Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Qualification:
Unit:
Exam series:
Mark
25 marks
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Mark
15 marks
0 marks
(b) Discuss TWO potential limitations of the Five Forces framework in
analysing an organisations competitive environment
Learning outcome addressed 2.2
(a) Command word explanation Appraise evaluate something, giving views based on strengths and
weaknesses of a given situation
Examples of good content/good approaches in answers: First and foremost to secure a pass it was necessary
to do as the question asked choose an organisation to contextualised or centre your response around failing
to this and giving a generic response led to an automatic fail grading to this question. Taking Part a) to
reiterate, you attempt in this response to judge the competitive forces aligned to the Five Forces that Porter
talked of to an organisation of your choosing so those candidates who did this by an opening statement prior
to conducting a Five Forces Analysis displayed good technique. It was necessary to get the detail of the Five
Forces Analysis correct and to follow a process developing each point in relation to your organisation of
choice starting with judging/evaluating the threat of new entrants coming into the industry citing such
examples as say economies of scale; difficulty of access to distribution channels; high capital investment
requirements; branding; scare skills or resources and so on. Then the threat of substitute products or services
to those produced by the industry citing such examples as say the relative price-performance of substitutes;
the extent of switching costs and the propensity of buyers to use substitutes will all effect the intensity of this
threat. Then the bargaining power of suppliers which affects the costs incurred by the industry citing such
examples as finding it difficult to switch suppliers because of the scarcity of them; the expense incurred to
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change; the product/service is a relatively minor market for suppliers. Then the bargaining power of
customers or buyers provides us with a mirror image of that exerted by suppliers to an industry sector citing
such examples as when there are relatively few buyers or they can switch without little or no difficulty then
the bargaining position of the industry is weakened, with pressures to reduce prices or increase the quality of
products provide. The, finally the intensity of rivalry between existing competitors within the industry citing
such examples as the number and size of competitors; the rate of growth of the industry; the risks of creating
over-capacity; the similarity of products/services and the ease with which competitors can leave the industry.
Examples of content for merit/distinction grade answers: A well-structured and thoughtful response that
tied right back to the organisation of choice. Giving a good account of the impact of the forces at work.
Inserting the Framework as an illustration within the response
Examples of poorer content/ poorer approaches in answers: Generic responses that were not aligned to a
specific organisation of industry sector. Describing as opposed to appraising.
Concluding comment: Some candidates did not appraise Porters Five Forces and talked in general about
competitive forces When it came to each of the five elements to the framework it was necessary to give a
good account rather in some responses where one or two sentences were written.
(b) Command word explanation Discuss consider something by writing about it from different points
of view
Examples of good content/good approaches in answers: Here we were looking for TWO limitations and
justification of these points made.
Examples of content for merit/distinction grade answers: A well rounded justification to each of the two
limitations cited. Demonstrating good research by going beyond that stated in the Study Guide.
Examples of poorer content/ poorer approaches in answers: Some candidates provided up to six
limitations Only the first two were marked this is time wasting.
Concluding comment: When asked a specific question respond to the instruction embedded within the
question. There were several candidates who seemed to struggle with this question.
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Mark
10 marks
8 marks
7 marks
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Mark
13 marks
12 marks
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factors. Then linked to new technologies a discussion should then follow on some information systems say
two or three such as databases; decision support systems; management information systems; ERP; EDI,
intranets and mobile communications. Good content in responses then developed on the potential impact of
new technology in achieving corporate objectives. Covering such aspects but not limited to: Cost savings;
changing the configuration of supply chains; enhanced supplier and customer information; more efficient coordination of supply chain processes and development of electronic procurement systems.
Examples of content for merit/distinction grade answers: Strong credible logical responses that answered
the question well putting technology at the heart of the management of the supply chain. Part b) developed
answers into the risks associated as part of the planning process.
(b) Command word explanation Discuss consider something by writing about it from different points
of view
Examples of good content/good approaches in answers: demonstrating a good understanding on how a plan
requires to be put in place and to go on to demonstrate a good understanding of the process of implementing
the chosen strategy effectively. Aspects here include but not limited to: rational versus emergent models of
planning or intended or realised strategy; the level of technological complexity higher levels of complexity
carry higher levels of risks; the available resource base in-house versus consultancy support; using outcomes
to formulate a plan of activities; actions and deliverables.
Examples of content for merit/distinction grade answers: expanding in more detail alongside demonstrating
good application of the points made. Discussion on contingency planning vital when it comes to introducing
technology. The importance of having sustained management commitment
Examples of poorer content/ poorer approaches in answers: in both parts of this question, generic responses
that looked at technology in general and not specifically looked at examples of technology used in the
management of an effective supply chain.
Concluding comment: Again, across both parts, a) and b), short responses that lacked depth and scope were
prevalent.
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