Business Management Command Terms

Define

Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.

Define the term marketing mix. → Level 1: Knowledge and understanding [1-2 marks]

Describe

Give a detailed account.

Describe the relationship between costs and profit. →Level 1: Knowledge and understanding [1-2 marks]

Outline

Give a brief account or summary.

Outline one advantage and one disadvantage of Burton Inc.® using the Gantt

chart to plan the development and release of Product X. → Level 1: Knowledge and understanding [1-2 marks]

State

Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or

calculation.

State one reason why Burton Inc.® has decided to structure the business as a

private limited company. → Level 1: Knowledge and understanding [1-2 marks]

Analyse

Breakdown in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.

Analyse the impact of an internal opportunity and an internal threat to the

business objectives of Burton Inc.® → Level 2: Application and analysis [3-6 marks]

Apply

Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in relation to a given problem or

issue.

Apply the concept outsourcing to the Burton Inc.® objective of maximising

shareholder returns. → Level 2: Application and analysis [3-6 marks]

Comment

Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.

Comment on the liquidity position of Burton Inc.® based on the acid test ratio

calculated. → Level 2: Application and analysis [3-6 marks]

Demonstrate

Make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical

application.

Demonstrate how Burton Inc.® has benefited from economies of scale in

pursuing its growth objective. → Level 2: Application and analysis [3-6 marks]

Distinguish

Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.

Distinguish between autocratic and democratic leadership styles. → Level 2: Application and analysis [3-6 marks]

Explain

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.

Explain why Burton Inc.® has changed its pricing strategy. → Level 2: Application and analysis [3-6 marks]

Interpret

Use knowledge and understanding to recognise trends and draw conclusions

from given information.

Interpret the difference between the gearing ratios calculated for Burton inc.®

in 2014 and 2013. → Level 2: Application and analysis [3-6 marks]

Suggest

Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

Suggest a suitable method to improve the liquidity position of Burton Inc.® → Level 2: Application and analysis [3-6 marks]

Compare

Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations,

referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Compare the pricing strategies of Burton Inc.® and VIBE Education™ Ltd. → Level 3: Synthesis and evaluation [8-20 marks]

Compare and

contrast

Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or

situations, referring to both (all) of.

Compare and contrast the pricing strategies of Burton Inc.® and VIBE

Education™ Ltd. → Level 3: Synthesis and evaluation [8-20 marks]

Contrast

Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations,

referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Contrast the pricing strategies of Burton Inc.® and VIBE Education™ Ltd. → Level 3: Synthesis and evaluation [8-20 marks]

Discuss

Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments,

factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and

supported by appropriate evidence.

Discuss the strategic decision by Burton Inc.® to expand into an overseas

market. → Level 3: Synthesis and evaluation [8-20 marks]

Evaluate

Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.

Evaluate the decision by the directors of Burton Inc.® to acquire VIBE

Education™ Ltd. → Level 3: Synthesis and evaluation [8-20 marks]

Examine

Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and

interrelationships of the issue.

Examine Burton Inc.®’s decision to outsource production to the Philippines. → Level 3: Synthesis and evaluation [8-20 marks]

Justify

Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.

Justify Burton Inc.®’s decision to launch its new product X. → Level 3: Synthesis and evaluation [8-20 marks]

Recommend

Present an advisable course of action with appropriate supporting

evidence/reason in relation to a given situation, problem or issue.

Recommend a promotional strategy to Burton Inc.® → Level 3: Synthesis and evaluation [8-20 marks]

To what extent

Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and

conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate

evidence and sound argument.

To what extent is Burton Inc.®’s decision to adopt profit-related pay a successful

way to improve staff motivation? → Level 3: Synthesis and evaluation [8-20 marks]

Annotate

Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.

Copy and annotate the product life cycle of Product X for Burton Inc.® → Level 4: Appropriate skills [1-6 marks]

Calculate

Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.

Calculate the gearing ratio for Burton Inc.® in 2014. → Level 4: Appropriate skills [1-6 marks]

Complete

Add missing information/data.

Copy and complete the profit and loss account for Burton Inc.® in 2014. → Level 4: Appropriate skills [1-6 marks]

Construct

Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

Construct a break-even chart showing the current margin of safety for Burton

Inc.® → Level 4: Appropriate skills [1-6 marks]

Determine

Obtain the only possible answer.

Determine the break-even level of production for Burton Inc.® → Level 4: Appropriate skills [1-6 marks]

Draw

Represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil.

A ruler (straight edge) should be used for straight lines. Diagrams should be

drawn to scale. Graphs should have points correctly plotted (if appropriate) and

joined in a straight line or smooth curve.

Draw a break-even chart for Burton Inc.® → Level 4: Appropriate skills [1-6 marks]

Identify

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.

Identify two reasons why the Burton Inc.® has chosen a particular method of

investment appraisal. → Level 4: Appropriate skills [1-6 marks]

Label

Add labels to a diagram.

Label the margin of safety on the break-even chart that you have constructed. → Level 4: Appropriate skills [1-6 marks]

Plot

Mark the position of points on a diagram.

Plot the position of Burton Inc.® on the position map drawn in your answer to

part (a). → Level 4: Appropriate skills [1-6 marks]

Prepare

Put given data or information from a stimulus/source into a suitable format.

Prepare a cash flow forecast for Burton Inc.® for April, May and June 2016. → Level 4: Appropriate skills [1-6 marks]