creative thinking and problem solving essay grade 12

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Business Studies Grade 12 Essays Questions and Answers pdf

Business Studies Grade 12 Essays Questions and Answers pdf:

Table of Contents

Business Studies Grade 12 Essays Questions and Answers

Legislations essay questions.

Question 1:

The Labour Relations Act (LRA), 1995 (Act 66 of 1995) is a critical piece of legislation that outlines the rights of employees in the workplace. It is expected that businesses have a thorough understanding of this Act to implement it effectively. Many businesses seek legal advice to ensure compliance and avoid penalties for non-compliance with the LRA.

• Outline the rights of employees in terms of the Labour Relations Act , which include the right to join a trade union, engage in collective bargaining, and strike. It also prohibits unfair labour practices like discrimination and unfair dismissal procedures.
• Explain the purpose of the Labour Relations Act , which is to promote and regulate sound labour relations to contribute to economic growth and social development by establishing fair labour practices and procedures.
• Discuss the impact of the Labour Relations Act on businesses , which require compliance with certain procedures and practices to protect the rights of employees, conduct negotiations with trade unions, follow fair dismissal procedures, and ensure no unfair labour practices occur. Failure to comply with the Act may result in penalties, such as fines, compensation for affected employees, and legal action, which may damage the business’s reputation and negatively affect employee morale and productivity.
• Advise businesses on the penalties they may face for non-compliance with the LRA , which may include fines, compensation for affected employees, and legal costs. Non-compliance may also lead to reputational damage and negatively affect employee morale and productivity.

Question 2:

The National Credit Act (NCA), 2005 (Act 34 of 2005) provides a framework to regulate the credit market. It protects the rights of consumers and provides guidelines on how businesses should comply with this Act. Businesses may face penalties for not complying with the National Credit Act.

Write an essay on the National Credit Act in which you include the following aspects:

• Outline the rights of consumers in terms of the National Credit Act.
• Discuss the impact of the NCA on businesses.
• Explain ways in which businesses could comply with the NCA.
• Advise businesses on the penalties they may face for non-compliance to the Act.

Human Resources Function

The human resources manager is responsible for compiling the job description and job specification. Suitable candidates can be recruited internally using various recruitment sources. The interviewees should be familiar with their role during the interview. Businesses must ensure that the employment contract complies with the legal requirements of employment.

Write an essay on the human resources function in which you include the following human resources activities:

• Outline the differences between job description and job specification.
• Discuss the impact of internal recruitment on a business.
• Explain the role of the interviewee during the interview.
• Advise businesses on the legal requirements of the employment contract.

Business Function: Quality of Performance

Businesses implement quality control and quality assurance processes to produce high quality products. They also enjoy the benefits of a high-quality management system. Continuous skills development and total client satisfaction contribute towards the effective implementation of total quality management (TQM). Other businesses prefer to use the services of quality circles to achieve the desired outcome. Write an essay on quality of performance in which you include the following aspects:

• Outline the differences between quality control and quality assurance.
• Explain the benefits of a good quality management system.
• Continuous skills development/Education and training
• Total client/customer satisfaction
• Advise businesses on the role of quality circles as part of continuous improvement to processes and systems. [40]

Business Venture: Management and Leadership

Effective management and leadership play an important role in achieving business goals. Many leaders follow the transformational leadership theory as a guide to lead their employees. Others use the democratic and autocratic leadership styles in the workplace. Some leaders agree that the role of personal attitude is important for successful leadership.

• Write an essay on management and leadership in which you include the following aspects:
• Outline the differences between management and leadership.
• Explain the transformational leadership theory.
• Advise businesses on the role of personal attitude in successful leadership.[40]

Investment Securities

BUSINESS VENTURES (INVESTMENT: SECURITIES) Investing in a fixed deposit provides investors the opportunity to decide whether they want to receive simple interest or compound interest. Investors must also consider various types of shares before making investment decisions. Some invest in companies that are listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE).

Write an essay on investment securities in which you include the following aspects:

• Outline the differences between simple interest and compound interest.
• Explain the advantages of a fixed deposit as a form of investment.
• Discuss any THREE types of shares.
• Advise businesses on the functions of the Johannesburg Securities Exchange

Business Roles: Creative and Problem-solving

Businesses need to identify problems that affect their operations in order to make informed decisions. They must also create an environment that promotes creative thinking to enjoy the benefits of creativity in the workplace. The Delphi technique and the force-field analysis enable businesses to solve complex business problems.

• Write an essay on creative thinking and problem-solving in which you include the following aspects:
• Outline the differences between problem-solving and decision-making.
• Explain ways in which businesses can create an environment that promotes creative thinking in the workplace.
• Discuss the advantages of creative thinking in the workplace.
• Delphi technique
• Force-field analysis

BUSINESS ROLES (DIVERSITY AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT)

Businesses employ people who have different ways of doing things, which may lead to conflict. It is important that businesses identify diversity issues and find ways to deal with them. Businesses should be well informed about handling conflict in the workplace.

Write an essay on the following aspects:

• Discuss the benefits of a diverse work force.
• Suggest ways in which businesses may deal with language and age as diversity issues in the workplace.
• Explain the causes of conflict in the workplace.
• Advise businesses on how they should handle conflict in the workplace.

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS (LEGISLATION)

The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (BBBEE), 2003 (Act 53 of 2003) (amended in 2013) was introduced to overcome the challenges of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). Businesses are now compelled to comply with this Act.

You specialise in guiding businesses on the implementation of BBBEE. Write an essay on the following aspects:

• Distinguish between BEE and BBBEE.
• Evaluate the impact of BBBEE on businesses.
• Management control
• Enterprise and supplier development
• Advise businesses on penalties they could face for non-compliance with the BBBEE.

List of Business Studies Grade 12 Essays Exam Questions and Answers from previous years

Business management grade 12 question and answers online quizzes.

Revise all the topics under Business Management Grade 12 subject, using test quizzes based on the exam questions below:

• Quiz: Term 1: Macro Environment: Impact of Recent Legislations Quiz
• Quiz: Term 1: Human Resources Function
• Quiz: Term 1: Ethics and Professionalism
• Quiz: Term 1: Creative Thinking
• Quiz: Term 1: Macro Environment: Business Strategies
• Quiz: Term 2: Corporate Social Responsibility
• Quiz: Term 2: Human Rights, Inclusivity and Environmental Issues
• Quiz: Term 2: Team Performance Assessment, Conflict Management, and Problem-Solving
• Quiz: Term 2: Business Sectors and their Environments
• Quiz: Term 2: Leadership and Management
• Quiz: Term 2: Quality of Performance
• Quiz: Term 3: Investment – Securities
• Quiz: Term 3: Investment – Insurance
• Quiz: Term 3: Forms of Ownership
• Quiz: Term 3: Presentation and Data Response

Did You See These?

Why Entrepreneurship may be a Solution to the High Levels of Unemployment in South Africa

Ethics and Professionalism Business Studies Grade 12 Notes, Questions and Answers

Business Studies Grade 12 May – June Past Question Papers That Encourage Progressive Learning Steps

Human Resources Function Business Studies Grade 12 Notes, Questions and Answers

Business Sectors and their Environments Business Studies Grade 12 Notes, Questions and Answers

How Businesses Deal with HIV and Unemployment as Socio-economic Issues in South Africa

2018 Business Studies Grade 12 November question papers and memos download

Business Studies Grade 12 – Term 2 Notes for Revision

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What Is Creative Problem-Solving & Why Is It Important?

• 01 Feb 2022

One of the biggest hindrances to innovation is complacency—it can be more comfortable to do what you know than venture into the unknown. Business leaders can overcome this barrier by mobilizing creative team members and providing space to innovate.

There are several tools you can use to encourage creativity in the workplace. Creative problem-solving is one of them, which facilitates the development of innovative solutions to difficult problems.

Here’s an overview of creative problem-solving and why it’s important in business.

Access your free e-book today.

What Is Creative Problem-Solving?

Research is necessary when solving a problem. But there are situations where a problem’s specific cause is difficult to pinpoint. This can occur when there’s not enough time to narrow down the problem’s source or there are differing opinions about its root cause.

In such cases, you can use creative problem-solving , which allows you to explore potential solutions regardless of whether a problem has been defined.

Creative problem-solving is less structured than other innovation processes and encourages exploring open-ended solutions. It also focuses on developing new perspectives and fostering creativity in the workplace . Its benefits include:

• Finding creative solutions to complex problems : User research can insufficiently illustrate a situation’s complexity. While other innovation processes rely on this information, creative problem-solving can yield solutions without it.
• Adapting to change : Business is constantly changing, and business leaders need to adapt. Creative problem-solving helps overcome unforeseen challenges and find solutions to unconventional problems.
• Fueling innovation and growth : In addition to solutions, creative problem-solving can spark innovative ideas that drive company growth. These ideas can lead to new product lines, services, or a modified operations structure that improves efficiency.

Creative problem-solving is traditionally based on the following key principles :

1. Balance Divergent and Convergent Thinking

Creative problem-solving uses two primary tools to find solutions: divergence and convergence. Divergence generates ideas in response to a problem, while convergence narrows them down to a shortlist. It balances these two practices and turns ideas into concrete solutions.

2. Reframe Problems as Questions

By framing problems as questions, you shift from focusing on obstacles to solutions. This provides the freedom to brainstorm potential ideas.

3. Defer Judgment of Ideas

When brainstorming, it can be natural to reject or accept ideas right away. Yet, immediate judgments interfere with the idea generation process. Even ideas that seem implausible can turn into outstanding innovations upon further exploration and development.

4. Focus on "Yes, And" Instead of "No, But"

Using negative words like "no" discourages creative thinking. Instead, use positive language to build and maintain an environment that fosters the development of creative and innovative ideas.

Creative Problem-Solving and Design Thinking

Whereas creative problem-solving facilitates developing innovative ideas through a less structured workflow, design thinking takes a far more organized approach.

Design thinking is a human-centered, solutions-based process that fosters the ideation and development of solutions. In the online course Design Thinking and Innovation , Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar leverages a four-phase framework to explain design thinking.

The four stages are:

• Clarify: The clarification stage allows you to empathize with the user and identify problems. Observations and insights are informed by thorough research. Findings are then reframed as problem statements or questions.
• Ideate: Ideation is the process of coming up with innovative ideas. The divergence of ideas involved with creative problem-solving is a major focus.
• Develop: In the development stage, ideas evolve into experiments and tests. Ideas converge and are explored through prototyping and open critique.
• Implement: Implementation involves continuing to test and experiment to refine the solution and encourage its adoption.

Creative problem-solving primarily operates in the ideate phase of design thinking but can be applied to others. This is because design thinking is an iterative process that moves between the stages as ideas are generated and pursued. This is normal and encouraged, as innovation requires exploring multiple ideas.

Creative Problem-Solving Tools

While there are many useful tools in the creative problem-solving process, here are three you should know:

Creating a Problem Story

One way to innovate is by creating a story about a problem to understand how it affects users and what solutions best fit their needs. Here are the steps you need to take to use this tool properly.

1. Identify a UDP

Create a problem story to identify the undesired phenomena (UDP). For example, consider a company that produces printers that overheat. In this case, the UDP is "our printers overheat."

2. Move Forward in Time

To move forward in time, ask: “Why is this a problem?” For example, minor damage could be one result of the machines overheating. In more extreme cases, printers may catch fire. Don't be afraid to create multiple problem stories if you think of more than one UDP.

3. Move Backward in Time

To move backward in time, ask: “What caused this UDP?” If you can't identify the root problem, think about what typically causes the UDP to occur. For the overheating printers, overuse could be a cause.

Following the three-step framework above helps illustrate a clear problem story:

• The printer is overused.
• The printer overheats.
• The printer breaks down.

You can extend the problem story in either direction if you think of additional cause-and-effect relationships.

4. Break the Chains

By this point, you’ll have multiple UDP storylines. Take two that are similar and focus on breaking the chains connecting them. This can be accomplished through inversion or neutralization.

• Inversion: Inversion changes the relationship between two UDPs so the cause is the same but the effect is the opposite. For example, if the UDP is "the more X happens, the more likely Y is to happen," inversion changes the equation to "the more X happens, the less likely Y is to happen." Using the printer example, inversion would consider: "What if the more a printer is used, the less likely it’s going to overheat?" Innovation requires an open mind. Just because a solution initially seems unlikely doesn't mean it can't be pursued further or spark additional ideas.
• Neutralization: Neutralization completely eliminates the cause-and-effect relationship between X and Y. This changes the above equation to "the more or less X happens has no effect on Y." In the case of the printers, neutralization would rephrase the relationship to "the more or less a printer is used has no effect on whether it overheats."

Even if creating a problem story doesn't provide a solution, it can offer useful context to users’ problems and additional ideas to be explored. Given that divergence is one of the fundamental practices of creative problem-solving, it’s a good idea to incorporate it into each tool you use.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a tool that can be highly effective when guided by the iterative qualities of the design thinking process. It involves openly discussing and debating ideas and topics in a group setting. This facilitates idea generation and exploration as different team members consider the same concept from multiple perspectives.

Hosting brainstorming sessions can result in problems, such as groupthink or social loafing. To combat this, leverage a three-step brainstorming method involving divergence and convergence :

• Have each group member come up with as many ideas as possible and write them down to ensure the brainstorming session is productive.
• Continue the divergence of ideas by collectively sharing and exploring each idea as a group. The goal is to create a setting where new ideas are inspired by open discussion.
• Begin the convergence of ideas by narrowing them down to a few explorable options. There’s no "right number of ideas." Don't be afraid to consider exploring all of them, as long as you have the resources to do so.

Alternate Worlds

The alternate worlds tool is an empathetic approach to creative problem-solving. It encourages you to consider how someone in another world would approach your situation.

For example, if you’re concerned that the printers you produce overheat and catch fire, consider how a different industry would approach the problem. How would an automotive expert solve it? How would a firefighter?

Be creative as you consider and research alternate worlds. The purpose is not to nail down a solution right away but to continue the ideation process through diverging and exploring ideas.

Continue Developing Your Skills

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or business leader, learning the ropes of design thinking can be an effective way to build your skills and foster creativity and innovation in any setting.

If you're ready to develop your design thinking and creative problem-solving skills, explore Design Thinking and Innovation , one of our online entrepreneurship and innovation courses. If you aren't sure which course is the right fit, download our free course flowchart to determine which best aligns with your goals.

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T1 W5 Gr 12 Business Studies Lesson: Creative Thinking & Problem Solving

2021 FET Term 1 Week 5 Gr 12 Business Studies Lesson: Creative Thinking & Problem Solving

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• 29 Writing Problem-Solution Essays

Start-Up Activity

Point out that solving problems is how we make advances and improvements in life. Problems might be small, such as the need to fix a broken-down fence in our neighborhood. Problems can also be big, like the rapid loss of forests throughout our world.

Analyzing a problem helps us solve it. First, we look at the factors that cause the problem. Then we look at the effects that result from the problem. A solution might remove some of the problems or some of the effects.

Problem-solution writing can help students think their way through problems and come up with ways to solve them. It helps turn students into critical thinkers and problem solvers, making life better for everyone.

Think About It

“The golden rule of writing is to write about what you care about. If you care about your writing, you’ll do your best writing, and then you stand the best chance of really touching a reader in some way.”

—Jerry Spinelli

State Standards Covered in This Chapter

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.2
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.A
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.B
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.4
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.2
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.B
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.4
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.10
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.A
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.D
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.D
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.5

LAFS Covered in This Chapter

Lafs.4.ri.1.1, lafs.4.ri.1.2, lafs.4.ri.2.5, lafs.4.w.1.1, lafs.4.w.2.4, lafs.5.ri.1.1, lafs.5.ri.1.2, lafs.5.ri.2.5, lafs.5.w.1.1, lafs.5.w.2.4, lafs.5.w.4.10, lafs.4.w.2.5, lafs.5.w.2.5, teks covered in this chapter, 110.6.b.9.d, 110.6.b.9.d.i, 110.6.b.9.d.iii, 110.6.b.12.c, 110.6.b.11.b, 110.6.b.11.a, 110.6.b.11.b.i, 110.6.b.11.b.ii, 110.7.b.9.d, 110.7.b.7.d, 110.7.b.9.d.iii, 110.7.b.11.a, 110.7.b.11.b, 110.7.b.12.c, 110.7.b.11.b.i, 110.6.b.11.c, 110.6.b.11.d, 110.7.b.11.c, 110.7.b.11.d, page 210 from writers express, sample problem-solution essay.

Ask for student volunteers to read each paragraph of the problem-solution essay on this page and the one that follows. Then review the features that are called out in the side notes.

Point out the problem (underlined) as well as each topic sentence that addresses a different part of the problem and proposes a solution.

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Page 211 from Writers Express

Sample Problem-Solution Essay (Continued)

Solving Problems Critically and Creatively

Help students improve problem solving.

Page 212 from Writers Express

Writing a problem-solution essay.

Use the strategy at the top of the page to help your students list problems. Then use the problem-solution strategy at the bottom of the page to help students analyze the problem.

You could also use the cause-effect minilesson to help students analyze the causes and effects of the problem. Afterward, your students can devise solutions by getting rid of some of the causes, some of the effects, or both.

Analyzing with a Cause-Effect Chart

Analyze causes and effects of any topic.

Page 213 from Writers Express

Prewriting: organizing your ideas.

Use the listing strategy on this page to help students gather and organize the ideas for their problem-solution essays. The organized list shows one pattern, focusing on major causes and the people who can help solve the problem. At the bottom of the page, you'll find another way to organize details. Have your students choose a pattern that best fits their ideas.

Page 214 from Writers Express

Writing, revising, and editing.

Use this page to help your students fashion effective beginnings, middles, and endings for their writing. Point out the transition words that they can use to connect ideas using order of importance. You can also have them do the minilesson for other transition ideas.

Download and distribute the problem-solution revising and editing checklist to help students check the quality of their text. You also might have peer reviewers complete a peer response sheet, as shown in the minilesson.

Using Transitions to Add Information and Emphasis

Help students add information and emphasis.

Using a Peer Response Sheet

Teach students to write peer responses.

• 01 A Basic Writing Guide
• 02 Understanding the Writing Process
• 03 One Writer's Process
• 04 Qualities of Writing
• 05 Selecting and Collecting
• 06 Focusing and Organizing
• 07 Writing and Revising
• 09 Publishing
• 10 Writing Basic Sentences
• 11 Combining Sentences
• 12 Writing Paragraphs
• 13 Understanding Writing Terms and Techniques
• 14 Understanding Text Structures
• 15 Writing in Journals
• 16 Using Learning Logs
• 17 Writing Emails and Blogs
• 18 Writing Personal Narratives
• 19 Writing Fantasies
• 20 Writing Realistic Stories
• 21 Writing Stories from History
• 22 Responding to Narrative Prompts
• 23 Writing Explanatory Essays
• 24 Writing Process Essays
• 25 Writing Comparison-Contrast Essays
• 26 Responding to Explanatory Prompts
• 27 Writing Persuasive Essays
• 28 Writing Persuasive Letters
• 30 Responding to Persuasive Prompts
• 31 Writing Book Reviews
• 32 Writing About Literature
• 33 Responding to Literature Prompts
• 34 Writing Reports
• 35 Writing Research Reports
• 36 Writing Summaries
• 37 Writing Plays
• 38 Writing Poems
• 39 Communicating Online
• 40 Researching Online
• 41 Staying Safe Online
• 42 Reading Strategies for Fiction
• 43 Reading Strategies for Nonfiction
• 44 Reading Graphics
• 45 Building Vocabulary Skills
• 46 Becoming a Better Speller
• 47 Giving Speeches
• 48 Improving Viewing Skills
• 49 Improving Listening Skills
• 50 Using Graphic Organizers
• 51 Thinking and Writing
• 52 Thinking Clearly
• 53 Thinking Creatively
• 54 Completing Assignments
• 55 Working in Groups
• 56 Taking Tests
• 57 Taking Good Notes
• 58 Marking Punctuation
• 59 Editing for Mechanics
• 60 Check Your Spelling
• 61 Using the Right Word
• 62 Understanding Sentences
• 63 Understanding Our Language

• Mindset Network
• Solving Business Problems
• Business Studies
• Creative Thinking
• Learn Xtra Live 2013
• Impact of recent legislation on business
• Human Resources function
• Professionalism and Ethics
• Devise Strategies for a Business to Use in its Response to the Challenges of the Macro Business Environment.
• Term 1 Revision
• Concept of Corporate Social Responsibility. Human Rights, Inclusivity and Environmental Issues
• Team Performance Assessment and Conflict Management
• Business Sectors and their Environments
• Management and Leadership
• Quality of Performance Within Business Functions
• Term 2 Revision
• Investment - Insurance
• Investment - Securities
• Forms of Ownership and their Impact on the Business Operation
• Term 3 Revision
• Exam Revision

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