Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2025

First exams 2027

Technology and the Production of Goods & Services (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Business Studies): Exam Questions

Exam code: 7115

1 hour15 questions
1
2 marks

State two ways a business can increase productivity.

2
2 marks

Define 'computer aided manufacture'.

3
2 marks

State two advantages of using technology in production.

4
2 marks

State two advantages of 3D printing.

5
2 marks

State two common uses of CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing).

6
2 marks

Define 'chatbot'.

7
2 marks

State two advantages of technology in production for employees.

1
6 marks

Do you think the ways technology has changed production methods benefit all employees? Justify your answer.

2
8 marks

Explain two advantages and two disadvantages for employees of the new technology identified in Appendix 3.

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

3
6 marks

Case Study

TYA is a limited company which manufactures 300 000 cars a year. It has 600 employees. TYA has high fixed costs. The Managing Director wants to improve efficiency in the factory. He said: ‘Globalisation is changing how businesses operate. Many manufacturing businesses are considering whether to relocate their operations to other countries.’

Explain two methods TYA could use to increase efficiency.

4
8 marks

Explain four ways the new technology identified in Appendix 3 could help Bethany improve her business.

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

5
6 marks

Do you think new technology in production always improves quality? Justify your answer.

6
6 marks

Case Study

BeanWave Coffee (BWC) is a small roaster in country L. It buys green coffee beans from Brazil and pays in US dollars (USD). BWC sells roasted coffee to local cafés. The owner is considering buying a new semi-automatic roasting machine to improve quality and reduce roasting time. The machine costs L$150 000. Staff would need training. Packaging is currently non-recyclable, and energy costs are rising.

Table 1.1 – Exchange rate change and recent invoice

Item

Value

Last month’s bean invoice

USD 12 000

Exchange rate before

1 USD = L$4.5

Exchange rate now

1 USD = L$5.0

Explain two possible disadvantages to BWC of buying the new roasting machine.

1
12 marks

Consider how SSM could benefit from implementing the following three types of technology in production.

  • Automation technology

  • Digital monitoring systems

  • Artificial intelligence (AI) in quality control

Which technology implementation is likely to have the greatest effect on SSM? Justify your answer.

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

2
12 marks

Consider the advantages and disadvantages to PPE of investing in the following three types of technology to improve their manufacturing process:

  • Automated cutting machinery

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software

  • Quality control sensors

Which technology investment should PPE prioritise? Justify your answer.

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