Syllabus

Cambridge O Level Commerce

Syllabus code 7100
For examination in June and November 2013
Contents

Cambridge O Level Commerce

Syllabus code 7100

1. Introduction ..................................................................................... 2
1.1 Why choose Cambridge?
1.2 Why choose Cambridge O Level Commerce?
1.3 How can I find out more?

2. Assessment at a glance .................................................................. 4

3. Syllabus aims and objectives ........................................................... 5

3.1 Aims
3.2 Assessment objectives

4. Curriculum content .......................................................................... 7

5. Resource list .................................................................................. 14

6. Additional information.................................................................... 15
6.1 Guided learning hours
6.2 Recommended prior learning
6.3 Progression
6.4 Component codes
6.5 Grading and reporting
6.6 Resources

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

© UCLES 2010
1. Introduction

1.1 Why choose Cambridge?

University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the world’s largest provider of international
qualifications. Around 1.5 million students from 150 countries enter Cambridge examinations every year.
What makes educators around the world choose Cambridge?

Developed for an international audience

International O Levels have been designed specially for an international audience and are sensitive to the
needs of different countries. These qualifications are designed for students whose first language may not be
English and this is acknowledged throughout the examination process. The curriculum also allows teaching
to be placed in a localised context, making it relevant in varying regions.

Recognition
Cambridge O Levels are internationally recognised by schools, universities and employers as equivalent to
UK GCSE. They are excellent preparation for A/AS Level, the Advanced International Certificate of Education
(AICE), US Advanced Placement Programme and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. CIE is
accredited by the UK Government regulator, the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator
(Ofqual). Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/recognition.

Support
CIE provides a world-class support service for teachers and exams officers. We offer a wide range of
teacher materials to Centres, plus teacher training (online and face-to-face) and student support materials.
Exams officers can trust in reliable, efficient administration of exams entry and excellent, personal support
from CIE Customer Services. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/teachers.

Excellence in education
Cambridge qualifications develop successful students. They build not only understanding and knowledge
required for progression, but also learning and thinking skills that help students become independent
learners and equip them for life.

Not-for-profit, part of the University of Cambridge

CIE is part of Cambridge Assessment, a not-for-profit organisation and part of the University of Cambridge.
The needs of teachers and learners are at the core of what we do. CIE invests constantly in improving its
qualifications and services. We draw upon education research in developing our qualifications.

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

2
1. Introduction

1.2 Why choose Cambridge O Level Commerce?

International O Levels are established qualifications that keep pace with educational developments and
trends. The International O Level curriculum places emphasis on broad and balanced study across a wide
range of subject areas. The curriculum is structured so that candidates attain both practical skills and
theoretical knowledge.

Cambridge O Level Commerce is recognised by universities and employers throughout the world as proof of
knowledge and understanding.

O Level Commerce candidates gain an introduction to the nature of commercial activities, how these
activities are affected by changes in the commercial environment, and the impact they have on national
and international consumers, producers, retailers and wholesalers. The syllabus looks at the purpose and
function of major commercial activities, examining language, concepts and decision-making procedures, and
the importance of communication and documentation. Candidates learn about the nature and importance of
innovation and change, and develop complementary skills of enquiry, interpretation and communication.

1.3 How can I find out more?

If you are already a Cambridge Centre
You can make entries for this qualification through your usual channels, e.g. your regional representative, the
British Council or CIE Direct. If you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected].

If you are not a Cambridge Centre

You can find out how your organisation can become a Cambridge Centre. Email either your local British
Council representative or CIE at [email protected]. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a
Cambridge Centre at www.cie.org.uk.

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

3
2. Assessment at a glance

Cambridge O Level Commerce

Syllabus code 7100
All candidates must take Paper 1 and Paper 2. Questions involving simple calculations may be set.

Paper 1 1 hour

The paper consists of 40 multiple-choice questions.

Weighting: 30% of total marks

Paper 2 2 hours

Candidates answer four questions from a choice of eight.

There will be stimulus response questions (containing numerical, textual and visual information) and
structured questions.

Weighting: 70% of total marks

Availability
This syllabus is examined in the May/June examination session and the October/November examination
session.

This syllabus is available to private candidates.

International O levels are available to Centres in Administrative Zones 3, 4 and 5. Centres in Administrative
Zones 1, 2 or 6 wishing to enter candidates for International O Level examinations should contact CIE
Customer Services.

Combining this with other syllabuses

Candidates can combine this syllabus in an examination session with any other CIE syllabus, except:
• syllabuses with the same title at the same level
• 7101 O Level Commercial Studies

Please note that IGCSE, Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificates and O Level syllabuses are at
the same level.

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

4
3. Syllabus aims and objectives

3.1 Aims
The syllabus will enable candidates to:
1 Develop knowledge and understanding of the purposes and functions of important commercial activities
and commercial institutions.
2 Develop an appreciation of the environment within which commercial activities take place.
3 Develop knowledge and understanding of the language, concepts and decision making procedures of
commercial activities.
4 Develop knowledge and understanding of the importance of commercial communication and
documentation and the impact of information technology.
5 Develop knowledge and understanding of the nature and significance of innovation and change on
commercial activities.
6 Develop and apply the skills of selection, interpretation and evaluation.

3.2 Assessment objectives

At the end of the course, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

1 Knowledge and Understanding

• basic principles, techniques and ideas in commerce;
• facts and terms relevant to commerce;
• key features and functions of commercial activities;
• main documents used in commerce.

2 Application
• application of commercial principles and ideas to given situations using appropriate terminology;
• use of relevant data and information in written, numerical and diagrammatical form.

3 Analysis
• identification and selection of the significant issues in a commercial situation;
• analysis of problems relating to a commercial situation.

4 Evaluation
• distinguishing between evidence and opinion;
• making reasoned judgements and communicating them in an accurate and logical manner.

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

5
3. Syllabus aims and objectives

Specification Grid
Assessment Paper 1 Skill Paper 2 Skill Total
Objectives marks Weighting marks Weighting Weighting

Knowledge &
16 ± 2 12% 25 ± 2 22% 34%
Understanding

Application 11 ± 2 8% 23 ± 2 20% 28%

Analysis 8±2 6% 18 ± 2 16% 22%

Evaluation 5±2 4% 14 ± 2 12% 16%

Total Marks 40 30% 80 70% 100%

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

6
4. Curriculum content

The syllabus provides an outline of commercial activities and how these activities are influenced by changes
in the commercial environment. Candidates will be expected to appreciate the implications of commercial
activities on the consumer, producer, retailer and wholesaler in both home and international trade.
Candidates will also be expected to recognise the impact developments of IT within commercial activities.

During their study, candidates should have the opportunity to visit centres of industry and commerce.
Topic Amplification

1 PRODUCTION
1.1 The chain of production Production of goods and services to satisfy human wants
and needs.
Process of production from primary through secondary to
tertiary production showing how value increases at each
stage of production.
1.2 Extractive, manufacturing and Meaning of these types of industries with examples.
construction industries and tertiary
activities
1.3 Specialisation and division of labour Meaning and use of the terms specialisation and division of
labour.
Forms of specialisation: by country, by region, by town, by
firm, by factory, by individual.
1.4 Commerce Process of exchange of goods and services.
1.5 Trade Nature, purposes and importance of trade, both at home
and overseas.
1.6 Aids to trade Banking and finance, communications, advertising,
transport, warehousing, insurance.
1.7 The relationship between industry, Ways in which industry, commerce and direct services are
commerce and direct services inter-related and interdependent.

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

7
4. Curriculum content

2 RETAIL TRADE
2.1 Role of the retailer in the chain of Services of the retailer as the middleman between
distribution manufacturer and consumer, responses to changes in
customer requirements and expectations.
2.2 Types of retailer Types: large and small (hypermarkets, supermarkets,
multiples, specialty shops, unit/independent retailers);
their characteristics; advantages and disadvantages.
2.3 Selling techniques, trends in retailing and E.g. branding, packaging, self-service, after-sales
the implications of e-commerce service, bar-coding, EPOS, shopping centres, loyalty
cards, implications of e-commerce on retailing.
2.4 Home shopping Mail order, telesales, television shopping, online
shopping (e-tailing). Characteristics and reasons for the
use of each.
2.5 Large scale retailing Advantages and disadvantages of large scale retailing;
effects on wholesalers, other retailers and consumers.
Reasons for the survival of the small scale retailer,
e.g. personal service, opening hours, additional services.

3 CONSUMER CREDIT
3.1 Use of credit Concept of credit. Increased use of credit.
Advantages and disadvantages of credit to the buyer and
the seller.
3.2 Types of credit (i) Hire Purchase: main features; advantages and
disadvantages; finance of Hire Purchase; comparison
with Extended Credit (see 15.1).
(ii) Extended Credit (Deferred Payments): main features;
advantages and disadvantages.
(iii) Store Cards: main features; advantages and
disadvantages.
(iv) Credit Cards: main features; advantages and
disadvantages (see 13.2).
(v) Informal Credit.
Suitability of methods of credit in certain
circumstances with reasons for choice.

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

8
4. Curriculum content

4 CONSUMER PROTECTION
4.1 Safeguarding the consumer Reasons for consumer protection.
4.2 Methods of safeguarding the consumer E.g. laws, organisations, codes of practice, other means.
(A detailed knowledge of specific legislation is not
required.)

5 WHOLESALE TRADE
5.1 The role of the wholesaler in the chain of Different patterns of distribution. Trends in wholesaling:
distribution forces making for the elimination and the survival of the
independent wholesaler. (See also 11 Warehousing.)
5.2 Functions and services of the wholesaler Services provided for the manufacturer, retailer,
consumer.
5.3 Intermediaries Role of merchants and agents (including brokers and
factors). Forwarding agents (freight forwarders).

6 DOCUMENTS OF TRADE
6.1 Documents of home trade Main documents used in home trade: enquiry, quotation,
catalogue, price list, order, invoice, advice and delivery
notes, credit notes, statement of account, receipt.
Key information and purposes of these documents.
6.2 Terms of payment Cash and trade discounts, mark-up.

7 INTERNATIONAL TRADE
7.1 The importance of international trade Benefits of international trade to a country. The
interdependence of countries within a global market.
Imports, exports, visible and invisible trade.
7.2 Balance of Trade and Balance of Payments Distinction between Balance of Trade and Balance of
Payments.
Calculation and interpretation of statistics relating to
international trade i.e. balance of trade and balance of
payments from given figures.
7.3 Customs Authorities Main functions e.g. collection of duties, collection of
trade statistics.
Supervision of bonded warehouses (see 11.2).

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

9
4. Curriculum content

7.4 Trading blocs E.g. ASEAN, European Union, SADC. Main features and
aims of a trading bloc.
Advantages and disadvantages of joining a trading bloc.
7.5 Free trade and protectionism Importance of freeports in international trade.
Restrictions on trade e.g. tariffs, quotas, embargoes.
7.6 Difficulties faced by exporters and E.g. distance, language, methods of payment.
importers

8 ADVERTISING
8.1 The role of advertising Purposes, benefits, social aspects and dangers.
Types: informative, persuasive, collective (generic) and
competitive.
8.2 Media Advertising media: advantages and disadvantages of
main forms; factors affecting choice of medium.
8.3 Methods of appeal Devices and methods of appeal e.g. music, colour,
famous people, emotions.
8.4 Sales promotion Distinction between advertising and sales promotion.
Methods of promotion e.g. point of sale, offers,
sponsorship.
8.5 Trends in advertising E.g. digital billboards, Internet.

9 COMMUNICATIONS
9.1 Importance of communications in the Rapid and accurate transmission of information in the
global economy global economy.
9.2 Methods of communications, internal and Oral, written, telephonic, electronic (including
external fax, Internet, Intranet, e-mail, teleconferencing,
videoconferencing).
Circumstances and factors affecting choice of method.
9.3 Post Office, Telecoms Services provided.

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

10
4. Curriculum content

10 TRANSPORT
10.1 Transportation Importance of transportation in the chain of distribution.
Characteristics of different methods: road, rail, air, sea,
waterway, pipeline. Factors affecting choice of method.
Modes of transport e.g. passenger train, ferry, delivery
van.
Benefits to a business of having own transport.
10.2 Containerisation Main features; advantages. Reasons for increased use.
10.3 Other trends in transportation Modern developments and trends in the handling of
goods and passengers e.g. charter transport, growth of
air freight, express road routes, changes in use of rail
transport.
10.4 Transport documents Delivery/consignment note; bill of lading, air waybill.
Key information and purposes of each.
10.5 Ports and airports Services offered at seaports and airports.

11 WAREHOUSING
11.1 Role of warehousing Warehousing functions; importance to trade. Link with
seasonal production, demand and price stability.
11.2 Types of warehouse Bonded; cold storage; cash and carry; large scale
retailers’ regional distribution centres; manufacturers’
and retailers’.
Main features of each type of warehouse.
Importance of each in either home or international trade.

12 INSURANCE
12.1 Purposes of insurance E.g. compensation, financial protection, business
confidence, investment. The importance of pooling of
risk.
12.2 Business and personal risks Types of risks. Examples of insurable and non-insurable
risks, including risks to international traders (see 7.6).
12.3 Insurance principles Essential elements: indemnity (including contribution
and subrogation), insurable interest, utmost good faith.

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

11
4. Curriculum content

12.4 Effecting insurance cover Outline of procedures, including premiums. Main

documents: proposal form, cover note, policy. Key
information and purposes of each. The role of an
insurance broker.
12.5 Statistical basis of insurance The pooling of risk factors influencing the level of
insurance premium.
Evaluation of insurance quotations.
12.6 Effecting a claim Outline of procedures, including claim form.

13 BANKING
13.1 Banking services Deposit/savings accounts and current/cheque accounts
and services provided e.g. paying-in slip, bank statement.
13.2 Means of payment for home and Cash; cheques; credit transfers; standing orders; direct
international trade activities debits; electronic transfers; documentary credits;
bank drafts; debit cards; credit cards. Characteristics,
purposes and documents involved.
13.3 Trends in banking E.g. ATMs, telebanking, Internet banking.

14 THE BUSINESS UNIT

14.1 Location of a business Factors to be considered e.g. labour, raw materials,
markets, transport.
14.2 Public and private sector Distinction between enterprises in the public and the
private sector.
14.3 Main forms of business organisation in Sole trader, partnership, limited company (private and
the private sector public).
Appropriateness of different forms of ownership to
commercial situations.
Characteristics relating to ownership, control, liability of
owners (both limited and unlimited), provision of capital,
distribution of profits.
14.4 Franchises Franchises – main characteristics, advantages and
disadvantages.
14.5 Multinationals Definition of a multinational. Importance of and reasons
for multinationals in the global economy.
Opportunities offered to, and conflicting interests of,
multinational companies locating in individual countries.

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

12
4. Curriculum content

15 FINANCE
15.1 Sources of finance The distinction between long-term and short-term
finance.
Long-term finance e.g. shares (ordinary and preference),
debentures, mortgages, loans, sale and leaseback.
Short-term finance e.g. overdraft, factoring, leasing,
trade credit, hire purchase.
Main features of each; advantages and disadvantages.
Methods of self-financing e.g. retained profits, savings.
Suitability of choice of finance in commercial situations
with reasons for choice.
15.2 Business finance Meaning, calculation and importance of capital (fixed and
working), turnover, rate of turnover, profit (gross and net).
Methods of improving profit and turnover.

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

13
5. Resource list

Student support:
Author Title Date Publisher ISBN

L Fitzmaurice Textbook of Commerce, 5th edition 2008 Pearson 9780435982256

Kennerdell, Business Studies for OCR GCSE 2001 Hodder Education 0340790520
Williams and
Schofield

R Dransfield and Business Studies for IGCSE 2010 Nelson Thornes 9781408506479
D Needham

M Trigwell-Jones O Level Commerce 2009 Cambridge 9780521727938

University Press

Teachers’ resources:
Author Title Date Publisher ISBN

L Fitzmaurice Textbook of Commerce, 5th edition 2008 Pearson 9780435982256

D Lobley Success in Commerce 1993 Hodder Education 0719551579

M Trigwell-Jones O Level Commerce 2009 Cambridge 9780521727938

University Press

Resources are also listed on CIE’s public website at www.cie.org.uk. Please visit this site on a regular
basis as the Resource lists are updated through the year.

Access to teachers’ email discussion groups, suggested schemes of work and regularly updated resource
lists may be found on the CIE Teacher Support website at http://teachers.cie.org.uk. This website is
available to teachers at registered CIE Centres.

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

14
6. Additional information

6.1 Guided learning hours

O Level syllabuses are designed on the assumption that candidates have about 130 guided learning hours
per subject over the duration of the course. (‘Guided learning hours’ include direct teaching and any other
supervised or directed study time. They do not include private study by the candidate.)

However, this figure is for guidance only, and the number of hours required may vary according to local
curricular practice and the candidates’ prior experience of the subject.

6.2 Recommended prior learning

Candidates beginning this course are not expected to have studied Commerce previously.

6.3 Progression
O Level Certificates are general qualifications that enable candidates to progress either directly to
employment, or to proceed to further qualifications.

6.4 Component codes

Because of local variations, in some cases component codes will be different in instructions about making
entries for examinations and timetables from those printed in this syllabus, but the component names will
be unchanged to make identification straightforward.

6.5 Grading and reporting

Ordinary Level (O Level) results are shown by one of the grades A*, A, B, C, D or E indicating the standard
achieved, Grade A* being the highest and Grade E the lowest. ‘Ungraded’ indicates that the candidate’s
performance fell short of the standard required for Grade E. ‘Ungraded’ will be reported on the statement of
results but not on the certificate.

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

15
6. Additional information

Percentage uniform marks are also provided on each candidate’s statement of results to supplement their
grade for a syllabus. They are determined in this way:
• A candidate who obtains…
… the minimum mark necessary for a Grade A* obtains a percentage uniform mark of 90%.
… the minimum mark necessary for a Grade A obtains a percentage uniform mark of 80%.
… the minimum mark necessary for a Grade B obtains a percentage uniform mark of 70%.
… the minimum mark necessary for a Grade C obtains a percentage uniform mark of 60%.
… the minimum mark necessary for a Grade D obtains a percentage uniform mark of 50%.
… the minimum mark necessary for a Grade E obtains a percentage uniform mark of 40%.
… no marks receives a percentage uniform mark of 0%.

Candidates whose mark is none of the above receive a percentage mark in between those stated according
to the position of their mark in relation to the grade ‘thresholds’ (i.e. the minimum mark for obtaining a
grade). For example, a candidate whose mark is halfway between the minimum for a Grade C and the
minimum for a Grade D (and whose grade is therefore D) receives a percentage uniform mark of 55%.

The uniform percentage mark is stated at syllabus level only. It is not the same as the ‘raw’ mark obtained
by the candidate, since it depends on the position of the grade thresholds (which may vary from one session
to another and from one subject to another) and it has been turned into a percentage.

6.6 Resources
Copies of syllabuses, the most recent question papers and Principal Examiners’ reports for teachers are
available on the Syllabus and Support Materials CD-ROM, which is sent to all CIE Centres.

Resources are also listed on CIE’s public website at www.cie.org.uk. Please visit this site on a regular
basis as the Resource lists are updated through the year.

Access to teachers’ email discussion groups, suggested schemes of work and regularly updated resource
lists may be found on the CIE Teacher Support website at http://teachers.cie.org.uk. This website is
available to teachers at registered CIE Centres.

Cambridge O Level Commerce 7100. Examination in June and November 2013.

16
University of Cambridge International Examinations
1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1223 553554 Fax: +44 (0)1223 553558
Email: [email protected] Website: www.cie.org.uk
© University of Cambridge International Examinations 2010