Identify two communication barriers which might occur within TT and explain how each barrier might be reduced.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2017). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Knowledge [2 × 1] - award one mark for each barrier
2. Analysis [2 × 1] - award one mark for a relevant explanation for each barrier
3. Application [2 × 2] – award two application marks for each barrier
4. Award one mark for each barrier (maximum of two), such as:
5. Problems with the sender – different languages in country P and country Q/ not made the message clear /speaks quickly/sends message to wrong person/too many workers to contact
6. Problems with the medium - message lost/no feedback given/wrong channel used/ message not picked up
7. Problems with the receiver – not listening/ may not trust the sender/not understanding the message
8. Problems with feedback – only one-way communication/there is no feedback/distortion of feedback as passed through too many people/ long chain of command
9. Problems with the physical environment – noise level/separate buildings/time difference
10. Award a maximum of three additional marks for each explanation – 2 of which must be applied to this context - of how the barrier might be reduced.
11. Indicative response: Problems with the medium used (k) in the case of TT information is put on a factory noticeboard in another building where the workers do not see it (app). If the message is put on a noticeboard in the same building as the factory workers and also in a newsletter sent to every worker in the T-shirt factory (app) then this should ensure that all workers receive the information and the barrier will be overcome (an).
12. Possible application marks: Private limited company; in country P/Q; prints designs; T-shirts imported from country Q, a developing country; sold to small retailers in country P; expand the company; exporting T-shirts; take over DesOwn, a competing company; personalized T-shirts; sells online; use an agent or a joint venture; really unhappy factory workers; shouted at if I do anything wrong; workers want to leave; workers in the factory; Operations manager just tells me what to do; she never asks what I think; told to keep quiet; no training on selling; information is only put on one noticeboard.
13. There may be other examples in context that have not been included here.
14. Relevant points might include:
15. Sell to a wholesaler: Advantages - Bulk buy - gain advice on what sells well - lower administration costs. Disadvantages - Lower profit margin.
16. Sell directly to large retailers: Advantages - Good locations/high footfall - increase sales. Disadvantages - Many competing brands also sold there.
17. Open its own shops in shopping malls: Advantages - Control over presentation of T-shirts - independent decision making about selling to customers. Disadvantages - High costs of operating own shop - insufficient designs for own shops.
18. Note: Do not accept answers referring to exporting. The question only asks about country P.
19. Knowledge/Analysis/Evaluation – award up to 10 marks using the levels-based mark scheme below.
20. Level 3: At least 2 x Level 2 + 9-10 marks for well justified recommendation as to best channel of distribution to choose and why not the other channels.
21. Level 2: 7-8 marks for some limited judgement shown in recommendation as to best channel of distribution to choose.
22. 4-6 marks Detailed discussion of each channel of distribution.
23. Level 1: 1-3 marks Outline of each channel of distribution.
24. Level 1 - 1 mark for each L1 statement (max of 3 marks) e.g. Wholesaler will buy in bulk.
25. Level 2 - 1 x L2 explanation can gain 4 marks and a further mark can be awarded for each additional L2 explanation (max 6 marks) e.g. Wholesaler will buy in bulk which will reduce administration and transport costs. However, the wholesaler will expect a reduced price and so the profit margin will be lower. (L2)
26. Level 3 - For L3 to be awarded there needs to be at least two L2 marks awarded and then a recommendation which justifies the best channel of distribution to choose.
27. Award up to 2 additional marks for relevant application.
28. Possible application marks: Private limited company; prints designs; 50 different designs; batch production of various sizes; sold to small retailers; expect high quality; expand the company; personalized T-shirts; use an agent or a joint venture; no training on selling.
29. There may be other examples in context that have not been included here.