INTERNATIONAL GCSE

BUSINESS
9225/2
Paper 2 Influences of Marketing and Finance on Business Activity

Mark scheme
June 2023
Version: 1.0 Final

*236Y9225/2/MS*
 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL GCSE BUSINESS – 9225/2 – JUNE 2023

Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.

It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.

Further copies of this mark scheme are available from oxfordaqaexams.org.uk

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Copyright © 2023 Oxford International AQA Examinations and its licensors. All rights reserved.

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL GCSE BUSINESS – 9225/2 – JUNE 2023

Level of response marking instructions

Level of response mark schemes are broken down into levels, each of which has a descriptor. The
descriptor for the level shows the average performance for the level. There are marks in each level.

Before you apply the mark scheme to a student’s answer read through the answer and annotate it (as
instructed) to show the qualities that are being looked for. You can then apply the mark scheme.

Step 1 Determine a level

Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the answer meets the
descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the different qualities that might be seen in
the student’s answer for that level. If it meets the lowest level then go to the next one and decide if it
meets this level, and so on, until you have a match between the level descriptor and the answer. With
practice and familiarity you will find that for better answers you will be able to quickly skip through the
lower levels of the mark scheme.

When assigning a level you should look at the overall quality of the answer and not look to pick holes in
small and specific parts of the answer where the student has not performed quite as well as the rest. If
the answer covers different aspects of different levels of the mark scheme you should use a best fit
approach for defining the level and then use the variability of the response to help decide the mark within
the level, ie if the response is predominantly level 3 with a small amount of level 4 material it would be
placed in level 3 but be awarded a mark near the top of the level because of the level 4 content.

Step 2 Determine a mark

Once you have assigned a level you need to decide on the mark. The descriptors on how to allocate
marks can help with this. The exemplar materials used during standardisation will help. There will be an
answer in the standardising materials which will correspond with each level of the mark scheme. This
answer will have been awarded a mark by the Lead Examiner. You can compare the student’s answer
with the example to determine if it is the same standard, better or worse than the example. You can then
use this to allocate a mark for the answer based on the Lead Examiner’s mark on the example.

You may well need to read back through the answer as you apply the mark scheme to clarify points and
assure yourself that the level and the mark are appropriate.

Indicative content in the mark scheme is provided as a guide for examiners. It is not intended to be
exhaustive and you must credit other valid points. Students do not have to cover all of the points
mentioned in the Indicative content to reach the highest level of the mark scheme.

An answer which contains nothing of relevance to the question must be awarded no marks.

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Marking guidance

• Read the response as a whole; follow the flow of reasoning as a whole.

• Remember that the indicative content provides possible lines of argument but there may be others that
are equally valid. Be willing to credit other lines of argument.
• Annotate the script as you read using the annotations for application, analysis and evaluation shown
below.
• Refer back to the standardisation scripts and guidance to help you benchmark. Marking must be in
line with the standard agreed at standardisation. Refer back to standardisation scripts regularly.
• Summarise your findings briefly at the end of the response. This will help you decide on the overall
level and is helpful for others to understand the mark given. Make sure the comments fit with the level
awarded.
• Within your comment put the level awarded, eg L4, and any further explanation of that decision
needed most commonly where performance has varied across the answer.
• If in doubt about an approach contact your Team Leader, so that we can ensure we have a
standardised approach across all marking.
• Be positive in your marking. Look to reward what is there.

Standard annotations:

Annotation Skill being evidenced

Uses context AO2 – application to context

Analysed in depth
Partial analysis AO3 – analysis
Simplistic analysis

Evaluation fully justified

Evaluation with some justification AO4 – evaluation
Evaluation with limited justification
Evaluation with no justification

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Section A Total for this section: 15 marks

Total
Question Part Marking guidance
marks

1 Which one of the following best describes a purchasing economy 1

of scale?
AO1=1
Answer: B (Buying goods in bulk)

2 A business wants to achieve a total sales turnover of $700 000. 1

How many units would the business need to sell, if it charges a
price of $35 per unit? AO1=1

Answer: A (20 000)

3 A business using video conferencing for a meeting of shareholders 1

is an example of:
AO1=1
Answer: A (digital communication.)

4 A business will carry out market research in order to: 1

Answer: C (find out the likely demand for a product.) AO1=1

5 Which one of the following is the most common reason for 1

someone deciding to start their own business?
AO1=1
Answer: B (To be their own boss)

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6 Explain one way in which a not-for-profit organisation differs from 2

other businesses.
AO1=2
One mark for identifying a valid difference, plus one mark for
offering some explanation or development.
An example would be relevant development.

Possible answers include:

Not-for-profit
• will have different purposes and objectives
• often exist to meet society’s needs
• will aim for revenue to be greater than costs so that society’s
needs can be met
• income is not distributed to any owners, but recycled back into
the business in line with their stated aims and objectives.

Other businesses
• profit maximisation is often the main aim
• profits are usually distributed to the owners or shareholders.
• A competitive ethos is a main driving force

Specimen response:

A ‘not-for-profit organisation’ is an organisation that works for the

public good (1) rather than for a profit like private businesses. (1)

7 Explain one reason why a business may decide to move from one 2
location to another.
AO1=2
One mark for identifying a valid reason, plus one mark for offering
some explanation or development. (x2)

Possible answers include:

• the location may not be a busy one so the business may not
receive many customers/new location has more potential
customers
• the location may be too far away from customers so customers
may use more conveniently located businesses/new location is
more convenient for customers
• may not get enough customers so the business may struggle to
make profits and survive/potentially more profits at the new
location
• because of is poor location, the business may have to spend
more on advertising/less to be spent in advertising.
• the rent /overheads of the existing location may be too
expensive
• to avoid competition by moving to a location with fewer
competitors

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Specimen response:

The location may be located close to customers (1) which means

that the business would make a greater profit (1).

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8 Identify and explain two ways that a business may benefit from 4
globalisation.
AO1=4
One mark for identifying a valid benefit, plus one mark for offering
some explanation or development. (x2)

Possible answers include:

• access to wider and larger markets to sell their goods in
• access to a cheaper and wider range of resources
• access to a cheaper labour force
• advances in technology
• access to skilled and specialist labour
• benefits of economies of scale
• increased competition may result in businesses being more
efficient.
• potential to increase the product range
• increased brand awareness

Specimen response:

The business will have access to wider and larger markets. (1)
This will enable the business to sell more and make greater profits.
(1)

9 Explain what is meant by “marketing mix”. 2

One mark for making a valid point, plus one mark for offering some AO1=2
explanation or development.

Possible answers include:

• set of marketing tools that a business uses to promote its
products or services to its target customers
• the marketing mix is made up of “the four Ps”
• the strategies that a company uses to promote its brand or
products
• the combination of product, price, place, and promotion.

Specimen response:

A marketing mix is a combination of strategies that a company

uses to promote itself or its products (1). It is made up of “the four
Ps”: price, product, promotion, and place (1).

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Section B Total for this section: 39 marks

Total
Question Part Marking guidance
marks

10 1 Identify and explain one benefit to PPF of having a unique selling 3

point (USP).
AO1=1
1 mark for identifying a benefit, 2nd mark for providing some valid AO2=2
development and 3rd for mark incorporating the context.

Possible answers include:

• enables PPF to distinguish itself from other competitors
• highlights PPF’s product benefits which are advantageous to
consumers
• sways customers to be loyal to the business
• allows PPF to create a distinct image to attract customers
• can be used as a tool for advertising the business as a form of
nonprice competition
• will attract more customers and increase the demand for the
PPF’s products
• creates a strong brand, which increases sales and profits.

Specimen response:
Having a USP will make PPF stand out from its competitors (1).
Its products look like real meat (1). This is used as a form of
promotional marketing, which is designed to increase demand and
sales (1).

10 2 Explain two benefits to PPF of selling its products through 6

established fast-food outlets.
AO1=2
1 mark for identifying a benefit, 2nd mark for providing some valid AO2=4
development and 3rd for mark incorporating the context. (x2)

Possible answers include:

• will increase its customer base and lead to more sales
• will act as a form of promotion by giving PPF greater exposure
• will not need to increase advertising spending, as established
fast food restaurants have large marketing budgets
• will increase PPF’s sales and give them an edge over its
competitors
• if consumers like the products, this could increase consumer
loyalty.
• provides the potential to spread risk

Specimen Response:
PPF’s simulated meat products will gain greater exposure and
sales (1) by selling their products through established fast food
restaurants. The increased sales will help PPF to gain an edge

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over its competitors (1) and help to establish PPF as a brand in its
own right (1). x2
10 3 Analyse the possible impact for one stakeholder of PPF operating 6
in the rapidly growing market for plant-based, meat alternatives.
AO2=2
Answers from the perspective of any one stakeholder will be AO3=4
accepted. (Owners, employees, customers, local community,
government, suppliers etc)

A stakeholder must be clearly identifiable otherwise zero marks

Possible answers include:

• customers will benefit in the form of lower prices, from any cost
savings.
• consumers are changing their taste and preferences and are
demanding more choice. This could attract a greater range of
customers, thus boosting sales and profit, which would benefit
the owners of the business.
• PPF’s employees are likely to find themselves in a more secure
position as a consequence of the increase in demand for plant-
based food. They are likely to experience greater job security
as the company is currently expanding and growing fast. This
could also bring greater job promotion opportunities as the
business expands.
• increasing job opportunities and promotions as the business
grows could leave some employees feeling resentful if they are
not successful in gaining new opportunities or promotion.
• managers may have to take on additional responsibilities some
of which could be quite challenging. This could result in some
managers experiencing ‘burn out’ and becoming less efficient in
their work.
• suppliers may benefit from increased orders which will increase
their sales and profit. If they are unable however, to keep up
with the demand, they may lose custom to other suppliers.
• local communities will benefit as PPF grows and expands. As a
PPF makes more profit there could be possible investment for
local communities, as well as increased job opportunities.
• research and development costs could result in increased prices

Specimen response:
Consumers have become more concerned about traditional meat
production and have faced expensive alternatives when switching
from meat eating. PPF’s customers will now have more choice at
lower prices. This will enable a greater range of customer needs
to be satisfied, which in turn may motivate PPF to focus on their
product development in order to make sure that satisfying
customer needs remains a priority.

L3 Response

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Examiners are reminded that AO2 and AO3 are regarded as interdependent. When deciding on a mark
all should be considered together using the best fit approach. In doing so, examiners should bear in
mind the relative weightings of the Assessment Objectives. Due to the greater number of marks
available for AO3, answers at level 3 will have a greater depth of analysis (AO3) but may show similar
levels of application of knowledge and understanding (AO2) to a level 2 answer.

Level Marks Descriptor

3 5–6 Detailed analysis of topics based on the context

AO3x2 • Business areas are analysed in depth.
• Applies knowledge and understanding to the context sufficiently, throughout
the answer.

2 3–4 Sound analysis of topics based on the context

AO3 • Business areas are partially analysed.
AO2 • Applies knowledge and understanding to the context sufficiently, in most
areas.

1 1–2 Basic analysis of topics based on the context

AO3 • Analysis of business areas is simplistic.
AO2 • Knowledge and understanding is applied to the context, but may be
fragmented.

0 0 Nothing worthy of credit.

10 4 Sales from plant-based food products were $800 million in 2019 3

and are expected to be $1.5 billion by 2023.
AO1=1
Calculate the percentage change in the expected sales from 2019 AO2=2
to 2023.

$(1.5bn – 0.8bn) x 100 (1) = 87.5% (1)

0.8 (1)
The mark for multiplying by 100 can be explicit or implied
Answers do not need to have a % sign

10 5 From 2019, sales revenue was expected to treble by 2023 and 3

cost of goods sold was expected to double.
AO1=1
Calculate PPF’s expected gross profit in 2023. Show your AO2=2
working.

($87 934 000 x 3) – ($70 360 000 x 2) (1)

=$263 802 000 – 140 720 000 (1)

= $123 082 000 (1)

Candidates who omit the 000s – 2 marks max

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10 6 Analyse the problems that PPF might face due to its rapid 6
expansion.
AO2=2
Possible answers include: AO3=4

• PPF may find that morale may drop if staff cannot cope with the
extra work.
• diseconomies of scale may set in and productivity may
decrease.
• PPF may find that there is a shortage of cash to meet expansion
costs.
• taking on more and more work to generate more income places
additional pressure on premises and staff. PPF could outgrow
its premises in the short-term. There may not be enough space
for everyone to work efficiently.
• staff turnover may increase due to heavy workloads. Vital
knowledge could be lost as staff leave. Hiring and training new
staff takes time and money.
• the quality of PPF’s products and services could drop, causing
an increase in customer complaints. PPF may even lose
customers to its competitors.

Specimen Responses:

PPF’s rapid expansion could result in a deterioration in the quality

of its products and services. (L1) This could cause an increasing
number of customer complaints, which in the short term could
damage the business’s reputation. (L2) In the long term PPF could
find that it is losing customers to its competitors, which will result in
falling sales, which will affect its profitability and market share. (L3)

Rapid expansion could also result in a drop in staff morale, if the

staff cannot cope with the extra work. (L1) As a consequence of
the heavy workloads, staff turnover may increase causing
instability in the workforce. (L2) Vital knowledge and understanding
of PPF’s production processes could be lost as staff leave and
hiring and training new staff will take time and could be very
expensive. (L3)

Examiners are reminded that AO2 and AO3 are regarded as interdependent. When) .ding on a mark all
should be considered together using the best fit approach. In doing so, examiners should bear in mind
the relative weightings of the Assessment Objectives. Due to the greater number of marks available for
AO3, answers at level 3 will have a greater depth of analysis (AO3) but may show similar levels of
application of knowledge and understanding (AO2) to a level 2 answer.

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Level Marks Descriptor

3 5–6 Detailed analysis of topics based on the context

AO3x2 • Business areas are analysed in depth.
• Applies knowledge and understanding to the context sufficiently, throughout
the answer.

2 3–4 Sound analysis of topics based on the context

AO3 • Business areas are partially analysed.
AO2 • Applies knowledge and understanding to the context sufficiently, in most
areas.

1 1–2 Basic analysis of topics based on the context

AO3 • Analysis of business areas is simplistic.
AO2 • Knowledge and understanding is applied to the context, but may be
fragmented.

0 0 Nothing worthy of credit.

10 7 The Directors believe that targeting meat-eaters as part of a new 12

marketing strategy, could be very profitable.
AO2=4
Using information from Items A, B and C: AO3=8
• analyse the benefits and drawbacks to PPF of targeting meat-
eating consumers directly
• recommend whether PPF should target meat-eating consumers
directly.

Areas for consideration:

Existing strategy

• PPF’s current marketing strategy has worked very well. They

have a strong brand and sales have been increasing. Sales
revenue is expected to treble by 2021.
• PPF’s current approach has not led to any particular problems
or issues.
• Many meat-eaters may simply by-pass the products because
they are unaware of their benefits.

New strategy

• PPF will be able to see whether the new approach leads to

increased sales and profits.
• It could be a risky strategy to employ.
• Meat-eaters comprise 95% of the total food market. Many
consumers may be willing to try meat alternative products and
so to target them directly could result in increased sales and
profit.

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• This would be very expensive. It will cost $200 million over

3 years. Sales are expected to raise significantly and this will
more than likely cover the cost of the investment.

Possible themes for evaluation

PPF has not targeted customers directly. This approach has been
very successful and has enabled the business to grow rapidly.
This has to be weighed up against the potential benefits that could
accrue to PPF, if they were to directly target the largest segment in
the market.
PPF do not have an identified target market. Despite this the
business continues to grow. They have nothing to lose by
targeting meat-eaters.
The current strategy has enabled the business to be profitable.
Why change a successful strategy?

Examiners are reminded that AO2 and AO3 are regarded as interdependent. When deciding on a mark
all should be considered together using the best fit approach. In doing so, examiners should bear in
mind the relative weightings of the Assessment Objectives. More weight should therefore be given to
AO3 than AO2.

Level Marks Descriptor

4 10–12 Detailed analysis and evaluation of topics based on the context

AO3 • Coherent line of reasoning followed, which is sustained, relevant and
substantiated. There is a focused conclusion that is fully justified and follows
clearly from the analysis.
AO3 • Business areas are analysed in depth.
AO2 • Knowledge and understanding is detailed and appropriately applied within
context.

3 7–9 Sound analysis and evaluation

AO3 • Coherent line of reasoning given and the conclusion is appropriate and
related to the preceding analysis.
AO3 • Business areas are partially analysed.
AO2 • Knowledge and understanding is detailed and appropriately applied within
context.

2 4–6 Limited attempt made to analyse the topics based on the context
AO3 • Evidence of some line of reasoning, with a conclusion that has limited
justification.
AO3 • Analysis of business areas is simplistic.
AO2 • Some knowledge and understanding is applied within context.

1 1–3 Basic evaluation of topics but without any real support or analysis
AO3 • A conclusion is present but without any reasoned support.
AO3 • No discernible or relevant analysis.
AO2 • A clear attempt to apply knowledge and understanding, but context may be
lacking.

0 0 Nothing worthy of credit.

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Section C Total for this section: 36 marks

11 1 Explain one possible effect on JFC’s profit of an increase in the 3

value of the Chinese currency.
AO1=1
1 mark for identifying an effect on cost, 2nd mark for providing AO2=2
some valid development and 3rd for mark for applying the effect
and recognising JFC’s profits will fall.

Possible answers include:

• Change in exchange rate will have an effect on the cost of

furniture.
• Change in exchange rate will have an effect on the price JFC’s
customers pay.
• The price change will influence how many items of furniture
customers buy through JFC.
• A rise in the Chinese currency will increase the cost of the
furniture and lower demand and profits for JFC.
• Shipping costs will increase

Specimen response:
The increase in the exchange rate will affect the price that JFC’s
customers pay (1) and consequently how many items of furniture
they buy (1). This is likely to lower the demand and profits for JFC
(1).

11 2 Identify and explain one advantage and one disadvantage to JFC 6

of asking customers to pay for the furniture before their orders are
placed. AO1=2
AO2=4
1 mark for identifying an advantage, 2nd mark for providing some
valid development and 3rd for mark incorporating the context. (2x2)

Possible answers include:

Advantages:
• eliminates cash collection for JFC
• improves JFC’s cash flow
• requires commitment from the customer, so guarantees
payment
• reduces and eliminates the possibility of non-payment and of
debt for JFC
• JFC is able to create predictive revenue streams.

Disadvantages:
• May raise questions in customers minds about the authenticity
of JFC. They may lose sales as some customers may think that
it is a fake business.
• Some customers may not be able to pay upfront so some sales
may be lost.

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• Businesses that offer credit are seen as established, reliable,

stable and trustworthy; all of which are important to potential
customers. This may result in fewer sales for JFC.

Specimen response:
One advantage is that JFC’s cash flow is improved (1), which
means they will have more money to invest in other areas of the
business (1) and allow them to supply a greater consumer
preference for furniture (1).

11 3 Analyse the advantages to JFC of being an online business. 6

Possible answers include: AO2=2

• opportunity to manage the business from anywhere in the world AO3=4
• global access for customers
• greater sales reach and customer accessibility
• availability 24 hours a day all year round
• greater flexibility
• potential for improved customer service
• cost savings and reduced overheads
• faster delivery of products.

Specimen responses:
Being an online business will allow JFC to be managed from
anywhere in the world. (L1) This means that JFC will be able to
access global markets with the minimum of overheads. (L2) This
will enable JFC to expand the business rapidly whilst keeping
costs low for customers and maximise its sales and profits. (L3)

JFC will be able to provide global access to a wide variety of high-

quality products at low prices for customers. (L1) This will satisfy
customers, who are likely to purchase more products from JFC
which could lead to more sales and more profit. (L2) In the long
run this will be good for JFC, as they will be able to achieve
greater sales, which will enhance the reputation and profitability of
the business. (L3)

Examiners are reminded that AO2 and AO3 are regarded as interdependent. When deciding on a mark
all should be considered together using the best fit approach. In doing so, examiners should bear in
mind the relative weightings of the Assessment Objectives. Due to the greater number of marks
available for AO3, answers at level 3 will have a greater depth of analysis (AO3) but may show similar
levels of application of knowledge and understanding (AO2) to a level 2 answer.

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Level Marks Descriptor

3 5–6 Detailed analysis of topics based on the context

AO3x2 • Business areas are analysed in depth.
• Applies knowledge and understanding to the context sufficiently, throughout
the answer.

2 3–4 Sound analysis of topics based on the context

AO3 • Business areas are partially analysed.
AO2 • Applies knowledge and understanding to the context sufficiently, in most
areas.

1 1–2 Basic analysis of topics based on the context

AO3 • Analysis of business areas is simplistic.
AO2 • Knowledge and understanding is applied to the context, but may be
fragmented.

0 0 Nothing worthy of credit.

11 4 Analyse possible consequences of JFC becoming a limited 6

company.
AO2=2
Possible answers include: AO3=4

• shedding the risks associated with unlimited liability

• easing the burden of long working hours and stressful conditions
for Wahid who will be able to employ more staff
• no need for Wahid to take on or outsource the different roles in
the business
• more capital available for investment in the business
• profits will have to be distributed between the owners and
shareholders
• conflicts and arguments may arise
• owners will benefit from having limited liability
• shares in the business can be sold to raise additional finance.
• shareholders will expect to receive dividends.

Specimen response:

The owner Wahid currently has long working hours and stressful
working conditions as he is the sole person in the business. (L1)
By becoming a limited company Wahid can benefit from the new
skills and ideas that new staff can bring to the business allowing
Wahid to share some of the different roles in the business. (L2)
This could be good for JFC as the business could operate more
efficiently, develop faster, improve its profitability, and become a
globally dominant force. (L3)

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Examiners are reminded that AO2 and AO3 are regarded as interdependent. When deciding on a mark
all should be considered together using the best fit approach. In doing so, examiners should bear in
mind the relative weightings of the Assessment Objectives. Due to the greater number of marks
available for AO3, answers at level 3 will have a greater depth of analysis (AO3) but may show similar
levels of application of knowledge and understanding (AO2) to a level 2 answer.

Level Marks Descriptor

3 5–6 Detailed analysis of topics based on the context

AO3x2 • Business areas are analysed in depth.
• Applies knowledge and understanding to the context sufficiently, throughout
the answer.

2 3–4 Sound analysis of topics based on the context

AO3 • Business areas are partially analysed.
AO2 • Applies knowledge and understanding to the context sufficiently, in most
areas.

1 1–2 Basic analysis of topics based on the context

AO3 • Analysis of business areas is simplistic.
AO2 • Knowledge and understanding is applied to the context, but may be
fragmented.

0 0 Nothing worthy of credit.

11 5 Calculate the gross profit margin for JFC in 2022. 3

13 – 4.2 (1) = 0.6769… (1) AO1=1

13 AO2=2

67.6% (1) or equivalent

Accept rounded answers of 68%
Accept rounded answers of 0.7 but not 0.6

• know the formula for margin AND know how to work out gross
profit (1 mark),
• calculate gross profit correctly (1 mark),
• work out the margin correctly (1 mark)

11 6 JFC is concerned about the lack of sales growth in Asia and is 12

considering opening showrooms in five major Asian cities to
increase sales. AO2=4
AO3=8
Using information from Items D, E and F:
• analyse the arguments for and against opening five showrooms
in Asia
• recommend whether JFC should open the showrooms.

Areas for consideration:

Continuing with online marketing:

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• JFC has been very successful as an online business.

• JFC can respond quickly to consumers’ preferences.
• JFC’s online marketing is available 24/7 and is very cheap and
cost effective.
• JFC is able to respond to rapidly changing trends.
• consumers can be kept up to date immediately when JFC
launches new ideas or offers new services.
• customers will be able to purchase items quickly from JFC.

Opening showrooms in the Malaysia:

• finding suitable land that is not too expensive, might be difficult.

• recruiting and paying local construction workers could be very
costly and very time consuming.
• penetrating the Malaysian market could be difficult and costly.
• JFC will have to employ staff from Malaysia.

Credit can be given for calculations seen in the answer.

Possible themes for evaluation:

Online marketing allows JFC’s customers to see the marketed

material in their own time and make their buying choices when it is
convenient for them. There is no pressure for customers to make
immediate buying decisions. This is a strength of the business
which has helped to establish its customer base.

The newly built showrooms will be expensive and will have many
overheads and necessary ongoing costs. These will need to be
covered to keep the business profitable and running successfully.
JFC’s success has been built on a low-cost model with few
overheads. This new departure will represent a significant shift in
in its strategy. There is no guarantee of success and the
possibility of business failure is increased.

JFC will have to adapt and operate according to Malaysian

regulations which may be very different from what Just
Furniture.com is used to.

The expansion will require further investment in HR support and

administration. It is unlikely that JFC will have the necessary
expertise to do this, so it will need to outsource. This could be
very costly.

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 MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL GCSE BUSINESS – 9225/2 – JUNE 2023

Examiners are reminded that AO2 and AO3 are regarded as interdependent. When deciding on a mark
all should be considered together using the best fit approach. In doing so, examiners should bear in
mind the relative weightings of the Assessment Objectives. More weight should therefore be given to
AO3 than AO2.

Level Marks Descriptor

4 10–12 Detailed analysis and evaluation of topics based on the context

AO3 • Coherent line of reasoning followed, which is sustained, relevant and
substantiated. There is a focused conclusion that is fully justified and follows
clearly from the analysis.
AO3 • Business areas are analysed in depth.
AO2 • Knowledge and understanding is detailed and appropriately applied within
context.

3 7–9 Sound analysis and evaluation

AO3 • Coherent line of reasoning given and the conclusion is appropriate and
related to the preceding analysis.
AO3 • Business areas are partially analysed.
AO2 • Knowledge and understanding is detailed and appropriately applied within
context.

2 4–6 Limited attempt made to analyse the topics based on the context
AO3 • Evidence of some line of reasoning, with a conclusion that has limited
justification.
AO3 • Analysis of business areas is simplistic.
AO2 • Some knowledge and understanding is applied within context.

1 1–3 Basic evaluation of topics but without any real support or analysis
AO3 • A conclusion is present but without any reasoned support.
AO3 • No discernible or relevant analysis.
AO2 • A clear attempt to apply knowledge and understanding, but context may be
lacking.

0 0 Nothing worthy of credit.

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