Unit 6: External factors

Unit 6: External influences

The final section of the course focusses on how the different external influences impact on business activity. External influences includes economic, environmental and ethical influences on business and the role played by governments. Legal constraints are another external influence covered in this section. Two new units, 6.4 (Business and ethical issues) and 6.5 (Pressure groups) have been added to the revised Cambridge syllabus.

The pages in this unit can be accessed directly at the following links:

Unit 6.1: Business cycles

The main stages of the business cycle, e.g. growth, boom, recession, slump and the Impact on businesses of changes in employment levels, inflation and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).Lesson time: 75 minutes

Unit 6.1: How government control of the economy affects business

How government control over the economy affects business activity and how businesses may respond.Lesson time: 75 minutesLesson objectives: In this lesson students will learn how government control over...

Unit 6.2: Environmental issues affecting business

Environmental concerns and ethical issues as both opportunities and constraints for businesses and how businesses impact on the environment. Lesson time: 95 minutesLesson objectives: In this lesson students...

Unit 6.2: Ethical issues affecting business

This lesson looks at how business activity can impact on the environment, but also contribute to sustainable development. Students will also learn how and why business might respond to environmental pressures...

Unit 6.3: Business and the international economy

The concept, opportunities and threats of globalisation for businesses and why governments might introduce import tariffs and import quotas.Lesson time: 80 minutesLesson objectives: This lesson looks...

Unit 6.3: Reasons for the importance and growth of multinational companies (MNCs)

Reasons for the importance and growth of multinational companies (MNCs) and the impact of exchange rate changesLesson time: 130 minutes (can be completed over two lessons)Lesson objectives: This lesson...

Unit 6.3: The impact of exchange rate changes

The page also focusses on the impact of exchange rate changes and how those changes can affect businesses as importers and exporters of products.Lesson time: 55 minutes Lesson objectives: This lesson...

Unit 6: Review terms

This page includes the review terms for unit 6, external influences. The revision terms are available as a PDF file at: Review terms

Unit 6: Multiple choice questions

This page contains a multiple-choice question on unit 6, external influences.The multiple choice questions on this page are available as a PDF file at: Multiple choice

Unit 6: Multiple choice quiz II

This page contains a multiple-choice question on unit 6, external influences.The questions on this page can be downloaded as a PDF file at: Questions

Selected Pages

All materials on this website are for the exclusive use of teachers and students at subscribing schools for the period of their subscription. Any unauthorised copying or posting of materials on other websites is an infringement of our copyright and could result in your account being blocked and legal action being taken against you.