LDL Paper 3
LDL Paper 3
Business Management
Higher level
Paper 3
Instructions to candidates
Read the resources and answer all the questions that follow.
Resource 1 – Excerpts from interview with José Pablo, CEO of LDL, featured in Franchise
Power, a leading business magazine specializing in franchising
How it works
To get started, members simply register on our
website (www.ldl.com) and select a subscription plan
(€9 per month or €84 per year). Upon registration,
members receive a badge that provides access to our
outdoor library stations for borrowing and returning
books, as well as tracking exchanges between
members. Subscribers can use the LDL website to
Image 1. One outdoor library station of Libros De
Libertad (source: “Outside library with glass door”
track specific books and get notifications when they’re
prompt, Canva, version 1, OpenAI, 29 Oct. 2024, available at any of our 350+ stations in Spain or 50
https://www.canva.com/projects franchise locations across Europe.
Each outdoor library station is managed by a small team responsible for inventory control and
monitoring activity. Our team also includes a web developer who oversees platform management
and badge creation for access to the libraries. The core strength of LDL lies in our engaged
community of readers, which is central to our business.
Upcoming plans
As LDL’s community continues to grow, we’re expanding our focus to include retired individuals.
We plan to host author conferences for this group, called the “Libertad Books Tour,” which will
travel across Spain. Additionally, we are focused on expanding our franchise network and revenue
streams. For more information, visit our franchise page: www.ldl/franchise.sp.
Join our expanding network and bring this innovative library concept to your local area!
From: [email protected]
To: josé[email protected]
Date: Monday 5th September
Subject: Brussels Franchise: sharing feedback
Dear José,
We are pleased to announce that our outdoor library station in Brussels has reached an impressive
12,000 subscribers. However, we’ve identified a few challenges that need addressing.
It has come to our attention that some members are sharing their badges with family or friends. While
this aligns with our motto of freedom, it raises the questions about where to draw the line. How can
we ensure fairness while upholding our values? Additionally, some books are being returned in
unacceptable condition, and this issue must be addressed.
Another concern is that members are borrowing too many books at once, with all subscribers taking
at least three simultaneously, leaving our shelves worryingly empty. Late returns further impact book
availability, a problem that needs to be addressed.
Lastly, I’d like to alert you to our concern about the annual maintenance cost. Although our subscriber
base has grown, our fixed costs, especially rent, have increased significantly due to our prime
downtown Brussels location.
I share this feedback in the spirit of transparency and collaboration and look forward to discussing
solutions together.
Kind regards
George Ferdinand
Manager, LDL Brussels (franchisee)
Resource 5 – Email from José Pablo to his assistant to prepare for the annual strategic
meeting with LDL’s key shareholders
Dear Juan
Please note the following discussion points for the scheduled meeting on 7th September with LDL’s
board members and key shareholders
1. Feedback from franchisees – Forty franchisees have raised concerns about subscribers
returning books in poor condition or borrowing excessively. We should consider quality control
measures. Also, please review George Ferdinand’s feedback, which I forwarded yesterday.
2. Staffing at LDL libraries – Libraries with over 30,000 subscribers are reportedly understaffed,
with only two employees handling the workload. This concern, raised by 22 franchisees,
requires discussion on hiring additional staff to enhance efficiency and service quality.
3. Subscriber retention (60+ age group) – Data insights indicate the need for a targeted strategy
to retain subscribers aged 60 and above. Launching the “Libertad Books Tour” could be an
effective initiative to engage this segment.
4. LDL smartphone app – Consider launching a mobile app to enhance subscriber experience,
with features like notifications when wish-list books are available at nearby libraries. This would
boost engagement and increase demand.
5. Expansion into the USA – Discuss a potential strategic alliance with "Books Craziness" to enter
the US market. However, further market research, including online focus groups, is essential.
José
Questions
1. Using an appropriate business management theory, describe the need for social connection
and community engagement that Libros De Libertad (LDL) meets. [2 marks]
3. Using all the resources provided and your knowledge of business management tools and
theories, recommend a possible plan of action for LDL over the next five years. [17 marks]