Liquidity
Liquidity in a Nutshell Liquidity refers to how easily a business can convert its assets into cash to meet short-term financial obligations. A highly liquid business holds enough cash or near-cash assets…
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AQA · specification 7132
AQA A-Level Business Past Paper Questions by Topic
Find every AQA A-Level Business past paper question on the topic you are studying or teaching, without scrolling through each paper. Questions run in teaching order, from the nature of business to managing strategic change, and each links straight to the question paper, mark scheme and examiner report.
- 289 questions from 20 papers
- 38 topics in teaching order
- Marks, paper, mark scheme and examiner report links
- June 2025 back to June 2020, plus specimen
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AQA A-Level Business Questions by Topic
Choose a topic, then narrow by paper, exam series or question type. Newest papers are listed first within each topic.
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Section 3.1
What is business?
Nature and purpose of business 5 questions · 29 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q02June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Added value through advertising and differentiationalso: Strategic positioning and competitive advantage | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Ways value added can rise | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q10June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | The role of profit | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q24June 2023 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Profit focus and improving qualityalso: Quality | Question paper (p.21)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q10June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Quality, price elasticity and added valuealso: Quality | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
Business forms and liability 4 questions · 36 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q01June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Business forms and owners' personal liability | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q11June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Shareholder liability when a company closes | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.3June 2021 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Family ownership and long-term decisions | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q21June 2020 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Limited liability and stakeholders of plcsalso: Stakeholders and responsibility | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeExaminer report |
Section 3.2
Managers, leadership and decision making
Management and leadership 7 questions · 68 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q05June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Blake Mouton leadership styles | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.3June 2023 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Home working and managers' rolesalso: Organisational design and HR flow | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2023 · Paper 3 | 24 | Evaluate | Leadership or other factors in the success of growth strategiesalso: Growth and change in scale | Question paper (p.18)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Change of leadership style on the Blake Mouton grid | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q02June 2021 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Output-focused management and a performance gapalso: Operational objectives and performance | Question paper (p.5)Case studyMark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q10June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Management styles and soft HRMalso: Motivation and engagement | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q05June 2020 · Paper 3 | 20 | Evaluate | Directive leadership and profitability | Question paper (p.14)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
Decision making and data 11 questions · 24 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q01June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Turning raw data into useful information | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.3June 2025 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Choosing a new overseas factory over upgradingalso: Globalisation and internationalisation | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q09June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Decision tree probability | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Net gain in a decision tree | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q15June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Correlation strength and extrapolation | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q17.1June 2021 · Paper 1 | 3 | Calculation | Expected value of a promotional campaign | Question paper (p.12)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q17.2June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Short answer | Choosing the best option from a decision tree | Question paper (p.12)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q01June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Turning raw data into useful information | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q14June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Correlations between income, competitor prices and demand | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.2June 2020 · Paper 2 | 4 | Short answer | Why sensitivity analysis was usedalso: Investment appraisal | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q14Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Forecasting sales by extrapolating past trendsalso: Marketing objectives, markets and customers | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Stakeholders and responsibility 12 questions · 175 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q02.4June 2023 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Home working and the triple bottom linealso: Motivation and engagement | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.2June 2023 · Paper 2 | 4 | Short answer | Stakeholder mapping and responding to criticism | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.3June 2023 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Force field analysis of a change to ingredientsalso: Managing change | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.4June 2023 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether firms act responsibly only when compelledalso: Political and legal change | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Stakeholder conflict over retained profit for automation | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q05June 2022 · Paper 3 | 20 | Evaluate | Stakeholder responses to a possible acquisitionalso: Growth and change in scale | Question paper (p.14)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q21June 2020 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Limited liability and stakeholders of plcsalso: Business forms and liability | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.1June 2020 · Paper 2 | 3 | Short answer | Carroll's pyramid of responsibilities | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01June 2020 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Stakeholder gains from a rising share pricealso: Sources of finance and share capital | Question paper (p.2)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2020 · Paper 3 | 24 | Evaluate | Whether social responsibility cuts profit for all firms | Question paper (p.18)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q23Specimen · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Ethical decision-making for plc managers | Question paper (p.20)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
| Q05Specimen · Paper 3 | 20 | Evaluate | Setting CSR objectivesalso: Mission, objectives and strategy | Question paper (p.14)Case studyMark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Section 3.3
Marketing management
Marketing objectives, markets and customers 19 questions · 111 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q22June 2025 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Market research and gaining market share | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q07June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Elasticity and unchanged sales revenue | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02June 2024 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Factors behind a market share targetalso: Mission, objectives and strategy | Question paper (p.5)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q14June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Adapting to shifting consumer demandalso: Efficiency, scale and technology | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q19June 2023 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Revenue effects of falling incomes and a price rise | Question paper (p.13)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.1June 2023 · Paper 2 | 4 | Short answer | Why a campaign group's sample may mislead | Question paper (p.13)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q07June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Ansoff classification after a focus groupalso: Strategic direction: markets and products | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q08June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Price, volume and market share | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.1June 2022 · Paper 2 | 2 | Short answer | Meaning of sales forecasting | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.2June 2022 · Paper 2 | 3 | Calculation | Combined market share | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.4June 2022 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Price changes and revenue | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q09June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Income elasticity during a fall in GDPalso: Economic change | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q18June 2021 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Price elasticity and the success of a price increasealso: The marketing mix | Question paper (p.13)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q15June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Elasticities after price cuts and falling incomes | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.3June 2020 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Why demand for luxury goods is price-insensitive | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | A price cut and inelastic demand | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
| Q14Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Forecasting sales by extrapolating past trendsalso: Decision making and data | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
| Q19Specimen · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Quality assurance and a small firm in an elastic marketalso: Quality | Question paper (p.12)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
| Q01Specimen · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Market research and market share | Question paper (p.2)Case studyMark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Segmentation, targeting and positioning 5 questions · 31 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q02.4June 2025 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether all firms should segment by income | Question paper (p.13)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q18June 2023 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Large firms entering small specialised segments | Question paper (p.12)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q13June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Advantages of a small firm's niche market | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.3June 2022 · Paper 2 | 4 | Short answer | Benefit of splitting customers into groups | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q04Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Segmenting consumers by age | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
The marketing mix 14 questions · 173 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q03.2June 2025 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Gains from leading the market on service qualityalso: Strategic positioning and competitive advantage | Question paper (p.18)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02June 2025 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Effect of cutbacks on marketing activities | Question paper (p.5)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.4June 2024 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Sponsoring televised sport to launch a product | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.1June 2024 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Moving from free to paid subscription | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q04June 2023 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether promotional methods can lift sales | Question paper (p.11)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.5June 2022 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether launching a new brand now is wisealso: Strategic direction: markets and products | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01June 2022 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Factors shaping advertising and communications | Question paper (p.2)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q07June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Dynamic and penetration pricing and capacity utilisationalso: Operational objectives and performance | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q18June 2021 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Price elasticity and the success of a price increasealso: Marketing objectives, markets and customers | Question paper (p.13)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q03.2June 2021 · Paper 2 | 6 | Analyse | Benefits of a focus on service qualityalso: Quality | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q01June 2021 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Adjusting the marketing mix for focused differentiationalso: Strategic positioning and competitive advantage | Question paper (p.2)Case studyMark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q22June 2020 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | HR flow in the growth stage of the product life cyclealso: Organisational design and HR flow | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.2June 2020 · Paper 2 | 5 | Short answer | Marketing responses to government limits on salesalso: Political and legal change | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q21Specimen · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Product life cycle and sales growth for multi-product firmsalso: Strategic direction: markets and products | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Section 3.4
Operational management
Operational objectives and performance 15 questions · 112 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q10June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Capacity utilisation and labour productivity targets | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.3June 2025 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether intensive use of assets is the key to low costsalso: Efficiency, scale and technology | Question paper (p.19)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2025 · Paper 3 | 24 | Evaluate | Capacity management in large and small firmsalso: Globalisation and internationalisation | Question paper (p.18)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q10June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Economies of scale and capacity utilisationalso: Efficiency, scale and technology | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.3June 2024 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Falling labour productivity and market sharealso: HR objectives and performance | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01June 2024 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Benefits of operating near full capacity | Question paper (p.2)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Event that increases spare capacity | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q12June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Labour productivity and turnover changesalso: HR objectives and performance | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01June 2023 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Environmental targets and operating decisionsalso: Mission, objectives and strategy | Question paper (p.2)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03June 2023 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether the data show a new facility will raise efficiencyalso: Efficiency, scale and technology | Question paper (p.8)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q07June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Dynamic and penetration pricing and capacity utilisationalso: The marketing mix | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q02June 2021 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Output-focused management and a performance gapalso: Management and leadership | Question paper (p.5)Case studyMark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q03June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Benefits of higher capacity utilisation | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q17June 2020 · Paper 1 | 4 | Calculation | Wage costs as a share of turnoveralso: HR objectives and performance | Question paper (p.12)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q07Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Capacity utilisation after a capacity increase | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Efficiency, scale and technology 17 questions · 145 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q03.3June 2025 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether intensive use of assets is the key to low costsalso: Operational objectives and performance | Question paper (p.19)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q08June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Experience curve axes | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q10June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Economies of scale and capacity utilisationalso: Operational objectives and performance | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q24June 2024 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Lean production and unit costs | Question paper (p.20)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03June 2024 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether adding new equipment is worthwhile | Question paper (p.8)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q14June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Adapting to shifting consumer demandalso: Marketing objectives, markets and customers | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q22June 2023 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Growing firms and rising unit costsalso: Growth and change in scale | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.3June 2023 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Moving to more capital-intensive production | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03June 2023 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether the data show a new facility will raise efficiencyalso: Operational objectives and performance | Question paper (p.8)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Falling unit costs from accumulated experience | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q15June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Effect of increased capital expenditure | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q21June 2022 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Labour-intensive or capital-intensive production | Question paper (p.13)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q05June 2021 · Paper 3 | 20 | Evaluate | Choosing between two factory locationsalso: Globalisation and internationalisation | Question paper (p.14)Case studyMark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q05June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Lean production and unit costs | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q08Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Low costs and diseconomies of scale | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
| Q09Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Automation, capacity and unit costs | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
| Q12Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Sharing equipment across diversified products | Question paperMark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Quality 6 questions · 67 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q24June 2025 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Quality assurance, quality control and profitability | Question paper (p.22)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q11June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Quality, price inelasticity and competitive advantagealso: Strategic positioning and competitive advantage | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q24June 2023 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Profit focus and improving qualityalso: Nature and purpose of business | Question paper (p.21)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q10June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Quality, price elasticity and added valuealso: Nature and purpose of business | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.2June 2021 · Paper 2 | 6 | Analyse | Benefits of a focus on service qualityalso: The marketing mix | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q19Specimen · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Quality assurance and a small firm in an elastic marketalso: Marketing objectives, markets and customers | Question paper (p.12)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Inventory, supply chains and outsourcing 14 questions · 101 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q01.2June 2025 · Paper 2 | 4 | Short answer | Possible causes of a change in stock turnoveralso: Analysing financial performance | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.2June 2025 · Paper 2 | 6 | Short answer | Benefits of ordering stock only when needed | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q16June 2023 · Paper 1 | 4 | Calculation | Plotting stock levels after changes to reorder level | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q16June 2022 · Paper 1 | 2 | Calculation | Inventory turnoveralso: Analysing financial performance | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.1June 2022 · Paper 2 | 2 | Calculation | Lead time from a stock chart | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.2June 2022 · Paper 2 | 2 | Calculation | Reorder quantity from a stock chart | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.3June 2022 · Paper 2 | 2 | Calculation | Daily usage from a stock chart | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.5June 2022 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Contingency planning after supplier failurealso: Strategic implementation and planning | Question paper (p.17)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.6June 2022 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether supplier reliability is the top choice factor | Question paper (p.18)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q04June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | When outsourcing production suits a firm | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q03June 2021 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Benefits and risks of just-in-time stock | Question paper (p.8)Case studyMark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q02.3June 2020 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Just-in-time manufacturing and profitability | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03June 2020 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether switching to cheaper suppliers benefits the firm | Question paper (p.8)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02Specimen · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Supply chain management and competitive advantagealso: Strategic positioning and competitive advantage | Question paper (p.5)Case studyMark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Network analysis 11 questions · 41 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q03June 2025 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether a new factory can open within a yearalso: Strategic implementation and planning | Question paper (p.8)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q14June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Activities on the critical path | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q15June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Effect of a delay on critical path duration | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q09June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Critical path and float time | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q16.1June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Short answer | Identifying the critical path | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q16.2June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Short answer | Float time for an activity | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q16.3June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Short answer | Revised critical path after a delay | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q16.4June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Short answer | Total duration of the revised critical path | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q04June 2021 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | How useful network analysis is for a construction project | Question paper (p.11)Case studyMark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q10Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Latest finish time for an activity | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
| Q11Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | The critical path of a campaign network | Question paperMark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Section 3.5
Financial management
Financial objectives and budgets 9 questions · 60 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q04June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Profit variance when spending exceeds budget | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q09June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Rent and tax effects on profit measures | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.2June 2023 · Paper 2 | 6 | Analyse | Home working and the balance sheetalso: Analysing financial performance | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q19June 2022 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Why non-profit organisations set financial objectives | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q24June 2022 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | The finance function and lowest market costalso: Strategic positioning and competitive advantage | Question paper (p.20)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.4June 2021 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Branch closures and profitabilityalso: Digital technology | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q04June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Operating profit from company figures | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q16June 2020 · Paper 1 | 4 | Calculation | Profit variance | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q17.1Specimen · Paper 1 | 4 | Short answer | A benefit of budgeting for a fast-growing business | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Analysing financial performance 21 questions · 119 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q07June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Gross profit from revenue and cost of sales | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q16June 2025 · Paper 1 | 4 | Calculation | Current ratio from company accounts | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q17June 2025 · Paper 1 | 4 | Calculation | Operating profit from a ROCE figure | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.2June 2025 · Paper 2 | 4 | Short answer | Possible causes of a change in stock turnoveralso: Inventory, supply chains and outsourcing | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q13June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Liquidity and gearing from the balance sheet | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q20June 2024 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Higher interest rates and a highly geared exporteralso: Economic change | Question paper (p.13)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q21June 2024 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Financial ratios and non-profit performancealso: SWOT and overall performance | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.1June 2024 · Paper 2 | 4 | Calculation | Payables days | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.2June 2024 · Paper 2 | 3 | Short answer | Causes of a falling gross margin | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q17June 2023 · Paper 1 | 4 | Calculation | Current ratio after a share issuealso: Sources of finance and share capital | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.2June 2023 · Paper 2 | 4 | Calculation | Return on capital employed | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.4June 2023 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether shares are worth buyingalso: Sources of finance and share capital | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.2June 2023 · Paper 2 | 6 | Analyse | Home working and the balance sheetalso: Financial objectives and budgets | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q16June 2022 · Paper 1 | 2 | Calculation | Inventory turnoveralso: Inventory, supply chains and outsourcing | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q17June 2022 · Paper 1 | 3 | Calculation | Payables days | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q18June 2022 · Paper 1 | 3 | Calculation | Current ratio | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q08June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Comparing payables, receivables and inventory ratiosalso: Cash flow, break-even and profit | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q02.1June 2021 · Paper 2 | 2 | Calculation | Gross profit margin | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q01.1June 2020 · Paper 2 | 6 | Calculation | Liquidity and gearing ratios | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q15Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Current ratio from extracted figures | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
| Q03Specimen · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Rising gearing and the current ratio in tough trading | Question paper (p.8)Case studyMark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Sources of finance and share capital 14 questions · 95 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q18June 2024 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Share capital or bank loans for a plc | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q17June 2023 · Paper 1 | 4 | Calculation | Current ratio after a share issuealso: Analysing financial performance | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.4June 2023 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether shares are worth buyingalso: Analysing financial performance | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q05June 2023 · Paper 3 | 20 | Evaluate | Whether a bank loan poses excessive financial risk | Question paper (p.14)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.1June 2022 · Paper 2 | 2 | Short answer | Meaning of dividends | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.2June 2022 · Paper 2 | 4 | Short answer | Why a share price rose after an announcement | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03June 2022 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether selling invoices to a lender boosts liquidityalso: Cash flow, break-even and profit | Question paper (p.8)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Share capital value and market capitalisation | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q01.1June 2021 · Paper 2 | 3 | Calculation | Total shares from share price and market value | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q01.3June 2021 · Paper 2 | 4 | Short answer | Reasons for a fall in a share price | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q03.1June 2020 · Paper 2 | 2 | Short answer | Meaning of venture capital funding | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01June 2020 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Stakeholder gains from a rising share pricealso: Stakeholders and responsibility | Question paper (p.2)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Sources of finance that require shareholder payouts | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
| Q03Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Higher interest rates and a heavily borrowed housebuilderalso: Economic change | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Cash flow, break-even and profit 15 questions · 70 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q06June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | What shifts the break-even point | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.1June 2025 · Paper 2 | 3 | Calculation | Cash effect of giving customers credit | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q16June 2024 · Paper 1 | 4 | Calculation | Margin of safety | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.2June 2024 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Obstacles to returning to profit | Question paper (p.12)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.1June 2024 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Ways to improve cash flow | Question paper (p.17)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q04June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Fixed costs and contribution on a break-even chart | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q05June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Profit change on a break-even chart after a price rise | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03June 2022 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether selling invoices to a lender boosts liquidityalso: Sources of finance and share capital | Question paper (p.8)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Revenue, profit, contribution and cost types | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q08June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Comparing payables, receivables and inventory ratiosalso: Analysing financial performance | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q02.2June 2021 · Paper 2 | 6 | Analyse | Managing payables and receivables to improve cash flow | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q12June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Break-even and margin of safety after cost changes | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q19June 2020 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Receivables and payables days and cash | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q16.1Specimen · Paper 1 | 4 | Calculation | Fixed costs from contribution and total costs | Question paperMark schemeAnswers and commentary |
| Q16.2Specimen · Paper 1 | 4 | Calculation | Contribution per unit | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Section 3.6
Human resource management
HR objectives and performance 12 questions · 65 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q20June 2025 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Innovation strategy and the HR functionalso: Innovation | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.1June 2025 · Paper 2 | 3 | Calculation | Staff turnover rate | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.1June 2025 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Why set staffing and engagement targets | Question paper (p.17)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.3June 2024 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Falling labour productivity and market sharealso: Operational objectives and performance | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q12June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Labour productivity and turnover changesalso: Operational objectives and performance | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q13June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Employee cost per unit and wages as a share of turnover | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Change that raises employee costs as a share of turnover | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q20June 2021 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | The HR manager's role in reviewing workforce performance | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q03.1June 2021 · Paper 2 | 2 | Calculation | Percentage of staff retained | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q03.4June 2021 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether high staff turnover should worry businesses | Question paper (p.17)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q17June 2020 · Paper 1 | 4 | Calculation | Wage costs as a share of turnoveralso: Operational objectives and performance | Question paper (p.12)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q13Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Labour productivity and turnover changes | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Organisational design and HR flow 14 questions · 174 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q18June 2025 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Restructuring and speed of customer response | Question paper (p.12)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.3June 2025 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Career and training plans and motivationalso: Motivation and engagement | Question paper (p.12)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q04June 2025 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Managing overseas staffing against redundanciesalso: Globalisation and internationalisation | Question paper (p.11)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Removing layers of management | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.2June 2024 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | A wider product range and organisational designalso: Growth and change in scale | Question paper (p.18)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.1June 2023 · Paper 2 | 3 | Calculation | Percentage change in home working | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.3June 2023 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Home working and managers' rolesalso: Management and leadership | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q20June 2022 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Wider span of control and labour productivity | Question paper (p.12)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q25June 2022 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Flexible employment contracts | Question paper (p.20)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q04June 2022 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Moving from a centralised to a team-based culturealso: Organisational culture | Question paper (p.11)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q18June 2020 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Workforce diversity and profit | Question paper (p.13)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q22June 2020 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | HR flow in the growth stage of the product life cyclealso: The marketing mix | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.3June 2020 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Staffing challenges from irregular demand | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q22Specimen · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Training as the best way to improve workforce performance | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Motivation and engagement 12 questions · 137 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q11June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Signs of successful employee engagement | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.3June 2025 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Career and training plans and motivationalso: Organisational design and HR flow | Question paper (p.12)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q22June 2024 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Hard and soft HRM and employee motivation | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q20June 2023 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Maslow's needs and motivating staff after redundancies | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.4June 2023 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Home working and the triple bottom linealso: Stakeholders and responsibility | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.3June 2022 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | A venture and senior managers' motivation (Maslow) | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q10June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Hackman and Oldham motivators | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q21June 2021 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Non-financial against financial motivation | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q03.3June 2021 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Why staff are motivated and involved | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q10June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Management styles and soft HRMalso: Management and leadership | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.4June 2020 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether Taylor's theory suits all businesses | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q04Specimen · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Staff involvement in organisational changealso: Managing change | Question paper (p.11)Case studyMark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Employer-employee relations 1 questions · 16 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q02.3June 2024 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Union consultation and resistance to changealso: Managing change | Question paper (p.13)Mark schemeExaminer report |
Section 3.7
Analysing the strategic position of a business
Mission, objectives and strategy 6 questions · 93 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q15June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Mission, objectives, strategy and tactics by time horizon | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02June 2024 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Factors behind a market share targetalso: Marketing objectives, markets and customers | Question paper (p.5)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01June 2023 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Environmental targets and operating decisionsalso: Operational objectives and performance | Question paper (p.2)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2022 · Paper 3 | 24 | Evaluate | Whether long-term planning decides survivalalso: Strategic implementation and planning | Question paper (p.18)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q05Specimen · Paper 3 | 20 | Evaluate | Setting CSR objectivesalso: Stakeholders and responsibility | Question paper (p.14)Case studyMark schemeAnswers and commentary |
| Q06Specimen · Paper 3 | 24 | Evaluate | Whether internal or external factors should drive strategyalso: Strategic implementation and planning | Question paper (p.18)Case studyMark schemeAnswers and commentary |
SWOT and overall performance 9 questions · 63 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q13June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Balanced scorecard: target against actual performance | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q05June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Classifying factors in a SWOT analysis | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q21June 2024 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Financial ratios and non-profit performancealso: Analysing financial performance | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q04June 2024 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | How useful SWOT analysis is for strategic planningalso: Strategic implementation and planning | Question paper (p.11)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q11June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | SWOT classification of infrastructure and minimum wage changesalso: Political and legal change | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q12June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Balanced scorecard perspective for R&D spendingalso: Innovation | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Classifying staff turnover and R&D in a SWOT analysis | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q08June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | The perspective missing from a balanced scorecard | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q04June 2020 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Testing a claim about divisional performance | Question paper (p.11)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
Political and legal change 6 questions · 70 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q05June 2025 · Paper 3 | 20 | Evaluate | Whether changing legislation is the biggest threat | Question paper (p.14)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.3June 2024 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether environmental legislation harms every business | Question paper (p.19)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.4June 2023 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether firms act responsibly only when compelledalso: Stakeholders and responsibility | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q11June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | SWOT classification of infrastructure and minimum wage changesalso: SWOT and overall performance | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02June 2022 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Legal protection for creative work and expansionalso: Growth and change in scale | Question paper (p.5)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.2June 2020 · Paper 2 | 5 | Short answer | Marketing responses to government limits on salesalso: The marketing mix | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
Economic change 12 questions · 58 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q03June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | GDP and exchange rate changes and UK import levels | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q19June 2025 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Fiscal policy change and a healthcare products business | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.4June 2025 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether economic change brings more threats than opportunities | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q12June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Stronger pound and import costs or export demand | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q20June 2024 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Higher interest rates and a highly geared exporteralso: Analysing financial performance | Question paper (p.13)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Policy that raises output and price levels | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q04June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Change that raises both costs and demand | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.4June 2022 · Paper 2 | 4 | Short answer | A weaker pound and a manufacturer's sales | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q09June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Income elasticity during a fall in GDPalso: Marketing objectives, markets and customers | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q19June 2021 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | GDP and currency changes and an importer's profit | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q03Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Higher interest rates and a heavily borrowed housebuilderalso: Sources of finance and share capital | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
| Q18Specimen · Paper 1 | 5 | Short answer | A stronger pound and a cereal producer | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Social and technological change 1 questions · 25 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q23June 2024 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Rapid external change and strategic driftalso: Why strategies fail | Question paper (p.20)Mark schemeExaminer report |
The competitive environment 4 questions · 51 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q14June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Supplier power and barriers to entry | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q23June 2021 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Supplier power, rivalry and profit | Question paper (p.22)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q01.5June 2021 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether challenger firms threaten established ones | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q20Specimen · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | How large firms might influence a Porter force | Question paper (p.13)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Investment appraisal 7 questions · 31 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q17June 2024 · Paper 1 | 4 | Calculation | Net present value of a project | Question paper (p.10)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.1June 2023 · Paper 2 | 4 | Calculation | Net present value of a technology investment | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q12June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Shortest payback period | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q09June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Accounting rate of return | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.2June 2020 · Paper 2 | 4 | Short answer | Why sensitivity analysis was usedalso: Decision making and data | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.4June 2020 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether to approve an overseas investmentalso: Globalisation and internationalisation | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Payback period of a software project | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Section 3.8
Choosing strategic direction
Strategic direction: markets and products 13 questions · 134 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q04June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Boston Matrix position of a market leader as the market grows | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q05June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Risk of diversification and market penetration (Ansoff) | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Ansoff: market development and market penetration | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q05June 2024 · Paper 3 | 20 | Evaluate | Choosing between two growth optionsalso: Growth and change in scale | Question paper (p.14)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Ansoff category for a retailer selling a new product line | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q07June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Ansoff classification after a focus groupalso: Marketing objectives, markets and customers | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q22June 2022 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Boston Matrix and multi-product sales growth | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.5June 2022 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether launching a new brand now is wisealso: The marketing mix | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q05June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Boston Matrix category of a popular product | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q24June 2021 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Market penetration or diversification | Question paper (p.22)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q02.4June 2021 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether low-share, low-growth products must be dropped | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q02June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Product classification when sales rise but share falls | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q21Specimen · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Product life cycle and sales growth for multi-product firmsalso: The marketing mix | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Strategic positioning and competitive advantage 10 questions · 135 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q02June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Added value through advertising and differentiationalso: Nature and purpose of business | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q23June 2025 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Continued investment and sustaining competitive advantagealso: Innovation | Question paper (p.22)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.2June 2025 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Gains from leading the market on service qualityalso: The marketing mix | Question paper (p.18)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q11June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Quality, price inelasticity and competitive advantagealso: Quality | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2024 · Paper 3 | 24 | Evaluate | Whether innovation is necessary for differentiationalso: Innovation | Question paper (p.18)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q08June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Bowman's strategic clock: unviable positions | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q24June 2022 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | The finance function and lowest market costalso: Financial objectives and budgets | Question paper (p.20)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01June 2021 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Adjusting the marketing mix for focused differentiationalso: The marketing mix | Question paper (p.2)Case studyMark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q24June 2020 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Shifting from low cost to differentiation | Question paper (p.22)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02Specimen · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Supply chain management and competitive advantagealso: Inventory, supply chains and outsourcing | Question paper (p.5)Case studyMark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Section 3.9
Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies
Growth and change in scale 17 questions · 210 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q08June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Resistance to retrenchment and labour turnoveralso: Managing change | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q21June 2025 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Multinational expansion from a saturated home marketalso: Globalisation and internationalisation | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.2June 2024 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | A wider product range and organisational designalso: Organisational design and HR flow | Question paper (p.18)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q05June 2024 · Paper 3 | 20 | Evaluate | Choosing between two growth optionsalso: Strategic direction: markets and products | Question paper (p.14)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q15June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Type of integration from two acquisitions | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q22June 2023 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Growing firms and rising unit costsalso: Efficiency, scale and technology | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02June 2023 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Reasons for internal rather than external growth | Question paper (p.5)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2023 · Paper 3 | 24 | Evaluate | Leadership or other factors in the success of growth strategiesalso: Management and leadership | Question paper (p.18)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.4June 2022 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Joint ventures as a growth strategy | Question paper (p.11)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02June 2022 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Legal protection for creative work and expansionalso: Political and legal change | Question paper (p.5)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q05June 2022 · Paper 3 | 20 | Evaluate | Stakeholder responses to a possible acquisitionalso: Stakeholders and responsibility | Question paper (p.14)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q13June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Greiner's growth stage with a leadership crisis | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q07June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Greiner's crisis point | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q11June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | External growth and organic growth | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.4June 2020 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether franchising is a good growth route | Question paper (p.17)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q05Specimen · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Integration from a merger of two banks | Question paper (p.3)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
| Q24Specimen · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Start-up culture as the business growsalso: Organisational culture | Question paper (p.20)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Innovation 5 questions · 84 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q20June 2025 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Innovation strategy and the HR functionalso: HR objectives and performance | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q23June 2025 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Continued investment and sustaining competitive advantagealso: Strategic positioning and competitive advantage | Question paper (p.22)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2024 · Paper 3 | 24 | Evaluate | Whether innovation is necessary for differentiationalso: Strategic positioning and competitive advantage | Question paper (p.18)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q12June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Balanced scorecard perspective for R&D spendingalso: SWOT and overall performance | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q23June 2020 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | R&D spending and organisational culture in innovationalso: Organisational culture | Question paper (p.22)Mark schemeExaminer report |
Globalisation and internationalisation 12 questions · 198 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q21June 2025 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Multinational expansion from a saturated home marketalso: Growth and change in scale | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.3June 2025 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Choosing a new overseas factory over upgradingalso: Decision making and data | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q04June 2025 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Managing overseas staffing against redundanciesalso: Organisational design and HR flow | Question paper (p.11)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2025 · Paper 3 | 24 | Evaluate | Capacity management in large and small firmsalso: Operational objectives and performance | Question paper (p.18)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02June 2024 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Cheap overseas resources, instability and reshoring | Question paper (p.2)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q23June 2023 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Emerging economies as growth markets | Question paper (p.21)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q11June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Bartlett and Ghoshal strategy shift | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q22June 2021 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Hofstede's national culture model and overseas market entryalso: Organisational culture | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q05June 2021 · Paper 3 | 20 | Evaluate | Choosing between two factory locationsalso: Efficiency, scale and technology | Question paper (p.14)Case studyMark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q06June 2021 · Paper 3 | 24 | Evaluate | Whether offshoring firms should reshore | Question paper (p.18)Case studyMark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q01.4June 2020 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether to approve an overseas investmentalso: Investment appraisal | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02June 2020 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | A multi-domestic approach | Question paper (p.5)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
Digital technology 4 questions · 45 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q23June 2022 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | E-commerce and online-only retailing | Question paper (p.14)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01.2June 2021 · Paper 2 | 2 | Calculation | Growth in online banking users | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q01.4June 2021 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Branch closures and profitabilityalso: Financial objectives and budgets | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q20June 2020 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Digital technology and small businesses | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeExaminer report |
Section 3.10
Managing strategic change
Managing change 7 questions · 56 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q08June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Resistance to retrenchment and labour turnoveralso: Growth and change in scale | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q01June 2025 · Paper 3 | 12 | Analyse | Using force field analysis to explain a restructure | Question paper (p.2)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q02.3June 2024 · Paper 2 | 16 | Evaluate | Union consultation and resistance to changealso: Employer-employee relations | Question paper (p.13)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q07June 2023 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Type of change from continuous improvement | Question paper (p.5)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.3June 2023 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Force field analysis of a change to ingredientsalso: Stakeholders and responsibility | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q14June 2021 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Overcoming self-interest as a source of resistance | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q04Specimen · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Staff involvement in organisational changealso: Motivation and engagement | Question paper (p.11)Case studyMark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Organisational culture 8 questions · 107 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q09June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Culture change as a founder delegates | Question paper (p.6)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q19June 2024 · Paper 1 | 9 | Analyse | Role culture and power culture | Question paper (p.12)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q04June 2022 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Moving from a centralised to a team-based culturealso: Organisational design and HR flow | Question paper (p.11)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q22June 2021 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Hofstede's national culture model and overseas market entryalso: Globalisation and internationalisation | Question paper (p.16)Mark schemeNo examiner report |
| Q13June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Hofstede's dimensions for an innovative business | Question paper (p.9)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q23June 2020 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | R&D spending and organisational culture in innovationalso: Innovation | Question paper (p.22)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.2June 2020 · Paper 2 | 5 | Short answer | Replacing a founder-led power culture | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q24Specimen · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Start-up culture as the business growsalso: Growth and change in scale | Question paper (p.20)Mark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Strategic implementation and planning 6 questions · 114 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q03June 2025 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | Whether a new factory can open within a yearalso: Network analysis | Question paper (p.8)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q04June 2024 · Paper 3 | 16 | Evaluate | How useful SWOT analysis is for strategic planningalso: SWOT and overall performance | Question paper (p.11)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q21June 2023 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Drivers of contingency plan success | Question paper (p.15)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q03.5June 2022 · Paper 2 | 9 | Analyse | Contingency planning after supplier failurealso: Inventory, supply chains and outsourcing | Question paper (p.17)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2022 · Paper 3 | 24 | Evaluate | Whether long-term planning decides survivalalso: Mission, objectives and strategy | Question paper (p.18)Case studyMark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06Specimen · Paper 3 | 24 | Evaluate | Whether internal or external factors should drive strategyalso: Mission, objectives and strategy | Question paper (p.18)Case studyMark schemeAnswers and commentary |
Why strategies fail 4 questions · 28 marks
| Question | Marks | Type | Focus | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q12June 2025 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | External and strategic change causing strategic drift | Question paper (p.7)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q23June 2024 · Paper 1 | 25 | Evaluate | Rapid external change and strategic driftalso: Social and technological change | Question paper (p.20)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q14June 2022 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Emergent strategy and strategic drift | Question paper (p.8)Mark schemeExaminer report |
| Q06June 2020 · Paper 1 | 1 | Multiple choice | Lowest risk of strategic drift | Question paper (p.4)Mark schemeExaminer report |
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Past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports are © AQA. This page lists question numbers, marks and topics only; open the linked papers to see the questions. Paper 1 offers a choice of essays in Sections C and D, so both options are listed. Paper 3 questions refer to a case study insert, linked in each row. The specimen set covers Papers 1 and 3. Some papers have third-party material removed by AQA, and AQA did not publish an examiner report for every paper.
FAQs
AQA A-Level Business Questions by Topic
Are these the actual AQA A-Level Business questions?
The page lists every question by number, marks and topic, then links you to the real paper, mark scheme and examiner report. The question wording and the mark schemes belong to AQA, so we link to them rather than copy them.
How are the topics ordered?
They follow the ten sections of the AQA A-Level Business (7132) specification, from What is business? through to Managing strategic change. That is also the order most teachers deliver the course, so you can work down the page as you teach.
Why do some questions appear under more than one topic?
Many A-Level questions, especially 25-mark essays and Paper 3 case study questions, test two or three topics at once. They are listed under each topic they cover and marked as such, so you will not miss them when you filter.
Why are the multiple choice questions included?
Paper 1 starts with 15 one-mark multiple choice questions covering the whole specification. Listing them by topic makes quick retrieval practice easy. Use the question type filter to show or hide them.
How should I use the examiner reports?
Attempt the question first, mark it against the mark scheme, then read the examiner report to see how students lost marks. Not every paper has an examiner report, and the list shows where one is missing.
Can someone mark my answer for me?
Yes. Our AI Business Tutor marks practice answers by assessment objective, and our qualified teachers mark full papers in one-to-one lessons.
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