SSCII Business Studies
SSCII Business Studies
Examination Syllabus
BUSINESS STUDIES
CLASSES IX-X
Published by
Aga Khan University Examination Board
Bungalow # 233 / E.I.Lines,
Daudpota Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
August 2011
Latest Revision June 2012
BUSINESS STUDIES
CLASSES IX-X
Preface 5
3. Scheme of Assessment 56
AKU-EB was founded in August 2003 with the aim of improving the quality of education
nationwide. As befits an examination board it seeks to reinforce the National Curriculum
revision through the development of appropriate examinations for the Secondary School
Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) based on the latest
National Curriculum and subject syllabus guidance.
AKU-EB has a mandate by Ordinance CXIV of 2002 to offer such examination services to
English and Urdu medium candidates for SSC and HSSC from private schools anywhere in
Pakistan or abroad, and from government schools with the relevant permissions. It has been
accorded this mandate to introduce a choice of examination and associated educational
approach for schools, thus fulfilling a key objective of the National Curriculum of Pakistan:
“Autonomy will be given to the Examination Boards and Research and Development cells
will be established in each Board to improve the system” (ibid. para. 6.5.3 (ii)).
AKU-EB is committed to creating continuity of educational experience and the best possible
opportunities for its students. In consequence, it offered HSSC for the first time in
September, 2007 to coincide with the arrival of its first SSC students in college or higher
secondary school. Needless to say this is not an exclusive offer. Private candidates and
students joining AKU-EB affiliated schools and colleges for HSSC Part 1 are eligible to
register as AKU-EB candidates even though they have not hitherto been associated with
AKU-EB.
• The syllabus recommends a range of suitable textbooks already in print for student
purchase and additional texts for the school library.
• It identifies areas where teachers should work together to generate classroom activities
and materials for their students as a step towards the introduction of multiple textbooks,
another of the Ministry of Education’s policy provisions for the improvement of
secondary education (ibid. para. 6.3.4).
This examination syllabus brings together all those cognitive outcomes of the National
Curriculum statement which can be reliably and validly assessed. While the focus is on the
cognitive domain, particular emphasis is given to the application of knowledge and
understanding, a fundamental activity in fostering “attitudes befitting useful and peaceful
citizens and the skills for and commitment to lifelong learning which is the cornerstone of
national economic development” (Preface to National Curriculum documents 2000 and
2002).
AKU-EB provides copies of the examination syllabus to subject teachers in affiliated schools
to help them in planning their teaching. It is the syllabus, not the prescribed text book which
is the basis of AKU-EB examinations. In addition, the AKU-EB examination syllabus can be
used to identify the training needs of subject teachers and to develop learning support
materials for students. Involving classroom teachers in these activities is an important part of
the AKU-EB strategy for improving the quality of learning in schools.
The Curriculum Wing of the Federal Ministry of Education has recently released new subject
specifications and schemes of study which have been implemented since September, 2008.
These documents are a major step forward towards a standards-related curriculum and have
been welcomed by AKU-EB. Our current SSC syllabuses have been revised to ensure
conformity with the National Curriculum.
We stand committed to all students entering the SSC course as well as those who have
recently embarked upon the HSSC course in facilitating their learning outcome. Our
examination syllabus document ensures all possible support.
2.1.1 In 2007, the Curriculum Wing of the Federal Ministry of Education (MoE)
issued a revised part-wise Scheme of Studies. All subjects are to be taught and
examined in both classes IX and X. It is therefore important for teachers,
students, parents and other stakeholders to know:
(a) that the AKU-EB Scheme of Studies for its SSC examination (Annex)
derives directly from the 2007 Ministry of Education Scheme of
Studies;
1.1.2 This AKU-EB examination syllabus addresses these concerns. Without such
guidance teachers and students have little option other than following a single
textbook to prepare for an external examination. The result is a culture of rote
memorisation as the preferred method of examination preparation. The
pedagogically desirable objectives of the National Curriculum which
encourage “observation, creativity and other higher order thinking [skills]” are
generally ignored. AKU-EB recommends that teachers and students use
multiple teaching-learning resources for achieving the specific objectives of
the National Curriculum reproduced in the AKU-EB examination syllabuses.
1.1.3 The AKU-EB examination syllabuses use a uniform layout for all subjects to
make them easier for teachers to follow. Blank sheets are provided in each
syllabus for writing notes on potential lesson plans. It is expected that this
arrangement will also be found helpful by teachers in developing classroom
assessments as well as by question setters preparing material for the AKU-EB
external examinations. The AKU-EB aims to enhance the quality of education
through improved classroom practices and improved examinations.
1.1.4 The Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) in Section 2 start with command
words such as list, describe, relate, explain, etc. The purpose of the command
words is to direct the attention of teachers and students to specific tasks that
candidates following the AKU-EB examination syllabuses are expected to
undertake in the course of their subject studies. The examination questions
will be framed using the same command words, but not necessarily the same
content, to elicit evidence of these competencies in candidates’ responses. The
definitions of command words used in this syllabus are given in Section 6. It is
hoped that teachers will find these definitions useful in planning their lessons
and classroom assessments.
1.1.6 Some topics from the National Curriculum have been elaborated and enriched
for better understanding of the subject and/or to better meet the needs of
students in the twenty-first century. These additional topics have been
italicised in Section 2 of this syllabus.
• It would also inform students of a range of study and work options and would
help bridge the gap between school and professional life.
1.3.1 make effective use of relevant terminologies, concepts methods and recognise
the strengths and limitations of business.
1.3.2 apply their knowledge and critical understanding to current issues and
problems in a wide range of appropriate contexts.
1.3.3 distinguish between facts and opinions, evaluate qualitative and quantitative
data in order to help build arguments and make informed judgments.
1.3.7 perceive business behaviour within the social, economic, ethical, political and
legal environment which constrains and supports that behaviour.
1.1 Meaning and Scope of 1.1.1 define business activity with reference to factors of production (FOP); *
Business Activity 1.1.2 define the following terms: *
• business
• commerce
• trade
• industry
• profession
• occupation
• economy
1.1.3 distinguish between business and commerce; *
1.1.4 discuss how business entity satisfies a customer’s needs; *
1.1.5 elaborate the scope and importance of business activity in an *
economy.
1
K = Knowledge, U = Understanding, A= Application (for explanation see Section 6: Definition of command words used in Student Learning Outcomes and in
Examination Questions).
Latest Revision June 2012 Page 10
NOTES
1.3 Objectives of Business 1.3.1 explain business activity as means of adding value; *
Activity 1.3.2 explain the objectives of an entrepreneur; *
1.3.3 discuss all the objectives of different stakeholders in a business *
organisation;
1.3.4 explain the objectives of private and public sector organisation (i.e. earning *
profits, benefiting societies, raising living standards, promoting trade and
commerce);
1.3.5 explain the concept of ‘opportunity cost’; *
1.3.6 analyse the significance of ‘opportunity cost’ with reference to objective of *
business activities;
1.4 Impact on External 1.4.1 elaborate the role and importance of business activities in a developing *
Environment economy;
1.4.2 analyse the impact of business activities on a society; *
4.2 Introduction to Book 4.2.1 distinguish between accounting and book keeping; *
Keeping and Accounting 4.2.2 differentiate between *
• financial accounting,
• cost accounting and,
• managerial accounting,
4.2.3 explain the importance of financial information to different stakeholders *
of business:
• business owners
• management
• creditors
• employees
• investors
• government
• consumers
4.4 Capital and Revenue 4.4.1 define capital expenditure and revenue expenditure; *
Expenditures 4.4.2 differentiate between capital expenditure and revenue expenditure; *
4.4.3 list capital expenditure and revenue expenditure items. *
5.1 Meaning and Scope of 5.1.1 define the terms ‘market’ and ‘marketing’; *
Marketing 5.1.2 explain the role of marketing in a society. *
5.2 The Marketing Mix 5.2.1 explain market segmentation (mass, niche); *
5.2.2 explain marketing mix (the 4P’s of marketing) *
a. Product 5.2.3 define the term ‘product’; *
5.2.4 explain the process of product development; *
b. Price 5.2.5 define ‘price’; *
5.2.6 explain different pricing strategies: *
• cost-plus price
• penetration price
• skimming price
• competitive price
• promotional price
• psychological price
c. Place 5.2.7 define channels of distribution; *
5.2.8 explain the different channels of distribution: *
• producer (manufacturer)
• agent (sales agent)
• wholesaler
• retailer
• consumer
5.2.9 explain different modes or means of transporting goods: *
• roadways (road haulage)
• railways,
• inland waterways (canals and rivers)
• seaways (sea freight)
• airways (air-freight)
• pipelines
6.1 Meaning and Scope of 6.1.1 define human capital or human resource; *
Human Resource 6.1.2 explain the importance of human capital or resource in a business *
organisation;
6.2 Recruitment and Selection 6.2.1 explain the procedure of selection of an employee *
(i.e. advertising of a position, short listing of candidates on the basis of job
description, interviewing and final selection);
6.2.2 differentiate between job specification and job description; *
6.2.3 elaborate the process of recruitment of employees internally and externally *
in an organisation.
7.2 Business Activities 7.2.1 discuss the different types of organizations in public sector; *
(Public Sector) explain the features and objectives of organizations in public sector: *
• public cooperation
• municipal enterprises
• cooperatives
7.2.2 identify some examples of such public sector organization from the *
economy;
7.2.3 discuss the merits and demerits of public sector business organization: *
• public cooperation
• municipal enterprises
• cooperatives;
7.4 External Environment 7.4.1 discuss the impact (pros and cons) of government objectives on businesses *
like
• low inflation
• low levels of unemployment
• economic growth
• balance of payment
7.4.2 discuss the different types of government policies and its implication *
• fiscal policy
• monetary policy
• exchange rates
7.5 Growth 7.5.1 explain in what other ways can the size of the business be measured (other *
than number of employees and capital)
7.5.2 explain the methods in which businesses grow *
• internal growth
• external growth
7.5.3 explain the different methods of integration; *
• vertical
• horizontal
• conglomerate
7.5.4 discuss merits and demerits of integration. *
11.2 Centralization and 11.2.1 explain the concept of ‘centralization’ and ‘decentralization’; *
Decentralization 11.2.2 Discuss the merits and demerits of a centralized management structure; *
11.2.3 discuss the merits and demerits of a decentralized management structure; *
11.2.4 illustrate an understanding of the various different forms of *
decentralization;
13.1 Elements of 13.1.1 describe SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis; *
Marketing Plan 13.1.2 discuss the importance of SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and *
threats) analysis;
13.1.3 define the term ‘marketing plan’; *
13.1.4 demonstrate an understanding of the various elements of a marketing plan; *
13.1.5 illustrate the process of developing a marketing plan diagrammatically; *
13.1.6 demonstrate the ability to identify strategies for developing markets using the *
4 P’s;
13.1.7 explain the various stages of the product life cycle; *
13.1.8 demonstrate an understanding of developing marketing objectives such as: *
• increasing market share
• expanding the product range
• expanding existing markets
• maximizing customer service
14.1 Ethical Aspects of 14.1.1 define the terms ‘tax havens’ and ‘transfer pricing’; *
Business 14.1.2 discuss the concept of tax havens and transfer pricing; *
14.1.3 explain minimum standards of labour; *
14.1.4 discuss the concept of illegal dumping of products. *
14.2 Globalization 14.2.1 define ‘globalization’ *
14.2.2 discuss the nature and trends of globalization; *
14.2.3 explain the process of the growth of the global economy; *
14.2.4 demonstrate an understanding of the various changes in the market; *
14.3 Multinational 14.3.1 explain Multinational companies and their characteristics; *
companies (M.N.C) 14.3.2 analyse the significance of MNC’s in the global economy; *
No. of Marks
Topic
Topics Sub- Multiple Constructed Extended Total
No.
topics Choice Response Response
1. Introduction to Business
5 6 7
Activity
2. Business Organisation 5 3 5 8 42
3. Cost and external
3 6 7
influences on Business
4. Accounting and Finance 6 4 6
5. Marketing 2 4 6 8 33
6. Human Capital 3 2 3
Total 25 25 34 16 75
Topic Total
Topics Marks Distribution
No. Marks
Introduction to MCQs 6 @ 1 Mark
1.
Business Activity CRQ 1 @ 7 Marks
Business Organisation MCQs 3 @ 1 Mark *ERQ 1 @ 8 Marks
2.
CRQ 1 @ 5 Marks (Choose any ONE 42
Cost and External from TWO)
MCQs 6 @ 1 Mark
3. Influences on
CRQ 1 @ 7 Marks
Business
Accounting and MCQs 4 @ 1 Mark
4.
Finance CRQs 2 @ 3 Marks each
*ERQ 1 @ 8 Marks
Marketing MCQs 4 @ 1 Mark
5. (Choose any ONE 33
CRQs 2 @ 3 Marks each
from TWO)
Human Capital MCQs 2 @ 1 Mark
6.
CRQ 1 @ 3 Marks
MCQs CRQs ERQs
Total Marks 75
25 34 16
Class X
Marks
No. of
Topic Multiple Constructed Extended
Topics Sub- Total
No. Choice Response Response
topics
Questions Questions Questions
7. Classification of
4 5 6
Business Activities
8. Internal Factors
4 4 6
Influencing Business
9. Understanding 5 35
Business Organisations
with Reference to 3 4 5
Management and
Management Theories.
10. Human Resources
4 2 4
11. Organizational
Structure 2 2 5 5 40
12. Business Finance and
Accounting 2 4 8
13. Markets and Market
3 2 3
Research
14. Business Ethics and
3 2 3
Globalization
Total 19 25 40 10 75
* There will be TWO extended response questions and the candidates will be
required to attempt any ONE by making a choice out of the TWO. Extended
response questions (ERQs) will require answers in more detailed form. The
answers will be in a paragraph rather than a word or a single sentence.
3.1 Table 1 and 4 summarises the number and nature of SLOs in each topic in class IX
and X. In Business Studies the emphasis is more on understanding so that students are
able to cultivate a sound understanding of the relevance of the subject with trade and
commerce activities in the economy.
3.2 There will be two examinations, one at the end of Class IX and one at the end of Class
X.
3.3 In each class, the theory paper will be in two parts: paper I and paper II. Both papers
will be administrated within 3 hours.
3.4 Paper I theory will consist of 25 compulsory, multiple choice questions. These
questions will involve four response options.
3.5 Paper II theory will carry 50 marks and consist of a number of compulsory, structured
questions and a number of extended response questions. Each extended response
question will be presented in an either/or form.
4.1 Teachers should give the relevant information before introducing any topic to build up
and recall the previous knowledge (if any).
4.2 To understand the cognitive level of ongoing topics, teacher(s) should provide
hard copies of the syllabus to the students.
4.3 During lecture, teacher/s should ask questions from the students to assess their
understanding.
4.4 Encourage students to present selected and applied topics of the syllabus.
4.5 Arrange educational trips to different organisations and institutes, i.e. banks and other
financial institutions.
4.6 Assign tasks to the students to search relevant material from other sources, i.e. library,
internet and newspapers etc.
4.7 Organise group discussions among students to share their views about current topics.
4.8 Plan to organise meeting of students with different professionals and intellectuals.
This will broaden their horizon and boost their confidence level.
4.9 Students should be encouraged to engage in the following activities to stimulate their
interest in the topics and to develop a better understanding of the syllabus content:
• stock exchange
• cotton exchange
• firms or corporate houses (multinational companies)
• trade and commerce exhibitions
• industrial exhibition
• departmental, super market and utility stores
Recommended Books
Reference Books
2. Butler .D and Hardy.J. (2001). GCSE Business Studies, (3rd Edition), Oxford
University Press, London ISBN 0198328354.
3. Chambers .I, Hall.L and Squires.S. (2001). GCSE Business Studies, (3rd
Edition), Longman, ISBN 0582453951.
5. Marcouse .I, Martin.B and Lines.D. (2006). Complete A-Z of Business Studies
Handbook (5th Edition). Hodder Arnold, ISBN 0340915161.
Websites
1. www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/business
2. www.bized.co.uk
3. www.tutor2u.net
4. www.dailydawn.com
5. www.sundaytime.com
Knowledge:
This requires knowing and remembering facts and figures, vocabulary and contexts,
and the ability to recall key ideas, concepts, trends, sequences, categories, etc. It can
be taught and evaluated through questions based on: who, when, where, what, list,
define, describe, identify, label, tabulate, quote, name, state, etc.
Understanding:
Application:
Knowledge
Define: To tell the meaning of words or terms with respect to their
properties or qualities.
Application
Analyse: Suggest separating components / parts of something to
discover its true nature.
Compute: Implies solving simple numerical
2
Government of Pakistan September 2007. Scheme of Studies for SSC and HSSC (Classes IX-XII). Islamabad: Ministry of Education,
Curriculum Wing.