An international cricket club uses a variety of communications in its operations. The club is making increased use of air transport to send equipment for matches.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [2] Loudspeaker/tannoy (1) e.g. to announce the score, or messages to supporters at ground (1)
2. [2] Radio/online interviews (1) e.g. by captain after the match (1)
3. [2] Telephone calls / voice messages (1) e.g. with supporters about tickets (1)
4. [2] Team meetings / face-to-face (1) e.g. between players before the match / e.g. to discuss changes at a members meeting (1)
5. [2] Videoconferencing / video calls (1) e.g. between club and players on tour (1)
6. [1] To confirm details / detailed information (1) can clarify/refer to points (1) can clearly understand what is in contract (1) such as length of contract / amount to be paid (1) that players/club need to follow (1)
7. [1] To maintain records (1) e.g. for tax purposes (1) if involved in a dispute (1)
8. [1] It is written/formal (1) record (1) can be used as evidence/proof (1) to reduce disagreements/misunderstandings (1)
9. [1] Need signature (1) legal requirements (1) kept for future reference (1)
10. [1] Yes - Members/supporters look at reviews before purchasing a good or service (1) if the review is negative, it will put the customer off purchasing / change their opinion (1) can be seen as bad publicity (1) damaging reputation/image (1) leading to lost sales (1) lose sponsorship deals (1) players may be reluctant to join a club (1) some players may want to leave the club (1) positive social media reviews will make the club more confident (1)
11. [1] No - it can act as important feedback/advice (1) motivates them to do better (1) that there is a problem that the club needs to act upon (1) reduce their mistakes (1) before other customers have the same problem (1) it will show that the club cares about its members/supporters (1) still provides publicity for the club (1) and negative reviews may be ignored/seen as trolls on the internet (1)
12. [1] The equipment is likely to be high-value and low-volume, so is very suitable to be carried by air.
13. [1] Speed - air transport is the quickest form of transport so the equipment can arrive in good time for sports teams to prepare for an event
14. [1] Distance - air transport can deliver the equipment to any country where it is required
15. [1] Cost/budget - air transport is expensive although costs are decreasing owing to competition between airlines
16. [1] Security - there will be greater supervision of the equipment leading to less theft
17. [1] Reliability of carrier as the equipment is going to be moved on a regular basis, it is important that the carrier has a good record for getting the equipment to the right place at the right time
18. [1] Quantity/bulk of equipment – if the equipment is in small quantities, it is suitable to be carried by air as there will not be a problem with capacity
19. [1] Weight of equipment – some airplanes have weight restrictions so restricting some equipment loads
20. [1] Value of equipment – needs to have enough insurance, to cover losses in transit
21. [1] Environment – air transport pollutes the most of all transport so the sports team will have to decide how ethical it wants to be
22. [1] Evaluation: Sports clubs will have to consider all factors before choosing air transport. Although the most economic method of transport is chosen for most goods, sports team equipment usually needs to arrive at its destination before the match takes place, and cannot be late, so this is the most important factor for a sports club. As the equipment is high-value and low-volume it is very suitable to be carried by air.