Business Management 2010 - 2016
Business Management is not a very demanding subject when compared to others, but it’s very easy to lose marks in if you don’t know what you are doing. As asked here is a guide on how I got my 50. I have included some tips and my own notes. The new study design has shown that a deeper understanding of the course is necessary, and that more emphasis is given on extended response, with only one question worth less than 4 marks this year.
Notes• Take the subject seriously.Or at least as seriously as you take your other subjects. If you don’t slack off in BM a 40+ is very achievable. Don’t treat is as a bludge or an easy 45. Put in the work and the rewards will come.
• Make Notes, do the work. 2010 Study DesignMake notes, based on the study design’s key knowledge points, and commit these to memory. Use mnemonic devices or acronyms if useful (All indicators must be S.M.A.R.T). But the real reason for making notes it because it is great SAC and Exam revision. Don’t skip any key knowledge point and use the terms they have used.
• Get the necessary materials.Book List (A guide to different study guides.)
Shinny's NotesAlso, I highly recommend downloading mine or Shinny’s notes. Mine are a bit longer but they are based on the current study design, they are also for use during the year and were made by using all the books noted in the above link. I have also put up my glossary, but I will warn you some definitions are either not necessary or were just memory joggers. Use assessment reports to find repeated definition questions.
• Get a good SAC ranking.
This goes without saying, but a good ranking will not only mean you are not reliant on others, but it will give you momentum and more cred in your teachers’ eyes.
• Learn the course inside out then practice! Past VCAA Papers Current Study Design Exams 2010-2014 Sample Questions Sample AnswersI can’t stress this one enough. Whilst practice exams may be very good revision, VCAA will not always reuse questions, as was seen this year. Those students with a deep understanding of the course are able to adapt to any question, those who only do practice exams limit themselves. After this, do practice exams. If you are a year 11, do ALL of them. If you are a yr 12, do VCAA ones (2000-2004 have 10 markers similar to the new design) and the current exam papers only. Do it under timed conditions with a closed book.
• Learn how to answer questions.There is a method to answering questions in BM. As a general rule, for every question you should
define the key terms, and
apply it to the case study. If no case study has been provided or they specifically ask, apply to a current corporate example.
Types of questions:
- Compare: Show similarities.
- Contrast: Show differences.
- Usually done together as one question. Major pitfall is only discussing similarities, and not differences too. - Describe: Explain the main features.
- Define: Explain the term.
-Often one or two marks. A one marker merely requires you to use the key words, a two marker should have an example relating to case study. - Discuss: Describe then explain the pros and cons.
-Make sure you explain both sides! - Evaluate: Provide a judgement.
-Like discuss but you must give a final paragraph stating what is better/worse. - Identify: Recognise and name.
-Usually identify and describe. You must state the terms and explain how it relates to the case study. - Justify: Use evidence to support a claim.
-Used when you are needed to recommend a style or skill usually, give evidence from the case study as to why you chose what you did. - Outline: Indicate the main features.
-Basically define in greater detail. - Recommend: Give a suggestion.
TextsKey ConceptsPros- Good layout.
- Pictures.
- JacPlus (online version which has lots of activities).
- Lots of questions.
- Its practically a picture book.
Cons- Sometimes explanations are a bit lacking, or definitions odd.
- Its practically a picture book.
BarillePros- Better explanations than Key Concepts.
- Most schools use this.
Cons- Poor layout.
- Practice SACs are useless.
SupplementsCheckpointshttp://www.cambridge.edu.au/education/companion/checkpoints/index.htmlWhat's in it?- Questions for each AOS.
- Practice SACs.
- Unit Reviews
- Practice Exams (3)
- Mind Maps to use when studying.
- Detailed answers.
How much?~$28
Pros-The best collection of questions out there.
- Very useful for SACs and Exam revision.
Cons- None really, a staple for BM. If you only buy one thing, make it this.
A+ BM Notes!http://www.apluspub.com.au/title/0170181065/2613What's in it?- Explanations of each AOS with all the important information.
- Glossary.
- Questions.
- "Practice SACs"
How much?~$22
Pros- Explains the tricker theories well.
- Good explanation on application of certain theories.
- Glossary is divided for each AOS.
Cons- Some unnecessary information.
- Their practice SACs take 5 minutes.
A+ Practice Examshttp://www.apluspub.com.au/title/0170181057/2613What's in it?- 10 Graduated practice exams.
How much?~$21
Pros- Practice exams.
- Graduated (meaning you can do them over the year, not just at the end).
Cons- Can't really recall any problem with these, except they aren't a good indication of the real exam. Not their fault though, VCAA went and changed the style completely.
- No 10 Marker practice.
StudyOnhttp://www.studyon.com.au/What's in it?- I take it back, if you only buy one thing, make it this.
- HUNDREDS of questions, for each AOS, completed online with full answers.
- Practice exams.
- Cue Cards summarising the course.
How much?~$40, if you are using Key Concepts buy the value pack for ~$90.
Pros- Real exam questions, separated by their AOS.
- Decent summaries.
- Flashcards are good revision.
- Don't have to print out anything, use it on any computer.
- Model answers.
Cons- The flashcards can sometimes be a tad odd.
Hope this helps.