Paper 3: Business Decision-Making (Cambridge International A-Level Business)

What is examined in the CIE A level Business Paper 3?

• This paper is focused on A-Level syllabus content and is called 'Business Decision-Making'.

  • Knowledge of material from the AS Level subject content is assumed

    • The paper’s duration is three hours
    • The total number of marks available is 100
    • It represents 50% of the A Level (and 25% of the overall qualification)

• Paper 3 is made up of two compulsory six-part questions, each based on an unseen case study

  • You must answer both questions

• Each question is split into several parts and can include:

  • Short answer or calculation questions (typically 3–5 marks), testing application of business tools and quantitative skills
  • Analysis questions (around 8–10 marks), requiring developed chains of reasoning linked closely to the case study
  • Evaluation questions (up to 20 marks), where you must make a clear, well-justified business decision

• All questions are case-study based and usually focus on medium- to large-sized businesses

• You are expected to use data, numerical evidence, and qualitative information from the case study to support your answers

Content examined in this paper