2023 WORKBOOK | Grade 11 BUSINESS STUDIES

2023 SUBJECT WORKBOOK

Grade 11

BUSINESS STUDIES

A joint initiative between the Western Cape Education Department and Stellenbosch University.
2023 WORKBOOK | Grade 11 BUSINESS STUDIES

BROADCAST SESSIONS

GRADE 11 Business Studies Telematics Presentations

Session Date Time Topic

Business environments
1 Wednesday, 15 Feb 2023 16:00 – 17:00
Business sectors

Creative thinking & Problem

2 Wednesday, 18 Oct 2023 15:00 – 16:00
solving

BUSINESSSESSIONS
BROADCAST ENVIRONMENTS

Introduction

In Grade 10 you learned that a business operates in three different, but interrelated
environments. These environments are micro, market and macro environments. For
businesses to be successful, entrepreneurs need to constantly be aware of the challenges in
the three business environments and come up with strategies to turn them into
opportunities.

The micro-environment The market environment The macro environment

The micro-environment is the The market environment The macro environment
internal business is the immediate external is the broad external
environment. It includes environment of the environment of the
everything inside the business. business. A business has
business. All the internal no control over the
affairs of the business are macro environment and
managed so need to adapt to
by the directors or the owners the challenges in this
of the business. The micro- environment in order
environment is also known as for them to succeed.
the internal operating system.

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2023 WORKBOOK | Grade 11 BUSINESS STUDIES

SESSION 1: BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS

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2023 WORKBOOK | Grade 11 BUSINESS STUDIES

BUSINESS SECTORS

Business sectors consist of businesses that are grouped together and classified Into
primary, secondary, or tertiary sectors. Classification of businesses depend on the nature of
the product or services offered.
The meaning of the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors
Sector Meaning

Link/relationship between the primary,

secondary and tertiary sector

The primary, secondary and

tertiary sectors all work together to
create an economic chain of
production.

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BUSINESS SECTORS

Forward Linkage: Backward linkage

The primary sector extracts The primary sector
the raw materials, the depends on the
secondary sector transforms secondary sector for
the raw materials into manufactured goods
products, and the tertiary and the tertiary sector
sector sells the products and offering services to the
supports the activities of the secondary sector and
other two sectors. Business to the primary sector.
sectors are therefore
interrelated and connected
with each other.

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2023 WORKBOOK | Grade 11 BUSINESS STUDIES

CONSOLIDATION

QUESTION 1

1.1 Elaborate on the meaning of micro-environment. (4)

1.2 Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow.

JOE’S SUPERMARKET (JS)

Joe’s Supermarket employed a manager who lacked management skills. The increase in the
minimum wages of employees that are enforced by legislation is making it difficult to make
a profit. Recently a new 24-hour supermarket opened across the street from Joe’s
Supermarket.

1.2.1 Quote ONE challenge in each business environment from the scenario above that JS
has to deal with. (3)

1.2.2 State the extent of control JS has over EACH business environment. (3)

Question 2

2.1 Complete the following statements by using the word(s) in the list below. Write only the
word(s) next to the question numbers (1.1 to 1.5).
coal ; extraction ; industries ; processing
electricity generation ; primary ; construction
hospitality ; services ; secondary
2.1.1 The primary sector deals with … of raw materials and natural resources.
2.1.2 ... is an example of an industry that offer services.
2.1.3 Natural resources include fish, timber and …
2.1.4 The ... sector focuses on converting the raw materials into finished products.
2.1.5 The tertiary sector refers to industries that offer … (5 × 2) (10)

Question 3
3.1 Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow.

ELEGANT FASHIONS (EF)

Elegant Fashions (EF) sells designer men and ladies clothing. EF buys clothing
from Fayi Clothing Manufacturers (FCM). FCM acquires raw materials from
Pecher Cotton Farms.

3.1.1 Identify THREE business sectors from the scenario above. Motivate your answer
by quoting from the scenario. (6)

3.1.2 Discuss the relationship between the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. (6)
| Activity

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2023 WORKBOOK | Grade 11 BUSINESS STUDIES

SESSION 2: CREATIVE THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING

Introduction
In Grade 10 we learned about several problem-solving techniques, which can be
used to generate solutions for business problems and improve business practice.

In Grade 11 the focus will be on the application of the Force Field Analysis and the
Delphi Technique. These techniques can be applied to come up with solutions for
business problems.

The meaning of creative thinking

Creative thinking is when people are able to think of new and original approaches
and ideas to find solutions to challenges. Creative thinking is being resourceful by applying
artistic and clever ideas to create something original or new.

Routine thinking versus creative thinking

Routine thinking Creative thinking

• Is associated with a LEFT brain • Is associated with a RIGHT
function where the focus is on brain function where new
logical thought and a ideas are generated.
methodical way of doing • The focus is on being creative,
things. using one’s imagination,
• It is where consistent, normal insight, art, and music
thinking is applied to a specific awareness to find solutions to
situation. unique challenges

Conventional solutions versus non-conventional solutions

Conventional solutions Non-conventional solutions

• These are solutions • Non-conventional
that are believed and solutions are solutions
followed by everyone. that are not created as
• These solutions are part of the norm, and
what most people which do not follow what
expect and they is generally done or
appear to be normal. believed in.
• These solutions are
creative and unique and
are usually a result of
creative thinking.

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CREATIVE THINKING

Ways in which businesses can create an environment that stimulates creative thinking
in the workplace

• Businesses must emphasise the importance of creative thinking to ensure that all staff
know that their ideas will be heard.
• Inspire staff to come up with new ideas.
• Plan regular workshops so that brainstorming sessions can be held to generate new
ideas.
• Ensure that communication channels remain open by placing suggestion boxes around
the workplace.
• Train staff members to think creatively, to solve problems, use mind mapping and
lateral thinking.

The advantages of creative thinking in the workplace

• Creative thinking will lead to improved participation of staff members, which

will ensure the generation of new ideas.
• The business will have competitive advantage over other businesses because
of the unique strategies that are introduced.
• Businesses will be able to solve complex problems.
• As management and employees introduce and create many ideas, saving time
and money for the business, productivity will increase.
• Managers and employees will demonstrate more confidence as they perform
their duties.
• Managers will be inspired to lead their teams more efficiently.
• Managers and employees will apply their knowledge in a collaborative
manner when performing their duties.
• The morale among staff members will be improved.

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2023 WORKBOOK | Grade 11 BUSINESS STUDIES

PROBLEM SOLVING

Introduction:
Businesses use problem-solving as an instrument to determine if there are aspects
within the business environment that needs to be changed. This is done so that
there is better control over the business environment, and to ensure that if there is
anything that needs to be corrected, the solutions are found and implemented as
quickly as possible.
The meaning of problem-solving
• Problem-solving is the process of studying a situation to find ways to bring about change.
• It involves collecting facts that include problem finding and problem shaping.
• Creative and logical skills need to be applied to find solutions to the identified problems.
• Alternative solutions should also be generated and evaluated in response to problems.
• Problems can be solved by an individual, a group, or a team member.

Problem-solving techniques
Delphi Technique
The Delphi Technique is used to solve new and complex problems. A panel of
experts who never meet each other face-to-face, comes up with creative solutions
to problems without having to sit through long, drawn-out group meetings.

Force Field Analysis

Force Field Analysis is used for decision-making, especially when implementing
change management. The analysis involves identifying the advantages and
disadvantages of a decision for change.

Application of Delphi-technique

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2023 WORKBOOK | Grade 11 BUSINESS STUDIES

PROBLEM SOLVING

Application of Force-field Analysis

• The current situation or problem and the desired situation or solution are described.
• Identify what is going to happen if there is no action taken.
• All the driving forces and restraining forces that will support and resist change must be
listed.
• The key restraining forces and their strengths should be discussed.
• The key driving forces and their strengths should be discussed.
• A score is allocated to each force using a numerical scale, where 1 is weak and
5 is strong.
• The positives and negatives are evaluated before deciding if the project is viable.
• Choose the force with the highest score as the solution to the problem.
• The restraining forces should be analysed to determine the best way of
moving forward with them.
• Identify priorities and develop an action plan.

Advantages of working with others to solve problems

• There are different perspectives to be considered because it could be difficult
to be creative and innovative on your own.
• Access to a broader base of skills, knowledge, and experiences helps if you
can get the opinion of others on a matter.
• More ideas can be triggered from other employees’ ideas which can help the
problem-solving process.
• It facilitates learning from one another when colleagues are able to teach or
explain things to one another, especially when working in groups.
• Working together is encouraged to produce greater results.
• The workload decreases because everyone shares the problem and
their experiences.

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2023 WORKBOOK | Grade 11 BUSINESS STUDIES

CONSOLIDATION QUESTIONS

Question 1
1.1 Define the meaning of creative thinking. (2)
1.2 Outline the differences between creative thinking and routine thinking. (4)
1.3 Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow:

LEWIS DESIGNS (LD)

The employees of Lewis Designs want to use creative thinking when designing
their products. LD ensures that there is a high morale among their employees.
They also encourage their staff to solve complex problems. Management
does not know how to create an environment that would stimulate creative
thinking.

1.3.1 Quote TWO advantages of creative thinking in the workplace from the scenario
above. (2)
1.3.2 Explain other advantages of creative thinking in the workplace. (6)
1.3.3 Recommend ways in which businesses can create an environment that stimulates
creative thinking in the workplace. (8)

Question 2

2.1 Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow:

MPHO CARPETS (MC)

Mpho Carpets wants to improve the quality of their carpets. They requested a
panel of experts to

2.1.1 Name the problem-solving technique used by MC. (2)

2.1.2 Advise businesses on how to apply the problem-solving technique identified in
QUESTION 2.1.1 above. (6)

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2023 WORKBOOK | Grade 11 BUSINESS STUDIES

CONSOLIDATION QUESTIONS

QUESTION 3
3.1 Outline the differences between conventional and non-conventional solutions. (8)
3.2 Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow:

CARLO’S BAKERY (CB)

The management of Carlo’s Bakery is concerned about the decline in the
sales of their cakes. CB encouraged their bakers to come up with new recipes
for their cakes. They also came up with different ideas on how to bring their
customers back. CB encouraged all their staff to work together to solve
problems in the bakery.

3.2.1 Quote TWO ways in which Carlo’s Bakery encouraged their staff to work together to
solve problems in the bakery. (2)
3.2.2 Explain the advantages of working with others to solve problems in the workplace. (6)
3.3 Discuss the advantages of creative thinking in the workplace. (6)

QUESTION 4
Read the preamble below and answer the essay question that follows:

Many businesses need to use creative thinking and problem-solving

techniques such as the Force Field Analysis to respond to complaints
from their customers. Some solutions require the use of routine
thinking. Sometimes new and innovative solutions are required.

Write an essay on creative thinking in which you include the following

aspects:

• Elaborate on the meaning of problem-solving.

• Differentiate between routine thinking and creative thinking.
• Explain the benefits of creative thinking in the workplace.
• Suggest ways in which businesses can apply the Force Field Analysis.
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Acknowledgement of source:

2022 DBE Gr 11 Business Studies Learner book

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