Business Studies Grade 12 Paper 2 NSC November Mock 2026 Memo

Copyright reserved Please turn over hlayiso mock exams Practice Series: Grade 12 NSC Preparation WWW.HLAYISO.COM NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 BUSINESS STUDIES P2 MOCK EXAMINATION 2026 MARKING GUIDELINES MARKS: 150 These marking guidelines consist of 22 pages.

Business Studies/P2 2 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 NOTES TO MARKERS These notes are provided to ensure fair, consistent and reliable marking of this mock examination. 1. Candidates’ responses must be in full sentences for SECTIONS B and C, depending on the nature of the question. 2. The marking guidelines are comprehensive but not exhaustive. Give credit to answers that are correct but use a different expression, come from another credible source, are original, or use a different approach. There is only ONE correct answer for each item in SECTION A. 3. Where an answer is unclear or shows some understanding, award part-marks (e.g. one mark instead of two). 4. The word ’Sub-max’ is used to allocate marks within a question or sub-question. The word ’Max’ shows the maximum marks for the question; circle the subtotal on the right-hand side as guided by ’Max’. 5. In an indirect question (scenario-based), the theory and the response must be relevant and related to the question. Responses that must be quoted from a scenario receive ONE mark each. 6. Do not give credit for repeated facts. Indicate repetition with an ’R’. 7. Cognitive verbs: (a) Name, state, give, list, outline, quote, identify, motivate, recommend, suggest and advise do not usually require much depth; the marks (√√) appear at the end of each fact. (b) Define, describe, explain, discuss, elaborate, distinguish, differentiate, analyse and evaluate require a greater depth of understanding; ticks are separated, e.g. ’Product development is a growth strategy √, where businesses introduce new products into existing markets.’ √ 8. Where a specific number of facts is required (e.g. ’any FOUR’), mark only the FIRST responses up to that number and draw a line through the rest. Mark only the FIRST answer where a question requires ONE answer. 9. Where the number of facts is specified for describe/discuss/explain questions in SECTION B: fact (2 marks) and explanation (1 mark). In SECTION C the explanation earns 2 marks. Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 3 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 10. SECTION C: The breakdown of essay marks is as follows: Introduction, Content, Conclusion Max 32 Insight 8 TOTAL 40 Insight (LASO) consists of the following components: Layout/ Structure (L) Is there an introduction, a body with paragraphs/sub-headings and a conclusion? The words INTRODUCTION and CONCLUSION must be stated and supported by an explanation. 2 Analysis and interpretation (A) Can the candidate break down the question into headings/sub-headings and interpret it correctly? All headings addressed: 1 mark. Interpretation (16 to 32 marks for facts): 1 mark. 2 Synthesis (S) Are relevant decisions/facts/responses made? Only relevant facts in two or more sub-questions: 2 marks (no ’-S’). Some irrelevant facts/only one sub-question with relevant facts: 1 mark (one ’-S’). No relevant facts: 0 marks (two ’-S’). 2 Originality (O) Is there evidence of examples, based on recent information/current trends and developments (not older than two years), in any TWO of the four sub-questions? 2 TOTAL FOR INSIGHT 8 11. Indicate insight in the left-hand margin with a symbol (L, A, -S and/or O). Mark all relevant facts until the SUB-MAX/MAX in a subsection is reached, write SUB-MAX/MAX, but continue reading for originality (’O’). At the end of each essay show the allocation as follows: CONTENT MARKS Facts 32 (max.) L 2 A 2 S 2 O 2 TOTAL 40 12. No marks are awarded for content repeated from the introduction and conclusion. Award TWO marks for complete sentences and ONE mark for phrases, incomplete sentences and vague answers. Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 4 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 SECTION A QUESTION 1 1.1 1.1.1 B √√ 1.1.2 C √√ 1.1.3 C √√ 1.1.4 A √√ 1.1.5 D √√ (5 x 2) (10) 1.2 1.2.1 Delphi technique √√ 1.2.2 ordinary √√ 1.2.3 Ethics √√ 1.2.4 excess √√ 1.2.5 diversity √√ (5 x 2) (10) 1.3 1.3.1 E √√ 1.3.2 A √√ 1.3.3 I √√ 1.3.4 C √√ 1.3.5 G √√ (5 x 2) (10) [30] BREAKDOWN OF MARKS QUESTION 1 MARKS 1.1 10 1.2 10 1.3 10 TOTAL 30 TOTAL SECTION A: 30 Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 5 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 SECTION B Mark the answers to the FIRST TWO questions only. QUESTION 2: BUSINESS VENTURES 2.1 Factors that should be considered when making investment decisions - Return on investment √ - Risk √ - Investment period/term √ - Liquidity √ - Inflation rate √ - Taxation √ - Volatility/Fluctuations in the market √ - Charges/Costs/Fees √ Any other relevant answer related to factors that should be considered when making investment decisions. NOTE: Mark the first FOUR (4) only. (4 x 1) (4) 2.2 Advantages of unit trusts as a form of investment - Unit trusts are managed by professional fund managers. √√ - The risk is spread over a variety of securities/diversified portfolio. √√ - Investors can invest small amounts/monthly contributions. √√ - Units can easily be sold/converted into cash, which makes them liquid. √√ - Unit trusts are regulated by law, which protects investors. √√ - Returns are usually higher than inflation over the long term. √√ - Investors receive regular statements on the value of their investment. √√ Any other relevant answer related to the advantages of unit trusts. Max (4) 2.3 Insurance 2.3.1 Average clause √√ (2) 2.3.2 Amount that TF will receive from the insurer Amount received = Amount insured Market value ×Damages = R300000 R400000 √×R120000√ = R90000√√ NOTE: 1. Award TWO (2) marks for the correct answer without calculations. 2. Award a maximum of TWO (2) marks if the formula/substitution is correct but the answer is incorrect. (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 6 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 2.4 Advantages of the democratic leadership style - Employees feel valued/motivated √as they are involved in decision-making. √ - Better-quality decisions are made √because of input from different employees. √ - Encourages creativity/innovation √, as employees share new ideas. √ - Improves communication √between the leader and employees. √ - Employees are more committed √to implementing decisions that they helped to make. √ - Promotes team work √and good working relationships. √ - Reduces resistance to change √, as employees understand the reasons for decisions. √ - Works well with skilled/experienced employees √who can contribute valuable ideas. √ Any other relevant answer related to the advantages of the democratic leadership style. Max (6) 2.5 Presentation 2.5.1 Visual aids used by Lusanda - She used a data projector to show her slides √ - and gave each shareholder printed hand-outs of the slides. √ NOTE: 1. Mark the first TWO (2) only. 2. Only award marks for responses that are quoted from the scenario. (2 x 1) (2) 2.5.2 Ways in which presenters can handle feedback in a non-aggressive and professional manner - Listen carefully to the question/comment without interrupting. √√ - Remain calm/polite and do not become defensive. √√ - Thank the audience member for the question/comment. √√ - Rephrase/Repeat the question to ensure that it is understood correctly. √√ - Answer honestly and keep answers brief and to the point. √√ - Acknowledge valid concerns and avoid arguments. √√ - Offer to discuss difficult questions after the presentation. √√ - Maintain eye contact and positive body language. √√ Any other relevant answer related to handling feedback in a non-aggressive and professional manner. Max (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 7 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 2.6 Impact of ordinary shares as a form of investment Positives/Advantages - Shareholders may earn high dividends √when the company makes large profits. √ - The value of shares may increase over time √, resulting in capital growth. √ - Ordinary shareholders have voting rights √at the annual general meeting. √ - Listed shares can easily be sold √on the JSE. √ - Shareholders have limited liability √, so they can only lose the amount invested. √ Any other relevant answer related to the positive impact of ordinary shares. AND/OR Negatives/Disadvantages - Dividends are not guaranteed √and depend on the profits of the company. √ - Share prices fluctuate √, so investors may lose some of their capital. √ - Ordinary shareholders are paid last √if the company is liquidated. √ - Share prices are affected by economic/political conditions √beyond the investor’s control. √ - Investors pay brokerage fees √when buying/selling shares. √ Any other relevant answer related to the negative impact of ordinary shares. NOTE: Mark either positives or negatives or a combination of both. Max (6) 2.7 Advantages of insurance - The business transfers the risk to the insurer. √√ - Protects the business against losses caused by theft/fire/natural disasters. √√ - The business is compensated for insured losses and can continue operating. √√ - Key personnel insurance protects the business against the loss of important employees. √√ - Protects the business against legal liability claims from third parties. √√ - Insured assets may be used as security for loans. √√ - Gives the business owner peace of mind. √√ Any other relevant answer related to the advantages of insurance. Max (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 8 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 2.8 Difference between simple interest and compound interest SIMPLE INTEREST COMPOUND INTEREST Interest is calculated on the original amount/principal √only. √ Interest is calculated on the principal plus the interest √already earned. √ The interest earned is the same √ every year/period. √ The interest earned increases √every year/period. √ Gives a lower return √on the investment. √ Gives a higher return √on the investment. √ Sub-max (2) Sub-max (2) Any other relevant answer related to the difference between simple and compound interest. NOTE: 1. The answer does not have to be in tabular format. 2. The difference must be clear. Max (4) [40] BREAKDOWN OF MARKS QUESTION 2 MARKS 2.1 4 2.2 4 2.3.1 2 2.3.2 4 2.4 6 2.5.1 2 2.5.2 4 2.6 6 2.7 4 2.8 4 TOTAL 40 Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 9 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 QUESTION 3: BUSINESS ROLES 3.1 Human rights in the workplace - Equality/Right to equal treatment √ - Human dignity √ - Privacy √ - Freedom of speech/expression √ - Freedom of association √ - Freedom of religion/belief/opinion √ - Safe and healthy working environment √ - Fair labour practices √ - Language and culture √ Any other relevant answer related to human rights in the workplace. NOTE: Mark the first FOUR (4) only. (4 x 1) (4) 3.2 Characteristics of successful teams - Team members share common goals/values. √√ - Mutual trust and respect among team members. √√ - Clearly defined roles and responsibilities. √√ - Open and effective communication. √√ - Members have different/complementary skills. √√ - Strong commitment to the team’s goals. √√ - Effective leadership and cooperation. √√ - Conflict is resolved quickly and constructively. √√ Any other relevant answer related to the characteristics of successful teams. Max (4) 3.3 Stages of team development 3.3.1 Stages of team development and motivations STAGES MOTIVATIONS 1. Forming √√ At the first meeting, team members were polite and unsure of their roles. √ 2. Storming √√ A few weeks later, team members argued about who should lead the team and how the work should be divided. √ Sub-max (4) Sub-max (2) NOTE: 1. Mark the first TWO (2) only. 2. Do not award marks for the motivation if the stage was incorrectly identified. 3. Award marks for the stage even if the quote is incomplete. Max (6) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 10 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 3.3.2 Performing stage of team development - Team members work effectively √towards achieving the team’s goals. √ - There are high levels of trust √and loyalty among members. √ - The team is self-directed √and needs little supervision. √ - Disagreements are resolved √positively within the team. √ - Roles are flexible √and members support each other. √ - Productivity is high √as members are motivated. √ Any other relevant answer related to the performing stage. Max (4) 3.4 Impact of corporate social investment/CSI on businesses Positives/Advantages - Improves the image/reputation √of the business in the community. √ - Attracts customers √, which may increase sales. √ - Donations to approved public benefit organisations may be tax deductible √, which reduces tax. √ - Attracts skilled/loyal employees √who want to work for a caring business. √ - Builds good relationships √with the community/government. √ - Improves the BBBEE rating √through socio-economic development. √ Any other relevant answer related to the positive impact of CSI on businesses. AND/OR Negatives/Disadvantages - CSI projects are costly √and may reduce profits. √ - Shareholders may receive lower dividends √and may object. √ - It is difficult to measure √the success of CSI projects. √ - Administration of projects takes time √away from core business activities. √ - Stakeholders may see CSI as a public-relations exercise √if it is not sincere. √ Any other relevant answer related to the negative impact of CSI on businesses. NOTE: Mark either positives or negatives or a combination of both. Max (6) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 11 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 3.5 Grievance procedure 3.5.1 Grievance √√ (2) 3.5.2 Next steps in the grievance procedure - Sizwe should lodge a formal written grievance with a more senior manager. √√ - A meeting/hearing should be held with the senior manager, Sizwe and his representative/trade union representative. √√ - Minutes of the meeting must be kept and a written response given within an agreed time. √√ - If the grievance is still not resolved, Sizwe may refer it to top management/the managing director. √√ - If it is still not resolved, the matter may be referred to the CCMA for conciliation/arbitration. √√ Any other relevant answer related to the next steps in the grievance procedure. NOTE: Do not award marks for reporting the matter verbally to the supervisor (already done in the scenario). Max (4) 3.6 Ways in which businesses can deal with gender as a diversity issue - Pay men and women equally for work of equal value. √√ - Give equal opportunities for training and promotion to all genders. √√ - Appoint women to senior/management positions. √√ - Develop and enforce policies against sexual harassment/gender discrimination. √√ - Provide maternity/parental leave and flexible working hours. √√ - Train employees on gender equality/sensitivity. √√ - Comply with the Employment Equity Act. √√ Any other relevant answer related to dealing with gender as a diversity issue. Max (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 12 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 3.7 Responsibilities of employees in promoting human health and safety - Take reasonable care of their own health and safety √and that of other people. √ - Cooperate with the employer √and follow health and safety rules. √ - Use the protective clothing/equipment √provided by the employer. √ - Report unsafe/unhealthy situations √to the employer/health and safety representative. √ - Report any accident/injury √as soon as possible. √ - Do not interfere with/misuse √safety equipment. √ - Attend health and safety training √and obey safety signs. √ Any other relevant answer related to the responsibilities of employees in promoting human health and safety. Max (6) [40] BREAKDOWN OF MARKS QUESTION 3 MARKS 3.1 4 3.2 4 3.3.1 6 3.3.2 4 3.4 6 3.5.1 2 3.5.2 4 3.6 4 3.7 6 TOTAL 40 Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 13 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 QUESTION 4: MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS BUSINESS VENTURES 4.1 Types of preference shares - Cumulative preference shares √ - Non-cumulative preference shares √ - Participating preference shares √ - Non-participating preference shares √ - Redeemable preference shares √ - Non-redeemable preference shares √ - Convertible preference shares √ NOTE: Mark the first TWO (2) only. (2 x 1) (2) 4.2 Leadership styles 4.2.1 Autocratic/Authoritarian √√ (2) 4.2.2 Charismatic √√ (2) 4.3 Advantages of hand-outs as a visual aid - The audience can make notes √on the hand-outs. √ - Hand-outs can be referred to later √, after the presentation. √ - Summarise the main points √of the presentation. √ - Detailed information/data can be given √that cannot fit on slides. √ - The audience does not have to memorise √the information. √ - Relatively cheap √and easy to prepare. √ Any other relevant answer related to the advantages of hand-outs. Max (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 14 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 4.4 Impact of fixed deposits as a form of investment Positives/Advantages - Low-risk investment √, as the capital is protected. √ - The interest rate is fixed √, so the investor knows the exact return. √ - Investors can choose √the investment period. √ - Easy to open √at any bank. √ - Interest rates are usually higher √than those of ordinary savings accounts. √ Any other relevant answer related to the positive impact of fixed deposits. AND/OR Negatives/Disadvantages - Money cannot be withdrawn before the maturity date √without penalties. √ - Returns are lower √than those of shares/unit trusts over the long term. √ - Returns may not keep pace with inflation √, which reduces the real value of the money. √ - The investor cannot benefit √if market interest rates rise. √ - Interest earned may be taxed √above the annual exemption. √ Any other relevant answer related to the negative impact of fixed deposits. NOTE: Mark either positives or negatives or a combination of both. Max (6) 4.5 Meaning of indemnity as a principle of insurance - The insured is compensated for the actual loss suffered. √√ - Restores the insured to the same financial position as before the loss. √√ - The insured may not make a profit from an insurance claim. √√ - Compensation is limited to the amount insured/value of the loss. √√ - Applies to short-term insurance and not to assurance/life policies. √√ Any other relevant answer related to the meaning of indemnity. Max (4) BUSINESS ROLES 4.6 Principles of the King Code - Leadership √ - Ethics/Integrity √ - Accountability √ - Responsibility √ - Transparency √ - Fairness √ - Corporate citizenship √ - Sustainability √ Any other relevant answer related to the principles of the King Code. NOTE: Mark the first FOUR (4) only. (4 x 1) (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 15 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 4.7 Unethical business practices 4.7.1 Types of unethical business practices and motivations PRACTICES MOTIVATIONS 1. Abuse of work time √√ Some employees of Umhlanga Motors spend long periods on social media during working hours. √ 2. Unfair advertising √√ A salesperson of UM advertised a used car with a free service plan that did not exist, to attract buyers. √ Sub-max (4) Sub-max (2) NOTE: 1. Mark the first TWO (2) only. 2. Do not award marks for the motivation if the practice was incorrectly identified. 3. Accept ’misleading advertising’ for unfair advertising. Max (6) 4.7.2 Ways in which businesses can deal with unfair advertising - Ensure that all advertisements are honest and do not make false/misleading claims. √√ - Comply with the Consumer Protection Act and the advertising code of practice. √√ - Check advertisements before they are published. √√ - Train employees on ethical advertising practices. √√ - Include the code of ethics in the business policy. √√ - Take disciplinary action against employees who advertise misleadingly. √√ - Avoid bait marketing/advertising goods that are not available. √√ Any other relevant answer related to dealing with unfair advertising. Max (4) 4.8 Ways in which businesses can deal with HIV/Aids - Run education/awareness programmes √on HIV/Aids for employees. √ - Develop an HIV/Aids workplace policy √that protects infected employees against discrimination. √ - Provide voluntary counselling and testing √at the workplace. √ - Give access to antiretroviral treatment √through medical aid/clinics. √ - Provide free condoms √at the workplace. √ - Establish support groups/peer educators √for affected employees. √ - Partner with NGOs/the Department of Health √to run prevention campaigns. √ Any other relevant answer related to ways in which businesses can deal with HIV/Aids. Max (6) [40] Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 16 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 BREAKDOWN OF MARKS QUESTION 4 MARKS 4.1 2 4.2.1 2 4.2.2 2 4.3 4 4.4 6 4.5 4 4.6 4 4.7.1 6 4.7.2 4 4.8 6 TOTAL 40 TOTAL SECTION B: 80 Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 17 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 SECTION C Mark the answer to the FIRST question only. QUESTION 5: BUSINESS VENTURES (FORMS OF OWNERSHIP) 5.1 Introduction - A private company is a popular form of ownership because owners enjoy limited liability. √ - Non-profit companies use their income to achieve social/public benefit objectives. √ - State-owned companies provide essential services to citizens. √ - Capital and taxation can contribute to the success or failure of a partnership. √ Any other relevant answer related to private companies/NPCs/SOCs/success and failure of partnerships. Any (2 x 1) (2) 5.2 Characteristics of a private company - The name must end with ’(Pty) Ltd’. √√ - It is registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). √√ - It must have at least one director and one shareholder. √√ - It may not offer its shares to the public. √√ - Shares are not freely transferable. √√ - It has a separate legal personality and continuity. √√ - Shareholders have limited liability. √√ - A Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) must be drawn up. √√ - It is not required to publish its annual financial statements. √√ Any other relevant answer related to the characteristics of a private company. Max (8) 5.3 Advantages of a non-profit company - It has a separate legal personality √and can enter into contracts in its own name. √ - It has continuity √, as it exists independently of its members. √ - It may be exempt from paying income tax √if it is approved as a public benefit organisation. √ - Donors may receive tax deductions √, which encourages donations. √ - It may receive grants/donations √from government/businesses/individuals. √ - Directors/Members are not personally liable √for the debts of the company. √ - All income is used to achieve its objectives √to benefit the community. √ Any other relevant answer related to the advantages of a non-profit company. Max (10) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 18 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 5.4 Impact of a state-owned company Positives/Advantages - Provides essential services √such as electricity/water/transport to citizens. √ - Services may be offered at affordable prices √to the poor. √ - Creates job opportunities √for many people. √ - Profits may be used to fund √government projects. √ - Funding from government √allows large infrastructure projects. √ - It has continuity √, as it is owned by the state. √ Any other relevant answer related to the positive impact of a state-owned company. AND/OR Negatives/Disadvantages - Losses are funded by taxpayers √, which places a burden on the economy. √ - Decision-making may be slow √because of bureaucracy. √ - Political interference √may affect the management of the company. √ - Prone to corruption/mismanagement √of funds. √ - A lack of competition/monopoly √may lead to poor service. √ - Managers may lack the business skills/experience √required to run the company profitably. √ Any other relevant answer related to the negative impact of a state-owned company. Max (12) 5.5 Success and/or failure of a partnership Capital - More capital is available √because each partner contributes. √ - Partners can combine their creditworthiness √to obtain loans more easily. √ - New partners may be admitted √to raise additional capital. √ - Capital is limited √to the contributions of the partners. √ - The withdrawal of a partner √may reduce the available capital. √ - Financial institutions may be reluctant to lend money √, as a partnership has no continuity. √ Any other relevant answer related to capital as a criterion for the success/failure of a partnership. Sub-max (6) Taxation - A partnership is not taxed as a separate entity √; the partners are taxed in their personal capacity. √ - Profits are divided among the partners √, which may lower each partner’s tax rate. √ - Partners with high incomes pay tax at high marginal rates √, which may be higher than the company tax rate. √ - The partnership does not pay dividends tax √, as profits are shared directly. √ Any other relevant answer related to taxation as a criterion for the success/failure of Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 19 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 a partnership. Sub-max (6) Max (12) 5.6 Conclusion - Choosing the correct form of ownership enables the business to achieve its objectives. √√ - Non-profit and state-owned companies play an important role in meeting the social needs of the community. √√ - Partners must plan their capital and tax responsibilities carefully to ensure the success of the partnership. √√ Any other relevant answer related to private companies/NPCs/SOCs/success and failure of partnerships. Any (1 x 2) (2) [40] QUESTION 5: BREAKDOWN OF MARK ALLOCATION DETAILS MAXIMUM TOTAL Introduction 2 Max 32 Characteristics of a private company 8 Advantages of a non-profit company 10 Impact of a state-owned company 12 Success and/or failure of a partnership 12 Conclusion 2 INSIGHT Layout 2 8 Analysis/Interpretation 2 Synthesis 2 Originality/Examples 2 TOTAL MARKS 40 LASO – For each component: Allocate 2 marks if all requirements are met. Allocate 1 mark if some requirements are met. Allocate 0 marks where requirements are not met at all. Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 20 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 QUESTION 6: BUSINESS ROLES (CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING) 6.1 Introduction - Creative thinking enables businesses to generate new ideas and gain a competitive advantage. √ - Problem-solving techniques help managers to find the best solutions to complex problems. √ - Groups often solve problems better than individuals because of different viewpoints. √ - Decision-making forms part of the problem-solving process. √ Any other relevant answer related to creative thinking/problem-solving techniques/group problem-solving/decision-making. Any (2 x 1) (2) 6.2 Benefits of creative thinking in the workplace - Better/Unique ideas give the business a competitive advantage. √√ - Complex business problems may be solved. √√ - Productivity increases as new and faster ways of doing work are found. √√ - Employees feel motivated/valued when their ideas are used. √√ - Leads to the development of new products/services. √√ - The business can adapt more easily to changes in the business environment. √√ - Improves teamwork and communication. √√ - Reduces costs through more efficient processes. √√ Any other relevant answer related to the benefits of creative thinking. Max (8) 6.3 Application of problem-solving techniques Empty chair technique - Place an empty chair in the middle of the group/in front of the participant. √√ - Imagine that a stakeholder/person affected by the problem is sitting in the chair. √√ - Participants take turns to sit in the chair and speak from that person’s point of view. √√ - Participants then respond from their own point of view. √√ - Helps the business to understand the problem from different perspectives. √√ - Ideas/Solutions raised are recorded and evaluated. √√ Any other relevant answer related to the empty chair technique. Sub-max (6) Force-field analysis - Describe the current situation/problem and the desired situation. √√ - List all the driving forces that support the change. √√ - List all the restraining forces that oppose the change. √√ - Allocate a score/rating to each force, e.g. 1 (weak) to 5 (strong). √√ - Add the scores of the driving and restraining forces to decide whether the change is viable. √√ - Develop strategies to strengthen the driving forces and weaken the restraining Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 21 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 forces. √√ Any other relevant answer related to force-field analysis. Sub-max (6) Max (12) 6.4 Advantages of group problem-solving - More ideas/solutions are generated √as members have different experiences. √ - Problems are viewed from different perspectives √, which leads to better solutions. √ - Members share responsibility √for the decision/outcome. √ - Members are more committed √to implementing solutions that they helped to develop. √ - Specialists in the group √can contribute their expertise. √ - Improves communication and teamwork √among employees. √ - Reduces the risk of errors √as ideas are evaluated by many people. √ Any other relevant answer related to the advantages of group problem-solving. Max (10) 6.5 Differences between decision-making and problem-solving DECISION-MAKING PROBLEM-SOLVING Often done by one person/a senior manager. √√ Often done by a group/team. √√ Forms part of the problem-solving cycle, as decisions are taken at each step. √√ A process of analysing a situation to identify strategies to bring about change. √√ Choosing the best option from available alternatives. √√ Alternative solutions are generated/identified and critically evaluated. √√ May be done quickly, e.g. for routine matters. √√ Usually takes more time, as several steps are followed. √√ Sub-max (6) Sub-max (6) Any other relevant answer related to the differences between decision-making and problem-solving. NOTE: 1. The answer does not have to be in tabular format. 2. The differences must be clear. Max (12) Copyright reserved Please turn over

Business Studies/P2 22 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 6.6 Conclusion - Businesses that promote creative thinking are more innovative and competitive. √√ - The correct problem-solving technique leads to effective solutions. √√ - Group problem-solving increases employees’ commitment to the solutions chosen. √√ Any other relevant answer related to creative thinking/problem-solving techniques/group problem-solving/decision-making. Any (1 x 2) (2) [40] QUESTION 6: BREAKDOWN OF MARK ALLOCATION DETAILS MAXIMUM TOTAL Introduction 2 Max 32 Benefits of creative thinking 8 Problem-solving techniques 12 Advantages of group problem-solving 10 Differences between decision-making and problem-solving 12 Conclusion 2 INSIGHT Layout 2 8 Analysis/Interpretation 2 Synthesis 2 Originality/Examples 2 TOTAL MARKS 40 LASO – For each component: Allocate 2 marks if all requirements are met. Allocate 1 mark if some requirements are met. Allocate 0 marks where requirements are not met at all. TOTAL SECTION C: 40 GRAND TOTAL: 150 Copyright reserved