Case study (Edexcel GCSE Business): Revision Notes
Case study skills
Understanding case studies
A case study presents you with real business information that you must analyse and evaluate. In your GCSE Business exam, you'll encounter full-page case studies in Sections B and C of Paper 2. These require careful reading and thoughtful analysis before attempting any questions.
The key to success is spending around 10 minutes thoroughly reading the case study material. This investment of time helps you understand the business context and prepares you to tackle the questions effectively.
The most common mistake students make is rushing through the case study reading. Taking time to fully understand the business context is essential for high-quality answers.
How to approach case studies
Step 1: Read actively
Start by reading through the entire case study carefully. Don't rush this stage - understanding the business and its situation is crucial for answering questions accurately.
Step 2: Identify key information
Look for important business details such as:
- What the company does
- When it was established
- How it operates
- Its market position
- Financial information
- Key challenges or opportunities
Make mental notes or brief annotations as you identify these key pieces of information. This will help you locate relevant details quickly when answering questions.
Step 3: Analyse data presented
Case studies often include charts, graphs, or tables. These visual elements provide valuable evidence to support your answers. Practice interpreting different types of data presentation.
Working with the Deliveroo example
Let's examine how these principles apply to a real case study example. Deliveroo provides an excellent illustration of how to extract and analyse key business information.
Worked Example: Understanding the Business Model
Deliveroo operates as a food delivery platform that connects restaurants with customers through technology. The company was founded in 2013 and uses a smartphone application and website to facilitate orders.
The business charges customers a delivery fee (£2.50 in this example) and works with a network of self-employed delivery cyclists. This model allows restaurants to offer delivery services without managing their own delivery staff.
Market position and growth
When analysing any case study, you should look for evidence of the company's market position and growth trajectory. The Deliveroo case study reveals several important indicators:
- The company secured significant investment funding (over $400 million between 2013-2017)
- It expanded internationally, operating in more than 10 countries
- Revenue growth reached £130 million by 2016
- The business employed over 3,000 delivery staff in the UK
Competitive challenges
The food delivery market is highly competitive, with companies like Uber launching competing services (UberEATS in 2016). This competition creates both challenges and opportunities for businesses like Deliveroo.
When examining competitive challenges in any case study, consider both direct competitors and new market entrants that might disrupt the business model.
Employment model
Deliveroo uses contract workers rather than traditional employees. Delivery staff can earn around £12 per hour but don't receive typical employee benefits. This represents a key human resource decision that affects both costs and worker relations.
Interpreting data in case studies
Case studies frequently include visual data that you must analyse:
Market share information
Pie charts might show how a company compares to competitors in terms of market share or value. Look for the company's position relative to others in the market.
When analysing pie charts, always look for the company featured in the case study first, then compare it to competitors to understand its relative market position.
Growth trends
Line graphs often demonstrate growth over time, such as increasing online ordering trends. These help you understand market development and business performance.
Answering case study questions
Identifying business terminology
You'll need to spot and explain key business terms within the case study. Look for concepts related to:
- Business operations
- Market structures
- Financial performance
- Human resources
- Competition
Analysing business decisions
Questions often ask you to evaluate specific decisions the business has made. Consider:
- Why the decision was made
- What alternatives existed
- The potential consequences
- How it fits with the business strategy
Always use specific examples from the case study to support your analysis. Examiners are looking for evidence that you've understood and can apply the case study information.
Evaluating business models
You may need to assess the advantages and disadvantages of how a business operates. Think about:
- Benefits to customers
- Cost implications
- Competitive advantages
- Potential weaknesses or risks
Key Points to Remember:
- Spend adequate time reading the case study - rushing leads to missed details
- Look for connections between different parts of the case study information
- Use specific examples from the case study to support your answers
- Consider both positive and negative aspects when evaluating business decisions
- Pay attention to data presented in charts and graphs as this provides valuable evidence