CAIE A-Level Business A2 7.2.4 Barriers to Communication Topic Practice

Level

A01 Knowledge and understanding 2 marks

AO2 Application 2 marks

AO3 Analysis

4 marks

3-4 marks

Developed analysis

- Developed analysis that identifies connections between causes, impacts and/or consequences of two points.

- Developed analysis that identifies connections between causes, impacts and/or consequences of one point.

1

1-2 marks

- Knowledge of two relevant points is used to answer the question.

- Knowledge of one relevant point is used to answer the question.

1-2 marks

- Application of two relevant points to a business context.

- Application of one relevant point to a business context.

1-2 marks

Limited analysis

- Limited analysis that identifies connections between causes, impacts and/or consequences of two points.

- Limited analysis that identifies connections between causes, impacts and/or consequences of one point.

0

0 marks

No creditable response.

0 marks

No creditable response.

0 marks

No creditable response.

Note:

- Only reward barriers.

- If more than two barriers are referred to, reward the best two.

1

Indicative content

Responses may include:

AO1 Knowledge and understanding

Limited knowledge ${ }^{\mathrm{K}}$ will be demonstrated through knowledge of the concept of barriers to communication or knowledge of possible impacts of barriers.

Developed knowledge ${ }^{\mathrm{K}}+{ }^{\mathrm{K}}$ will be demonstrated through knowledge of the concept of barriers to communication and knowledge of the possible impacts.

Knowledge of barriers to communication

- Definition of barriers to communication - factors which may prevent a message being clearly transmitted between the sender and receiver(s).

- Generic barriers such as noise, language, distance, technology failure.

Knowledge of impacts of barriers to communication

- Generic impacts such as information not getting through or misunderstandings.

AO2 Application

Limited application, ${ }^{\text {APP }}$ applies knowledge to LT once.

Developed application, ${ }^{\mathrm{APP}}+{ }^{\mathrm{APP}}$ applies knowledge to LT twice.

Max one ${ }^{\text {APP }}$ for application for the first barrier to communication and max one ${ }^{\text {APP }}$ for application for the second barrier to communication.

- LT based in Asia but offers tours by local guides in many countries, there are likely to be some language and cultural barriers.

- The on-line business model relies on internet infrastructure for communication between customers, LT and guides.

- Time differences may also be an issue, for example if there are last minute changes to tour details.

- The LT booking system also relies on honest information being put up on the website about guides and tours.

- It may be a serious problem if information about customer tour requirements gets 'lost' in the system.

PUBLISHED

1

AO3 Analysis

Limited analysis AN - candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis.

Developed analysis L2AN - candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis OR offers a two-sided analysis.

- Development of application points, in terms of the likely impacts on LT when communication is not effective and impact on future sales and revenue.

- Barriers such as language and culture may result in misunderstanding of customers' needs and wants leading to dissatisfaction, bad reviews on social media and 'trip advisor' type sites. AN leading to lower future sales. L2 AN

- Any incorrect or misrepresented information also may mean that tours do not meet customers' expectations ${ }^{\text {AN }}$ leading to bad reviews and damage to reputation. L2 AN

- Failure of internet infrastructure has the potential to mean that tours cannot be booked, may also cause lack of consumer confidence, AN as well as loss of revenue. L2 AN

Accept all valid responses.