Appendix: quantitative skills in business

The list below states the range and extent of mathematical techniques appropriate to GCSE in Business. This specification requires students, drawing on the knowledge and understanding above, to apply these skills to relevant business contexts.

Calculation

Calculations in a business context, including:
  • percentages and percentage changes
  • averages
  • revenue, costs and profit
  • gross profit margin and net profit margin ratios
  • average rate of return
  • cash flow forecasts, including total costs, total revenue and net cash flow.

Interpretation

Interpretation and use of quantitative data in business contexts to support, inform and justify business decisions, including:
  • information from graphs and charts
  • profitability ratios (gross profit margin and net profit margin)
  • financial data, including profit and loss, average rate of return and cash flow forecasts
  • marketing data, including market research data
  • market data, including market share, changes in costs and changes in prices.