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CAIE IGCSE Business Studies 4.4 costs scale and break-even

Use this costs-and-break-even page to define cost terms, interpret break-even evidence and apply scale effects to decisions.

Syllabus
2027–2029
Course
Business 0264

Exam points

  • Define economies of scale as lower average costs from increased business size.
  • Classify fixed, variable, average or total costs using business examples.
  • Use break-even output or margin of safety to support production and pricing decisions.

Covered syllabus points

4.4.1—Identify and classify costs4.4.2—Economies and diseconomies of scale4.4.3—Break-even analysis

4.4. Costs, scale of production and break-even analysis question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

GHT is a public limited company. It produces steel products including gates and garage doors. GHT has a flat organisational structure and a short chain of command. GHT has many stakeholder groups including 600 employees. The Managing Director is considering introducing job rotation to improve employee motivation. He has also been analysing some financial data. An extract is shown in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1

Table 3.1

Define 'fixed cost'.

4.4. Costs, scale of production and break-even analysis question 2

[Maximum number: 4]

TBX manufactures high-quality steel which is used to build railways. The method of production used allows TBX to benefit from economies of scale. The business holds a high level of inventory including iron ore. The Managing Director knows business activity could have an impact on the environment and is considering ways the business can contribute to sustainable development.

Outline two possible economies of scale TBX might benefit from.

Economy of scale 1:
Economy of scale 2:

4.4. Costs, scale of production and break-even analysis question 3

[Maximum number: 2]

Nancy wants to be an entrepreneur. She has analysed market research data and decided to start up a book shop. Nancy has identified a suitable location and prepared a business plan. Nancy is calculating her total costs. She will use this information to help her complete a break-even chart as shown in Figure 2.1. Nancy is also considering using e-commerce.

Break-even chart for Nancy's new business

Break-even chart for Nancy's new business

Identify X and Y.

X:
Y:

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