Globalisation — AQA GCSE Business
Test yourself on Globalisation with AQA GCSE practice questions.
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Globalisation explained
Globalisation exposes UK businesses to products from many countries, so design quality becomes a competitive weapon.
Read the full explanation
A better design means a product or service that meets customer needs more effectively than rivals: easier to use, more reliable, more attractive or cheaper to produce. For example, a UK phone case maker might redesign a case with a slimmer profile and recycled material, making it more appealing than an imported alternative. Better design can raise demand, allow a higher price, cut waste and strengthen brand image. It also helps a business differentiate itself when many similar goods are available worldwide. However, design improvements cost money and time, and rivals may copy them quickly. Students should explain how better design affects competitiveness, not just state that it is good.
Your focus
- Define better design in the context of global competition.
- Explain how a design improvement can increase demand or allow a higher price.
- Evaluate whether better design is worth the cost and risk for a named business.
Globalisation exam tips
Marking Points
- Defines better design as improving how well a product or service meets customer needs compared with competitors.
- Explains that globalisation increases the number of rival products available, so design becomes a way to stand out.
- Gives a concrete example, such as a slimmer, more durable or more sustainable product design.
- Links better design to a business benefit, such as higher demand, premium pricing, lower waste or stronger brand image.
- Recognises a limitation, such as design costs, time to develop or the risk of imitation by competitors.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Use a named product or business to make the design improvement concrete.
- 💡Develop each point with a chain of reasoning: design change, customer response, business effect.
- 💡If asked to evaluate, weigh the benefit of better design against its cost and the risk of copying.
Common Mistakes
- Treating better design as only about appearance; correction: design also covers function, reliability, ease of use and production efficiency.
- Assuming better design always raises profit; correction: higher costs or lower sales may reduce profit, so the net effect must be considered.
- Ignoring the global context; correction: link the design improvement to competition from imported or international rivals.