Business Management 1997 WASSCE-Past Questions and Answers-WAEC

WAEC
Business Management 1996 WASSCE

WASSCE Past Questions and Answers for Business Management 1997 is a learning resource.

This learning resource has been designed to help students to pass their exams in the above stated examining body.

I believe you are imagining what our website can offer you? If so, then just wait and see. Read more.

Click on the links below to navigate to what you specifically want. You can always click on back arrow [←] to come back to the table of content here:

 

Click For The Summary Of This Guide

Table of Content

 

General Overview

WASSCE Past Questions and Answers for Business Management 1997 is a learning resource. This learning resource has been designed to help students to pass their exams in the above stated examining body.

I believe you are imagining what our website can offer you? If so, then just wait and see. Also, have you had challenges trying to learn, write or pass your WAEC BM paper?

If the answer is yes, then I can assure you that educareguide is here to help and guide you.

 

We are here to encourage you that you can easily pass this subject. Firstly, we have a lot of links to assist you to get enough details. 

Truly, this will help you to gain enough knowledge and understanding to pass your examination. Secondly, we have materials on various topics, sub-topics relating to this subject area.

Therefore, our site is very helpful to Senior High School Student across the West African sub-region.

Notably, these countries are Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia.  Moreover, these students rely on our guide and pass the WASSCE Business Management Examination.

In detail, check the questions and the answers just below.

 

The Nature of the Examination

There are two Papers in the examination, (and these are Paper 1 and Paper 2). In detail, there are two sections in the Paper 1 (i.e. Section A and Section B). Section A is an Objective Test and Section B is Theory Test.

There are 50 questions in the Objective test, and there are 7 question in the theory Section. Consequently, there are 10 questions in the Paper 2. To explain more, the question 1 is a Case Study.

To explain, there are some question under the case to test the student’s understanding.

Finally, the other 9 theory questions are also theory questions.  They are asked to tests the student’s general understanding of the subject are.

 

The Summary of the Paper

The WASSCE Business management Paper for 1997 can summarized below:

  • 1997 WASSCE Business Management Paper One – Section A;
  • 1997 WASSCE Business Management Paper One – Section B;
  • 1997 WASSCE Business Management Paper Two

 

Business Management 1997 WASSCE-Past Questions and Answers Paper 1

 

Business Management 1997 WASSCE-Past Questions and Answers- Paper 1 – Section A

 

Let me show you how to find the answers to the Business Management Questions – Paper 1, Section A. To clarify that, when you read a question, just click on this symbol (˅) that follows the question.

After doing so, the answer will drop down for you. In fact, it is a very simple task. However, for the purposes of evaluating yourself, you may want to answer the before reviewing the suggested answer (or solution)

 

  1. If A makes an offer to B about footballs and B accepts thinking that A is referring to football boots, the contract is void because[expand title=””]  C is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. there is cross offer
    2. there is no consideration
    3. there is no consensus ad idem
    4. contractual capacity is lacking

 

  1. An advantage of a one-man business is that[expand title=””]   B  is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. liability for debts is limited
    2. it is easy to organize
    3. it has perpetual life
    4. it is easy to raise capital

 

  1. Bank overdraft is normally granted to[expand title=””]    C is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. fixed deposit account holders
    2. long term borrowers
    3. current account holders
    4. customers who operate savings accounts

 

  1. One of the manager’s duties is to ensure that the different departments of a company work in harmony. This function is referred to as[expand title=””]   A is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. co-ordination
    2. harmonization
    3. planning
    4. controlling

 

  1. A major function of the personnel department of a business organization is[expand title=””]   D is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. personnel planning and production scheduling
    2. monitoring the market and forecasting
    3. preventing workers demonstrations
    4. training and development of employees

 

  1. A country that is over-populated may experience[expand title=””]   D is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. better schools, health and social amenities
    2. a higher rate of productivity
    3. greater availability of goods and services
    4. a lower standard of living

 

  1. The voting rights of shareholders of a public company are stated in the[expand title=””]   Bis the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. prospectus
    2. regulations
    3. companies code
    4. certificate of registration

 

  1. What management function compares actual performance with stated objectives?[expand title=””]   C is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. Organizing
    2. Directing
    3. Controlling
    4. Planning

 

  1. In management by objectives[expand title=””]   C is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. all objectives are achieved
    2. only top management set objectives
    3. employees are involved in objective setting
    4. only the workers set objectives.

 

  1. Country A may import goods which it has resources to produce from country B if[expand title=””]   CA is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. there is war in country A
    2. country A has comparative advantage
    3. country B has comparative advantage
    4. country B has a favourable balance of trade

 

  1. A written acknowledgement of a debt detailing out the terms of payment, interest payable and all relevant conditions thereto is called[expand title=””]  A is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. debenture
    2. contract
    3. warranty
    4. factoring

 

  1. At the end of an accounting year, a trader has the following balances standing on the books[expand title=””]   B is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
          • Cash                                 ¢40,000
          • Stock                                ¢15,000
          • Trade Creditors              ¢10,000
          • Capital                              ¢45,000

                 What is the working capital of the trader?

    1. ¢90,000
    2. ¢45,000
    3. ¢55,000
    4. ¢30,000

 

  1. Which of the following media is most suitable for informing all employees about an outbreak of fire?[expand title=””]   C is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. Bulletin board
    2. Memorandum
    3. Public address system
    4. Telephone answering machine

 

  1. Which of the following reasons will justify the involvement of the government in the provision of good[expand title=””]   D is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand] roads and electricity supply throughout the country
    1. reducing tax burden on rural dwellers
    2. arresting the urban-rural movement
    3. generating revenue for development
    4. supporting the development of industries

 

  1. If a woman smokes fish for sale, what industry is she engaged in?[expand title=””]   D is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE   [/expand]
    1. Extractive industry
    2. Direct services
    3. Indirect service
    4. Manufacturing industry

 

  1. What is the significance of durbars and seminars as a means of communicating in an organization?[expand title=””]D is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. they reduce business risk
    2. they provide material for newsmen
    3. it is a way of eliminating mistrust in the organization
    4. it is a very good customer relations practice for the organization

 

  1. What consideration helps to distinguish an entrepreneur from labour as a factor of production?[expand title=””]C is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. He receives a big salary
    2. He is the fourth factor of production
    3. He bears the risks of organization
    4. He is always the managing director

 

  1. A commercial bank charges 30% interest per annum on all overdrafts granted to its customers. How much will Mr. Nyame pay back to the bank for an overdraft of 4,100,000 granted for 6 months?[expand title=””] B is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. ¢30,000
    2. ¢115,000
    3. ¢120,000
    4. ¢15,000

 

  1. Directing in management may take the form of[expand title=””] C is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. deciding the number of subordinates under a supervisor
    2. recognizing the achievements of employees
    3. designing strategies for achieving set goals
    4. taking corrective action to achieve set objectives

 

  1. One major disadvantage of the use of notice boards to communicate with employees is that it is[expand title=””] D is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. usually impersonal
    2. difficult to read
    3. suitable for long notices only
    4. often not conveniently located

 

  1. Boredom and loss of craftsmanship are two disadvantages of[expand title=””] A is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. specialization
    2. socialization
    3. standardization
    4. customization

 

  1. Which of the following forms of production is a commercial activity?[expand title=””]D is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. Soap making
    2. Flower gardening
    3. Poultry farming
    4. Operating a warehouse

 

  1. One of the factors which make survival an important business objective is[expand title=””]A is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. competition
    2. social responsibility
    3. policy formulation
    4. planning

 

  1. Co-operative societies are mainly financed by[expand title=””]A is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. members
    2. creditors d
    3. government
    4. general public

 

  1. If there is a breach of a warranty in a contract, the injured party may[expand title=””]B is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. also injure the other party
    2. sue the other party for damages only
    3. rescind the contract
    4. sue for double the value of consideration

 

  1. In market price determination, excess demand over supply leads to[expand title=””]D is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. average prices
    2. reduced prices
    3. constant prices
    4. ‘ increased prices

 

  1. The basic steps in the decision-making process include[expand title=””]B is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
          1. establishing objectives
          2. gathering information
          3. developing possible alternative courses of action
          4. employing many decision makers
    1. I, III and IV only
    2. I, II and III only
    3. I, II and V only
    4. I, II and IV only

 

  1. In order to ratify a contract made by an agent, a principal generally[expand title=””]B is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. even without contractual capacity can give retrospective authority to the agent
    2. must have had contractual capacity at the time of the contract
    3. must necessarily confer with the agent at the time of the contract
    4. need not know the circumstance surrounding the transaction

 

  1. The central processing unit of a computer is made up of[expand title=””]A is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. memory, arithmetic logical and control units
    2. software, hardware and input units
    3. input and output units and software
    4. diskettes, keyboard and video display units

 

  1. Consumer good are[expand title=””]A is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. those meant for final consumption
    2. used in producing other commodities
    3. not usually distributed through the wholesaler and retailer
    4. those that are sent directly from the manufacturer to the consumer

 

  1. The principle of contribution in insurance ensures that[expand title=””]D is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. all existing insurance companies contribute towards settling an insurance claim
    2. in the event of any loss, the insured and insurer contribute together to meet the loss
    3. the insured must contribute part of whatever compensation will be paid to him in the event of a loss
    4. an insured person does not make profit from the insurance

 

  1. Products may be branded in order to[expand title=””]C is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. increase the morale of the sales force
    2. increase competition from other brands
    3. reduce the cost of production
    4. distinguish them from other products

 

  1. What may be best channel of distributing a special brand of computers in Ghana?[expand title=””]C is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. Manufacturer           wholesaler    retailer           consumer
    2. Manufacturer           retailer           consumer
    3. Manufacturer           agent              consumer
    4. Manufacturer        agent           wholesaler   consumer

 

  1. Which of the management functions is considered as primary?[expand title=””]D is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. Motivation of employees
    2. Organization of departments
    3. Comparison of results
    4. Setting of objectives

 

  1. Penetration policy in pricing refers to[expand title=””]B is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. fixing prices to equal that of competitors
    2. charging low prices initially in order to capture the market
    3. charging different prices for the same product in the market
    4. charging different pries for different products in the market

 

  1. End of year awards, maternity leave, bonuses and scholarships are administered by[expand title=””]B is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. the finance department
    2. the personnel department
    3. the production department
    4. the publicity department

 

  1. Domestic agreements are normally not enforceable in court because[expand title=””]A is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. the intention to create legal relations is absent
    2. they are not usually made in writing
    3. consideration provided is not adequate to support the contract
    4. the parties cannot take each other to court.

 

  1. Which of the following is not a problem faced by developing countries?[expand title=””]C is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. Dependence on a single export crop
    2. Underdeveloped infrastructure
    3. Low population growth rate
    4. Shortage of high-level manpower

 

  1. Money functions as a/an[expand title=””]D is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
          1. medium of exchange
          2. unlimited source of capital
          3. unit of account
          4. store of value
    1. I and II only
    2. I, H and III only
    3. I, II and IV only
    4. I, III and IV only

 

  1. Which financing arrangement will suit a company that wishes to dispose of a fixed asset but at the same time have the use of the asset for about five years after disposal?[expand title=””]C is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. Flotation arrangement
    2. Hire purchase
    3. Sale-and-lease-back
    4. Home finance contract

 

  1. Which of the following facilitates specialization?[expand title=””]A is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. Money
    2. Automation
    3. Storage
    4. Modernization

 

  1. Which of the following media is likely to use jargons and technical language in sending messages?[expand title=””]B is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. Newspapers
    2. House magazines
    3. Poster
    4. Bill boards

 

  1. What rate of cash discount should Nampa Company offer its customers to attract them and to realize a revenue of ¢900,000 from the sale of 10 products which cost ¢100,000 each?[expand title=””]A is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. 20%
    2. 10%
    3. ¢1,000
    4. ¢9,000

 

  1. What type of loan may Advanced Company Ltd. Seek if it has land and building to serve as collateral security?[expand title=””]A is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. Mortgage
    2. Lease
    3. Trade credit
    4. Consumer credit

 

  1. What type of bank account should a trader who wants to possess a passbook operate?[expand title=””]D is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. Current Account
    2. Deposit account
    3. Call account
    4. Savings account

 

  1. A written request by a superior to his subordinate will take the form of[expand title=””]B is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. letter
    2. memorandum
    3. report
    4. minutes

 

  1. The main organizational problem facing the entrepreneur is one of[expand title=””]A is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. determining the right combination of resources for production
    2. the value or reward for each factor of production
    3. the actual location of the factory
    4. the amount of tax to pay to the government

 

  1. Which of the following is not a major cause of inflation?[expand title=””]C is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. Continuous increase in wages for workers
    2. Big increase in government expenditure
    3. Low demand for bank loans
    4. People spending their savings quickly

 

  1. Trade among West African countries has been very difficult because[expand title=””]C is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. the countries in the sub-region Are very poor
    2. trading with each other might make some countries richer than others
    3. the countries produce the same commodities
    4. the countries are not interested in trading with each other

 

  1. The Ghana Customs, Excise and Preventive Service ensure that[expand title=””]B is the answer -Business Management 1997 WASSCE[/expand]
    1. every business has a customer, no matter what is produced
    2. businesses perform their legal responsibilities to society
    3. every business in Ghana belongs to a trade association
    4. business ethics do not conflict with social responsibility

 

 

I’m sure you are going to evaluate your performance with regards to the objective questions above. Let me emphasize again that the answers to the objective questions can be found by clicking on the symbol (˅) just after the question.

Now let’s proceed to the Paper 1 – Section B just below:

 

Business Management 1997 WASSCE-Past Questions and Answers- Paper 1 – Section B

 

This section of the examination is made up of essay-type questions. That normally require you to mostly, state and explain your various points.

As I have always said, it is better to first answer the questions on your own before referring to the answer from the drop-down symbol.

Let me show you how to find the answers to the Business Management Questions – Paper 1, Section B.

When you read a question, just click on this symbol (˅) beside it, and the answer will drop down for you. It is a very simple task.

 

 

1.   Discuss, giving five reasons, why the Government of Ghana is gradually privatizing public corporations

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

  1. Overstaffing: This is one of the main reasons why state enterprises have been privatized. Politicians and people in high office interfere in the appointment of employees. The result of this is overstaffing, high cost of operation and poor attitude towards work.
  2. Lack of managerial and technical expertise: SOEs also face the problem of lack of managerial and technical skills. This is because appointments of persons based on political consideration leads to the appointment of unqualified and incompetent managers. Private enterprises are able to attract more qualified and competent managers.
  3. Increase government revenue: By privatizing most of the state-owned enterprises, the government will improve its revenue position. This is because the sale of state enterprises is a means of enabling the government to raise revenue. Government also earns income in the form of taxes from them.
  4. Reduce government expenditure: Privatization is a means by which government expenditure on state enterprises may be reduced. The government no longer finances these enterprises that have not been able to cover their cost of operations due to poor management and inefficiency.
  5. Attract investors: Another reason for privatization is to attract investors both foreign and local to fund these enterprises. Most of the enterprises could not be funded solely by the government and private participation has been found to be a way of raising the needed funds for the continued operation of these enterprises. Thus lack of finance to keep these enterprises running is another reason for privatization.
  6. Low productivity: Low productivity from state-owned enterprises as a result of poor management, poor attitude of .workers towards work and poor service conditions is another reason for privatization.
  7. Mismanagement and embezzlement of scarce resources: Mismanagement and embezzlement of the scarce resources of these enterprises over the years is one of the major reasons for privatization. State-owned enterprises have become an avenue for bribery, corruption and embezzlement of funds.[/expand]

 

2.   A manager has broken down the decision-making process into five basic steps. Describe the activities involved in each of these steps.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

The following are the main stages of decision-making:

  • Identification and definition of the problem(s)
  • Analysis of the problem
  • Gathering of information
  • Finding alternative solutions to the problem(s)
  • Evaluation of alternatives
  • Choosing and implementing the most appropriate solution
  • Measurement of the final result.

The above points can be explained below:

  • Identification and definition of the Problem: Identifying and defining the problem is already half of the solution. Once a problem is identified and defined, steps can then be taken to solve it. Accurate definition and identification of the nature, cause or causes of the problem is therefore very important.
  • Analysing of the Problem: After identifying and defining the problem, the next stage is to critically analyse the problem. This stage makes it possible to determine the dimension of the problem and the resources needed to solve it.
  • Gathering of Information: – The third stage is the collection of data and other
    important information to solve the problem. It is important to find as many facts and figures about the situation as possible.
  • Find Alternative Solutions: There is rarely one solution to a problem. The information and data obtained at the information gathering stage should aid the manager to develop alternative solutions to the problem.
  • Evaluation of Alternatives: This stage involves the evaluation of the different alternative solutions to the problem. These solutions must have their advantages and disadvantages clearly evaluated. When the business executive has done this evaluation, he then compares the alternatives on a cost benefit basis.
  • Choosing and Implementing the Appropriate Solution: When alternatives have been critically evaluated, the next stage is to choose the best solution – the one with the greatest advantages and least disadvantages and implement it.
  • Measurement of the Final Result: It is important for managers to measure the final result to see if desirable outcomes are obtained. If the outcomes are not desirable, there is the need for managers to recognise and review their poor decisions in order:
    1. Take corrective action
    2. To learn from the decision and improve their decision making generally.[/expand]

 

3.   Describe with appropriate examples the following forms of production.

  • Extractive
  • Manufacturing
  • Constructive
  • Commercial Services
  • Direct Services

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

NB: This question was also asked in 1996 Paper One Question 7(a). Click here for the suggested answer. [/expand]

 

4.   (a) Describe how money has solved four problems associated with barter trade.

 

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

Money has solved the problems associated with barter trade in the following ways:

  • Money solves the problem of double coincidence of wants. This is because of the quality of general acceptability and also as a medium of exchange. This means that everybody would accept money in exchange for goods and service. There will therefore be no need to look for somebody in possession of what you need and at the same time need what you have.
  • Another quality of money is that it must be divisible. By this quality, money solves the problem of indivisibility of commodities. Money has several denominations which people can use to buy any quantity of commodity they need.
  • Money is relatively light and easy to carry. That is, it is portable. This solves the problems of bulkiness of commodities.
  • Money also serves as a store of value. With the presence of money, producers can sell their products for money, keep the money until the need arises for it to be used. It thus solves the problem of savings and storage.[/expand]

 

4.   (b) Is a Cheque Money? Discuss.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

For anything to be money, it must be able to perform the functions of money. A cheque is therefore money because it can perform all the functions of money. That is. it serves as a medium of exchange, measure of value, store of value, unit of account, and standard of deferred payment. Every cheque has a serial number, a date, an account number, the name of the drawee and an endorsement at the back by the drawer. A cheque is money but it is not a legal tender.[/expand]

 

5.   Discuss five ways in which an agency relationship may be created.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

NB: The same question was asked in 1993 Paper One, Question 2(b). Click here for the answer.[/expand]

 

6.   (a) Distinguish between the following

  1. Vertical and horizontal communication
  2. Formal and informal communication

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

  1. Vertical Communication refers to the flow of information from supervisors to
    subordinates such as from chief executive to all heads of departments and from subordinates to their superiors such as from students to their teachers or headmaster. These movements of information from superiors to subordinates and vice versa are known as the downward and upward channels of communication.

Horizontal Communication on the other hand refers to the flow of information or messages among employees of the same level or status such as among head of departments or managers. It is the flow of information from a manager to a manager of the same status or from an employee to another employee at the same post.

ii.  Formal Communication is the official means of sending information relating to work, workers and organisation which has been set up by management and are therefore allowed and practised always. Formal communication takes the form of letters, memoranda, reports etc. formal communication I s therefore the official means of sending or transmitting information.

Informal communication on the other hand is the secret method of passing information, which has not been allowed in the business organisation. It has no official source and takes the form of gossip or grapevine. It normally takes place among superiors, peers and subordinates.[/expand]

 

6.   (b) Discuss five barriers of effective Communication.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

NB: The same question was asked in 1993 Paper One, Question 6(b). Find out the answer from here.[/expand]

 

7.   There are many obstacles to International Trade. Discuss five of such

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

International trade which is the exchange of goods and services between and among countries is beset with many obstacles among which include:-

  • Language barriers: – Different languages are spoken by different countries all over the world. It is very difficult for businessmen who speak different languages to communicate effectively and thus cannot do business with each other. It is also difficult for them to get an agent who can trade in both languages.
  • The problem of operational currency: – Differences in currencies is another obstacle to international trade. It is not every currency which is accepted in international trade. Thus, if for instance Ghana wants to do business with U. K. (Britain) or America, she must first convert the cedis into pound sterling or dollars.
  • Trade regulations: – Trade regulations also hinder international trade. Such regulations include artificial barriers such as tariffs, quotas, prohibitions, etc. hinder international business. These measures sometimes frustrate exporters and importers and thus discourage them from increasing their trading activities.
  • The Financial problems: – Exporters and importers lack financial assistance. Hence, they cannot conduct effective market research to find the most suitable markets. Lack of adequate market information about foreign country could lead to failure in business.
  • Cultural Factors: – The existence of different cultural practices creates a problem in international trade. Culture which is the way of life of people in a particular locality can affect the demand for a product. Their beliefs, likes and tastes determine the demand for a foreign product. It also makes advertising and distribution of foreign products difficult.
  • Different political and legal systems: – The political atmosphere goes to a larger extent to determine the extensity of international trade. Where the political system is stable, many investors come in to invest. But where the system is unstable, less foreign investment is undertaken. Besides that, the legal system affects it in the sense that if the system is favourably exposed to the trade, it flourishes and vice versa.[/expand]

 

Business Management 1996 WASSCE-Past Questions and Answers- Paper 2

 

CASE STUDY

 

Read the following case carefully and answer the questions which follow.[expand title=””]

THE YEPIMSO COMPANY LIMITED (NOV, 1997)

The management of Yepimso Company Limited, a manufacturing organization, had been concerned about the low level of productivity for some time. During the past few years, it had tried various methods in the hope of getting better results but without any success. The slow progress, from the union’s viewpoint was attributed to the setting of unrealistic targets solely by management. Partnership and joint decision-making was not the normal practice in Yepimso Ltd.

This state of affairs remained until Mr. Okuma Kwame became a supervisor following the retirement of the incumbent, Madam Yaa Dede. After Mr. Kwame had been in his new position for a few weeks, he began to work out a new plan for improving productivity.

He started by improving the work place itself – factory, shop and offices – since it lacked the standard amenities and remained unmotivating. Next, he thought of breaking the company’s objectives into departmental goals, which would be, established by the various departments themselves under his guidance. Just before the plan was implemented, Mr. Kwame held a series of meetings to explain it to the union. He received fruitful feedback with a pledge of co-operation. Reward was directly linked with productivity, an expectation that received much support from the union.

Mr. Kwame’s boss, Mr. Amewugah, was skeptical of the plan. “After all,” he murmured, “nothing that had been tried worked”. After much persuasion, Mr. Amewugah agreed for the innovation to be tested. The production and the marketing departments were re-organized to handle about three times more activities than before. Personal selling was the only technique used in the past. The Marketing Manager introduced two other promotional methods to push the increased volume of production. The two new methods principally made use of trade fairs, leaflets, handbills and communicating to a large number of the company’s customers at the same time. The quality control unit was strengthened with the employment of a few more experienced workers.

After six months of trial, Mr. Amewugah asked the Statistics and Economic Research Department to appraise the effect of the new plans. The outcome of the studies was as follows:

Product quality moved from 52% to 89%

Volume of production had increased from 80,000 units to 250,000 units per month

The Company’s market share had increased to 30%

Cost had reduced remarkably

Profit per unit of production was (t6,000

Mr. Amewugah became so impressed with the results that he decided with immediate effect, to promote Mr. Okuma Kwame as the Manager in charge of operations.[/expand]

 

 

1.    (a) State two problems that led to the slow progress of Yepimso Company Limited before Mr. Okuma Kwame became a Supervisor.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

The problems include:

  • The setting of unrealistic targets solely by management brought about low level of productivity in the Company.
  • Management’s refusal to involve the workers (union) in decision making also affected the level of productivity.
  • The morale of the workers was low and this also contributed to the slow progress of the company.[/expand]

 1.   (b) State and explain the two other promotional methods adopted by Mr. Kwame to push the products.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

  1. Sales promotion: This is a short-term incentive to encourage purchase or
    sales of a product or service. Companies use sales promotion tools/methods to create a stronger and quicker response. These methods include the use of:
    • Coupons
    • Samples and free gifts
    • Contests
    • Trade fairs
    • Demonstrations
    • Price off

ii.  Mass selling: This is a marketing strategy, which helps the marketer to communicate to a large number of customers and potential customers at the same time. The methods used include: Print media (newspapers, magazines), electronic media (radio, television) and display media (bill boards, posters),

 

1.   (c) State and explain three reasons that led to the growth of the market                 share.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

The reasons that led to the growth of the market share include: –

  • The improvement of the work place and the re-organization of the marketing
    and production departments. Workers (union) took part in establishing departmental goals. Reward was linked with productivity and staff morale was high. This led to an increase in production and marketing of the firm’s products and thus an increase in market share.
  • The recruitment of more experienced and quality control workers has led to an
    improvement in the quality of the company’s products. High quality products attracted more customers and thus contribute to the growth of market share.
  • The introduction of more efficient and effective promotional methods also
    contributed to the growth of market share. Mr. Kwame used sales promotion and mass selling methods to complement the personal selling method, whichwas in use at the time. Goods were exposed to consumers, incentives were offered to induce consumers towards the company’s products.[/expand]

 

1.   (d) Calculate, showing your workings.

  1. The profit that Yepimso Company makes in a month
  2. The percentage increase in the volume of production

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

[docxpresso file=”http://educareguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/1997-Paper-2-Q1d-3.ods” comments=”true” SVG=”true”]

[/expand]

2.   Explain any four ways that a manager may adopt to motivate his subordinates to achieve set goals.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

  • A good reward System: – This means that incentives must be fair, adequate,
    equitable, well distributed and commensurate to the output and achievement of the worker. It should relate to the demands of the employees’ job
  • Training and development: – There must be opportunity for the advancement
    of the worker. Training and development should be geared towards equipping employees with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable them face the ever-changing business environment. In this regard, training programmes, seminars, conferences, courses both local and foreign must be offered to
    deserving employees
  • Leadership Style: – Management must adopt a leadership style, which encourages workers. The manager must show fairness, firmness and inspire his subordinates to work with confidence on their assigned jobs. The channels must be opened to enable subordinates approach their superiors with their problems and grievances for amicable solution.
  • Work environment: – The work place, equipment and working tools must be suitable for workers to feel comfortable to put in their best. The offices must be well ventilated, provided with adequate lighting system, provided with furniture which reduce fatigue, good temperature, good drinking water and provided with protective clothing.
  • Provision of welfare services and ‘other fringe benefits such as free medical services, canteen facilities, housing, transportation etc.
  • Recognition must be given to subordinates who perform their job well. This can be in the form of praise for jobs well done. This will make subordinates to be convinced and confident that their efforts will be rewarded.[/expand]

 

3.   Discuss three ways in which marketing is useful to a manufacturing organization.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

  • Marketing bridges the gap between production and consumption of goods and services in an economy.
  • To make effective and efficient use of their resources.
  • Marketing helps manufacturing organizations in the determination of how well their organizations are doing in terms of whether their products or services are in high demand or not.
  • It helps manufacturing organizations in satisfying their consumers at profit.[/expand]

 

4.   (a) State six sources of finance available to the sole proprietor.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

The following are some of the sources of finance available to a sole proprietor.

  • Personal Savings
  • Trade Credit
  • Hire Purchase
  • Bank Overdraft
  • Loans
  • Bills of Exchange[/expand]

 

4.   (b) Show the importance of any four of the sources you mentioned in (a) above.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

  • Personal Savings: – The importance of this source is that the funds obtained may not attract interest payment as compared to a bank loan.
  • Trade Credit: – It is an important source especially for businessmen who do not have enough cash to pay for goods immediately and thus reduces immediate cash flow problems.
  • Bank Overdraft: – This facility is opened to current account holders and only credit worthy sole proprietors are provided this facility. Thus, as long as the sole proprietor keeps faith with the bank, the source of finance is reliable and can be utilized at any time.
  • Hire Purchase: – The importance of this source is that it enables organizations which cannot make full payments for goods/products to acquire their use until full payment is made.[/expand]

 

5.   What Steps can a Manager take to Train Employees to Acquire Skills?

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

A manager has five main steps to take a trainee through to enable him acquire the skills needed for the job.

  • The first step is to get those who are willing and serious to do the work. He must therefore make the trainee available and ready to do the work.
  • The second step is to break the work they are going to learn into smaller units for easy understanding. Here the important units or points should be identified and the stages and procedures for learning made clear to the trainee.
  • Thirdly, the Manager has to do a physical demonstration of how the work is done to the trainees. He should give a clear demonstration of the steps, procedures and the stages involved’ in performing the work to the trainees.
  • In the fourth place, the Manager must then give the trainees the chance to go through the performance stages. Here the trainee is given the chance to perform the work under the supervision of the manager.
  • Lastly, the Manager must allow the trainee to do the work on his own with the Manager closely monitoring him and correcting him where necessary.[/expand]

 

6.   Explain any four functions that the Labour Department performs and show how the functions aid labour relations in Ghana.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

  • The Labour Department promotes and improves labour standards. This is
    achieved through inspection of offices and work places. This function promotes co-operation between workers and employers and government groups.
  • Through the establishment of conciliation, mediation and arbitration
    procedures, the Labour Department investigates and settles labour complaints. This function promotes peaceful and harmonious industrial relations in labour relations in Ghana.
  • The Labour Department also provides advice on labour policies and all matters
    relating to labour. This function enables workers (unions) to know what the policy objectives of the government with regards to labour issues are.
  • The Labour Department administers labour laws. This function helps workers
    to know their rights and obligations.
  • Other functions of the Labour Department include:
    1. Promotion of effective tripartism through co-operation between employers and workers’ organizations
    2. Investigation and determination of workers’ compensation cases and claims, as a result of injuries arising out of and in the course of one’s employment.[/expand]

 

7.   Write short notes on the following as they are used in business management.

  1. Authority
  2. Responsibility
  3. Decentralisation
  4. Delegation

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

Refer to 1995 Paper 1 Question 3(b) for suggested solutions to (a), (b) and (d).

  • Decentralization:

It is simply defined as the distribution of authority to make decisions within an organization or the process whereby decision-making is localized down the company. It is a situation where power is dispersed among lower-level managers in the organization. Thus it is a situation whereby duty, power and authority are delegated to lower levels of the organization.[/expand]

 

8.   (a) What is wholesaling?

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

NB: Asked 1996 Paper Two, Question 9(b). Click here for the suggested answer.[/expand]

8.   (b) Discuss three reasons why you think wholesaling is an important marketing activity.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

NB: Asked 1996 Paper Two, Question 9(a). Click here for the suggested answer. [/expand]

 

9.   State and explain four reasons why any successful business must embark upon planning.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

NB: Asked in 1996 Paper Two Question 2(b). Check here for the answer.[/expand]

 

10.   (a) What is a debenture?

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

It may be defined as a written acknowledgement of a loan made to a company. It is a loan which is sold as an investment, at a stipulated interest and to be redeemed on a given date irrespective of whether the company makes a profit. It is thus a term used to refer to a loan to a company, that is, the document evidencing the loan.[/expand]

10.   (b) State two reasons why a company may choose to raise funds by means of debentures instead of shares.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

  • (i)     Truly, when a company wants to raise additional capital to finance its programme of expansion but reluctant to do that by issuing shares, the company may issue debentures.
  • (ii)    When a company wants to raise capital on a temporary basis, it can do this by borrowing money from the lender and return issue debentures, redeemable at a fixed or determinable time or at the company’s option.[/expand]

10.   (c) Explain any two rights that a debenture holder may have.

Suggested Answer:[expand title=””]

  • He is entitled to a fixed rate of interest which must be paid irrespective of whether the company makes profit or not.
  • He is entitled to the repayment of the principal sum when it is due.[/expand]

 

You Might As Well Have Interest In The Following:

 

Conclusion:

I believe Educareguide has been of help to you with regards to your subject of concern. Also there are many other contents we have available to help you in your education.

Furthermore, if there is any contribution/comment/concern that you would want to make, it is warmly welcome on our site. Simply proceed to Login/Register to submit your post.

Now, please, subscribe to Educareguide and contact us for further assistance for your education. Finally, fill the contact form on the side bar to reach us.

Nevertheless, do not forget to pass a comment in the comment section below. Indeed, we will gladly appreciate to know how you think about this article. Thanks.

Related Posts:

Must Read

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up for our Edu News & Updates

The best of Education news delivered at your doorstep.

Menu