past paper questions

• Describe the ways a manager can assess the effectiveness of decisions


  • check to see if targets have been achieved • check to see if profits have increased • check sales levels to see if they have improved • issue questionnaires to customers for their views o check to see if the business reputation has improved • evaluate decision with the staff for their views on its success • monitor staff morale following decisions • monitor staff absence rates following decisions • monitor staff turnover rates following decisions
• describe the sources of finance that can be used by an organisation

  • bank loan - a sum of money borrowed from the bank paid back with interest
  • mortgage - a sum of money borrowed against property/land
  • selling shares - shareholders invest in the organisation
  • national government grant - receiving money that doesn't have to be paid back
  • sell off unwanted assets
  • venture capitalists - shareholders invest in an organisation for a share of equity
• Describe the profitability levels at different stages of a products life cycle

  • Development – no profit/loss is made

  • Introduction/Launch – profits may be low/none at all

  • Growth – profits should start to steadily increase

  • Maturity – profit is stable/at its highest point

  • Saturation – profits begin to fall

  • Decline – profits continue to fall/fall rapidly
• Attainment test

  Allows candidates to demonstrate their skills, for example testing IT skills by completing a typing test
• Attainment test

  • Useful for making comparisons
• Aptitude test

  Assesses if a candidate has the natural abilities/personal skills needed for the role, for example observing a teacher take a class before interview
• Aptitude test

  • Can assess if staff will be the correct fit for a role
  • Can reduce the need for some training needs if candidates are identified with natural abilities required
• IQ test

  Measures an applicant's mental ability and intelligence
• IQ test

  • Can provide information for easy comparison
• Psychometric test

  Assesses an applicant's personality and mental suitability for a job
• Psychometric test

  • There are no right or wrong answers
  • The test gives an insight into how an applicant thinks would fit into the organisation
• Fitness test


  Assesses physical ability which may be required for certain jobs, for example police, armed forces
• Medical test

  Assesses physical attributes of a candidate which may be required for certain jobs, for example eyesight test for RAF
• impact of the equality act 2010

  • if the legislation is not complied with - the organisation may be

  prosecuted/fined

  • reputation could be negatively affected
  • harder to recruit employees
  • employers may have to scrutinise their recruitment policies - this gives the HR staff additional work
  • keep a close eye on what goes on inside their workplace with

  regards to promotions, training and other career opportunities

  • wording in job adverts must not be discriminatory
  • organisation needs to ensure the business is fully accessible to all