CAIE A-Level Business AS 1.4 Business Objectives Questions
Practise explaining business objectives, SMART targets and ethical influences, then evaluating how objectives shape decisions.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Business 9609
- Level
- AS
Exam points
- explain mission statements, SMART objectives, CSR or the triple bottom line in context
- analyse how ethical decisions or objectives affect marketing, HRM or strategy choices
- evaluate why objectives may change as internal or external conditions shift
Covered syllabus points
Question 1
[Maximum number: 5]
Analyse one way in which ethics may influence the activities of a business.
Analyse one way in which ethics may influence the activities of a business.
Table C
Follow the point-based marking guidance at the top of this mark scheme and use this table to give marks for each candidate response.
Indicative content
Responses may include:
A01 Knowledge and understanding
- The moral principles that guide the way a business behaves - distinguishing between 'right' and 'wrong' and then making the 'right' choice.
4
AO2 Application
- The objectives of a business may include survival, growth, market domination, profit and the pursuit of any of these may well involve ethical dilemmas.
- Ethical decisions will be required when pressures or demands develop which suggest that business performance can be improved through unethical actions.
AO3 Analysis
- A business may decide not to engage in unethical practices such as employing child labour, using inferior raw materials, engaging in questionable advertising or promotion activities.
- A business could reject cheap production methods that pollute the environment and add to social costs.
- A business could decide to be more responsible and avoid locating in countries with low inferior employment conditions.
- A business could avoid supplying or promoting products that might damage health.
- A business could avoid exploiting suppliers and develop strong, more trusting partnerships.
- A business could subscribe to corporate socially responsible practices and objectives.
- Such ethical decisions and practices will likely build and maintain a positive reputation and prevent financial and legal problems.
- A commitment to ethical business activities will enrich the business culture and encourage more productive relations between customers, managers, and employees.
Accept all valid responses.
AO1
AO2
AO3
Level
AO1 Knowledge and understanding
2 marks
AO2 Application
2 marks
AO3 Analysis
4 marks
Description
Description
Description
2
3-4 marks
Developed analysis
- Developed analysis that identifies connections between causes, impacts and/or consequences of two points.
- Developed analysis that identifies
[4 marks] connections between causes, impacts and/or consequences of one point. [3 marks]
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.
[2 marks]
[1 mark]
1-2 marks
- Application of two relevant points to a business context.
- Application of one relevant point to a business context.
[2 marks]
[1 mark]
1-2 marks
Limited analysis
- Limited analysis that identifies connections between causes, impacts and/or consequences of two points.
- Limited analysis that identifies
[2 marks] connections between causes, impacts and/or consequences of one point.
[1 mark]
0
0 marks
No creditable response.
0 marks
No creditable response.
0 marks
No creditable response.
Table E
Use this table to give marks for each candidate response for Questions 5(b) and 6(b).
Level
AO1 Knowledge and
understanding
2 marks
AO2 Application
2 marks
AO3 Analysis
2 marks
AO4 Evaluation
6 marks
Description
Description
Description
Description
3
5-6 marks
Developed evaluation in context
- A developed judgement/ conclusion is made in the business context.
- Developed evaluative comments which weigh up some key arguments in the business context.
2
2 marks
Developed knowledge of relevant key term(s) and/or factor(s) is used to answer the question.
2 marks
Developed application of relevant point(s) to the business context.
2 marks
Developed analysis that identifies connections between causes, impacts and/or consequences.
3-4 marks
Developed evaluation
- A developed judgement/ conclusion is made.
- Developed evaluative comments which weigh up some key arguments.
1
1 mark
Limited knowledge of relevant key term(s) and/or factor(s) is used to answer the question.
1 mark
Limited application of relevant point(s) to the business context.
1 mark
Limited analysis that identifies connections between causes, impacts and/or consequences.
1-2 marks
Limited evaluation
- A judgement/conclusion is made with limited supporting comment/ evidence.
- An attempt is made to weigh up the arguments.
0
0 marks
No creditable response.
0 marks
No creditable response.
0 marks
No creditable response.
0 marks
No creditable response.
9609/01
SPECIMEN
For examination
from 2023
EITHER
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