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Cambridge International AS & A Level: Business 9609/21 May/June 2022
Cambridge International AS & A Level: Business 9609/21 May/June 2022
BUSINESS 9609/21
Paper 2 Data Response May/June 2022
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 60
Published
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2022 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some
Cambridge O Level components.
These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme,
referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
marks are not deducted for errors
marks are not deducted for omissions
answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should
not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.
a DO credit answers which are worded differently from the mark scheme if they clearly
convey the same meaning (unless the mark scheme requires a specific term)
b DO credit alternative answers/examples which are not written in the mark scheme if they
are correct
c DO credit answers where candidates give more than one correct answer in one
prompt/numbered/scaffolded space where extended writing is required rather than list-type
answers. For example, questions that require n reasons (e.g. State two reasons …).
d DO NOT credit answers simply for using a ‘key term’ unless that is all that is required.
(Check for evidence it is understood and not used wrongly.)
e DO NOT credit answers which are obviously self-contradicting or trying to cover all
possibilities
f DO NOT give further credit for what is effectively repetition of a correct point already
credited unless the language itself is being tested. This applies equally to ‘mirror
statements’ (i.e. polluted/not polluted).
g DO NOT require spellings to be correct, unless this is part of the test. However spellings of
syllabus terms must allow for clear and unambiguous separation from other syllabus terms
with which they may be confused (e.g. Corrasion/Corrosion)
3 Calculation questions:
The mark scheme will show the steps in the most likely correct method(s), the mark for
each step, the correct answer(s) and the mark for each answer
If working/explanation is considered essential for full credit, this will be indicated in the
question paper and in the mark scheme. In all other instances, the correct answer to a
calculation should be given full credit, even if no supporting working is shown.
Where the candidate uses a valid method which is not covered by the mark scheme,
award equivalent marks for reaching equivalent stages.
Where an answer makes use of a candidate’s own incorrect figure from previous working,
the ‘own figure rule’ applies: full marks will be given if a correct and complete method is
used. Further guidance will be included in the mark scheme where necessary and any
exceptions to this general principle will be noted.
4 Annotation:
For point marking, ticks can be used to indicate correct answers and crosses can be used
to indicate wrong answers. There is no direct relationship between ticks and marks. Ticks
have no defined meaning for levels of response marking.
For levels of response marking, the level awarded should be annotated on the script.
Other annotations will be used by examiners as agreed during standardisation, and the
meaning will be understood by all examiners who marked that paper.
MARKING PROCESS
1 Mark strictly to the FINAL mark scheme, applying the criteria consistently and the general
marking principles outlined on the previous page.
2 If you are in doubt about applying the mark scheme, consult your Team Leader.
3 Mark at a steady rate through the marking period. Do not rush, and do not leave too much until
the end. If you anticipate a problem in meeting the deadline, contact your Team Leader
immediately and the Examiners’ Helpdesk.
4 Examiners will prepare a brief report on the performance of candidates to send to their Team
Leader via email by the end of the marking period. The Examiner should note strengths seen in
answers and common errors or weaknesses. Constructive comments on the question paper,
mark scheme or procedures are also appreciated.
MARKING SPECIFICS
Crossed out work
1 All of a candidate’s answers, crossed out or not, optional or not, must be marked.
2 The only response not to be marked is one that has been crossed out and replaced by another
response for that exact same question.
3 Consequently, if a candidate has crossed out their response to an optional question and gone on
to answer a different optional question then both attempts must be marked. The higher mark will
be awarded by the system according to the rubric.
Annotation
1 Every question must have at least one annotation e.g. <NAQ> if it is an NR and <X> or <seen> if
0 marks are awarded.
2 Every page of a script must have at least one annotation e.g. <BP> for a blank page.
Knowledge Marks
A correct definition 2
No creditable content 0
Note: Do not accept ‘segment’ as a ‘split’ term
ARA
1(a)(ii) Explain the difference between cash and profit (line 23). 3
ARA
1(b)(i) Refer to Table 1.1. Calculate PB’s forecast closing balance in month 3 2
(X).
Rationale Marks
No credible content 0
Content
Closing balance = opening balance + inflows – outflows (1)
Opening balance –1000
add inflows 11 000
minus outflows 13 000 (1)
X = – $3000 (accept –3000, (3000) or –3) (2)
2b Shows 4 Developed 4
understanding of analysis of two
two benefits in benefits in
context context
2a Shows 4 Developed 3
understanding of analysis of one
one benefit in benefit in context
context
0 No creditable content
Note: As the business has started trading, using the CFF either before or
after starting trading is acceptable.
ARA
Justified judgement(s) 7
that follows on from a
discussion based on
two promotional
methods relevant to PB
Recommendation(s) 6
that follows on from a
balanced argument
relevant to PB
A simple 5
recommendation based
on a balanced
argument relevant to
PB
No creditable content
Knowledge Marks
A correct definition 2
No creditable content 0
Must have both starting and finishing a process for two marks.
Vague statements such as the time a process takes only 1 mark.
Time between delivery and This is not lead time, this is 2 (BOD)
reorder of supplies backwards
No creditable content 0
Note: C mark can only be awarded if A and B marks have already been
awarded
Rationale Marks
Correct formula 1
No creditable content 0
Current Assets = 26 + 19 + 1 = 46
46 – 1 = 45
Current Liabilities = 30 + 20 = 50 (2)
45
50
2(b)(ii) Explain one reason why the acid test ratio is useful to MC’s Finance 2
Director.
0 No creditable content 0
ARA
2 Understanding of 4 Developed 4
two benefits of analysis of two
JIT in context benefits of JIT in
context
Understanding of 3 Developed 3
one benefit of JIT analysis of one
in context benefit of JIT in
context
0 No creditable content
ARA
A justified judgement 7
on the importance of
the impact
A judgement on the 6
importance of the
impact
An evaluation 5
statement of the given
arguments of an impact
in context
negative
Image/reputational damage e.g. if redundancies happen – poor publicity
Results in redundancies – increases costs
Negative impact on morale – lower productivity
Cost of automation – reduces profits/dividends
Other
Process innovation may improve efficiency however this could result in
redundancies – reducing the need for some employees – may be seen
as not socially responsible (damage to image, want to be world leaders)
and lead to lower sales - reduced revenue and profit
Impact on employees and morale – fear of redundancies, change, could
affect quality of work and conflict with the mission statement
The industry and suppliers are competitive, so process innovation will
reduce cost pressures and assist MC in being price competitive,
however, other firms may also introduce new processes so less of an
impact on MC
Lower costs could allow MC to become more price competitive,
increasing revenue (if PED is elastic), leading to higher profit and
increasing share value, but other firms could retaliate and start a price
war resulting in losses for MC
2(d)
K APP AN DEV EVAL
Which is likely
more important
to business
customers
than a
reputation for
laying off staff