Master the Oxford AQA International AS Level Business (9625) exams with this student-focused guide. Learn to manage your 90 minutes per paper, master the precise application of business models, lock in quantitative marks with step-by-step calculations, and structure high-scoring contextual analysis and balanced judgments.
A scientific or graphical calculator is permitted. Graphical calculators must be in exam mode with all stored programs and data cleared before the exam; the calculator must not be able to retrieve stored text or formulae.
AO1: AO1: Demonstrate knowledge of terms, concepts, theories, methods and models (28.75%)
AO2: AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding to various business contexts (30%)
AO3: AO3: Analyse issues within business, showing the impact of external and internal influences (22.5%)
AO4: AO4: Evaluate quantitative and qualitative information to make informed judgements (18.75%)
วัตถุประสงค์: Plot a function to read its roots (zeros), points of intersection, and maxima/minima.
ใช้เมื่อใด: Checking solutions, sketching, or solving where an analytic method is hard.
ขั้นตอน
Graph the function(s) and use the built-in zero, intersect and maximum/minimum tools.
ข้อควรระวังในการสอบ: Allowed, but clear stored programs/data (graphical calculators in exam mode) and show the required working — unsupported calculator answers score no method marks.
Numerical equation solver
Graphical calculator / GDC (exam mode)
วัตถุประสงค์: Solve an equation or find a variable numerically when an algebraic route is long or implicit.
ใช้เมื่อใด: Iterative or implicit equations, or to confirm an algebraic solution.
ขั้นตอน
Use the equation/zero solver, entering the equation and a sensible starting estimate.
ข้อควรระวังในการสอบ: Allowed, but clear stored programs/data (graphical calculators in exam mode) and show the required working — unsupported calculator answers score no method marks.
Numerical integration & differentiation
Graphical calculator / GDC (exam mode)
วัตถุประสงค์: Evaluate a definite integral \(\int_a^b f(x)\,dx\) or a gradient \(f'(x)\) at a point.
ใช้เมื่อใด: Checking calculus answers, or where only a numerical value is needed.
ขั้นตอน
Use the GDC's numeric integral / derivative function with the limits or the point.
ข้อควรระวังในการสอบ: Allowed, but clear stored programs/data (graphical calculators in exam mode) and show the required working — unsupported calculator answers score no method marks.
Statistics & probability distributions
Graphical calculator / GDC (exam mode)
วัตถุประสงค์: 1-var/2-var statistics, linear regression, and cumulative binomial / normal / Poisson probabilities without tables.
ใช้เมื่อใด: Statistics questions and hypothesis tests.
ขั้นตอน
Enter data in the statistics editor, or use the distribution menu (binomial cdf, normal cdf, …).
ข้อควรระวังในการสอบ: Allowed, but clear stored programs/data (graphical calculators in exam mode) and show the required working — unsupported calculator answers score no method marks.
ข้อผิดพลาดที่พบบ่อย
1highคะแนนที่เกี่ยวข้อง: 3Financial data
Omitting intermediate calculation steps and writing down only the final answer.
วิธีหลีกเลี่ยง: Always show every step of your working. If you write down the correct formula and list your intermediate steps, you can still gain 'Own Figure Rule' (OFR) marks even if you make a minor arithmetic error at the end.
2highคะแนนที่เกี่ยวข้อง: 5Mission, objectives and strategy
Writing generic, textbook essays in Section C that do not relate directly to the specific business context.
วิธีหลีกเลี่ยง: Weave case-specific details (such as whether the firm is a cinema, an ethical clothing business, or a restaurant) into every paragraph. Explain how the strategic choices directly impact their unique product profile, cost structure, or target demographic.
3highคะแนนที่เกี่ยวข้อง: 5Choosing strategic direction
Presenting points for and against in isolation, without forming a substantiated final judgment.
วิธีหลีกเลี่ยง: Your final paragraph must resolve the debate. Make a clear recommendation that directly answers the question prompt, explaining why one factor outweighs the other using an 'it depends' approach.
4mediumคะแนนที่เกี่ยวข้อง: 9Inventory and supply chain management
Conflating Just-in-Case (JIC) with Just-in-Time (JIT) benefits.
วิธีหลีกเลี่ยง: Remember that JIC involves holding buffer stock to protect against unexpected spikes in demand or supply chain disruptions, which increases storage and opportunity costs. JIT reduces holding costs but leaves the business vulnerable to stock-outs.
Skipping logical links in exchange rate analytical essays.
วิธีหลีกเลี่ยง: Avoid jumping from 'a stronger dollar reduces profit' to a final conclusion without outlining the steps in between. Explain how a stronger currency makes exports more expensive for Chinese buyers, decreasing demand, reducing export volumes, and thereby lowering overall revenue and profits.
6mediumคะแนนที่เกี่ยวข้อง: 4Operations and competitiveness
Treating continuous improvement (Kaizen) as an instant, cost-free solution to falling productivity.
วิธีหลีกเลี่ยง: Acknowledge that Kaizen requires a long-term cultural shift, significant training costs, and high staff motivation to be effective, rather than yielding immediate and zero-cost improvements.