AS 91383 annotated exemplars

This annotated exemplar is intended for teacher use only. Annotated exemplars are extracts of student evidence, with commentary, that explain key parts of a standard. These help teachers make assessment judgements at the grade boundaries.

Download all exemplars and commentary [PDF, 740 KB]

TKI Business Studies assessment resources (external link)

For Excellence, the student needs to comprehensively analyse a human resource issue affecting businesses.

This involves collecting evidence relevant to a human resource issue from a range of sources, evaluating the human resource issue and recommending the best possible solution through:

• integrating business knowledge relevant to a solution
• integrating a Maori business concept(s) where relevant to a solution.

This student has established that the consumption of alcohol outside of work hours impacts at least two New Zealand businesses that have a global reach (1) as required at Curriculum Level 8. Evidence has been gathered from a range of sources (2). The issue and its impacts on productivity (3) have been evaluated.

The student has comprehensively explained two possible solutions that one business, a hardware chain, could take to mitigate the issue (4). A recommendation has been made in the context of improving productivity (5). Relevant business knowledge has been integrated into the responses (6).

For a more secure Excellence, the student could demonstrate further business knowledge related to the human resource cycle. For example, their solutions could be discussed in the context of change management, and would refer to the Health & Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Privacy Act 1993.

For Merit, the student needs to analyse, in depth, a human resource issue.

This typically involves collecting evidence relevant to a human resource issue, fully explaining the human resource issue and a range of possible solutions through:

• including business knowledge relevant to a solution
• including a Maori business concept(s) where relevant to a solution.

This student has thoroughly analysed the human resource issue of the distraction of social media and its effect on productivity on New Zealand businesses. While specific global businesses have not been identified, evidence relevant to the issue has been gathered from a range of secondary research sources. Some primary research has also been conducted (1).

The student has suggested a range of possible solutions to the issue, and included business knowledge relevant to these solutions (2).

To reach Excellence, the student could have strengthened business knowledge with suggestions to enable a continued positive employment relationship. For example, they could discuss the implications of management not following through with consequences for non-compliance and further risks stemming from that.

For Merit, the student needs to analyse, in depth, a human resource issue.

This typically involves collecting evidence relevant to a human resource issue, fully explaining the human resource issue and a range of possible solutions through:

• including business knowledge relevant to a solution
• including a Maori business concept(s) where relevant to a solution.

This student has analysed the problem of recruiting seasonal workers and its impact on two New Zealand agribusinesses (1). The issue has been fully explained from the perspective of the businesses (2). The student has given a range of possible solutions to seasonal recruitment problems (3). Some business knowledge has been explained (4).

For a more secure Merit, the student could have included more explicit business knowledge relevant to the solutions. For example, reference could have been made to firms undertaking workforce planning prior to the start of each season. A staffing needs analysis could be carried out to ensure that recruitment is successful. In discussing on-the-job training, the student could refer to the repetitive nature of fruit packing, and could make reference to the employer’s obligations under the Health & Safety at Work Act.

This typically involves collecting evidence relevant to a human resource issue, explaining the human resource issue and a possible solution through:

• stating business knowledge relevant to a solution
• stating a Maori business concept(s) where relevant to a solution.

This student has collected evidence from two employees and a minimum wage earner as part of their analysis of the current issue of businesses feeling pressured to pay the living wage. While the small café is unlikely to have a global reach (as required at Curriculum Level 8), the student has demonstrated that calls to introduce a living wage impact on businesses.

The issue has been explained from a range of stakeholder perspectives, however the focus of the standard is how the issue impacts the business community (1).

Two possible solutions were described, only one of which could be initiated by a business (2). The student has stated some business knowledge by linking the living wage to further training in their solution (3).

To reach Merit, the student could have recommended two solutions that businesses could initiate to address the issue. Imposing a government subsidy is not within the scope of an employer. The student could research case study material from the Living Wage Movement Aotearoa NZ to inform their analysis and the construction of a further solution. 

For Achieved, the student needs to analyse a human resource issue.

This typically involves collecting evidence relevant to a human resource issue, explaining the human resource issue and a possible solution through:

• stating business knowledge relevant to a solution
• stating a Maori business concept(s) where relevant to a solution.

The student has identified that the shortage of digital skills workers is an issue for New Zealand businesses (1). Impacts of the issue on the business community have been stated (2).

The student has recommended two solutions to the skills shortage issue, only one of which can be implemented by the business community (3). Some business knowledge has been stated (3). While not discussed in the context of the human resource cycle, such as recruitment and retention, the student’s references to outsourcing and foreign workers bringing diversity to the workforce are sufficient for business knowledge (4).

For a more secure Achieved, the student could have strengthened their response with further accurate business knowledge. For example, they would indicate that although some employees from overseas might not have high expectations of working conditions, businesses must comply with employment legislation in terms of minimum wage, breaks etc.

For Achieved, the student needs to analyse a human resource issue.

This typically involves collecting evidence relevant to a human resource issue, explaining the human resource issue and a possible solution through:

• stating business knowledge relevant to a solution
• stating a Maori business concept(s) where relevant to a solution.

The student has identified issues associated with making cleaners redundant and outsourcing cleaning to a contractor. Impacts of the issue on the business/school have been stated/explained (1).

The student has recommended three solutions that could feasibly be implemented by the business (2), and understanding of business knowledge relevant to the human resource cycle has been demonstrated (3).

To reach Achieved, the student could provide evidence of at least one other New Zealand business with a global reach (as required at Curriculum Level 8) that has experienced the issues associated with making employees redundant in favour of outsourcing work.