how to write business studies essay grade 11

How To Ace That Business Studies Essay

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If a student intends to take on Business Studies as one of their chosen subjects from grades 10-12, it is expected that the student will be required to complete a series of business essays centred upon the themes presented in Business Studies for that particular year. Here's how students can write such an essay.

Business Studies is a rewarding subject to have, whether a student intends to pursue business in their future, or not. It issues a greater understanding of how the South African economy functions and offers up base-level business knowledge. 

However, to thrive in the subject of business, the student would have to be able to compile a succinct Business Studies essay. This essay-type forces the student to be able to contextualise their business knowledge in the real world, and the following reveals what an optimum Business Studies essay would look like.

Firstly, the student must note that a Business Essay will always make up a section in their exams and typically count out of 40 marks. It can come in the form of its own paper 2, during which the student would typically be required to answer two questions and write two essays. In other cases, the essay might only be a section in one paper, which would likely only allow for the student to write one essay, answering one question.

Once the topic of writing has been chosen, the student should ensure that their essay adheres to the general layout required of the essay . This includes writing headings and subheadings throughout the essay, including an ‘Introduction’ and ‘Conclusion’ heading. The introduction should not just be a mere repetition of the essay question, but rather a recontextualisation of the question. The conclusion will just summarise what was discussed throughout the paper.

Another important aspect of the layout is the need for bullet points. Bullet points should be used to introduce sentences rather than writing in paragraphs. There are 2 marks issued for the correct formatting, and outside of that, a good introduction and conclusion will award the student with 2 marks each.

The body of the essay should reveal a deep analysis and interpretation of points , rather than simply repeating what has been learnt in class. Exhibiting analysis and interpretation also counts for 2 marks.

Synthesis is also required and counts for 2 marks as well. This means that the student should avoid offering irrelevant facts within their writing. If the student shares only irrelevant facts, they will receive 0/2 marks. If they reveal a combination of relevant and irrelevant facts, they will receive ½ of the marks. Finally, if they share only relevant facts, they shall receive 2/2 of the marks.

Finally, originality also counts for 2 marks. This would include incorporating unique, real-life examples, current trends, and recent developments that can be interpreted within the context of the paper. 

The remainder of the marks will come from the body of content. Complete sentences will be rewarded with 2 marks each, and 2 original examples per point will ensure higher marks. Altogether, the paper should not be less than two pages to be of a high standard.

More information regarding the format of a Business Studies essay can be found below:

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How To Ace Your Business Studies Essay

Business Studies students, this one’s for you ! By now, you’ve probably recognised that Business Studies is a rewarding subject, providing you with a greater understanding of how the economy functions and gaining base-level business knowledge. As part of your Business Studies exam, you will be asked to write an essay. Your Business Studies essay is an opportunity to contextualise your business knowledge in the real world. Your examiner will want you to demonstrate your knowledge about contemporary business theories, as well as analytical skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 

Today we will share with you how to ace your Business Studies essay. We will provide practical essay-writing tips and specific keywords to look out for when reading the essay question. By following our guidelines, you will be able to write a Business Studies essay that is well-structured, compelling and insightful. 

Before we begin, we highly recommend practicing! As part of your exam preparation, practice writing essays. Use the example essay questions provided at the end of this post, follow the prompts, so you understand the requirements. You will begin to feel more comfortable and confident, and ultimately set yourself up for success before you even begin writing your Business Studies exams!

Understand the question

The first step to writing a captivating Business Studies essay is to pause, carefully read the question and take time to understand what you are being asked. We recommend underlining the verbs in the question to fully grasp how to proceed. Examine the exact wording so you can work out the approach you need to take.  

Here are some verbs to look out for:

There are two types of essay questions you could be asked:

• Case study - This is where you are asked to write an essay on a business or situation. 
• Discussion - This is where you will be required to discuss a specific topic. You will need to review key arguments and provide reasons for and against each one. 

Make an essay outline

An essay outline will enable you to create a more organised essay, include a range of points and avoid repetition. You will also be able to evaluate the question more thoroughly and provide a well-thought-out argument. 

Begin by listing, brainstorming or mind-mapping all your thoughts. This is called a ‘brain dump’ and will allow you to clear your mind of all the essay-related thoughts whirling around in your brain. By getting all your thoughts on paper, you will be able to start crafting a compelling Business Studies essay in a more structured manner.

Create your essay plan

The next step to writing an engaging Business Studies essay is to construct your essay plan. This will help you to organise your main arguments and ideas so you can present them in a logical sequence when you begin writing. Glance at your list, brainstorm or mind-map and select the points you wish to include in your essay. Write out your key points that you wish to include in your introduction, main body and conclusion. During this process, you will spark off new ideas and begin to digest and analyse the information you have gathered. 

Write your essay

Introduction.

Begin your Business Studies essay by outlining your understanding of the essay question and commenting on how you plan to address it. This is where you present your thesis statement of claim which will determine the contents and direction of your essay. Define the objectives of the essay and set out exactly what you are reaching a conclusion for. This is a good place to include definitions of business terms if you wish to do so. 

Main body and discussion

Use the main body of your essay to provide a detailed analysis of the topic. Make sure you have critically examined different viewpoints to provide a robust debate, covering reasons for and against the presented argument. In case study essays, this is where you provide evidence to support the arguments or main points you raise. 

A well-written essay includes a conclusion that has been reached by logical reasoning. Use this space to concisely pull together the main points in your discussion, explicitly stating your viewpoint as the final result. You should not mention any new arguments in your conclusion, as this is the space where your existing thoughts culminate. 

Essay writing tips

There are two key elements to standing out when writing an essay: paragraphs and connective phrases. 

Here’s how to use both:

• Paragraphs are useful because they signal to your examiner that you are moving onto a new point. This will also encourage you to avoid repetition! Each paragraph forms a building block, which forms part of your entire essay. 
• Connective phrases will keep you focused on the question. Phrases like “this means that” or “this will impact the business” introduce your analysis, and phrases like “this is of crucial importance because” or “other factors to consider are” introduce the evaluation. 

Bonus: Don’t focus solely on knowledge at the expense of your evaluation and analysis. Your examiner is looking for proof that you understand the topic at hand and are able to expertly evaluate and analyse the content, not just what you know. 

Edit and proofread

Always check your essay for spelling, stylistic errors, grammar and punctuation mistakes before completing the task. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you edit and proofread your essay:

• Have I answered the essay question?
• Is my essay presented in a logical order?
• Is the content accurate and relevant?
• Have I supported my main points with arguments and examples?
• Is my language clear and concise?
• Is my spelling and punctuation correct?

Example questions

Here are five essay questions extracted from actual Business Studies exams. You can use these to practice writing Business Studies essays as you prepare for your exams. 

Describe the principles of ethical and professional behaviours. Evaluate the issues that pose challenges to the business environment in terms of ethical and professional behaviour and comment on its application in the business enterprise.

The human resources manager is responsible for compiling the job description and job specification. Suitable candidates can be recruited internally using various recruitment sources. The interviewees should be familiar with their role during the interview. Businesses must ensure that the employment contract complies with the legal requirements of the employment. 

Write an essay on the human resources function in which you include the following human resources activities:

• Outline the differences between job description and job specification. 
• Discuss the impact of internal recruitment on a business. 
• E xplain the role of the interviewee during the interview. 
• Advise businesses on the legal requirements of the employment contract. 

The National Credit Act (NCA), 2005 (Act 34 of 2005) provides a framework to regulate the credit market. It protects the rights of consumers and provides guidelines on how businesses should comply with this Act. Businesses may face penalties for not complying with the National Credit Act. 

Write an essay on the National Credit Act in which you include the following aspects:

• Outline the rights of consumers in terms of the National Credit Act. 
• Discuss the impact of the NCA on businesses. 
• Explain ways in which businesses could comply with the NCA. 
• Advise businesses on the penalties they may face for non-compliance to the Act. 

Investing in fixed deposit provides investors the opportunity to decide whether they want to receive simple interest or compound interest. Investors must also consider various types of shares before making investment decisions. Some invest in companies that are listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE).

Write an essay on investment securities in which you include the following aspects:

• Outline the differences between simple interest and compound interest. 
• Explain the advantage of a fixed deposit as a form of investment. 
• Discuss any three types of shares. 
• Advise businesses on the functions of the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE). 

Jake wants to target a new BEco Bottle at sports people and needs to increase production. He is considering two options to achieve this:

• Outsource production of the sports bottle to India. 
• Use hire purchase to buy the new equipment to manufacture the sports bottle in his existing factory. 

Analyse the effect of each of these two options for the business. 

Evaluate which of these two options will have the bigger impact on the future success of the sports bottle.

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How to Write a Business Essay?

Studies show that recent graduates with effective writing skills earn an average of 15% more than their peers within five years.

If you're looking to climb the corporate ladder, a strong foundation in business essay writing is an essential first step. This guide will demystify the process, from understanding the prompt to creating a compelling argument showcasing your analytical and communication abilities.

What Is a Business Essay?

A business essay is a formal piece of writing that dives deep into a specific topic within the vast world of commerce. These essays analyze and explore management, marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship concepts.

B-school essays provide a platform to critically examine business theories, present research findings, and propose solutions or strategies while adhering to clear and concise communication for maximum impact.

Need Help with B-school Essays?

Try our business writers once – and you’ll never want to come back.

The business essay is a powerful tool that allows you to delve into specific business topics, analyze them critically, and present your findings persuasively. Here are nine easy-to-follow steps to produce a winning business essay that showcases your understanding and analytical prowess. If you’re in a hurry, simply drop us a line saying, ‘ help me with my essay ,’ and our experts will handle your request.

Decipher the Prompt

Before diving in, thoroughly understand the essay question. Identify the key terms, analyze the expected response (analysis, argument, etc.), and ensure your essay stays focused on the prompt.

Don't just skim the essay question. Dive deeper! Underline key terms to understand the response type expected (analysis, argument, etc.). Consider your audience - professor, employer, or wider business audience - and tailor your writing accordingly.

If the prompt is complex, deconstruct it into smaller, answerable questions to clarify the points you need to address.

Craft a Thesis Statement

This is your roadmap! A clear thesis statement summarizes your main argument or central idea. It should be concise and directly address the prompt.

Avoid vague statements! Instead of saying, "Social media marketing is important," aim for something like "Strategic use of social media platforms can significantly increase brand awareness among millennials in the tech industry."

Make a claim, not just present facts. Argue a point and provide evidence to back it up. Your thesis should hint at the main arguments you'll discuss later.

Outline for Success

Create an outline to structure your essay. This helps organize your thoughts, ensures logical flow, and prevents going off on tangents.

Before writing an essay outline , brainstorm all your ideas about the topic. This helps visualize the bigger picture and identify potential arguments. A strong outline should have a clear introduction, body paragraphs with topic sentences, and a conclusion.

Use headings as guides to break down complex topics into smaller sections for better organization.

Research and Evidence

Business essay writing benefits from credible sources. Gather data, statistics, or examples from academic journals, business publications, or reputable websites to support your arguments.

Don't rely solely on textbooks. Utilize academic journals, business publications, industry reports, and reputable news websites to find data, statistics, and case studies.  

Always check the author's credentials, publication date, and website reputation before citing sources to avoid plagiarism . Don't just dump facts into your essay. Explain how the evidence supports your arguments and connects back to your thesis.

Drafting Time

Now, flesh out your outline! Write a clear and concise first draft, focusing on getting your ideas down first. You can always refine the language later.

Don't feel pressured to begin with the introduction. If a specific body paragraph comes to mind first, write that down!  Aim for clear, professional language that effectively communicates your ideas.

Avoid overly complex sentences or jargon. The first draft is for getting your thoughts down. You can refine the language and sentence structure later.

Sharpen Your Arguments

Edit and revise your essay. Strengthen your arguments with evidence and ensure logical flow between ideas. Transition words and phrases can improve readability.

Ensure each claim you make is supported by credible sources. Read your essay critically to ensure a smooth transition between ideas. Use transition words and phrases to connect paragraphs and arguments.

Briefly acknowledge opposing viewpoints and explain why your argument holds more weight.

Proofread Like a Pro

Once you learn how to write a business essay, meticulously proofread your essay for grammatical errors, typos, and formatting inconsistencies.

Double-check for typos, subject-verb agreement, and correct punctuation . Re-read sentences to ensure they are clear and can't be misinterpreted. Look for opportunities to tighten your language.

Ensure all in-text citations and references follow the required style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago).

Conclusion Counts

Write a concluding paragraph summarizing your main points and reiterating your thesis statement. You can also leave the reader with a final thought or implication.

Briefly remind the reader of your main arguments and the significance of your thesis. End with a thought-provoking statement, a call to action, or a final implication related to your topic. The conclusion should summarize, not introduce new ideas.

Formatting Finesse

Ensure your essay adheres to the required formatting style, be it APA, MLA, or Chicago. Double-check margins, font size, and citation format.

Make sure your essay adheres to the required style guide in terms of margins, font size, spacing, and title page format. Headings can improve readability. Use them strategically to break up long chunks of text.

Maintain a professional appearance using a professional font and consistent formatting throughout the essay.

Haven’t Finished Your Business Essay Yet?

There’s still time to use our service and fit into the schedule stress-free.

Writing business essays equips students with valuable skills for the professional world. Students refine their critical thinking, persuasion, and analytical abilities by shaping arguments, organizing data, communicating clearly in a formal setting, and submitting a business letter essay .

These sharpened skills not only boost their confidence for future business courses and careers but also make them more attractive candidates in a job market that highly values effective communication.

How Do You Start a Business Essay?

How long is a business essay.

• Business School Essay Samples - Essay Writing Center. (n.d.). International Student. https://www.internationalstudent.com/essay_writing/business_essay/

Grade 11 Business Studies Past Papers and Memos (South Africa)

This page contains Grade 11 Business Studies past exam papers and memos (South Africa). You can browse and download question papers and memos for your revisions (2019, 2018 May/June, October, November).

Table of Contents

Critical Topics for Term 1 Revision

• Influences on and control factors influencing business environments.
• Challenges in business environments
• Adapting to challenges in business environments
• Impact and challenges of contemporary socioeconomic issues on business operations
• Business sectors
• Benefits of a company versus other forms of ownership
• Avenues of acquiring a business

Critical Topics for Term 2 Revision

• Creative thinking and problem solving Stress, crisis and change management
• Transform a business plan into an action plan Starting a business venture based on an action plan Professionalism and ethics
• Presentation of Business Information

Critical Topics for Term 3 Revision

• Assessment of entrepreneurial qualities in business Citizenship roles and responsibilities
• Marketing activities, marketing in the formal and informal sectors Use of technology for marketing
• Imports and exports
• Foreign marketing
• The alignment of foreign marketing and the production function Production function
• Team Stages, dynamics theories and conflict management
• Introduction to the Human Resources function

Download Grade 11 Business Studies Past Papers and Memos

Business studies grade 11 2017 exams (english and afrikaans) question papers:.

• BUS STUDIES GR11 QP NOV2017_Afrikaans
• BUS STUDIES GR11 QP NOV2017_English
• BUS STUDIES GR11 MEMO NOV2017_Afrikaans
• BUS STUDIES GR11 MEMO NOV2017_English

Business Studies grade 11 2016  Exams (English and Afrikaans) question papers:

• Gr11-BSTD-N16-QP-Afr
• Gr11-BSTD-N16-QP-Eng
• Gr11-BSTD-N16-MEMO-Afr
• Gr11-BSTD-N16-MEMO-Eng

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Download all Grade 11 Previous Question Papers

Hello Grade 11 Learners. Modern Classroom has everything for you needed to pass your exams, tests, assessments, research tasks and assignments under CAPS Curriculum . Feel free to explore all resources for grade 11, such as Study Guides, DBE Past Exam Papers with Memos , and Speech Topics. That’s if you want to know how to pass grade 11 with distinctions in South Africa

Why passing Grade 11 is very important

Grade 11 ultimately prepares you for Grade 12. You regard Grade 11 as your last trial run for your Matric year because most of the work covered in the syllabus will prepare you for Matric anyway. Passing your Grade 11 very well, is usually a sign that you may pass very well in Matric.

What can you do with your Grade 11 marks in South Africa?

• You can apply at a South African University using your Grade 11 marks
• You can already apply for university bursaries using your Grade 11 marks

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Business Studies Grade 11 Exam Papers And Memos 2023

Business Studies Grade 11 Exam Papers and Memos 2023: Facts in South Africa

Introduction

Business Studies is a critical subject for Grade 11 learners in South Africa, providing them with a foundation in the principles and practices of business. The end-of-year exam is a crucial assessment that tests their understanding of the subject matter. This article provides comprehensive information about the Business Studies Grade 11 Exam Papers and Memos for 2023 in South Africa.

Exam Format

The Business Studies Grade 11 exam consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: Multiple-choice questions (60%) and short-answer questions (40%)
• Paper 2: Essay questions (100%)

The Business Studies Grade 11 exam will be written on the following dates:

• Paper 1: [Date to be announced]
• Paper 2: [Date to be announced]

Exam Structure

• 50 questions
• 1 mark per question
• 10 questions
• 2 marks per question
• 1 essay question

Topics Covered

The Business Studies Grade 11 exam covers the following topics:

• Introduction to Business
• Business Environment
• Business Management
• Business Finance
• Business Marketing

Marking Scheme

• Multiple-choice questions: 1 mark per correct answer
• Short-answer questions: 2 marks per correct answer
• Essay questions: 50 marks per essay

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) will release official memos for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 after the exam has been written. These memos will provide detailed answers to all the questions and will be used by teachers to mark the exams.

Access to Exam Papers and Memos

Exam papers and memos will be available from the following sources:

• Department of Basic Education (DBE) website: https://www.education.gov.za/
• Provincial Education Departments: Contact your provincial education department for access to exam papers and memos.
• Schools: Schools will receive exam papers and memos from the DBE or provincial education departments.

Preparation Tips

To prepare effectively for the Business Studies Grade 11 exam, learners should:

• Study the syllabus thoroughly: Understand the topics covered and the assessment criteria.
• Attend all classes: Pay attention in class and take notes to reinforce your understanding.
• Complete all assignments: Assignments help you practice the concepts and identify areas where you need improvement.
• Review past exam papers: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and the types of questions that are typically asked.
• Seek help from teachers or tutors: If you have any difficulties, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
• Manage your time wisely: Start studying early and allocate sufficient time to each topic.
• Stay positive and confident: Believe in your abilities and approach the exam with a positive mindset.

The Business Studies Grade 11 Exam Papers and Memos for 2023 are essential resources for learners preparing for the end-of-year assessment. By understanding the exam format, topics covered, and accessing the memos, learners can maximize their chances of success. With thorough preparation and a positive attitude, learners can confidently tackle the exam and achieve their academic goals.

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Yr 11 Business – Writing for Business Report

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Resource Description

Year 11 Business – Writing for Business Report

Writing the business report

What do you do?

• Break down the question • Usually a paragraph, stimulus, take highlighter (key points), • Plan your response • Write your report

Planning underlining/highlighting the keywords to isolate them and ensure that you are definitely answering what is being asked of you look at the directive verb – this should dictate how you structure your response

Use a system of headings, subheadings and numberings, a good guide is:

1. Executive Summary 2. Heading 2.1. Subheading 2.2. Subheading 2.3. Recommendation 3. Conclusion

For example: 2. Global Marketing Strategies 2.1. Global Pricing 2.1.1. Advantages 2.1.2. Disadvantages 2.2. Customisation 2.2.1. Advantages 2.2.2. Disadvantages 2.3. Recommendation 3. Conclusion

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Gr. 11 T3 W5 Business Studies Lesson: Presentation of Business Information

2020 FET Gr 11 Term 3 Week 5 Business Studies Lesson: Presentation of Business Information

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How to Write a Band 6 Business Studies Essay

Studying HSC Business Studies and have no clue where to begin when it comes to the essay you’ll need to write in the final exam?

That’s okay! We’re here to help with this handy guide to writing in this style that you’re not as familiar with.

What are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

What Does the HSC Business Studies Essay Involve? Step 1: Decide on Your Approach Step 2: Plan Your Essay Step 3: Finish Your Introduction Strong Step 4: Choose Your Case Studies Step 5: Write the Essay Step 6: Practise Writing HSC Business Studies Essay Plans How to Write a Band 6 Thesis For Your HSC Business Studies Essay How to Write Band 6 Body Paragraphs For Your HSC Business Studies Essay

What Does the HSC Business Studies Essay Involve?

The HSC Business Studies Essay makes up 20 marks of Section IV in the HSC exam.

It is also often known as the ‘ Case Study’ essay , because students are expected to integrate case studies or real life business examples into their response.

The general marking criteria for a Band 6 in the HSC Business Studies Essay is that a student:

• Applies relevant case study/studies and contemporary business issues
• Presents a sustained, logical and cohesive response and communicates clearly using relevant business terminology and concepts

As usual they are based on the guidelines and comments from HSC markers: the ones who mark hundreds of essays year in year out.

Example Question

Here is the example question we’re going to use throughout this article to demonstrate what to do to get that Band 6 in your HSC Business Studies Essay:

Step #1: Decide on Your Approach

The 30-70 rule.

As mentioned above, there are two ways to approach a HSC Business Studies essay:

• 70% case studies and 30% theory explanation
• 70% theory explanation 30% case studies

It’s important to understand that either approach, if executed well, is FINE.

The 30-70 Rule:  all essays had either 30% theory and 70% case study or vice versa. 

If you look at many top scoring HSC Business Studies essay responses over multiple years, all of them followed the 30-70 Rule.

Provided you follow the 30-70 Rule, pick the approach you find most logical and you are most comfortable writing with and you are well on your way to crafting that Band 6 HSC Business Studies essay!

Note: Students often you stress too much about the structure or approach of your essays. While structure is important, don’t forget to provide  well explained and supported arguments that answer the question .

Which Approach Should You Take?

There are essentially two schools of thought when it comes to writing a Band 6 HSC Business Studies essay.

Some teachers and markers believe that the case study should be the driving factor in your essay , adding theory to explain the case where needed. On the other hand, some believe that the case study should only be used as evidence to highlight or accentuate your theory and explanation.

For your school assessments, it’s best to follow your marker’s preferred school of thought. However, for the HSC exam, choose whichever approach suits you the best!

This is a similar approach to using statistics in an Economics essay, which if you also study, you can check out a similar guide to writing a Band 6 Economics essay !

Access our HSC Business Studies Essay Structure and Template

Step #2: Plan Your Essay

As you probably have experienced, the HSC Business Studies syllabus encompasses a large variety of dot points you will be expected to recall.

#1: Write Down All Relevant Syllabus Dot Points

To make sure that this doesn’t trip you over, use the first page of your writing booklet to sketch a plan of your response. Importantly, include the syllabus dot points you will be referring to.

By jotting these down on the page you ensure you first of all don’t forget any , but secondly also give yourself an opportunity to draw connections between different syllabus dot points to better answer the question!

If you are finding it hard to memorise the syllabus content, check out memorisation tips for Business Studies !

#2: Use the Directive Verb to Create Your Thesis

Before we plan, we must understand the NESA directive verbs . This will determine the level of depth and how the markers want you to answer the question.

With a plan, it makes your essay structure clearer and allows you to organise your ideas in a way which keeps your response  sustained, which is a key component of the A range marking criteria.

Your essay must continually drive towards developing your thesis — the actual answer to the essay question itself.

Step #3: Write A Strong Introduction

A strong introduction includes a strong thesis that provides context for the essay.

Now, connect your paragraph points to answering the thesis  and introduce your case studies. This is better than simply stating which external influences you will be looking at, which is not as effective and thesis-driven.

For example, rather than saying:

Globalisation, quality expectations and corporate social responsibility are the external influences which operations management must respond to. These influences are best represented by leading pizza franchise Domino’s Pizza, local school textbook manufacturer Secondary Textbooks, and leading sportswear and footwear manufacturer Nike.

These influences are exemplified by globalisation, which has opened businesses to the influence of global factors and increasingly demanding supply chain management needs, increased quality expectations that have created more stringent quality processes and management strategies, and an emerging emphasis on corporate social responsible behaviours to ensure legal compliance and ethical responsibility. Leading pizza franchise Domino’s Pizza, local school textbook manufacturer Secondary Textbooks, and leading sportswear and footwear manufacturer Nike are businesses that respectively demonstrate the crucial response of operations management.

It is much more impressive to the marker if you are able to show a direct link between your points and the thesis you are addressing , as it shows a more logical and well-planned response.

Together the intro would look like:

Operations management involves the set of processes used by businesses to transform inputs into outputs. These processes are continually influenced by external influences which can significantly hinder or promote a business’ competitive advantage. Operations management therefore must respond to these external influences using its operations strategies to capitalise on new developments and adapt, hence highlighting the importance of responding to external influences. These influences are exemplified by globalisation, which has opened businesses to the influence of global factors and increasingly demanding supply chain management needs, increased quality expectations that have created more stringent quality processes and management strategies, and an emerging emphasis on corporate social responsible behaviours to ensure legal compliance and ethical responsibility. Leading pizza franchise Domino’s Pizza, local school textbook manufacturer Secondary Textbooks, and leading sportswear and footwear manufacturer Nike are businesses that respectively demonstrate the crucial response of operations management.

Step #4: Choose Your Business Studies Case Studies

In addition to choosing how much of the essay to focus on case studies, you will also need to decide which case studies (and how many) to use in your HSC Business Studies essay. Again, it varies and depends on what you are comfortable with .

Top responses have however followed these trends:

• Use more than one case study (usually three in total, or one per body paragraph)
• Typically been large real life businesses where there is a wide range of information available .
• Use the most recent events and issues 
• Have not used hypothetical

Think about it this way — would you trust someone if they said that a certain business strategy has worked if it hasn’t actually happened in real life?

Should You Use Hypothetical Case Studies in Your Business Studies Essay?

This is isn’t saying to stay away from hypothetical case studies (i.e. a made up business). It’s not impossible to  get 20/20 with hypothetical case studies .

However, markers have found that hypothetical businesses are often a ‘super business’ that is perfect in every single way and therefore have no issues.

This ultimately does not give you much to write about and hence, you fail to show adequate knowledge of contemporary business issues. Which is obviously a problem for your HSC Business Studies Essay.

If you do choose to use a hypothetical (which I did in my plan), remember to make it realistic and that the whole point of the hypothetical is to show understanding, not to be a perfect business.

Tip : I recommend that you come up with the entire business as part of your exam preparation and also write out how it connects to each syllabus dot point. You can be creative, but don’t take too many liberties, it still needs to be realistic. 

Step #5: Write the Essay

The other general criteria in an HSC Business Studies essay is the related to the way you write and use language , including business terminology and concepts. 

This of course means you must know your content well and be able to connect different parts of the syllabus together and understand their relationships.

Once you have mastered your content, the criteria then asks for a ‘ sustained, logical and cohesive ‘ response. In order to achieve this, it is best to use a clear structure (which we have planned for in Step 1) as it forces you to retain a logical and cohesive structure.

Here’s how to do it:

#1: Use DPEEL (writing structure)

To provide a basic structure, follow DPEEL  which will ensure you are using business terminology and concepts consistently in your essay.

Definition:  assume the marker is a layperson (has limited knowledge of the course) and ensure you are defining the business term or concept to reflect your understanding. Can be integrated into the response and does not need its own sentence. Point:  Attack the question and pinpoint what your overall answer will be, akin to a mini thesis. Explain:  Provide further details that elaborate on your point. Depending on which directive verb you are asked, this is also where you can start to show relationships (analyse), provide additional economic theories that demonstrate a cause and effect (explain) or make a judgement (assess/evaluate). Evidence:  Use your case study to illustrate how real life businesses apply the business studies content to achieve their goals rather than simply telling the reader that the business uses a specific strategy and not elaborating on how. Also be careful of simply ‘retelling the story’ of what the business does but not connecting it to your thesis! Link:  Conclude your paragraph by linking your points back to your original thesis.

#2: Use Transition Signals

The ‘sustained’ element of the marking criteria means the markers want the essay to flow uninterrupted . No additional details or sidetracks.

The best way to achieve this is through the use of transition signals.

Transition signals include words such as furthermore, hence, as a result, this leads to, but, however.

These are ‘linking’ words which along with the DPEEL structure FORCE  you to stay on track and sustain your attack on the thesis, as each sentence must relate to the previous. This makes it more difficult for you to stray off topic, allowing you to create a sustained response!

#3: Prepare a case study table for your Business Studies essay

Just like with English, Business Studies is also a subject with high demands on memory.

Not only must you remember course content, you must also remember relevant case studies. An efficient way to facilitate this process is a simple table that allows you to organise your information.

Here’s an example of a good HSC Business Studies Case Study Table: 

This will increase your mind’s ability to chunk the information without feeling overwhelmed, and it will be easier to remember!

Don’t wait until it’s too late! At Art of Smart Education our Hills District HSC Business Studies Tutors  can support you with tutoring at our Castle Hill campus, or tutoring in your home or online across NSW!

#4: Write a Strong Conclusion

Good news — HSC Business Studies essay conclusions are quite straightforward!

They need to:

Reaffirm your position and perspectives by restating your thesis — your answer to the question. Tie up your points and case studies and summarise how they have supported your thesis.

Make sure you don’t overdo the conclusion. 3-4 sentences is more than enough and the last thing a marker wants to see is a conclusion that has overstayed its welcome!

Step 6: Practise Writing HSC Business Studies Essay Plans

The final and most important tip is to practise this approach using different styles and topics of essay questions. It is also important that you plan the essays as you would in an exam to give you practice for planning for unseen questions.

Apply these steps to build your consistency in writing logically and systematically.

That is the only way you will improve and when you do improve, you will notice that you have become a better overall writer and this should reflect in your other subjects too. If you need more essay questions you can use past HSC exams , your textbook, or ask your teacher.

How to Write a Good Thesis for your HSC Business Studies Essay

The most important thing about any essay is the answer to the question itself with your thesis.  All paragraphs, business theory and case studies are simply used to support the thesis .

As a result, begin the plan by writing a direct answer to the question. In your thesis you want to:

• Provide context for the question — include definitions of key terms such as external influences and operations management
• Then use qualifiers or intensifiers (to some extent, significantly, is ineffective) to answer the essay question.

For our example, the thesis for our example questions would look like this:

Operations management involves the set of processes used by businesses to transform inputs into outputs. These processes are continually influenced by external influences which can significantly hinder or promote a business’ competitive advantage. Operations management therefore must respond to these external influences using its operations strategies to capitalise on new developments and adapt, hence highlighting the importance of responding to external influences.

How to Write Band 6 Body Paragraphs for your HSC Business Studies Essay

Now you should organise your ideas into dot points which you will write your paragraphs about. 

Also note down any sub points or arguments you think of underneath. This can include theory or case study events.

As this is the planning stage, it isn’t essential to get it all down perfectly — even just a word or key term to retain your train of thought is fine.

Below is an IDEAL plan using our example question. I’ve used more words than I normally would to help you read along (in reality, a few word dot points are fine, as long as you can understand what you’ve written).

If there are natural links and connections between paragraphs this can also be useful in transitioning in between different paragraphs to maintain the  cohesiveness  of the essay, i.e. making it flow better.

Preparing for your Visual Arts exam too? Check out our Band 6 Essay Scaffold for HSC Visual Arts ! 

On the hunt for other HSC Business studies resources?

Check out our other guides and articles below:

Everything You Need To Know About HSC Business Studies

• HSC Business Studies Practice Essay Questions
• How to Write Killer Short Answer Responses for Business Studies
• How to Write a Band 6 Business Report for Business Studies

Are you looking for some extra help with your HSC Business Studies Essay writing?

We pride ourselves on our inspirational hsc business studies coaches and mentors.

We offer tutoring and mentoring for Years K-12 in a large variety of subjects, with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at one of our state of the art campuses in Hornsby or the Hills!

To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor  get in touch today! 

Give us a ring on 1300 267 888, email us at  [email protected]  or check us out on  TikTok !

Terry Huang  completed his Bachelor of Secondary Education with a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of New South Wales. A strong believer that lessons should be engaging, relevant, and effective, his hustle and teaching approach have led to his recognition on the UNSW Faculty of Social Sciences Dean’s List for Academic Excellence, the NSW Teachers Federation Future Teacher scholarship, and the New Colombo Plan program. Terry enjoys listening to Kanye West, learning about cryptocurrency and memorising scenes from  The Office .

• Topics: 📈 Business Studies , ✍️ Learn

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