9609_w23_qp_21
A paper of Business Studies, 9609
Questions:
2
Year:
2023
Paper:
2
Variant:
1
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1
Plasshape (PS) PS manufactures plastic packaging for industrial markets (B2B). Its customers include food manufacturers and cosmetics firms. PS has 500 employees in each of two countries with a similar factory in each country. Employee payment methods and non‑financial motivators vary in each factory. In country Z, PS uses time‑based payment methods, offers employee development and uses many non‑financial motivators. In country V, PS uses piece rate payment methods, but there are fewer opportunities for employee development and non‑financial motivators are not used. Some employees are demanding equal pay and opportunities for employee development in both PS factories. Technology is changing rapidly in the packaging industry. PS’s research and development (R&D) team has developed an environmentally friendly type of food packaging. However, this costs more to make and it will need investment in new machinery. This unique new packaging product is expected to increase added value. Table 1.1 shows a summary of PS’s financial data if it does not launch the new packaging product. Table 1.1 PS’s financial data if it does not launch the new packaging product $m Revenue Direct costs Indirect costs If PS launches the new packaging product, Isha, the Finance Manager, forecasts the following changes: • revenue increases by 30% • direct costs increase by $6m • indirect costs increase by $1m. Identify one non‑financial motivator. Explain the term piece rate (line 6). Refer to Table 1.1 and other information. Calculate the change in forecast profit if the new product is launched. Explain one way PS could use cost information to improve business performance. Analyse two elements of the marketing mix that PS should consider when launching the new packaging. Evaluate whether PS should use the same payment method and employee development in both factories.
5. Finance and accounting (AS Level)  →  5.4. Costs
3. Marketing (AS Level)  →  3.3. The marketing mix
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2
Direct News (DN) Shila and Lucy own and manage DN, an online publishing business. DN produces a daily online local newspaper called QNews. Readers pay a subscription to access QNews. DN’s mission statement is: ‘to be a daily community newspaper for local people, about local people’. DN recently tested a monthly online magazine aimed at the 18–30 age group called QLine. DN’s plan is to stop publishing QNews and produce only QLine. Secondary market research suggests QLine will be popular with national businesses wanting to promote their products. Shila is aware that revenue from online newspapers is decreasing. However, she has found national market research data about online monthly magazines (see Table 2.1). Table 2.1 National revenue for online monthly magazines Revenue source 2020 ($m) 2021 ($m) 2022 ($m) Subscription Advertising revenue Shila thinks that before the business decides to produce QLine, more market research data will be needed. Shila and Lucy will have to decide on new objectives for DN. To ensure a quality product that meets customer expectations, Lucy thinks it is important to have careful management of the supply chain, from content creation to customer delivery. Identify one function of a manager. Explain the term secondary market research (lines 6–7). Refer to Table 2.1. Calculate the percentage increase in total revenue of online monthly magazines from 2020 to 2022. Explain one additional piece of market research data DN would find useful before making the decision to produce QLine. Analyse two reasons why Shila and Lucy will have to change DN’s objectives. Evaluate the importance to DN of effective supply chain management.
3. Marketing (AS Level)  →  3.2. Market research
Open