Creative Thinking
Problem Solving
Stress & Change
Marketing Mix
Business Consultant
100

Define creative thinking.

Generating new and innovative ideas to solve problems. ✓

100

What is the first step in problem solving?

Identify the problem ✓

100

Define stress.

Mental or emotional pressure caused by demands or challenges ✓

100

Name the 4 Ps.

Product ✓
Price ✓
Place ✓
Promotion ✓

100

Which business function focuses on attracting customers?

Marketing ✓

200

State TWO characteristics of a creative thinker.

Any two:

  • Open-minded ✓
  • Curious ✓
  • Innovative ✓
  • Willing to take risks ✓
200

Why should a business analyse a problem before solving it?

To understand the causes and impact of the problem ✓

200

Name TWO causes of workplace stress.

Any two:

  • Heavy workload ✓
  • Deadlines ✓
  • Conflict ✓
  • Job insecurity ✓
200

Which P refers to where a product is sold?

Place ✓

200

Which business skill helps generate innovative solutions?

Creative thinking ✓

300

A manager asks employees to generate as many ideas as possible without criticism.

Which creative thinking technique is being used?

Brainstorming ✓

300

A business experiences declining sales.

List TWO possible causes.

Any two:

  • Poor marketing ✓
  • Competition ✓
  • High prices ✓
  • Poor service ✓
300

A cyberattack shuts down a company's computer systems.

Is this stress, change, or a crisis?

Crisis ✓

300

A business lowers prices during a holiday sale.

Which P is being adjusted?

Price ✓

300

A business has excellent products but poor advertising.

Which business function is underperforming?


Marketing ✓

400

A business refuses to consider new ideas because management believes the old methods always worked.

Identify the barrier and explain why it is harmful.


Barrier:

  • Rigid thinking / resistance to change ✓

Explanation:

  • Prevents innovation ✓
  • Reduces competitiveness ✓
  • Limits growth ✓
400

A business identifies a problem and immediately implements the first solution suggested.

Which problem-solving step was skipped?

Evaluating possible solutions ✓

400

Employees resist a new technology system.

Give TWO reasons why employees may resist change.


Any two:

  • Fear of job loss ✓
  • Fear of the unknown ✓
  • Lack of training ✓
  • Comfort with current methods ✓
400

A product is high quality but sales remain low.

Suggest TWO marketing mix factors that may be causing the problem.


Any two:

  • Poor promotion ✓
  • Poor distribution (place) ✓
  • Incorrect pricing ✓
400

A manager uses brainstorming to solve a problem.

Why is brainstorming effective?


  • Generates many ideas ✓
  • Encourages participation ✓
  • Promotes creativity ✓
500

A business is losing customers because competitors offer online ordering.

Recommend ONE creative solution and explain why it would improve competitiveness.

Possible solution:

  • Introduce online ordering ✓

Explanation:

  • Increases convenience ✓
  • Improves customer experience ✓
  • Helps compete with rivals ✓
500

A company has:

  • Falling sales
  • Poor customer service
  • Low employee morale

Which problem should management address first and why?


Any justified answer:

  • Low morale because it affects service and productivity ✓✓
    OR
  • Poor service because it directly affects customers and sales ✓✓

(Must include reasoning)

500

A business introduces new technology without consulting employees.

Evaluate whether management handled the change effectively.


Answer:
No ✓

Reasons:

  • Employees were not involved ✓
  • Resistance likely increases ✓
  • Training and communication were needed ✓
500

A luxury clothing brand decides to dramatically lower its prices.

Evaluate one advantage and one disadvantage of this decision.


Advantage:

  • May attract more customers ✓

Disadvantage:

  • May damage luxury image ✓
500

CASE STUDY


A small restaurant has experienced declining sales for six months. Staff morale is low, customers complain about slow service, and nearby competitors offer online ordering.


Identify:

  1. One internal challenge.
  2. One external challenge.
  3. One creative solution.
  4. One marketing solution.
  5. Which problem should be addressed first?

Internal challenge:

  • Low morale ✓

External challenge:

  • Competition ✓

Creative solution:

  • Online ordering ✓

Marketing solution:

  • Social media campaign ✓

First problem:

  • Staff morale or service quality ✓

Reason must be provided ✓