In order to pass Grade 12 Business Studies – Business Operations, it will depend on a strong understanding of Human Resources and Quality of Performance. Many Grade 12 students struggle with recruitment sources, interview procedures, legislation implications, and Total Quality Management (TQM), which leads to lost marks.
This StudyPapers.co.za guide will help you as a 2025 Grade 12 Business Studies student to avoid common mistakes that students make when answering business operations questions in the exams.
This guide is based on Grade 12 Business Studies 2024 exam questions.
Guide for South African Students on Answering Grade 12 Business Studies – Business Operations
The Grade 12 Business Studies – Business Operations section covers two key areas: Human Resources and Quality of Performance. To answer these questions effectively, students should:
- Identify whether the question pertains to Human Resources functions or Total Quality Management principles.
- Use precise terminology from the 2021 Examination Guidelines to ensure accuracy.
- Provide direct responses that specifically address the question, avoiding vague or unrelated explanations.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Business Studies Grade 12 students often lose marks on Business Operations section, due to common errors. Below is a guide to identifying and correcting these mistakes:
| Mistake | How to Correct It |
|---|---|
| Omitting the term “internal” when naming sources of internal recruitment (Q3.1) | Always specify that the source is internal, for example, using “intranet” or “internal emails” instead of just “emails.” |
| Confusing the role of the interviewer before versus during the interview (Q3.2) | Understand the difference between preparing for the interview and conducting the interview. |
| Giving reasons without explanations in high-order questions like “advise” (Q3.3.1) | Respond using full sentences when advising, recommending, or suggesting, avoid simply listing reasons. |
| Confusing the implications of the Employment Equity Act (EEA) with its purpose or impact (Q3.4) | Focus on how the EEA directly affects Human Resources processes, such as fair recruitment practices. |
| Misidentifying the financial function in scenario-based questions (Q3.6.1) | Read the entire question carefully—”bookkeeping records” relate to financial functions, not administrative tasks. |
| Difficulty understanding the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) elements on large businesses (Q3.7) | Learn how client satisfaction impacts overall business success, using real-world examples for clarity. |
| Mixing up methods for reducing TQM costs with the negative impact of poor TQM practices (Q3.8) | Clearly distinguish cost-saving strategies from the consequences of poor TQM implementation. |
Answering Techniques for Higher Marks
Business Studies Grade 12 students can improve their responses by applying the following strategies:
- Use tables to clearly differentiate between internal and external recruitment sources.
- Ensure precision when explaining key concepts, avoiding unnecessary information.
- Follow the official terminology from DBE notes and marking guidelines.
- When discussing Human Resources functions, emphasize legislation implications, rather than just stating the purpose of the Act.
- When discussing Total Quality Management, provide clear details on cost-saving methods, quality circles, and business impact.
Final Exam Tips
To maximise marks in the final examination, students should:
- Use keywords found in the 2021 Examination Guidelines.
- Practice with scenario-based questions to better understand how business functions are applied in real situations.
- If asked about legislation, focus on its implications on Human Resources rather than simply stating its general purpose.
- When explaining TQM principles, clearly distinguish between benefits, cost reduction strategies, poor implementation consequences, and the role of quality circles.
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