Unit 1 Model Assignment

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OCR 2009

Model Assignment

Issued September 2009OCR Level 2 Nationals in Business

Unit 1: Investigating business

Please note:

This OCR model assignment may be used to provide evidence for the unit above.Alternatively, centres may wish to adapt this assignment or devise their own assignment forthe purposes of assessment. It is the centres responsibility to ensure that any adaptationsmade to this assignment allow candidates to meet all the assessment objectives andprovide sufficient opportunity for candidates to demonstrate achievement across the fullrange of grades.

The scheme codes for these qualifications are:OCR Level 2 National Award in Business 06329OCR Level 2 National Certificate in Business 03634

The QCA Accreditation Number for this unit is:Unit 1: Investigating business K/102/0088

This OCR model assignment remains live for the life of these qualifications.

ALL THESE MATERIALS MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED. Any photocopying will be done under theterms of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 solely for the purposes of assessment.

G307 09-09


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OCR Level 2 Nationals in Business

2 Model Assignment Issued September 2009Unit 1 Investigating business

Contents

Page number(s)

TUTOR INFORMATION

Guidance for centres

This section provides general guidance to centre staff on the preparationand completion of the assignment.

3 -8

4 - 5

Notes for tutors

This section provides additional guidance and support to centre staff foreach task. It is not intended for use by candidates.

6 - 8

CANDIDATE INFORMATION

(This section must be photocopied for each candidate)

General information for candidates

This section provides candidates with general information on completion ofthe assignment in a question and answer format.

9 - 19

10

Scenario

This section contains the scenario which candidates will need to be familiarwith in order to complete the tasks.

11

TasksThis section contains all the tasks candidates must complete beforesubmission for assessment.

12 - 16

Candidate checklist

This checklist is provided to assist candidates in ensuring that they havecompleted and submitted evidence for all tasks.

17 - 19


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Model Assignment Issued September 2009 3Unit 1 Investigating business

Model Assignment: Tutor InformationOCR Level 2 Nationals in Business



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Guidance For Centres

1 General

1.1 OCR model assignments are issued free to centres on approval and are available to

download from our website: www.ocr.org.uk.

1.2 Centres may choose to:

use OCR model assignments for formal summative assessment of candidates

tailor OCR model assignments for formal summative assessment of candidates

use OCR model assignments as a benchmark for devising their own assignment.

1.3 This assignment has been designed to meet the full assessment requirements of theunit. Candidates will need to take part in a planned learning programme that coversthe underpinning knowledge and skills of the unit.

2 Before carrying out the assignment

2.1 Candidates should be provided with a copy of the Candidate Informationsection of thisbooklet.

2.2 Candidates may carry out preparations prior to undertaking the tasks; there is no timelimit for this.

3 When completing the assignment

3.1 Candidates should be allowed sufficient time to complete all of the tasks. The amount oftime may vary depending on the nature of the tasks and the ability of individualcandidates. It is suggested that evidence is produced in several sessions.

3.2 Each candidate must produce individual and authentic evidence for each task within theassignment.

3.3 Centre staff may give support and guidance to candidates. This support and guidanceshould focus on checking that candidates understand what is expected of them. It is notacceptable for tutors to provide model answers or to work through answers in detail.

3.4 Candidates may use information from any relevant source to help them with producingevidence for the tasks.

3.5 It is acknowledged that candidates in their responses may refer to situations in thescenario but as the scenario is fictitious this does not break any rules of confidentiality.However, candidates must be guided on the use of information from other sources toensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times.


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4 After completing the assignment

4.1 Candidates evidence is assessed by the centres assessor against the qualificationspecification contained in the Centre Handbook. When grading candidates' work centresmust use the grading descriptors in the unit. For further information about assessmentplease refer to the section on Assessment and Moderation in the Centre Handbook.

4.2 Assessors decisions should be quality assured across the centre through internalmoderation. For further information about internal moderation please refer to the sectionon Assessment and Moderation in the Centre Handbook.

5 Presentation of work

5.1 Candidates may use the Candidate Checklistprovided to ensure that they submitevidence for ALL tasks. They can do this by using the Candidate Checklistas acontents page inserting references/page numbers in the boxes provided.

5.2 Centres may wish to discourage candidates from excessive use of plastic wallets forpresentation of their evidence as this may hinder the assessment process. Insteadcentres may wish to encourage candidates to present their work so that it is easilyaccessible, eg spiral bound, stapled booklet, treasury tag.

6 Acceptable evidence

6.1 For guidance on generation and collection of evidence please refer to the section onAssessment and Moderation in the Centre Handbook.

7 Reworking the assignment

7.1 If candidates do not meet the minimum PASS requirements for the assessmentobjectives, further work will be required.

7.2 Tutors may give feedback to candidates to support and guide them in producingevidence to the required standard.


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Notes For Tutors

Introduction to the Tasks

The tasks have been designed to enable candidates to demonstrate their knowledge andunderstanding of why businesses adopt certain forms of ownership, and create particular internalstructures. Candidates will also explore the wider issues of sectoral change, stakeholderinvolvement and competition.

The tasks have been designed so that all of the assessment objectives in Unit 1 are addressed.

These guidance notes should be used in conjunction with the unit specification and CentreHandbook.

The Tasks

Task 1: Different types of business ownershipAssessment Objective 2 is assessed in this task.

Candidates are required to describe all the different types of business ownership as outlined inknowledge, understanding and skills. They also need to describe why businesses may wish tochange their form of ownership. A table has been supplied within the task and this could be usedas a starting point for the candidates to collect their evidence. However, in order to achieve thehigher grades, candidates will be required to develop this evidence and produce detaileddescriptions of the different types of business ownership and to demonstrate a thoroughunderstanding of why business ownership may change over time. Candidates should beencouraged to make contact with local businesses. Alternatively, an audit of a typical high street

might help candidates to identify different types of business ownership.

Task 2: Business aims

Assessment Objective 1 is assessed in this task.

This assessment objective is theory based, with candidates using examples of real business aimsin order to illustrate their points. Candidates need to cover all the bullet points outlined inknowledge, understanding, and skills. Candidates could present this information in the form of aleaflet. If this option is chosen, candidates must be encouraged to describe comprehensively eachaim, linking their examples to real businesses in order to achieve the higher grades. Again bymaking contact with local businesses, the aims could be discussed first hand.


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Task 3: Organisational structures


This assessment objective is directly related to the candidates selected business. Candidates arerequired to illustrate the organisational structure of the selected business and show other ways inwhich the business could be organised. In order to help the candidates achieve this assessment

objective and cover all of the applicable knowledge, understanding and skills, a range of questionshave been asked. The questions have been designed to enable candidates to structure their workand demonstrate a detailed understanding of the organisational structure of their chosen business.The questions will also help candidates to make comprehensive and realistic suggestions of otherways the business could be organised.

Task 4: Stakeholders


Candidates are required to describe the different stakeholders that are involved with their selectedbusiness. They are also required to clearly describe each stakeholders interest in the business,and why some stakeholders interests might differ. An example table has been provided in order tohelp candidates structure their evidence. A well completed table will enable candidates to pass.However, in order to achieve the higher grades candidates will need to develop the depth of theirevidence by writing up each section of the table.

Task 5: Industrial sectors


Within this task candidates need to clearly state which industrial sector their selected businessoperates in. They then need to describe the trends within this sector, finally comparing the sectorwith the other two industrial sectors (i.e. primary, secondary, tertiary). The statistics used shouldbe the most up-to-date available. Four questions have been asked in order to help candidatesstructure their evidence. By fully answering these four questions, candidates will be able toachieve the assessment objective. Candidates should be encouraged to state the sources of theirevidence.

Task 6: Competitors


Candidates are required to complete a competitor audit as part of their evidence for thisassessment objective. A sample table has been supplied which could be used by candidates forthis purpose.

Having collected their evidence, candidates will then be able to identify the main competitors of theselected business, describe how they compete and how the selected business remainscompetitive.


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Task 7: Location of business


In order to achieve this assessment objective candidates are required to describe the currentlocation of their selected business and explain why this location is used. To help candidatesstructure their evidence and cover all the relevant bullet points in knowledge, understanding and

skills, three questions have been included within the task. By fully completing the questionscandidates should produce sufficient evidence to achieve the assessment objective.

Task 8: Change of location


This is the final task of the assignment. Candidates have to consider the reasons why theirbusiness might wish to relocate in the future. Candidates could choose a new suitable location forthe business or think of ways the business could redevelop its current site. Candidates must makerealistic suggestions that have been fully justified in order to achieve the assessment objective. A

list of bullet points that the candidates could follow has been provided in order to generate suitableevidence for this assessment objective.


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Model Assignment: Candidate InformationOCR Level 2 Nationals in Business


CANDIDATE NAME:


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General Information for Candidates

Q Do I have to pass this assignment?

A Yes. You must pass this assignment to achieve the full qualification.

Q What help will I get?

A Your tutor will help you when completing the OCR model assignment and will make surethat you know what resources/facilities you need and are allowed to use.

Q What if I dont understand something?

A It is your responsibility to read the assignment carefully and make sure you understandwhat you need to do and what you should hand in. If you are not sure, check with yourtutor.

Q Can I copy other peoples work?

A No. The work that you produce must be your own work and you may be asked to sign adeclaration to say that the work is your own. You should never copy the work of othercandidates or allow others to copy your work. Any information that you use from othersources, eg books, newspapers, professional journals, the internet, must be clearlyidentified and not presented as your own work.

Q Can I work in a group?

A Yes. However, if you work in a group at any stage you must still produce work that showsyour individual contribution.

Q How should I present my work?

A You can present your work in a variety of ways, eg hand-written, word-processed, on video.

However, what you choose should be appropriate to the task(s). For some work, egpresentations, coaching sessions, role-play, work experience, you will need to provide proofthat you completed the task(s). A witness statement or observation sheet could be used forthis. If you are unsure, check with your tutor.

Q When I have finished, what do I need to hand in?

A You need to hand in the work that you have completed for each task. Do not include anydraft work or handouts unless these are asked for. When you hand in your work make surethat it is labelled, titled and in the correct order for assessing.


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Scenario

As part of the Enterprise activity you will complete in Unit 2, you and your friends need to knowabout the different types of business ownership, structures, stakeholders and ideal locations so

that this will help you when you come to set up and run your enterprise business.

In this assignment you will find out about different types of business ownership, business aims andorganisational structures. You will identify the role of stakeholders in a business and review thedifferent sectors within which a business can operate. You will analyse how businesses competeand why businesses are located where they are. Finally, you will recommend changes to location.Once you have completed this unit you will have the opportunity to use this information whenrunning the enterprise activity in Unit 2.


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Tasks

Task 1: Different types of business ownership

Assessment Objective 2

In this task you will research different types of business ownership. You need to describe, usingexamples, different types of business ownership, and show why business ownership may changeover time.

Carry out a survey in the local area to identify different types of business ownership.

Create a report which covers each of the following types of business ownership:

sole trader

partnership

private limited company

public limited company

franchise

co-operative.

Your report needs to show why each type of business might change its ownership over time.Your report should be based on real examples of different business ownership. The reasons forchange should cover:

liability concerns

factors linking types of ownership to business growth and size generation of funding.

Task 2: Business aims


All businesses must have aims to assist them with their planning for the future. To achieve thisassessment objective you are required to describe, using examples, different business aims.

Carry out research into a number of different businesses and produce a leaflet which describesdifferent business aims. Include the following examples of aims in your report. Remember toinclude real relevant examples:

Examples of aims:

to make a profit

to increase market share

to provide services

to improve quality.

The following six tasks must be related to a single business selected by yourself, or yourteacher.


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Task 3: Organisational structures


Within this assessment objective you need to investigate the organisational structure of yourselected business and produce a diagram showing the organisational structure. You will then

consider how the business can be restructured. You should then re-draw the structure including asuitable explanation as to the changes you have suggested.

(a) Write a short introduction setting the scene about the business.(b) Draw the organisational structure of your selected business.(c) Describe the type of organisational structure that your business has.

Is it a flat, hierarchical or matrix structure?(d) Describe the chains of command found within the organisational structure.(e) Describe the different spans of control.(f) Describe how authority and responsibility work within the structure.(g) Think of a different way in which businesses could be structured.

(h) Draw this new structure. Produce a written explanation about this new structure. Is thisnew structure flat, hierarchical or matrix? What would be the benefits and drawbacks ofthis new structure to your business?

Task 4: Stakeholders


This task involves you looking at all the different stakeholders that may have an interest inyour chosen business. Using your selected business identify all the different internal and external

stakeholders and describe their interests. These must be linked to the selected business.

You may choose to present this evidence as a table with a description.

An idea for the format of a table is illustrated below:

Stakeholder Description of interest in selectedbusiness

How are their interestsdifferent from otherstakeholders?

InternalEg employees

including managersExternalEg customers

You need to ensure that within the table you cover ALL the internal and external stakeholders. Inorder to achieve the higher grades you will need to develop the depth of your evidence by writingup each section of your table.


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Task 5: Industrial sectors


In this section you are required to research and describe the industrial sector (primary, secondary,tertiary) in which your selected business operates and compare the trends for this sector with the

other two industrial sectors.

You will need to include graphs and tables in order to enhance the quality of your evidence.

If you follow the points below you will be able to achieve this assessment objective.

(a) What industrial sector is your selected business in? Is it tertiary, secondary or primary?Describe this sector.

(b) Use up-to-date graphs and tables to illustrate the statistical trends within this industrialsector. Try and use output and employment figures.

(c) Explain the trends of growth or decline illustrated in the graphs and tables you created inpoint (b).

(d) Research the trends of the other two sectors. Compare the trends in the other two sectorswith the industrial sector of your selected business.

Task 6: Competitors


All businesses face competition of one kind or another. It is good for us, asconsumers, because itallows us to have access to a wider choice of goods and services. However, for businesses it is notalways so good. Businesses have to think of ways in which they can compete, to keep theirexisting customers and gain new ones.

You are required to identify the main competitors of your selected business, describing how theycompete on price, product, marketing, promotion and customer service and how the businessremains competitive. This will become your competitor audit.


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The table below may be a good starting point for your evidence.

Name ofCompetitor

How does thecompetitorcompete onproduct?i.e. Whatproducts do theysell? Are they ofa better/poorerquality?

How does thecompetitorcompete onprice?i.e. Are theirproductscheaper, dearer,better value formoney?

How does thecompetitormarket andpromote theirproducts?i.e. Are theirmethods moreeffective? Dothey cost more?

How does thecompetitorcompete oncustomerservice?i.e. Whatservices do theyoffer theircustomers? Howdifferent arethese servicesfrom thoseoffered by yourselectedbusiness?

After you have completed your table you will then need to describe how your selected businessremains competitive. Look at your table. In what ways is your selected business competing moreaggressively and effectively than its rivals?

You could present this evidence as a table and a short written report within your assignment.

Task 7: Location of business


In order to achieve this assessment objective you are required to describe the current location ofyour selected business and explain why this location is used.

(a) Describe the current location of the selected business and describe why your selectedbusiness uses this location. Base your description on:

economies of scale

local labour force

employment levels and their relevance to business location

wage and salary levels and their relevance to business location

relevance of location to customers and suppliers

historical reasons for location and continual location.

(b) Find a map which clearly illustrates where your chosen business is located. Make sure themap is big enough to show major roads, railway stations etc.Annotate your map to show:

where the selected business is located

all major roads

railways

airports

ferry ports

major competitors.


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Task 8: Change of location


The final section of your assignment must focus on the reasons why your selected businessmight wish to relocate in the future.

You could produce a leaflet which suggests and justifies changes that your selected businesscould make to its location in the future. Your selected business might wish to relocate due tobusiness growth or decline, or it may wish to redevelop its current location to meet business needs.The relocation or redevelopment must be realistic and suitably justified.

Use the following bullet points for guidance:

think of a new realistic change of business location get a map of the new location or re-design your selected businesss premises, clearly illustrating your ideas for

redevelopment

describe, using maps, images, photographs etc where this new location is in relation to the

current location of the business or clearly describe your ideas for redevelopment of the business existing site

justify why you think this location would be suitable for your selected business or

justify why you think your ideas for redevelopment would be suitable for your selectedbusiness.


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Model Assignment: Candidate ChecklistOCR Level 2 Nationals in Business


CANDIDATE NAME:

For task 1 have you: Completed () Ref/Pagenumber(s)

described the different types of business ownership?

used examples in your descriptions?

described why business ownership may change over time?


described all the business aims in the bullet points on page 12?

used real business examples to illustrate each aim?


drawn the organisational structure of your selected business?

described the type of organisational structure your business has?

described the chains of command within the structure?

described the span of control within the structure?

described how authority and responsibility work within thestructure?

drawn and described an alternative structure for your selectedbusiness?


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described all the stakeholders the selected business has?

described stakeholders interests in the business?

described why some stakeholders interests might differ?


identified the industrial sector your business operates in?

described the industrial sector your business operates in?

used up-to-date graphs and tables to illustrate the trends within thissector?

explained the trends in the graphs and tables created above?

researched the trends of the other two sectors?

compared the trends in the other two sectors with the industrialsector of your selected business?


completed your competitor audit?

described how the competitors compete on price, product,marketing, promotion and customer service?

described how your selected business remains competitive?


described your selected business location making reference to your

annotated map?

Annotated a map with the information outlined in the bullet points in(b) on page 15?


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thought of a new location or how your selected businesss currentlocation could be developed?

illustrated your ideas through the use of a map or drawings?

described where this new location is in relation to the currentlocation or described how the development would affect the currentpremises?

justified why you think the new location is suitable or justified whyyou think your ideas for redevelopment would be suitable for yourselected business?

Unit 1 Model Assignment

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