CAIE A-Level Business AS 2.1.5 Morale and Welfare Questions

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AO1 Knowledge and understanding

Knowledge of diversity and equality (max 2 marks), including:

- Equality - Ensuring a fair organisation so everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

- Diversity - Creating a mixed workforce, placing a positive value on diversity in the workplace.

Knowledge of an impact of diversity and equality in the workplace (max 2 marks), including:

- May be required by legislation

- Good employer reputation

- Easier to attract new employees

- May get the best applicants

- Introduce new ideas/innovation

AO2 Application

Context applied to an impact of diversity and equality in the workplace □ (max 2 marks), including

- Outsourcing company so other businesses most likely to require a diverse work organisation so better fit with customers

- Businesses more likely to use them if good equality practices

- Adverse variance of $ 500 per hire - indicates need to ensure efficiency

- Dynamic market environment requires creative employees

- Uses social media to attract customers - variety of languages help global expansion

- Won an award for good equality and diversity practices

- Use of Table 1.1

AO3 Analysis

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

Developed analysis - candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis.

- Change of working culture may be required - increasing costs/unsettled environment

- Training in equality and diversity for existing employees - higher costs/lower profit

- Costs of recruiting - additional requirement leading to higher costs

- Need to employ diverse ways of working and thinking to bring in new ideas and increase competitiveness

- Increase productivity - employees motivated by good working practices/leading to increased profit

- Better able to operate in a global marketplace - attracting more customers/businesses/- leading to increased sales/revenue

AO4 Evaluation

Limited evaluation - unsupported judgement and/or a weak attempt at evaluative comment

Developed evaluation - supported judgement and/or reasonable evaluative comment

Developed evaluation in context ${ }^{\text {□ }}$ - supported judgement in context and/or reasonable evaluative comment in context.

- Weighing up of risks vs. reward of diversity

- Short term costs vs. long term benefits

- Judgement of consequences to RP impact on stakeholders it will most likely impact

- Challenges posed to company culture

Accept all valid responses.

2(a)(i)

Identify one fixed cost.

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Fixed cost

- rent

- interest

- salaries

- wages

Accept all valid responses.

2(a)(ii)

Explain the term mass customisation.

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AO1 Knowledge and understanding

Mass customisation is the use of flexible computer-aided technology on production lines to make products that meet individual customers' requirements for customised products.

Knowledge of mass customisation □ (max 1 mark), including:

- Bulk production

- Flexible

- Made to order

- Customer preferences

AO2 Application

Explanation of a characteristic of mass customisation □ , including:

- Lower unit costs combined with personalisation / Increased product choice

- Higher customer retention/loyalty

- Customers prepared to pay a higher price

- Higher profit margins

2(a)(ii)

Context applied to mass market(s) □ , including:

- Relevant example of mass customisation (including the T-shirt market)

Application can be made to FW or any other scenario/context/business/person.

Accept all valid responses.

Guidance in awarding marks