NCEA Level 2 Business Studies (90844) 2012 — Page

ncea level 2 business studies (90844) 2012 — page 18 of 18 assessment schedule – 2012 ========================== business studies: d

NCEA Level 2 Business Studies (90844) 2012 — page 18 of 18
Assessment Schedule – 2012
==========================
Business Studies: Demonstrate understanding of how a large business
responds to external factors (90844)
===================================================================
Evidence Statement
------------------
Question
Expected coverage
ONE
Technological advancement
(a)
The role technology plays in a business may include:
*
allowing for improved methods of production to increase meat
output and efficiency, and hence increase productivity
*
improving quality of meat production
*
providing speedy, efficient and effective record-keeping, by
storing large amounts of information safely, and for easy
retrieval
*
allowing quick and easy updates to regulations and standards, as
it is easy to replace and upgrade systems.
(b)
Benefits of the new automated meat processing technology may include:
*
Meat processing time decreases, allowing more meat to be processed
efficiently, because technology minimises errors and maintains
uniformity and quality standards (Explain). This would increase
production levels (Fully explain).
*
Worker productivity would increase and improve, due to better
equipment and with the aid of technology (Explain), which allows
the worker to produce more in a shorter period of time, decreasing
average costs of production and increasing profitability (Fully
explain).
(c)
Two costs to National Meatworks associated with creating and using the
new technology may include:
*
There would be higher research and development costs, because the
company would need to develop the new automated equipment (which
could be expensive), and they would need to trial new processes
and procedures (Explain), which may require replacement and
upgrading of existing equipment and practices (Fully explain).
*
There could be increased employee-related costs, because staff
would need training on equipment use and new processes (Explain).
There would also be salary increases for high-tech positions and
redundancy and redeployment costs, as well as costs around
recruitment of new staff (Fully explain).
(d)
Discussion of the long-term effects of the new technology in the meat
processing industry in New Zealand.
ONE of the ways technology can help New Zealand increase its exports
may include:
*
Increased productivity, resulting in reduced costs in order to
compete with other countries.
*
Improved quality of products exported, as technology minimises
errors and standardises production. This maintains high standards
and reputation, and allows time for innovation and creativity. The
new technology will increase quality and set a higher standard for
NZ meat processing competitors to aspire to.
*
NZ meat producers could have a competitive edge, based on quality
and price. They could increase their market share and experience
opportunities to enter new export markets, leading to an overall
increase in exports. Assuming the new technology was shared /
adopted by all NZ meat processors, the NZ meat industry would
grow.
The standard for meat quality will be higher. The new technology
improves the quality of the meat products, and this lifts the standard
of what is expected in the industry (Explain). New Zealand companies
wanting to be recognised as a consistent supplier of quality meat must
meet the new benchmark standard (Fully explain). Competitors may adopt
this new technology, conduct their own R & D, or improve their
processes to meet the new standard.
Justification of new technology – the new technology increases output
and quality, which creates opportunities for higher production,
leading to increased jobs in the industry, more sales and orders from
overseas, new export opportunities, profit growth and an expansion of
businesses supplying the meat industry. The New Zealand meat industry
can become a market leader globally. Also leads to diversification and
marketing opportunities within the meat processing industry.
Not Achieved
N1
Insufficient breadth by answering ONE of:
*
the role of technology is explained
*
a benefit for National Meatworks of the new technology is
explained
*
a cost to National Meatworks of the new technology is explained
*
a way in which the new technology could help New Zealand exports
is explained
*
a way in which the new technology could set the standard for
quality is explained.
(Answers will typically state relevant examples, business knowledge OR
Māori business concepts)
N2
Insufficient breadth by answering TWO of:
*
the role of technology is explained
*
a benefit for National Meatworks of the new technology is
explained
*
a cost to National Meatworks of the new technology is explained
*
a way in which the new technology could help New Zealand exports
is explained
*
a way in which the new technology could set the standard for
quality is explained.
(Answers will typically state relevant examples, business knowledge OR
Māori business concepts)
Achievement
A3
Answers THREE of:
*
the role of technology is explained
*
a benefit for National Meatworks of the new technology is
explained
*
a cost to National Meatworks of the new technology is explained
*
a way in which the new technology could help New Zealand exports
is explained
*
a way in which the new technology could set the standard for
quality is explained.
(Answers will typically state relevant examples, business knowledge OR
Māori business concepts)
A4
Answers FOUR of:
*
the role of technology is explained
*
a benefit for National Meatworks of the new technology is
explained
*
a cost to National Meatworks of the new technology is explained
*
a way in which the new technology could help New Zealand exports
is explained
*
a way in which the new technology could set the standard for
quality is explained.
(Answers will typically state relevant examples, business knowledge OR
Māori business concepts)
Merit
M5
Answers ONE of:
*
the benefits for National Meatworks of the new technology are
fully explained
*
the costs to National Meatworks of the new technology are fully
explained
*
how the new technology could set the standard for quality is fully
explained.
(Answers will typically include relevant examples, business knowledge
OR Māori business concepts)
M6
Answers TWO of:
*
the benefits for National Meatworks of the new technology are
fully explained
*
the costs to National Meatworks of the new technology are fully
explained
*
how the new technology could set the standard for quality is fully
explained.
(Answers will typically include relevant examples, business knowledge
OR Māori business concepts)
Excellence
E7
The long-term effects on the meat processing industry in New Zealand
are discussed by:
*
explaining one way in which the new technology could help New
Zealand exports
*
fully explaining how the new technology could set the standard for
quality
AND
*
providing a justification, with ONE reason, of how the new
technology could contribute to the growth of the New Zealand meat
processing industry.
(Answers will typically integrate relevant examples, business
knowledge OR Māori business concepts into explanations)
E8
The long-term effects on the meat processing industry in New Zealand
are discussed by:
*
explaining one way in which the new technology could help New
Zealand exports
*
fully explaining how the new technology could set the standard for
quality
AND
*
providing a justification, with TWO reasons, of how the new
technology could contribute to the growth of the New Zealand meat
processing industry
AND
*
answers integrate relevant examples, business knowledge OR Māori
business concepts into explanations.
N0= No response; no relevant evidence.
Question
Expected coverage
TWO
Trade unions
(a)
Reasons why an employee might choose to join a trade union may
include:
*
Employees can have their views and opinions voiced in a way for
management and leaders to hear and act accordingly. It is easier
and more effective than doing it themselves.
*
Employees can be represented legally with their best interests at
heart, without costing a lot of money, and by using an expert they
are more likely to get better outcomes than by representing
themselves.
*
They can campaign locally and nationally, and gain support for
change, as a large group of committed people who want the same
outcomes.
*
They can get better pay and working conditions in a shorter period
of time by putting pressure on management as a group.
*
They can ensure that health and safety rules and regulations are
adhered to, because there are stricter demands for checking by
trade unions.
*
They can ensure job security, because trade unions have clear
processes for unfair dismissal.
(b)
Concerns that the Union of Meat Processors may have regarding the
changes at National Meatworks may include:
*
Redundancies and restructuring – the number of redundancies and
restructuring may increase. Unions will be concerned that some
workers will lose their jobs or may have to learn new skills and
retrain (Explain), resulting in more work and action for the union
to support its members by ensuring they are treated fairly (Fully
explain).
*
Changes to working conditions – the union will need to ensure
(through monitoring) that any changes to working conditions (eg
the extent of extra training required) meet health and safety
rules and regulations (Explain), that they are fair to workers,
and that workers’ rights are not diminished (Fully explain).
(c)
Methods a trade union has to address workers’ issues and concerns may
include:
*
Collective bargaining – this is a process of negotiation between
employers and the representatives of a unit of employees aimed at
reaching agreements that regulate working conditions. They lead to
collective agreements which usually set out wage scales, working
hours, training, health and safety, overtime, grievance processes,
and rights to participate in workplace or company affairs
(Explain). The union may negotiate with a single employer (who is
typically representing a company's shareholders) or with a group
of businesses, to reach an industry-wide agreement. As a united
voice, the trade union can represent a collective point of view
and negotiate the best solutions to issues and problems (Fully
explain). This method gives workers a stronger negotiating
position to best represent their interests.
*
Legal representation – the union has access to employment lawyers,
and to legal representatives in the industry and within the
government, because money collected from its membership fees
enables it to represent workers in disciplinary meetings,
employment tribunals, and employment courts as required (Explain).
This provides the worker with the most effective support to
address any issues or concerns (Fully explain).
*
Strikes – the union may encourage workers to stop work in support
of a bargaining position or lack of progress in negotiations with
employers (Explain). This method gives workers a strong position
to have their concerns and issues heard and resolved (Fully
explain).
(d)
Discussion of how the Union of Meat Processors and National Meatworks
can work together to ensure benefits for both the employer and
employees.
Actions which the Union of Meat Processors can take to effect change
that benefits its members may include:
*
It can arrange for their representatives to meet with National
Meatworks’ representatives to hear each other’s views and then
negotiate a collective agreement that is acceptable to both
parties.
*
It can hold public meetings for its members and organise
petitions, campaigns, or protest marches to gain the attention of
National Meatworks and seek the company’s agreement to the changes
they want.
*
It can encourage workers to stop work / strike, work to rule, or
go-slow in support of their bargaining position or lack of
progress in negotiations with employers.
How National Meatworks can use the Union of Meat Processors to best
communicate the changes:
National Meatworks could let the Union of Meat Processors know early
in the process. The union could then call a meeting to inform all its
members of the proposed changes. This would open the lines of
communication and minimise employee frustration (Explain). They can
ensure a clear message is communicated to the workers by a trusted
source (Explain). This way, the workers will listen and not be
suspicious of the employers’ actions (Fully explain). The workers can
ask any questions and be supported with any concerns they may have.
The union can use its effective communication methods to reach the
workers in a timely and efficient way (Explain). The union could offer
feedback on the best way forward and ensure a smoother transition.
This could minimise the need to stop work or strike (Fully explain).
Justification of the benefits of this working relationship for each
party:
Employer / business benefits, because they have a productive
workplace. Workers are likely to be more motivated, leading to
improved productivity, job satisfaction, staff retention, and better
outcomes for the company in the long term with regard to sales, profit
growth, and improved reputation.
Employees benefit because they would feel more valued and respected,
which may lead to greater job satisfaction.
Both the employer and the employee listen to each other and ensure
that their interests are represented. Communication would be more
open, allowing for ideas and concerns to be expressed. A working
relationship could prevent disruptive practices like strikes, work to
rule, and picketing.
Not Achieved
N1
Insufficient breadth by answering ONE of:
*
a reason to join a trade union is explained
*
a concern the union may have regarding the changes is explained
*
a method a trade union can use is explained
*
a way the union can action changes relevant to National Meatworks
is explained
*
a way National Meatworks can use the union to communicate changes
is explained.
(Answers will typically state relevant examples, business knowledge OR
Māori business concepts)
N2
Insufficient breadth by answering TWO of:
*
a reason to join a trade union is explained
*
a concern the union may have regarding the changes is explained
*
a method a trade union can use is explained
*
a way the union can action changes relevant to National Meatworks
is explained
*
a way National Meatworks can use the union to communicate changes
is explained.
(Answers will typically state relevant examples, business knowledge OR
Māori business concepts)
Achievement
A3
Answers THREE of:
*
a reason to join a trade union is explained
*
a concern the union may have regarding the changes is explained
*
a method a trade union can use is explained
*
a way the union can action changes relevant to National Meatworks
is explained
*
a way National Meatworks can use the union to communicate changes
is explained.
(Answers will typically state relevant examples, business knowledge OR
Māori business concepts)
A4
Answers FOUR of:
*
a reason to join a trade union is explained
*
a concern the union may have regarding the changes is explained
*
a method a trade union can use is explained
*
a way the union can action changes relevant to National Meatworks
is explained
*
a way National Meatworks can use the union to communicate changes
is explained.
(Answers will typically state relevant examples, business knowledge OR
Māori business concepts)
Merit
M5
Answers ONE of:
*
the concerns the union may have regarding the changes are fully
explained
*
the methods a trade union can use are fully explained
*
how National Meatworks can use the union to communicate changes is
fully explained.
(Answers will typically include relevant examples, business knowledge
OR Māori business concepts)
M6
Answers TWO of:
*
the concerns the union may have regarding the changes are fully
explained
*
the methods a trade union can use are fully explained
*
how National Meatworks can use the union to communicate changes is
fully explained.
(Answers will typically include relevant examples, business knowledge
OR Māori business concepts)
Excellence
E7
How the Union of Meat Processors and National Meatworks can work
together is discussed by:
*
explaining how the Union of Meat Processors can action changes
that benefit its members
*
fully explaining how National Meatworks can use the union to
communicate changes
AND
providing a justification, with ONE reason, of the benefits from
maintaining a good working relationship between the workers and the
employer. (Benefits for either employer OR employee fully explained)
(Answers will typically integrate relevant examples, business
knowledge OR Māori business concepts into explanations)
E8
How the Union of Meat Processors and National Meatworks can work
together is discussed by:
*
explaining how the Union of Meat Processors can action changes
that benefit its members
*
fully explaining how National Meatworks can use the union to
communicate changes
AND
*
providing a justification, with TWO reasons, of the benefits from
maintaining a good working relationship between the workers and
the employer. (Benefits for BOTH employer and employee fully
explained)
AND
*
answers integrate relevant examples, business knowledge OR Māori
business concepts into explanations.
N0= No response; no relevant evidence.
Question
Expected coverage
THREE
Employer associations
(a)
An employer association – this is a body of employers, usually from
the same sector of the economy, that have associated to further the
interests of member companies by conducting negotiations with trade
unions, and providing advice and making representations to other
bodies, including the government. Employer associations generally
charge annual fees to each of their members.
(b)
The role of an employer association may include:
*
Lobbying – in exchange for their membership fees, members receive
information, support, and negotiation on their behalf to other
parties / institutions, which helps them to improve the
functioning of their business (Explain). Employer associations may
also distribute information to outside parties as a way of
enabling the employers' position to be better understood – for
example, putting pressure on the government to make positive
changes within the meat industry (Fully explain).
*
Networking opportunities – allow the association’s members to
connect with each other and help to organise and support employers
(Explain) to best serve current and potential workers, improve
education and training services, give advice to members, and
upgrade workforce development systems (Fully explain).
*
Business information and advice – HR advice on employment issues,
legal advice and updates, market and export information, economic
information and updates, and business training opportunities
(Explain), to enable the business to perform better (Fully
explain).
(c)
Reasons why Meat Manufacturers NZ would encourage its members to
improve health and safety standards may include:
*
Increase productivity – a business’ biggest asset is its
workforce. Therefore, human resource planning and improving health
and safety standards are necessary to protect its employees.
Healthier and safer workers result in improved production output,
increased productivity, and fewer errors, accidents and stoppages
(Explain). Overall, this saves time and reduces costs of
production and increases profitability (Fully explain).
*
Improved industry reputation – a business that invests in
improving and maintaining health and safety standards gains
positive recognition in the industry as a fair, equitable,
responsible, and law-abiding business (Explain). This ensures that
customers and employees stay loyal to them, and this in turn helps
them achieve more sales and gain from expansion opportunities in
the industry. The whole industry benefits from the improved health
and safety record of its members, in terms of people willing to
work in the industry and marketing of the products (Fully
explain).
(d)
Discussion of reasons why a large business should belong to an
employer association.
*
How membership can assist with daily operations – it can assist
the business to achieve the best human resource practices, by
providing a broad base of services that are either free with
membership or at a reduced rate. This will result in a better and
more productive workforce, and save time and costs in terms of
employment issues. It can also allow the business to plan better
outcomes in its day-to-day activities.
*
How membership can lead to survival and future growth – it can
assist the business with its human resource issues and practices.
It can provide advice on human resources, compensation,
organisational development, and training services in order to
deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions (Explain). These
solutions may include the best survey data available on wages,
benefits, and healthcare costs. It can help a business to
interpret legal compliance regulations. This knowledge and advice
will ensure the survival and future growth of the business (Fully
explain).
Membership can help reduce costs and ensures businesses are more
competitive.
*
Justification of continued membership – it will enhance the
business’s reputation within its industry, by a wide range of free
and deeply discounted services aimed at the prevention of HR
problems. having fewer human resource and employment problems.
This will attract better quality employees as it becomes an
employer of choice and retains its current high-performing
workers. Customers will feel they are dealing with a quality
organisation and their loyalty will increase. This will lead to
improved growth and profit levels. In terms of daily operations,
it assists a business to operate in the most effective and
efficient way, by allowing the business to keep up with new and
updated information and knowledge. This ensures the business’s
survival and leads to more secure future growth opportunities. a
wide range of free and deeply discounted services aimed at the
prevention of HR problems. a wide range of free and deeply
discounted services aimed at the prevention of HR problems.
Not Achieved
N1
Insufficient breadth by answering ONE of:
*
the term “employer association” is explained
*
the role of an employer association is explained
*
a reason why Meat Manufacturers NZ would encourage members to
improve health and safety standards is explained
*
how membership can assist with the daily operations of the named
business is explained
*
how membership can lead to survival and growth is explained.
(Answers will typically state relevant examples, business knowledge OR
Māori business concepts)
N2
Insufficient breadth by answering TWO of:
*
the term “employer association” is explained
*
the role of an employer association is explained
*
a reason why Meat Manufacturers NZ would encourage members to
improve health and safety standards is explained
*
how membership can assist with the daily operations of the named
business is explained
*
how membership can lead to survival and growth is explained.
(Answers will typically state relevant examples, business knowledge OR
Māori business concepts)
Achievement
A3
Answers THREE of:
*
the term “employer association” is explained
*
the role of an employer association is explained
*
a reason why Meat Manufacturers NZ would encourage members to
improve health and safety standards is explained
*
how membership can assist with the daily operations of the named
business is explained
*
how membership can lead to survival and growth is explained.
(Answers will typically state relevant examples, business knowledge OR
Māori business concepts)
A4
Answers FOUR of:
*
the term “employer association” is explained
*
the role of an employer association is explained
*
a reason why Meat Manufacturers NZ would encourage members to
improve health and safety standards is explained
*
how membership can assist with the daily operations of the named
business is explained
*
how membership can lead to survival and growth is explained.
(Answers will typically state relevant examples, business knowledge OR
Māori business concepts)
Merit
M5
Answers ONE of:
*
the role of an employer association is fully explained
*
why Meat Manufacturers NZ would encourage members to improve
health and safety standards is fully explained
*
how membership can lead to survival and growth is fully explained.
(Answers will typically include relevant examples, business knowledge
OR Māori business concepts)
M6
Answers TWO of:
*
the role of an employer association is fully explained
*
why Meat Manufacturers NZ would encourage members to improve
health and safety standards is fully explained
*
how membership can lead to survival and growth is fully explained.
(Answers will typically include relevant examples, business knowledge
OR Māori business concepts)
Excellence
E7
Why a business should belong to an employer association is discussed
by:
*
explaining how membership can assist with daily operations of the
named business
*
fully explaining how membership can lead to survival and growth
AND
*
providing a justification, with ONE reason, for continued
membership, with reference to the named business’ reputation
within the industry.
(Answers will typically integrate relevant examples, business
knowledge OR Māori business concepts)
E8
Why a business should belong to an employer association is discussed
by:
*
explaining how membership can assist with daily operations of the
named business
*
fully explaining how membership can lead to survival and growth
AND
*
providing a justification, with TWO reasons, for continued
membership, with reference to the named business’ reputation
within the industry
AND
*
answers integrate relevant examples, business knowledge OR Māori
business concepts into explanations.
N0= No response; no relevant evidence.
Judgement Statement
===================
Not Achieved
Achievement
Achievement
with Merit
Achievement
with Excellence
Score range
0 – 6
7 – 13
14 – 18
19 – 24
Codes
U = Evidence of understanding
I = Evidence of in-depth understanding
J = Justification