1.
Which one of the following is an example of long-term finance for a sole trader?
Select one answer.
Correct Answer
C. Bank loan
Explanation
A bank loan is an example of long-term finance for a sole trader because it involves borrowing a specific amount of money from a bank and repaying it over an extended period of time, usually with interest. Unlike an overdraft or trade credit, which are typically short-term financing options, a bank loan provides the sole trader with a larger sum of money that can be used for long-term investments or business expansion. Share capital, on the other hand, refers to funds raised by issuing shares to investors, which is not a form of borrowing and therefore not considered long-term finance.
2.
Which two of the following are possible objectives for someone setting up business
as a sole trader?
Select two answers.
Correct Answer(s)
D. To take all the profits
E. To have full control of the decisions
Explanation
The two possible objectives for someone setting up a business as a sole trader are to take all the profits and to have full control of the decisions. As a sole trader, the individual is the sole owner and has complete control over the business operations and decision-making process. Additionally, they are entitled to keep all the profits generated by the business.
3.
KooKoo is a successful cafe and employs five people. The owner of KooKoo wants to
expand the business. He believes that changing the elements of the marketing mix will
help achieve this expansion.
Which three of the following are examples of changes to the marketing mix that the
owner of KooKoo might make?
Select three answers.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Introducing new items for sale
D. Offering a ‘buy one get one free’ offer on drinks
E. Charging lower prices than the main local competitor
Explanation
The owner of KooKoo might introduce new items for sale to attract more customers and increase sales. Offering a 'buy one get one free' offer on drinks can also be an effective strategy to attract customers and encourage them to try the cafe's offerings. Charging lower prices than the main local competitor can help KooKoo gain a competitive advantage and attract price-sensitive customers. These changes to the marketing mix can help KooKoo expand its business by increasing customer base and sales.
4.
Gail uses the internet to gather other information. This approach is an example of
which type of market research?
Select one answer.
Correct Answer
C. Secondary research
Explanation
Secondary research is the type of market research that involves using existing data and information from various sources, such as the internet, to gather insights and knowledge. In this case, Gail is using the internet to gather additional information, which aligns with the concept of secondary research.
5.
Identify two examples of market knowledge that Gail might gain through direct
customer contact.
Select two answers.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Customer spending habits
D. Latest fashions trends that customers like
Explanation
Through direct customer contact, Gail can gain market knowledge about customer spending habits, which can help her understand the purchasing patterns and preferences of her target customers. This information can guide her in making strategic decisions related to pricing, promotions, and product offerings. Additionally, direct customer contact can provide Gail with insights into the latest fashion trends that customers like. This knowledge can help her stay updated with the evolving preferences of her target market and make informed decisions regarding product assortment and inventory management.
6.
Gail prefers to use lateral thinking techniques as a way of developing new
business ideas.
Which two of the following are examples of lateral thinking techniques?
Select two answers.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Mind mapping
B. Brainstorming business ideas with a group
Explanation
Mind mapping and brainstorming business ideas with a group are examples of lateral thinking techniques because they encourage thinking outside of the box, exploring different perspectives, and generating creative ideas. Mind mapping involves visually organizing ideas and concepts, while brainstorming with a group allows for diverse input and collaboration. Producing a business plan, providing a wide range of products, and producing a cash flow forecast are not specifically related to lateral thinking techniques.
7.
For the period above Michael’s monthly order from America was exactly the same.
Identify two effects on Michael’s business as a result of the changes in the
exchange rate.
Select two answers.
Correct Answer(s)
C. Ability to charge lower prices
D. Lower variable costs
Explanation
The changes in the exchange rate have resulted in two effects on Michael's business. Firstly, it has given him the ability to charge lower prices for his products. This could attract more customers and potentially increase sales. Secondly, the changes in the exchange rate have also led to lower variable costs for Michael's business. This means that the cost of producing each item has decreased, resulting in potentially higher profit margins for each item sold.
8.
In July 2012 Stateside imported 300 baseball caps from America. Each cap cost Michael
$5.00. The July exchange rate was $1.60 to £1.
What was the cost, in pounds (£), to Stateside of this order?
Select one answer
Correct Answer
B. £937.50
Explanation
Stateside imported 300 baseball caps from America at a cost of $5.00 per cap. To find the cost in pounds, we need to convert the total cost from dollars to pounds. The exchange rate in July 2012 was $1.60 to £1. So, the total cost in dollars is 300 caps * $5.00 per cap = $1500.00. To convert this to pounds, we divide $1500.00 by $1.60 per £1, which gives us £937.50. Therefore, the cost to Stateside of this order is £937.50.
9.
Michael wants to add more value to the products he sells.
Which three of the following might be sources of added value for a business such as
Stateside?
Select three answers.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Only UK retailer selling official US baseball team kit
C. Ensuring high quality products
E. Creating a well-known brand name
Explanation
The three sources of added value for a business such as Stateside could be:
1. Only UK retailer selling official US baseball team kit: This uniqueness and exclusivity of selling official US baseball team kits can attract customers and create a competitive advantage.
2. Ensuring high quality products: Providing products of superior quality can differentiate the business from competitors and enhance customer satisfaction.
3. Creating a well-known brand name: Building a strong brand reputation can increase customer loyalty, trust, and willingness to pay a premium for the products.
10.
Which one of the following is the best definition of a stakeholder?
Select one answer.
Correct Answer
B. Any individual or group with an interest in the success of a business
Explanation
A stakeholder is defined as any individual or group with an interest in the success of a business. This includes not only shareholders, but also employees, customers, suppliers, and the local community. Stakeholders have the ability to influence the decisions and outcomes of a business, making their interests and opinions important to consider in strategic planning and decision-making processes.
11.
For each of the scenarios below, identify the two stakeholder groups that are most likely
to be in conflict as a result of the decision.
Scenario 1 – a business decides that it will increase the wages of its lowest paid
workers from £6.70 an hour to £7.50.
Which stakeholder groups are most likely to be in conflict with each other as a result
of this decision?
Select one answer.
Correct Answer
D. Shareholders and workers
Explanation
The decision to increase the wages of the lowest paid workers may lead to conflict between shareholders and workers. Shareholders may be concerned about the impact of increased wages on the company's profitability and their own financial returns. On the other hand, workers may feel that the increase is not sufficient or fair, leading to potential conflicts over compensation and labor rights.
12.
Scenario 2 – a UK manufacturing business decides to buy its raw materials from
a German company and not from its usual UK supplier.
Which stakeholder groups are most likely to be in conflict with each other as a result
of this decision?
Select one answer.
Correct Answer
C. Suppliers and managers
Explanation
Suppliers and managers are most likely to be in conflict with each other as a result of this decision. Suppliers may feel threatened by the loss of business and potential decrease in revenue, while managers may be focused on cost savings and efficiency. This conflict arises from the decision to switch suppliers from a local UK supplier to a German company, which can disrupt existing relationships and impact the financial interests of both parties.
13.
Oil is the main raw material used by the business.
What would be the most likely effect on the business of an increase in the cost of oil?
Select one answer.
Correct Answer
B. Variable costs will increase
Explanation
An increase in the cost of oil would lead to an increase in variable costs for the business. Oil is the main raw material used by the business, so if the cost of oil goes up, the cost of producing goods or services will also increase. This would result in higher variable costs for the business, as they would need to spend more on oil to maintain their production levels.
14.
Which two of the following are subject to legislation to protect workers from
discrimination?
Select two answers.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Age
D. Race
Explanation
Age and race are subject to legislation to protect workers from discrimination. Laws such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibit discrimination based on age and race respectively. These laws aim to ensure that individuals are not unfairly treated or denied opportunities in the workplace based on these protected characteristics.
15.
Lydia Smith, a sole trader, owns and runs Good Reads, a small bookshop. The
business faces stiff competition from rivals such as supermarkets. Profits have
been falling and Lydia is looking to improve her business.
Which two of the following are the most likely methods Lydia could use to help
Good Reads compete with its rivals?
Select two answers.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Improve the quality of its customer service
C. Provide an online ordering service
Explanation
Lydia can improve the quality of customer service to differentiate Good Reads from its rivals and attract more customers. By providing excellent customer service, she can create a positive shopping experience and build customer loyalty. Additionally, offering an online ordering service can help Good Reads reach a wider audience and compete with supermarkets that offer online shopping options. This convenience can attract customers who prefer to shop online and increase sales for the business.
16.
Lydia Smith, a sole trader, owns and runs Good Reads, a small bookshop. The
business faces stiff competition from rivals such as supermarkets. Profits have
been falling and Lydia is looking to improve her business.
Which two of the following will Lydia have to pay in the course of running the
business?
Select two answers.
Correct Answer(s)
C. Income tax
E. National Insurance
Explanation
As a sole trader, Lydia Smith is personally responsible for the taxes related to her business. Income tax is the tax paid on the profits earned by the business, and National Insurance is the tax paid on the earnings of the employees. Therefore, Lydia will have to pay both income tax and National Insurance in the course of running her business.
17.
Which three of the following are the most likely explanations for the changes in
revenue?
Select three answers.
Correct Answer(s)
B. The product being seasonal
D. A higher level of sales
E. A successful advertising campaign
Explanation
The product being seasonal can be a likely explanation for changes in revenue as it suggests that the demand for the product fluctuates based on the time of the year. A higher level of sales can also be a likely explanation as it indicates that more units of the product are being sold, leading to an increase in revenue. A successful advertising campaign can also be a likely explanation as it suggests that the marketing efforts have been effective in attracting more customers and increasing sales.
18.
Which one of the following is an example of calculated risk for the owner of this
business?
Select one answer.
Correct Answer
C. There is a 25% chance of profits falling in the next six months
Explanation
This answer is an example of a calculated risk because it indicates that there is a possibility of profits falling in the next six months. The owner of the business is aware of this risk and can make strategic decisions or take actions to mitigate the potential negative impact on profits.