AQA GCSE · Question 01.9 · Business in the real world
Explain one problem a business might face when producing an effective business plan.
How to approach this question
This is a 2-mark "explain" question.
1. Identify a problem related to creating a business plan (e.g., forecasting, lack of experience).
2. Explain why this is a problem. For example, if forecasts are wrong, what is the consequence for the business?
Full Answer
A business plan is a formal document outlining a business's goals and the strategies for achieving them. However, producing one can be challenging. A key problem is the difficulty of making **accurate forecasts**. Market conditions can change unexpectedly (e.g., changes in consumer tastes, new laws, economic shifts), making cash-flow forecasts or sales predictions unreliable. Another problem can be the **entrepreneur's own inexperience or bias**. They may be overly optimistic about their sales potential, leading to an unrealistic plan that fails to convince investors or provide a useful guide for the business.
Common mistakes
✗ Stating a general business problem rather than one specific to producing the plan.
✗ Identifying a problem but not explaining its impact.