opinion to put value to something, to assess its worth or to
analyse and assess the role or function of something.
Explain
Clarify, interpret and spell out the material you present. Give reasons for important features or
developments and try to analyse causes or say how it works. To make sense of something; to provide
reasons for something being or happening in a particular way. To give a causal account of something.
Examine
To study something closely or in depth, to assess.
How far
You are expected to make your case or present your material in a logical sequence, while remaining
aware of the possible need to introduce contradictory or counterbalancing evidence. You will need to
give your opinion and assessment of the issue.
Identify
To find, locate or recognise, to establish to say what it is
Illustrate
Use specific examples, figures or diagrams to explain demonstrate or clarify a problem, situation or
view. Be sure to include diagrams if they are specifically asked for.
Interpret
Use specific examples, figures or diagrams to explain demonstrate or clarify a problem, situation or
view. Be sure to include diagrams if they are specifically asked for.
Justify
Make out a case, prove or give reasons for decisions, statements or conclusions, taking care to be
convincing. To show that something is correct, appropriate and reasonable.
List
Write an itemised series of words, phrases or concise statements.
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Outline
Provide a framework description of main points and subordinate points, omitting minor detail and
stressing the arrangement or classification of the material.
Relate
Show how things are connected to each other, or how one causes another or is like another.
Review
Examine a subject critically, analysing and commenting on the important points and stages of
development.
State
Present the main points or definition in brief clear sequence
APPENDIX C
Tables, Graphs, Quantitative Skills and Conventions
Tables
The column of a table will be headed or titled and the appropriate unit needed would be added. E.g.
Pounds, Pula, grams etc.
Graphs
A graph is the diagrammatic presentation of data. It may have one or several curves plotted on it.
Points on the curve would be clearly marked as a cross (X) or encircled dots (0). If a further curve is
included, vertical crosses (+) may be used to mark the points. The independent variable will be plotted
on the X-axis (horizontal axis) and the dependent variable plotted on the Y-axis (vertical axis).
Quantitative Skills
Candidates will be required to perform some quantitative operations, including calculations. They
should be able to use scientific calculators. The mathematical requirements, which form part of this
syllabus, are listed below.
Add, subtract, multiply and divide number; use simply formulae; understand and use averages; read,
interpret and draw simple references from tables and statements.
Find percentages of quantities; construct and interpret; financial statements. Calculate with simple
fractions, decimals, percentage or ratios; manipulate and solve simple equations; interpret and use
tables and graph.
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