Business Studies · Oct / Nov 2023 · Paper 22 · Question 3
0450
As printed in the paper
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3(a)[8]
Explain one advantage and one disadvantage to SSE of using internal recruitment for its new managers. Award 1 mark for each advantage/disadvantage (max 2). Award a maximum of 3 additional marks for each explanation of the advantage/disadvantage to SSE of using internal recruitment for its new managers – one of which must be applied to this context. Relevant advantages might include:
Quicker – fewer applicants will apply so quicker to process application formsCheaper than external recruitment – as no expensive advertising is requiredApplicant is already known to the business – so already know their skills, abilities, and reliability – know if able to do the jobApplicant already knows the organisation and how it works – so no induction training required – reduces training costs / quicker to get started in the new job and be productiveMotivating for other employees – as can see progression routes for themselves – may make them work harder for the business and produce more output Relevant disadvantages might include:No new ideas come into the business – not become aware of different methods used by other companies – so more efficient working practices may not be introducedThere may be rivalry and jealousy amongst existing employees as they did not gain promotion – may have an unhappy atmosphere in the workplace – less productiveThere may not be suitable candidates internally – more qualified/skilled people may be outside the business – these will not be employed if only internal recruitment is usedThere will still be a vacancy to fill For example: No new ideas will come into the business (1)and SSE will not become aware of different methods used by other companies (1)
that make sports helmets for bicycle riding (app) so more efficient working practices may not be introduced into the factory (1). Application might include: bicycle riding;
cricket;
skateboarding;
flow production;
operated successfully for 30 years;
build its own factories in its most important foreign markets;
need to communicate between its head office and its new factories in other countries;
production workers are specialised in one task.
3(b)[12]
Consider how the following three barriers could make communication less effective between SSE’s head office in country Z and its new factories in other countries. Which barrier would be the easiest to overcome? Justify your choice.
Problem with the medium usedProblem with the senderProblem with the receiver Level Description Sound application of knowledge and understanding of relevant business concepts using appropriate terminology. Detailed discussion of two or more barriers to communication. Well-justified conclusion. Candidates discussing the three barriers to communication in detail, in context and with a well-justified conclusion, including why the alternative barriers to communication were rejected, should be rewarded with the top marks in the band. 9–12 Sound application of knowledge and understanding of relevant business concepts using appropriate terminology. Detailed discussion of at least one barrier to communication. Judgement with some justification / some evaluation of choices made. Candidates discussing two or more barriers to communication in detail and applying them to the case should be rewarded with the top marks in the band. 5–8 Limited application of knowledge and understanding of relevant business concepts. Limited ability to discuss the barriers to communication with little/no explanation. Simple judgement with limited justification / limited evaluation of choices made. Candidates outlining all three barriers to communication in context should be rewarded with the top marks in the band. 1–4 No creditable response. Relevant points might include: Problem with the medium usedToo many people for the message to pass between – as at each stage the message can be distorted – hence reaches the receiver in a different form than when it started off so not effective in communicating the intended messageMessage may be lost – so receiver never sees it – hence message is not acted upon – for example if a message about an order for bicycle riding helmets to be manufactured is emailed to the factory and it goes into junk mail and is not seen – the order will not be madeWrong channel used – if the communication is urgent but the communication channel chosen is slow – such as letter used when telephone call would have been more appropriateTechnical breakdown – internet goes down/mobile phone loses connection/battery is flat – message is not passed on and sender may not be aware of this Problem with the senderUnclear message – language used is too difficult to understand/jargon used/speaks too quicklyMessage too long – includes too much information about children's cricket helmets so the key message is lost amongst the rest – important points not grasped and acted uponSent to the wrong person/wrong message sent – message not appropriate and may not be passed on so is lost Problem with the receiverNot listening – when message is being given by phone about orders for components to make bicycle riding safety helmetsLack of trust – receiver may not like or trust the sender and therefore the message may not be fully trusted and acted upon immediatelyPoor attitude – casual approach to the message and no urgency to act upon itSpeaks a different language and does not clearly understand the message sent Conclusion Justification could include:Problems with the medium used to send a message about the sport safety helmets is the easiest to overcome as they can insist that feedback is given and hence any problems with the message can be corrected. If no feedback is received, then the message has probably been lost. Problems with the sender and receiver are more difficult to correct as there are many senders and receivers in the different factories and it is more difficult to adjust their behaviour when communicating between factories to correct problems that arise.Problems with the sender of a message about sport safety helmets is the easiest to overcome as instructions to keep messages short and use clear simple language to avoid problems of messages being misunderstood can be communicated to all employees.Problems with the receiver of messages in the new factories in other countries about sport safety helmets is the easiest to overcome by indicating the level of importance of the message so important messages will be read straight away and not be ignored until too late.
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