CAPE Management of Business Syllabus - Rev Oct 2022
CAPE Management of Business Syllabus - Rev Oct 2022
CAPE Management of Business Syllabus - Rev Oct 2022
APPENDIX III
APPENDIX III
APPENDIX III
APPENDIX III
Caribbean Advanced
APPENDIX III
Proficiency Examination®
APPENDIX III
APPENDIX III
APPENDIX III
APPENDIX III
APPENDIX III
CXC A24/U2/22 APPENDIX III
APPENDIX III
APPENDIX III
Effective for examinations from May–June 2024
NOT FOR TEACHING
The Pro-Registrar
Caribbean Examinations Council
Caenwood Centre
37 Arnold Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica
Contents
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ i
RATIONALE .............................................................................................................................................. 1
AIMS ........................................................................................................................................................ 1
Please note that the syllabus has been revised and amendments are indicated by italics.
Please access relevant curated resources to support teaching and learning of the syllabus at
https://learninghub.cxc.org/
For access to short courses, training opportunities and teacher orientation webinars and workshops
go to our Learning Institute at https://cxclearninginstitute.org/
PLEASE NOTE
This icon is used throughout the syllabus to represent key features which teachers and
learners may find useful.
Introduction
The Caribbean Examinations Council® (CXC®) offers three types of certification at the CAPE® level. The
first is the award of a certificate showing each CAPE® Unit completed. The second is the CAPE®
Diploma, awarded to candidates who have satisfactorily completed at least six Units, including
Caribbean Studies. The third is the CXC® Associate Degree, awarded for the satisfactory completion of
a prescribed cluster of ten CAPE® Units including Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies and
Integrated Mathematics. Integrated Mathematics is not a requirement for the CXC® Associate Degree
in Mathematics. The complete list of Associate Degrees may be found in the CXC® Associate Degree
Handbook.
For the CAPE® Diploma and the CXC® Associate Degree, candidates must complete the cluster of
required Units within a maximum period of five years. To be eligible for a CXC® Associate Degree, the
educational institution presenting the candidates for the award, must select the Associate Degree of
choice at the time of registration at the sitting (year) the candidates are expected to qualify for the
award. Candidates will not be awarded an Associate Degree for which they were not registered.
RATIONALE
The dynamic environment within which businesses operate today present both challenges and
opportunities for business leaders. The growth in economic and social needs in most economies also
constitutes another area of great challenge. As students proceed beyond the Caribbean Secondary
Education Certificate (CSEC®) level, in pursuit of their career goals, they must be cognisant of the
changing socio-economic climate, technological changes and sustainability concerns within which
modern businesses operate.
Management of Business students must understand the principles that govern the human and
operational interactions within a technologically driven business environment and must be aware of
the factors that influence and drive business decisions. Moreover, it is imperative that students possess
a comprehensive understanding of the markets in the region in addition to knowledge of the global
marketplace.
The CAPE® Management of Business syllabus provides a good foundation for further study of Business
and other related disciplines at the tertiary level. It also provides opportunities for students to function
in existing business organisations and as successful entrepreneurs. Students will acquire the requisite
knowledge and understanding of management principles and concepts, sustainable business
practices, and skills required to address managerial problems and the challenges faced by businesses.
Students are offered the opportunity to acquire a variety of experiences in the fundamentals of
Business Management through the use of learner-centered teaching and assessment approaches.
Additionally, the syllabus will inculcate the tenets of the Ideal Caribbean Person as articulated by the
CARICOM Heads of Government. That is, an individual who demonstrates a positive work ethic, and
values and displays the creative imagination in its various manifestations and nurtures its
development in the economic and entrepreneurial spheres. Such a person will question the beliefs and
practices of past and present and bring this to bear on the innovative application of science and
technology to problem solving, value teamwork, demonstrate independent and critical thinking and a
strong appreciation of moral issues including responsibility for and accountability to self and
community. Students are therefore encouraged to adopt appropriate and acceptable attitudes, values
and ethical practices relating to business activities. Moreover, in keeping with UNESCO pillars of
learning, on completion of this course of study, students will learn to know, learn to do, learn to be,
learn to live together and learn to transform themselves and society, having been exposed to the
values implicit within human rights, and democratic principles among others.
AIMS
The syllabus aims to:
1. develop an understanding of the integrated nature of business organisations and the dynamic
environment in which they operate;
2. develop an awareness of how global issues impact the development and strategic
management of successful organisations with special reference to the Caribbean;
3. provide basic information on principles, legal issues, and practices of modern management
with special reference to the Caribbean;
4. develop critical thinking skills necessary to pursue further studies and career development;
9. provide opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, aptitude and abilities needed to
become successful entrepreneurs and small business owners or managers; and,
10. develop attitudes, values, and ethical practices related to business and good corporate
citizenship.
1. define/recall the basic terms, concepts and principles in management of business; and,
2. demonstrate understanding of concepts, theories and the diverse managerial functions and
roles commonly applied or used in the management of business.
1. apply knowledge and understanding of facts, theories and concepts to problems and issues in
a variety of familiar and unfamiliar business situations and contexts;
3. analyse complex issues and situations and searching for causes, impact/consequences.
1. evaluating complex issues and situations based on evidence, argument and discussion in order
to make reasoned judgments, present measured conclusions and make recommendations for
action and implementation; and,
2. using appropriate methods and techniques to create and logically present relevant solutions
to problems.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
1. understand the nature and scope of business and its role in society;
2. understand the characteristics and relative advantages and disadvantages of various forms of
legal business organisations;
4. appreciate the process of decision making and its impact on the environment;
5. develop an awareness of the impact of the external environment on business operations; and,
2. compare the different types of Main features including ability to raise finance,
business organisations based on appropriateness of legal structures, challenges
economic sectors and legal of changing from one legal structure to
structures; another, advantages and disadvantages of
each type of structure.
(i) sole-trader;
(ii) partnership;
UNIT 1
MODULE 1: BUSINESS AND ITS ENVIRONMENT (cont'd)
(ii) non-governmental
organisations.
Business Objectives
UNIT 1
MODULE 1: BUSINESS AND ITS ENVIRONMENT (cont'd)
Decision Making
UNIT 1
MODULE 1: BUSINESS AND ITS ENVIRONMENT (cont'd)
(vi) evaluation.
• human factors;
• technological factors.
• governmental, political
and legal;
• technological;
• environmental
sustainability.
(i) technology;
UNIT 1
MODULE 1: BUSINESS AND ITS ENVIRONMENT (cont'd)
• competition, pricing
policy, quality
assurance, creativity
and innovation, staffing,
financial operations and
emerging technologies;
UNIT 1
MODULE 1: BUSINESS AND ITS ENVIRONMENT (cont'd)
To facilitate students’ attainment of the objectives in Module 1, teachers are advised to engage
students in the teaching and learning activities listed below. Have students:
2. create a class online space such as a blog, wiki or website to share information on various
topics in the module using various tools;
3. engage in class discussion on Porter's Business Level Strategies for competing in any industry;
5. listen to business news (both regional and international) and integrate technology to present
the information to the class to sensitise students to local and regional developments;
6. collect articles on business news and share for in-class discussions, and post information or
reflections in their journals (traditional or on-line) blogs, vlogs, discussion forum and other
trending spaces created for the purpose);
7. have students collaborate to prepare short photo story/video/infographic about one or more
of the topics covered in the Module and share with the class. Students may also post to a class
online space;
9. work collaboratively to complete an assigned group research project and creatively present
the information to their classmates. Members of the class will use an agreed rubric to provide
feedback to their peers on the presentation; and,
10. use case studies, simulation exercises, role play, and video presentations to explore various
concepts in the Module.
Teachers and students may identify other activities that are more suitable to their own class settings.
UNIT 1
MODULE 2: THE MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
3. understand the roles and responsibilities of employers and employees within an organisation;
(i) planning;
(ii) organising;
(iii) staffing;
(v) controlling.
UNIT 1
MODULE 2: THE MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE (cont'd)
Organisational Structure
(i) by function;
(ii) by product;
(iv) matrix;
(v) team;
(vii) virtual.
(i) hierarchy;
(v) responsibility;
(vi) authority;
(vii) accountability;
(viii) delegation;
(x) decentralisation.
UNIT 1
MODULE 2: THE MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE (cont'd)
3. discuss the theories of motivation (a) Factors that stimulate and influence
and their application to the motivation: individual needs; self-
management of people in motivation; ability to make choices;
organisations; environmental opportunities.
Leadership
4. differentiate among types of (a) Definition of leadership.
leadership theories, skills, and styles;
(b) Leadership Theory: Trait Theory;
(Hershey and Blanchard) Situational
Theory; (Richard Barrett) Value-based
Leadership; (Kasthuri Henry) Ethical
Leadership.
(i) communication;
UNIT 1
MODULE 2: THE MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE (cont'd)
Leadership (cont’d)
(ii) transformational.
(i) commitment;
(ii) participation;
(iii) trust;
(v) flexibility;
UNIT 1
MODULE 2: THE MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE (cont'd)
(i) avoidance;
(ii) smoothing;
(iii) compromise;
(v) confrontation.
Management of Change
7. justify the need to cope with and (a) Nature of change: technical, economic,
manage change in the organisation; demographic, social and legal.
UNIT 1
MODULE 2: THE MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE (cont'd)
Communication in Business
UNIT 1
MODULE 2: THE MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE (cont'd)
9. evaluate the strategic importance of (a) The strategic role of human resource
human resource management in management to organisational success.
organisations.
(b) The impact of selected functions of the
human resources department –
definition, description and strategic
importance of each of the following
functions:
• training: induction,
orientation and on-the-
job/off-the-job; and,
• development: coaching,
counselling and mentoring.
UNIT 1
MODULE 2: THE MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE (cont'd)
To facilitate students’ attainment of the objectives of Module 2, teachers are advised to engage
students in the teaching and learning activities listed below. Have students:
1. participate in lectures, tutorials and presentations by teachers and other resource persons
with specialised knowledge of a wide range of content areas. Students will document the main
points shared;
2. collaborate to conduct research and integrate technology to creatively present the information
to their classmates. Students may add the presentations to their class blog, wiki, or website;
3. work collaboratively to research the recruitment and selection or induction and orientation
process implemented at a local business organisation. Students will share their findings in an
in-class discussion;
4. work in teams to conduct role play or simulation exercises demonstrating conflict, leadership
and or communication in a business. They should also demonstrate appropriate
strategies/approaches for dealing with conflicts and for effective leadership and
communication;
5. engage class in discussion on case studies on topics such as motivation, leadership, decision
making and the importance of effective communication;
6. engage in role play or create songs, poems or integrate technology to demonstrate topics such
as leadership, conflict, communication, and motivation;
7. collaborate to prepare short photo story/video/infographic about one or more of the topics
covered in the Module and share with the class. Students may also post to a class online space;
8. reflect and express their thoughts and perceptions by maintenance of journals which are
subsequently shared with peers;
9. engage in a team exercise (such as creating a factory using plasticine, craft material or
macaroni). Students will be able to experience the stages of team development and evaluate
the use of teamwork in organisations; and,
10. use the organisational chart of an existing business to demonstrate the key features such as
span of control, chain of command and line and staff relationship.
UNIT 1
MODULE 3: BUSINESS FINANCE AND FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
1. understand the roles and functions of finance in the management of business with special
reference to the Caribbean;
3. develop analytical and interpretational skills relating to problem solving in financial decision
making.
1. explain the various need for capital; (a) Start-up or venture capital.
Sources of Finance
2. evaluate the main sources of finance; (a) Equity financing versus debt financing.
(e) control/ownership.
UNIT 1
MODULE 3: BUSINESS FINANCE AND FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING (cont’d)
UNIT 1
MODULE 3: BUSINESS FINANCE AND FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING (cont’d)
• Capital Employed =
Fixed Assets + Current
Assets – Current
Liabilities.
UNIT 1
MODULE 3: BUSINESS FINANCE AND FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING (cont’d)
(v) verification.
Investment Appraisal
10. evaluate the various methods used (a) Need for investment Appraisal.
by businesses in selecting the most
appropriate investment option. (b) Analytical methods of Appraisal:
UNIT 1
MODULE 3: BUSINESS FINANCE AND FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING (cont’d)
To facilitate students’ attainment of the objectives of Module 3, teachers are advised to engage
students in the teaching and learning activities listed below. Have students:
1. participate in lectures, tutorials and presentations by teachers and other resource persons
with specialised knowledge of a wide range of content areas. Students should document the
main points;
2. work collaboratively to interpret published financial statements using ratio analysis. Each
group could be asked to present their work to the class;
3. work collaboratively to analyse case studies to reinforce learning and provide opportunities
for application of concepts. Their responses will be discussed in class;
5. work in small groups to present a simulation or role play on the factors to be considered in
decision making, the importance of budgeting or any other topic covered in the Module;
6. access financial materials from various sources, for example, radio and television, podcasts,
YouTube videos and publications of professional journals, for example, N.Y.S.E, Financial
Times to share the information with the class and on their class online space;
8. participate in role play as members of a board to discuss the investment of a given capital, and
choose from among some investment opportunities, bearing in mind the source of the capital,
as well as the cost of the capital; and,
9. work in small groups to analyse case materials and prepare relevant budgets.
RESOURCES
Bahaw, P. and Ramkhelawan, J. Management of Business for Caribbean Students, Unit 1 and 2,
Caribbean Educational Publishers, 2021.
UNIT 1
MODULE 3: BUSINESS FINANCE AND FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING (cont’d)
Hall, D., Rob J. and Raffo, C. Business Studies, Lancaster: Causeway Press Limited, 2010.
Electronic Resources:
https://www.tutor2u.net/
www.investopedia.com
https://learninghub.cxc.org/
https://quizizz.com/
https://www.quizalize.com/
https://edpuzzle.com/
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
3. appreciate the importance of tools and techniques required for production and operations
management; and,
4. be aware of the impact of the internal and external environment on the production and
operations management decisions.
Nature of Production
UNIT 2
MODULE 1: PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (cont'd)
Forecasting Techniques
(a) Quantitative
(b) Qualitative
(c) Integration.
Production Methods
(a) job;
(c) flow.
UNIT 2
MODULE 1: PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (cont'd)
Layout Strategies
Capacity Planning
Costing
UNIT 2
MODULE 1: PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (cont'd)
Costing (cont’d)
Inventory Management:
UNIT 2
10. apply the principles of lean (a) Lean Production (link between
production and quality management inventory management, quality and
to the management of production capacity and employee roles).
and operations;
(b) Importance of managing quality.
(i) performance;
(ii) features;
(iii) reliability;
(iv) conformance;
(v) durability;
(vi) serviceability;
(i) benchmarking;
(iii) outsourcing;
(viii) SERVQUAL.
UNIT 2
Productivity
11. evaluate the methods of measuring (a) Definition, types and formula.
and improving productivity; and,
(b) Methods of measuring productivity
(including labour and machinery, with
relevant calculations).
Project Management (students are required to prepare and interpret diagrams of models)
12. assess the importance and (a) Definition and description of Project
application of project management. Management.
UNIT 2
MODULE 1: PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (cont'd)
To facilitate students’ attainment of the objectives of Module 1, teachers are advised to engage
students in the teaching and learning activities listed below. Have students:
1. use examples of product based and service-based organizations to relate the input –
conversion – output process and discuss the major decisions that organizations are required
to make at each stage of the process;
2. acquire annual sales statistics for any organization and place them in random order. Then ask
students to place randomized sales statistics for an organization in a time series starting from
the oldest to most recent. Then participate in a class discussion on any trends that are
identified and illustrate how this information can be used to assist with sales forecasts for
future time periods;
3. use an example of a technology-based product such as a cell phone, to discuss the various
product design strategies that were used by the manufacturers and the advantages of the
strategies;
4. use an example of a simple retail food business to illustrate the concept of capacity based on
the amount of lunches the business can produce in a day. Then apply this to a scenario such as
increased demand or a special order to discuss strategies to improve capacity utilization and
strategies to increase or reduce capacity;
5. analyse a scenario of a simple small business and list the costs the business has to incur, then
categorise those costs into direct versus indirect costs and fixed versus variable costs. They will
then use a suggested price for a product to illustrate the concept of break-even analysis both
graphically and by calculation;
6. participate in research, class debates and panel discussions and on topical issues related to
production and operations management. Have them document critical learning outcomes to
be shared in class or on the class online space;
7. conduct experiential activities related to production and operations management. Use the
school cafeteria as an example of a business to introduce the concept of inventory, the
importance of managing inventory and methods which can be used to manage inventory;
8. create podcasts, video presentations and graphics or select relevant YouTube videos on
different topics to be shared in their class online space;
9. attend a popular school or suitable community event such as a graduation or sports day or
concert and work collaboratively to explore the concept of project management. They should
identify the challenges/issues which occurred during the event and then illustrate how the
tools and techniques of project management could be used to address those challenges. They
should creatively integrate technology to share their findings with their classmates;
UNIT 2
MODULE 1: PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (cont'd)
10. participate in lectures, tutorials and presentations by teachers and other resource persons
with specialised knowledge of a wide range of content areas;
11. view ‘How it’s made’ videos on YouTube to observe and analyse production methods used in
creating a variety of products; and,
12. work in teams to engage in the production of one or more products, applying the concepts of
production and operations learnt in this Module. Students should use a checklist to evaluate
the quality of the products.
UNIT 2
MODULE 2: FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKETING
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
(i) markets;
UNIT 2
MODULE 2: FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKETING (cont’d)
Marketing Research
UNIT 2
MODULE 2: FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKETING (cont’d)
• demographic;
• psychographic;
• geographic; and,
• behavioural.
(b) Targeting:
• niche;
• multi-segment; and,
• mass market.
(c) Positioning:
UNIT 2
MODULE 2: FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKETING (cont’d)
Product Management
6. evaluate the principles of product (a) The concept of product – core, formal
management; or actual, augmented.
Pricing Decision
UNIT 2
MODULE 2: FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKETING (cont’d)
Distribution Management
Promotion Strategy
(i) advertising;
Digital Marketing
UNIT 2
MODULE 2: FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKETING (cont’d)
To facilitate students’ attainment of the objectives in Module 2, teachers are advised to engage
students in the teaching and learning activities listed below. Have students:
3. work collaboratively to use primary and secondary sources to investigate the impact of digital
technologies on marketing decisions. They will integrate technology to creatively present their
findings to the class, and post it on their class’s virtual space;
4. participate in role play as members of the board of a business, to discuss the strategy of pricing
to be used by the organization, taking into consideration the micro and macro environments.
Students will collate the main points to create an infographic, poster or podcast on the topic;
5. work in small groups to create a flyer, podcast, song, jingle or movie/video to share tips or
considerations for effective marketing of a business or product. These should be presented in
class and shared in the group’s virtual space;
6. discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the major tools of promotion. Select one tool or
a combination of tools, and create an elevator pitch to promote a business;
7. develop a brand and package for a product and provide justification for their creation;
8. work in small groups to investigate the packaging strategies implemented by a business and
assess the extent to which it promotes sustainability; and,
9. work in small groups to analyse an advertisement to determine its effectiveness. Students will
then develop alternative versions of the advertisement reflecting improvements to enhance its
effectiveness.
UNIT 2
MODULE 3: SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
1. appreciate the difference between entrepreneurship and small business management; and,
2. assess the criteria for measuring size Criteria for measuring size and growth:
and growth of small businesses;
(a) output;
Major Strengths and Weaknesses, Opportunities and Challenges faced by Small Businesses
(ii) economies/diseconomies of
scale;
UNIT 2
MODULE 3: SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (cont’d)
Major Strengths and Weaknesses, Opportunities and Challenges faced by Small Businesses (cont’d)
(vi) e-commerce;
4. describe the types of assistance (a) Agencies that Assist Small Businesses:
agencies offer to small businesses;
and, (i) governmental agencies;
UNIT 2
MODULE 3: SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (cont’d)
(i) financial;
(ii) technical;
(iv) incubation.
• legal establishment
history; and,
• start-up plans.
• target market;
• location.
UNIT 2
MODULE 3: SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (cont’d)
• customer needs;
• pricing strategy;
• promotion strategy;
and,
• distribution strategy.
• machinery.
• management
personnel; and,
• staffing.
• cash flows;
• break-even analysis;
• source of funds;
• assumptions.
UNIT 2
MODULE 3: SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (cont’d)
To facilitate students’ attainment of the objectives in Module 3, teachers are advised to engage
students in the teaching and learning activities listed below. Have students:
1. use two examples of businesses, to highlight the concept of innovation, and then discuss major
social issues occurring in the local environment and entrepreneurs who have established
ventures to assist in addressing such issues;
2. establish and operate a small traditional or virtual store to sell items used by students in the
school, involving the steps of: ordering, banking, inventory, cost and sales analysis and
marketing;
3. use the scenario of a local example of an entrepreneurial venture which has experienced
growth and ask students to discuss various criteria which can be used to measure such growth;
4. work collaboratively to develop a business plan and discuss the importance of each section.
Using a standardized rubric, students will engage in a peer review of another group’s business
plan and provide feedback;
5. work in small groups to create a flyer, podcast, song, jingle or movie/video to share tips or
considerations for effective management of a small business. These should be presented in
class and shared in the group’s virtual space;
6. work in groups to conduct research on a local entrepreneur to evaluate internal strengths and
weaknesses and external opportunities and challenges faced in operating the venture and to
recommend strategies to mitigate the challenges; and,
7. work in groups to conduct research to identify local agencies which provide assistance to
address the challenges faced by small businesses.
RESOURCES
Bahaw, P. and Ramkhelawan, J. Management of Business for Caribbean Students, Unit 1 and 2,
Caribbean Educational Publishers, 2021.
Birchall, J. and Morris, G Business Studies, Surrey: United Kingdom: Nelson Thornes Ltd,
1999.
Good, Walter R., et al. Building Your Dream: A Guide to Starting Your Own Business,
11th edition, Toronto: McGraw Hill, 2021.
UNIT 2
MODULE 3: SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (cont’d)
Hall, D., Jones, R. and Raffo, C. Business Studies, 4th edition, Lancaster: Causeway Press
Limited, 2008.
Electronic Resources:
https://www.tutor2u.net/
https://learninghub.cxc.org/
investopedia.com
https://www.quizalize.com/
https://edpuzzle.com/
OUTLINE OF ASSESSMENT
Each Unit of the syllabus will be assessed separately. The same scheme of assessment will be applied
to each Module in each Unit. Grades will be awarded independently for each Unit.
The Assessment will comprise two components, one external component and one internal.
Candidates must complete the School-Based Assessment for the first Unit that they write. Candidates
may carry forward the School-Based Assessment mark from the first Unit written to the second Unit
(irrespective of the mark earned), or opt to complete the School-Based Assessment for the second
Unit as well.
Paper 031
A research paper not exceeding 1,500 words, based on a topic covered in any Module(s) of the Unit being
assessed. The School-Based Assessment for each Unit requires that candidates undertake a project which
must demonstrate their skills in research, analysis, evaluation and presentation of information.
Candidates who, in the same year, register for both Units of CAPE® Management of Business may opt to:
(b) submit a single School-Based Assessment assignment from either Unit 01 or Unit 02.
Candidates who opt for (b) must indicate from which Unit the School-Based Assessment assignment
was selected.
Paper 032
Private candidates are required to write an Alternative Paper – Paper 032. The Paper will be based on
a case study and will consists of three compulsory questions. It will test skills in research, analysis,
evaluation and presentation, similar to those assessed in the School-Based Assessment (Paper 031).
Details are on page 54.
School-Based Assessment Record Sheets are available online via the CXC®’s website www.cxc.org.
All School-Based Assessment Record of marks must be submitted online using the SBA data capture
module of the Online Registration System (ORS). Assignments will be requested by CXC® for
moderation purposes. These assignments will be re-assessed by CXC® Examiners who moderate the
School-Based Assessment. Teachers’ marks may be adjusted as a result of moderation. The
Examiners’ comments will be sent to schools. All assignments must be submitted online via the ORS
by the stipulated deadlines.
Copies of the students' assignment must be retained by the school until three months after publication
by CXC® of the examination results.
ASSESSMENT DETAILS
1. Numbers of Questions
All questions are compulsory. This paper will consist of 45 multiple-choice questions. There
will be 15 questions from each Module.
2. Syllabus Coverage
(b) The intention of this paper is to test candidates’ knowledge across the breadth of the
syllabus.
3. Mark Allocation
(b) The total number of marks available for this paper is 45, weighted to 90 marks.
(c) This paper contributes 30 per cent towards the final assessment.
4. Use of Calculators
1. Composition of Paper
(a) This paper will consist of three (3) compulsory structured or extended response
questions.
(d) The total number of marks available for the paper is 75.
(e) This paper contributes 50 per cent towards the final assessment.
2. Syllabus Coverage
(a) Each question requires a greater depth of understanding than those questions in
Paper 01.
(b) The purpose of this paper is to test candidates’ in-depth knowledge of the syllabus.
3. Question Type
4. Mark Allocation
5. Award of Marks
(b) evidence of ability to analyse a problem step by step and to apply principles and
practices, skills and knowledge to reach a logical conclusion;
SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT
School-Based Assessment is an integral part of student assessment in the course covered by this
syllabus. It is intended to assist students in acquiring certain knowledge, skills and attitudes that are
associated with the subject. The activities for the School-Based Assessment are linked to the syllabus
and should form part of the learning activities to enable the student to achieve the objectives of the
syllabus. Students are encouraged to work in groups to complete the SBA.
During the course of study for the subject, students obtain marks for the competence they develop
and demonstrate in undertaking their School-Based Assessment assignments. These marks contribute
to the final marks and grades that are awarded to students for their performance in the examination.
The guidelines provided in this syllabus for selecting appropriate tasks are intended to assist teachers
and students in selecting assignments that are valid for the purpose of School-Based Assessment. The
guidelines provided for the assessment of the assignments are intended to assist teachers in awarding
marks that are reliable estimates of the achievement of students in the School-Based Assessment
component of the course. In order to ensure that the scores awarded by teachers are consistent with
the CXC® standards, the Council undertakes the moderation of the School-Based Assessment
assignments marked by each teacher.
Presentation of Project
(b) allow teachers the opportunity to engage in the formative assessment of their
students;
(c) allow students to enhance their understanding of the nature of business organisations
through local studies;
(d) allow students to display evidence of careful observation and originality in their work;
(e) allow students to analyse business information gathered and make practical
decisions; and,
(f) explore more fully, some areas of the Unit which may not be assessed adequately in
an external examination.
2. Requirements
(a) Students must choose an organisation on which they would do their research project
either individually or in groups. Group size must not exceed four (4) persons. The project
should afford students the opportunity to pursue areas of personal interest based on a
topic covered in any Module(s) of the Unit being assessed. The project must be
quantitative research. Students may use primary and/ or secondary sources of data in
completing their SBA.
(b) Primary sources of data may include questionnaires, interviews and observations.
Secondary sources of data may include documents such as academic, professional and
trade journals, government papers, fact-based reports, and documentation on the firm
studied.
(b) Each candidate should know the requirements of the project and its assessment
procedures, as part of the orientation to the Unit.
(c) Teachers should guide the candidates in choosing appropriate projects that relate to
the candidates’ interest and the specific objectives identified.
(d) A schedule of the dates for submitting project work (agreed by teachers and
candidates) should be established.
(e) A teacher should offer guidance in the data collection process and the preparation of
the report.
4. Project Reports
A candidate’s project must be presented electronically. The cover page should display the title
of the project, centre number, candidate’s /candidates’ number(s), name(s), name of subject
and the unit, teacher’s name and the year of examination. The project document should
comprise:
(c) Introduction:
(e) Methodology;
The report, not exceeding 1500 words, (excluding cover page, title page, table of contents, diagrams
and tables, references and appendices) should be typed double-spaced (font size 12, Times New
Roman, Calibri or Arial).
Skills to be Assessed
1. Introduction 7
2. Literature Review 8
3. Methodology 7
4. Presentation of Data 11
Total 60
MARKS
1. Introduction [7 marks]
• Justification for the topic shows how the project will contribute to a better 2
understanding of business principles
- importance or benefit of the study to the researcher(s) (1 mark)
- importance OR benefit of the study to the organisation being
investigated (1 mark)
3
Aim and Objectives of the project
• Provides understanding and insights into the key concepts being studied 2
- provides accurate definition of the key concepts being studies
(2 marks)
- provides vague/insufficient/inadequate definition of key concepts
being studied (1 mark)
MARKS
3. Methodology [7 marks]
• Research approach/design identified 1
- identification of approach/design (examples include: quantitative,
descriptive, case study, observation, survey) (1 mark)
• Research approach/design justified
2
- justification of approach/design using TWO relevant
reasons/explanations (2 marks)
- justification of approach/design using ONE relevant
reason/explanation (1 mark)
• Research methodology 3
- describes ALL the following: data collection procedure, sample or
data source, data collection instrument(s) (3 marks)
- describes TWO of the following: data collection procedure, sample or
data source, data collection instrument(s) (2 marks)
- describes ONE of the following: data collection procedure, sample or
data source, data collection instrument(s) (1 mark)
• Research Instrument 1
- a copy of the data collection instrument(s) is provided in the
appendices (where secondary sources are used a screen shot of the
identification page from the data source should be placed in the
appendices) (1 mark)
4. Presentation of Data [11 marks]
• Data presented is relevant to the objectives of the project 4
- data presented addresses all the issues related to both objectives
(4 marks, 2 marks per objective)
- data presented addresses all the issues related to one and most
related to the other objective (3 marks)
- data presented addresses most of the issues related to both
objectives (2 marks)
- data presented addresses some of the issues related to one objective
(1 mark)
• Data is accurate
4
- ALL calculations and/or inputs to the tables/graphs/charts are
correct (2 marks per objective)
- most calculations and/or inputs to the tables/graphs/charts are
correct (1 mark per objective)
• Data presented in appropriately labelled tables, charts and graphs 3
- use of THREE different data presentation formats appropriately
labelled (3 marks)
- use of THREE different data presentation formats inappropriately
labelled (2 marks)
- use of ONE or TWO different data presentation formats (1 mark)
MARKS
5a. Analysis of Data [3 marks]
Note:
2. Students cannot be awarded the mark for merely repeating any data
that is already given in the table.
Note:
MARKS
6. Conclusions and Recommendations [6 marks]
• Conclusions are logical and based on findings 2
- TWO conclusions based on the findings (2 marks)
• Recommendations are realistic and informed by findings 2
- TWO recommendations of either:
solutions to the problem found in the research OR
suggestions of ways to improve or enhance what is being done
(2 marks)
• Guidelines for implementing the recommendations 2
- ONE suggestion for implementing the recommendation (1 mark)
- ONE benefit for implementing the recommendation (1 mark)
(Note: 10 per cent of the score awarded will be deducted for exceeding the
word limit)
• Layout of the report follows correct format (1 mark), includes a table of 3
contents (1 mark) and cover page with relevant information (1 mark).
TOTAL 60 marks
1. Number of Questions
This Paper is based on a case study. The paper consists of three compulsory questions. The
three questions may be divided into parts.
2. Skills to be Assessed
The paper tests skills in research, analysis, evaluation and presentation, similar to those
assessed in the School-Based Assessment (Paper 031).
5. Question Type
Candidates will be required to respond to a case with issues that are likely to occur in the
operation of a business.
Each question requires candidates to respond either in the form of an extended essay or a
short paragraph.
(e) discuss, analyse and interpret data relevant to the research objectives;
(f) draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the case; and,
6. Mark Allocation
The paper is worth 60 marks (20 marks per question) and contributes 20 per cent towards the
final assessment. The marks for questions 1, 2 and 3 will be allocated to Module 1, 2 and 3
respectively.
7. Award of Marks
Private candidates will be required to write Papers 01, 02 and Paper 032 the Alternative to the SBA.
Candidates entered for the examination through private institutions recognized by the Council will be
required to complete all the requirements of the syllabus.
CAPE® candidates may reuse any moderated SBA score within a two-year period. In order to assist
candidates in making decisions about whether or not to reuse a moderated SBA score, the Council will
continue to indicate on the preliminary results if a candidate’s moderated SBA score is less than 50 per
cent in a particular Unit. Candidates re-using SBA scores should register as “Re-sit candidates” and
must provide the previous candidate number when registering.
ASSESSMENT GRID
The Assessment Grid for each Unit showing marks assigned to each paper and to each Module, and
the percentage contribution of each paper to the total scores.
School-Based Assessment
Paper 031 or 20 20 20 60 (20)
Paper 032
Total 100 100 100 300 (100)
(Weighted scores are in brackets)
APPENDIX I
GLOSSARY
WORD DEFINITION/MEANING
Account for Explain the reasons for, giving an indication of all relevant circumstances.
Very different from ‘Give an account of’, which asks only for a detailed
description.
Analyse Study in depth, identifying and describing in detail the main characteristics.
Comment State clearly and in a moderate fashion your opinions on the material in
question. Support your views with references to suitable evidence or with
explanation as appropriate.
Compare Look for qualities or characteristics that resemble each other. Emphasize
similarities but be aware also of points of differences.
Contrast Stress the dissimilarities and differences between the items in question,
but do not ignore points of similarities.
Criticise Express your balanced judgement about the merit or truth of the material
in question. Give the results of your scrutiny, establishing both strengths
and weaknesses. Be specific.
Define Give, concise, clear and authoritative meanings. Do not give too many
details, but be sure to state the limits of the definition. Show how the thing
you are defining differs from things in other categories.
Discuss Examine and analyse carefully, giving reasons pro and con, advantages and
disadvantages. Be complete, and give details. You must consider all sides
of the issue and reach a balanced conclusion.
Enumerate State in list or outline form, giving points concisely one by one.
Evaluate Carefully appraise the matter in hand, citing both advantages and
limitations. Emphasise the views of authorities as well as your personal
estimation.
WORD DEFINITION/MEANING
Explain Clarify, interpret and spell out the material you present. Give reasons for
important features or developments, and try to analyse causes.
How far… Similar to questions based on the “To what extent…” approach. Here you
are expected to make your case or present your material in the usual way.
Justify Prove, make out a case or give reasons for decisions or conclusions, taking
pains to be convincing.
Outline Provide a framework describing under main point and subordinate points,
omitting minor details and stressing the arrangement or classification of
the material.
Prove Establish that something is true by citing factual evidence or giving clear
reasons.
Relate Show how things are related to or connected with each other, or how one
causes another, correlates with another, or is like another.
Summarise Give the main points or facts in condensed form, omitting details and
illustrations.