17 marker

Question 1

17 marker question (just for view)

Answer 1

Using all the resources provided and your knowledge of business management tools and theories, recommend a possible plan of action for Company X over the next five years.

Question 2

3 top tips for 17 marker

Answer 2

• Spend a good amount of time understanding and annotating the case study to ensure depth in your response
• Integrate content from all over the syllabus (doesn’t have to just be BMTs, be creative but make sure it is always logical and connects well back to the case study)
• Consider the implications of your solutions for the survival of the business (because the plan of action is for over the next five years) so once again “the impact of this on the business is…”

Question 3

What is a plan of action?

Answer 3

• A business plan of recommendations based on Q2
• Future orientated and forward looking
• Designed to help ensure the survivability of the organization

Question 4

4 common mistakes 17 marker

Answer 4

• Relying too heavily on SWOT and STEEPLE. These are always tools that focus on factors in the present. Don’t just identify these factors, link them to the future through your solution. + do not use FFA if weightings not provided!
• Not considering long-term implications only short-term
• Introductions that are too long
• Considering the limitations of the case study (only needed in 10 marker!)

Question 5

3 positive things to do according to examiners 17 marker

Answer 5

• Taking a holistic view of the organization (implications on multiple business functions)
• Taking the time to plan out response, and ensuring a strong link between Q2 and Q3
• Evidence of creating thinking and looking at potential trade-offs (What is no longer as easy to do if the solution is to be implemented and implication of that) in the recommendations

Question 6

Good structure to take

Answer 6

Short introduction:
Set up context and your areas of focus (challenges faced in Q2)

4 body paragraphs:
- Each paragraph is a reccomendation
- 2 paragraphs for each problem (one short-term solution + long-term solution)

Conclusion:
- Summarize key arguments and mention most important factors impacting plan of action (e.g. access to finance or having employees with the right skills)