May/June 2025 Examination Verdict
The May/June 2025 series for Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies showcased a well-structured assessment, heavily emphasizing the importance of applied knowledge (AO2) and evaluation (AO4). Paper 1 (Short Answer and Data Response) tested fundamental mechanics across the syllabus, including cash flow calculations and Herzberg’s motivation theory. Meanwhile, Paper 2 (Case Study) placed students in the shoes of an entrepreneur, Jemi, launching a vegan restaurant franchise. This paper was highly selective, rewarding students who did not just write generic business points but integrated contextually relevant facts such as local vegetable supply issues, chef training costs, and high city-center rents.
Where the Marks Are Won or Lost
On Paper 1, many students lost marks by failing to use the correct formatting for negative cash flows in calculations (such as representing negative cash flow with brackets or a minus sign) or by confusing cash flow with profitability. In Paper 2, candidates who missed out on the top-level marks (Level 3, 9–12 marks) in the recommendation sections did so because they failed to write a comparative evaluation. To get the highest marks on the 12-mark questions, you must justify why your chosen option is superior to the rejected options, referencing specific trade-offs like Tianna's $1,000 VV-specific training versus Vea's $10,000 college training delay.
Crucial Financial and Motivational Focus Areas
A notable feature of this set was the heavy emphasis on People in Business and Financial Information. Ratios and cash flows dominated the quantitative parts of the papers. In motivation, Herzberg's hygiene vs. motivator distinction remains a core target. Students frequently stumble by arguing that hygiene factors (like wages or working conditions) motivate staff, whereas the mark scheme strictly reinforces that they only prevent dissatisfaction.
Strategy for the Next Sitting
To succeed in future papers, practice translating generic business theories into situational examples. For every concept you learn, ask yourself how it applies to a service business versus a manufacturing business. Furthermore, master the 'building blocks' of 8-mark and 12-mark questions. Do not jump straight to a recommendation; first outline the pros and cons of each choice in context, then use a balanced comparison to justify your final selection.