With reference to DA, outline two suitable methods of sampling (lines 112–113).

Explain the factors that DA would need to consider before deciding to outsource some of its production (line 110).

DA used sampling for recognition of brand name. It would have used sampling to set up focus groups and surveys. It also used focus groups in five different European countries for click and fix.

Context can be achieved by making reference to:

• The market(s) that DA operate in (mass vs niche)
• The geographical markets (five European countries)
• The need for DA to gain information within financial constraints
• The type of information required (brand awareness, customers in Europe etc)

Methods could include:

• quota
• random – may not be suitable as customer population is only a small part of whole
• stratified/systematic – probably for 5 European countries
• cluster
• convenience – most convenient unlikely to be those influenced by brand, bias
• snowball – but for the European market?

Award [1] for each suitable method identified and [1] for a description of how that method relates to DA. Award a maximum of [2] per method. Unsuitable methods cannot get context mark.

Refer to Paper 1 markbands for May 2016 forward, available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials.

Factors include:

• Quality: DA produces high quality products for the top end niche market, would outsourcing produce this quality
• Employment issues: DA currently looks after its employees. How would this continue if work is sent elsewhere? Redundancy costs.
• Control: To what extent to they want to keep in control of everything. It’s a family business so this may be important
• Costs: They are already under cost pressure. Would outsourcing help or hinder?
• Production issues: Could they benefit from better production techniques at the outsourced business? (No evidence of this in the case)
• Logistical issues: Possibly greater flexibility but no evidence
• Customer issues: Would they know? Would it make a difference? Maybe ‘upmarket’ customers would prefer locally made products.

Accept any other relevant explanation.

Marks should be allocated according to the paper 1 markbands for May 2016 forward section A.

Award a maximum of [3] for a theoretical answer, often a pre-prepared textbook answer or if there is only one factor.

Award a maximum of [5] if the explanation is mainly descriptive, but in context.

Many candidates were able to identify two different sampling methods however not many candidates were able to outline these methods in the context of the business. The best answers made observations about the nature of the sample population: it is small because of the niche market; it is widespread as the focus is several European countries; DA probably have financial constraints that might affect the choice of method.

Most candidates know and understand the concept of outsourcing. Better answers focused on: the impact that outsourcing might have on the workforce who, in the past, have been looked after by DA; quality which may be more difficult to maintain but which is crucially important for DA's products; possibly enhanced production methods at the outsourced company who may specialize in mass production, of which DA has no experience. Many weaker answers simply produced text-book answers i.e. without effective use of context.