Cambridge International · International A Level · 9609
Cambridge International A Level Business (9609)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
Cambridge International International A Level Business (9609)
Cambridge International A Level Business (9609)
Cambridge 9609 (2026) develops business concepts across enterprise, marketing, operations, finance, human resource management, strategic management, and external environment — case studies integrate topics in assessment.
Mark schemes: Application: every paragraph should tie back to the case business using data. Analysis: chains showing ‘because → therefore’. Evaluation: weigh alternatives using evidence, stakeholders, and time horizon. Quantitative questions: show formula, working, and unit. Examiner reports penalise list-only answers without development.
Active recall: 0 / 18 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business strategy & structure | Core | Mission & vision | Purpose and long-term aspiration. | |
| Business strategy & structure | Core | SWOT analysis | Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats. | |
| Business strategy & structure | Core | Ansoff matrix | Market penetration, development, product development, diversification. | |
| Business strategy & structure | Core | Porter’s Five Forces | Industry competitiveness. | |
| Business strategy & structure | Core | Corporate social responsibility | Ethical, environmental, stakeholder obligations. | |
| Business strategy & structure | Advanced | Change management | Kotter-style stages — resistance and communication. | |
| Marketing & operations | Core | Elasticity applications | PED and pricing power; YED and product mix. | |
| Marketing & operations | Core | Branding strategies | Individual vs family vs corporate brands. | |
| Marketing & operations | Core | Lean production | Waste reduction; JIT; kaizen. | |
| Marketing & operations | Core | Quality assurance systems | TQM, benchmarking, ISO concepts. | |
| Marketing & operations | Core | Location decisions | Quantitative (cost) and qualitative factors. | |
| Marketing & operations | Advanced | Network diagrams / critical path | Project scheduling basics. | |
| Finance & HRM | Core | Ratio analysis | Liquidity, profitability, gearing — interpret trends. | |
| Finance & HRM | Core | Sources of finance | Equity vs debt; pecking order idea. | |
| Finance & HRM | Core | Investment appraisal | Payback, ARR, NPV — strengths/limitations. | |
| Finance & HRM | Core | Motivation theories | Content vs process theories applied to scenarios. | |
| Finance & HRM | Core | Industrial relations | Trade unions, collective bargaining. | |
| Finance & HRM | Advanced | Organisational culture | Handy’s or similar models — strategic fit. |
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