Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2025

First exams 2027

Business & Ethical Issues (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Business): Exam Questions

Exam code: 0450, 0986 & 0264, 0774

1 hour14 questions
12 marks

Define 'business ethics'

22 marks

Define 'child labour'

32 marks

Identify two ways a business can avoid links to child labour.

42 marks

Define 'fair wages'

54 marks

Case Study

GreenTech Solutions is a multinational technology company that operates ethically across all its business activities. The company manufactures renewable energy equipment and has committed to fair trade practices, sustainable sourcing, and transparent supply chains. GreenTech Solutions recently announced plans to expand into developing countries, where it will maintain the same ethical standards despite potentially higher costs. The CEO stated: 'Our ethical approach is fundamental to our identity. We believe businesses have a responsibility to operate sustainably and treat all stakeholders fairly, even when this impacts our profit margins.'

Outline one advantage and one disadvantage to GreenTech Solutions of operating ethically.

64 marks

Case Study

CLP is a social enterprise that provides educational technology solutions to underserved communities worldwide. The company operates with a strong ethical foundation, ensuring all its products are accessible and affordable. CLP sources materials from certified fair-trade suppliers and maintains transparent pricing structures. The company recently decided to donate 10% of its annual profits to educational charities, despite facing increased competition from larger technology firms offering cheaper alternatives. The Managing Director commented: 'Ethics isn't just about doing the right thing – it creates genuine value for our business and the communities we serve.'

Outline two advantages to CLP of behaving ethically.

72 marks

Define 'customer boycott'

16 marks

Do you think a business being ethical will always lead to lower profits? Justify your answer.

26 marks

Case Study

ACP manufactures computers. Being ethical is important to ACP. The business employs 3000 workers in its factory. ACP imports 65% of its raw materials. As internal users of accounts, the directors plan to analyse ACP’s financial performance using profitability ratios. The Finance Director thinks making a profit is more important for a business than managing its cash flow.

Explain one benefit and one limitation to ACP of being ethical.

36 marks

Do you think businesses should prioritise ethical practices over profit maximisation? Justify your answer.

46 marks

Case Study

TechCorp manufactures smartphones. The business has recently been criticised for unethical practices. The company employs 2500 workers across multiple factories. TechCorp sources 70% of its components from overseas suppliers. As internal users of accounts, the management team regularly reviews TechCorp's financial performance using liquidity ratios. The Chief Executive believes that maximising shareholder value is the primary objective of any business.

Explain one drawback and one consequence to TechCorp of operating unethically.

56 marks

Case Study

Green Tech Solutions is a renewable energy company that manufactures solar panels. The business has built its reputation on ethical practices and sustainable operations. Green Tech employs 2500 workers across three manufacturing sites and sources 70% of its components from certified ethical suppliers. The company's stakeholders include employees, customers, local communities, and environmental groups. The Managing Director believes that ethical behaviour creates long-term value for all stakeholders.

Explain two impacts on stakeholders of Green Tech Solutions behaving ethically.

112 marks

Consider the following three ways Yasin could improve the ethical image of MB.

  • Buying all ingredients from local suppliers.

  • Using only environmentally friendly packaging.

  • Increasing wage rates to 20% above the legal minimum wage.

Which way would be most effective? Justify your answer.

Refer to the following insert (opens in a new tab)when answering the question

212 marks

Consider the following three ethical issues for the theatre.

  • Paying fair wages to employees

  • Only buying costumes produced in the local community

  • Purchasing all refreshments from suppliers that do not pollute the environment

Which ethical issue is likely to have the biggest effect on ET? Justify your answer.

Refer to the following insert (opens in a new tab)when answering the question