Using the stepping stones approach to improve analytical

Using the stepping stones approach to improve analytical skills

Using the stepping stones approach to improve analytical skills

Step your way to analysis… § Analysis is about developing points and following a logical chain of argument § In Edexcel GCSE Business, students are expected to make 5 interconnected points across one or a maximum of two points to enable them to reach the highest levels in the mark scheme for analysis § Encouraging students to use connectives such as “because…”, “therefore…”, “this means that…”, “which in turn…” in their answers, will enable them to move up the levels in the mark scheme successfully

Stepping Stones § “Stepping Stones” is a useful technique that can help students develop strong and logical chains of argument § Imagine stepping stones across a river; to get from one side to the other, students could LEAP or they could take a number of STEPS across § Many students make LEAPS in their answers rather than taking logical STEPS; examiners are looking for detailed interconnected points in student answers – leaping will not allow students to show this, resulting in the lower levels of the mark scheme being awarded

Discuss the likely drawback to a start-up business of setting up and running as a franchise operation (6 marks) Point: Five interconnected strands Point

Discuss the likely drawback to a start-up business of setting up and running as a franchise operation (6 marks) Point 1 Franchisee does not have full control over d-m 1 Usually restrictions exist about where and how to sell 2 Less creativity (counter to ‘ees objective in setting up) 3 Demotivating: feel like a manager rather than an owner Point 2 Ongoing royalty payments 4 Limits the amount of profit made compared to going alone 5 Restricts the amount that the franchisee could take for him/herself Remember 5 interconnected links across one or two points – count up the strands!

Another example… “Analyse the impact on Chicken & Grill of using social media to promote the home delivery service” (6 marks) Remember the difference between an “Analyse” question and “Discuss” question is context Point 1 Strand 1 One impact on Chicken & Grill is that not all potential customers will use social media, so its use might restrict who gets the message about the new delivery service. This may mean Chicken & Grill miss out on potential customers, Strand 2 which will therefore limit the revenue, which is contrary to the main reason for introducing the delivery service Strand 3 and therefore profit will not be improved. Point 2 Another impact is that costs will increase, as Niya and Paul will have extra costs of setting up, running and keeping social media up to date. As a result, this would increase the number of meals, currently 400, the business would need to sell each week in order for the delivery service to break even. This may result in the business having to increase its selling prices, which may limit sales in the competitive takeaway market that Chicken & Grill currently operate in. Strand 4 Strand 5

Over to you… : Use your “PCAN 5” Analysis sheet to help you practice the skills of analysis. Remember to use the stepping stones approach… Discuss the likely benefit to a business of using share capital to fund a major expansion. (6 marks) Point 1 Strand 2 Strand 3 Point 2? Strand 4 Strand 5

How did you do? Use the “Best Fit Marking” Grid to help you either self or peer assess your work To perfect the skills of analysis: Keep practising different styles of questions using the stepping stones approach…

Top tip for success in a “levels based” marking question… ü Ensure a maximum of 2 points are given – never list lots of points ü Count the number of interconnected strands you have made – are there 5? ü Have you made any leaps in your chains of argument? ü Remembering “PCAN 5” will help you nail this technique every time! ü FINAL POINT: Context is required in every levels based marking question i. e. “Analyse”, “Justify” and “Evaluate”- except “Discuss” where you should use “PAN 5”

Stepping Stones – PPT teaching resource

The stepping stone approach, linking cause to effect Click here to start

Costs will increase 1 Niya and Paul will have extra costs of to setting up, running and keeping social media up to date …link… This would increase the number of meals, currently 400, the business would need to sell each week in order for the delivery service to break even. …link… Next This may result in Paul and Niya having to increase its selling prices… …link… which may limit sales in the competitive takeaway market that Chicken & Grill currently operate in.

Another example… “Analyse one effect of Trendy Teens using ecommerce and m-commerce to sell its jumpers” (6 marks) Remember context needs to be demonstrated throughout the answer – AO 2 or application is referred to even in the bottom levels of the mark scheme for a 6 mark question Point One effect of using e-commerce and m-commerce will mean that Trendy Teens’ teenage customers will be able to view the products easily, as this age group use mobile phones and technology a great deal. (Context – Level 1) Step 1 This means that Trendy Teens’ products will be seen by a huge number of their target market, who would be keen to wear the firm’s jumpers due to the recent publicity involving a pop group. (Context – Level 2) Step 2 This would increase the firm’s sales dramatically, as they would be able to access and buy the firm’s jumpers regardless of where they lived… Step 3 which would therefore increase Trendy Teens’ revenue and, if they could control the costs of distribution and postage of the jumpers plus other costs, also its profitability, which is important for a relatively new business. (Context – Level 3 FULL ANALYSIS)