← Business Studies syllabus

SingaporeBusiness Studies

Business Organisation and Environment

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What does a business weigh up when deciding where to locate, and why is the best site different for a factory than for a shop?

Explain the main factors affecting the location decision of a business, including markets, costs, labour, infrastructure and government influence, for different types of business
A focused answer to the O-Level Business Studies outcome on location. The factors affecting where a business locates - markets, costs, labour, raw materials, infrastructure and government influence - and why the best location differs by type of business.
7 min answer →

What changes when a business becomes a company in law, and why does that protect its owners?

Explain incorporation, the meaning of a separate legal identity, the difference between unlimited and limited liability, and the consequences for owners and the business
A focused answer to the O-Level Business Studies outcome on incorporation. The meaning of a separate legal identity, unlimited versus limited liability, why limited companies protect their owners, and the consequences of incorporation.
7 min answer →

How is a business organised internally, and how do the shape of its hierarchy and its chains of command affect how it works?

Explain organisational structure using an organisation chart, the meaning of hierarchy, chain of command, span of control, and delegation, and compare tall and flat structures
A focused answer to the O-Level Business Studies outcome on organisational structure. Organisation charts, hierarchy, chain of command, span of control, delegation, and the difference between tall and flat structures.
8 min answer →

Who owns and runs the organisations around us, and why does the government provide some goods and services itself?

Distinguish the private and public sectors, explain the role and objectives of public-sector organisations, and compare them with private-sector firms
A focused answer to the O-Level Business Studies outcome on the public and private sectors. The difference between the two sectors, the objectives of public-sector organisations, why the state provides some services, and how private and public bodies differ.
7 min answer →

What are the main legal forms a private-sector business can take, and how do they differ in ownership, control and liability?

Compare the main forms of private-sector business organisation - sole trader, partnership, private limited company and public limited company - and their advantages and disadvantages
A focused answer to the O-Level Business Studies outcome on business ownership. Sole traders, partnerships, private limited companies and public limited companies, with their advantages, disadvantages and how to choose between them.
9 min answer →