General Advice for BM students

[mtwtfss]

It tells you exactly which marks you lost in the exam, so you can check it against the exam when it gets posted up on the VCAA site. However, I don't think it gives any information about SACs; only the exam.

Whats the difference between the Statement of Study Score and Statement of Marks?

+1

The description of the Statement of Study Score is: 'This will tell you your actual GA scores and explain how your study score was calculated.' - Therefore, I'd assume this is your total SAC scores?

The description of Statement of Examination Marks is: 'This will tell you the mark you received for each question or criterion on the examination and the maximum mark obtainable. It will also tell you the range of scores that correspond to the grade you received.'

[Sj]

The Statement of Marks essentially tells you where you lost marks in each question in the exam.
The Statement of Study Score will tell you the marks of not only the exam but your overall SAC total (so like 190/200) and show how they were weighted, and hence how they came together to get your final result.

In terms of advice for BM students- it's imperative that you keep on top of the course from the onset- and BM's a great subject that you can do and start during the holidays. One thing that my school made me do- was to collect articles about each area of the course- so you have real life examples to use in the exam. It's great in the exam- especially if you're stuck- because you can link your explanation to a real life example- and make your answer seem much, much better. Futhermore, it's really important to consult the past examiners reports, and start learning to write exam style answers immediately. It's one thing knowing all the info- but what held me in good stead was the ability to answer it in the way the examiners like.

[shinny]

Futhermore, it's really important to consult the past examiners reports, and start learning to write exam style answers immediately. It's one thing knowing all the info- but what held me in good stead was the ability to answer it in the way the examiners like.

I definitely second this point. There's plenty of people on this forum with much greater business knowledge than me, and having neglected BM for about a month prior to the exam, I'd actually forgotten a lot of the theory (I wrote remuneration package instead of redundancy on the HR question...didn't seem to matter in the end however). What got me through the exam was knowing how to word answers which is something I learnt throughout the year and never forgot, so yes, DEFINITELY learn it.

[lacoste]

so how do u learn to write exam style answers immediately?
cheers!

[shinny]

There's almost no resources for it and it's quite subjective and people will differ in what they say. I didn't consciously develop a method for it but rather, it kind of just came to me. I'd say the most important points are a logical progression of points when explaining your thought processes in justifying anything you say, as well as clear English. Don't use big words; BM examiners really don't care and they'll probably just get pissed at you.

[lacoste]

thanks for the tip

[mtwtfss]

KISS principle.

Give the examiner what they want, no more, no less?

[shinny]

KISS principle.

Give the examiner what they want, no more, no less?

Depends. Be direct initially, but then while still being on topic, write more than you're meant to. I used the entire time except for the last 5 minutes or so just writing more and more. Basically, define everything and give an example for everything where it's relevant. This will ensure you secure the marks. BM is the type of exam where you have more than enough time to do it, but can't risk many marks at all as the SS's drop quick; so just secure yourself the marks wherever possible and don't get lazy.

[mtwtfss]

So if the question is worth 2 marks, continue to give 3 points instead of 2, or just elaborate in detail to ensure the examiner cannot find a way to penalise you on those 2 points?

[shinny]

Well that's how Marotta taught us. He'd give 3 points even on a one mark question, which is perhaps excessive, but I'd always write more than I think I need to. This is especially because the marking schemes are so vague, particularly this year where there were many 4-6 mark questions, and you're not sure how much you really need to write and what exactly constitutes a point. Solution: keep crapping on.

[Odette.]

STAY ON TOPIC THOUGH!

[mtwtfss]

Well that's how Marotta taught us. He'd give 3 points even on a one mark question, which is perhaps excessive, but I'd always write more than I think I need to. This is especially because the marking schemes are so vague, particularly this year where there were many 4-6 mark questions, and you're not sure how much you really need to write and what exactly constitutes a point. Solution: keep crapping on.

If you've ever had wilson, you would know about the continue crapping on bit.

You answer the question directly, clearly.. answering everything it asked, and she would literally yell at you for not expanding and writing a full paragraph.

[nbalakers24]

what revision did you guys do during the course? and for SACS?
and also what resources did you use?

[Odette.]

what revision did you guys do during the course? and for SACS?
and also what resources did you use?

Well I used questions my teacher gave me, checkpoints, small quizzes on certain websites... oh and tssm notes and questions

[Sj]

I think for BM- it's best to use good use of a select few resources- rather than use heaps of books.
If your teacher is good that's a bonus- but the best thing to do is to summarise all the notes you get into one copy of notes.
Personally, I used the Leading Edge, A+ NOtes and my text book to compile notes. Don't fall in to the trap of just reading the notes however- ensure that everything you have in your notes is linked to a REAL LIFE example. For instance- when looking at Operations Management- it is much easier to understand the concepts and principles if you can relate it to a real firm. There are case studies such as Ford- that chronicle the management systems. If you can understand these- you'll be less likely to forget the principles- and always have a practical example in which to reference.

I really like the Leading Edge book- because the definitions and explanations are easy to understand.

In reference to Shinny's post- I had the same teacher as him- and he essentially told us (for a definition question) to provide a definition, explain why it was important, and give an example.
Remember, they'll never make you down for writing too much in the exam- as long as it's all relelvant (however don't go overboard an not finish.) Define the hell out of every concept (for example if it says "Explain the importance of a firms corporate culture"- you'll need to define corporate culture!