Updated from the 0450 curriculum to the new Cambridge IGCSE Business 0264, Unit 6 – External Influences on Business Activity.

Handy for helping students understand how external factors influence business decisions and makes for a great revision resource.

Designed to align with the Cambridge IGCSE Business 0264 syllabus for 2027–2029, this organiser combines clear explanations, diagrams, business examples, chains of analysis and exam-style questions.

This knowledge organiser covers economic conditions, international trade, environmental concerns, ethical issues and pressure groups.

The following topics are covered.

6.1 Economic Issues: The business cycle (growth, boom, recession and slump), economic growth, inflation, unemployment and the effects of government policies, including taxation, government spending and interest rates.

6.2 Business and the International Economy: Globalisation, opportunities and threats of international trade, import tariffs and quotas, multinational companies (MNCs), external costs and benefits, and the impact of exchange rate appreciation and depreciation on businesses.

6.3 Business and the Environment: Environmental impacts of business activity, sustainable business practices, reducing waste and pollution, environmental legislation and the advantages and disadvantages of becoming more environmentally responsible.

6.4 Business and Ethical Issues: Ethical business behaviour, child labour, fair wages, responsible sourcing, supplier relationships and the benefits and potential costs of making ethical business decisions.

6.5 Pressure Groups: The role of pressure groups, methods used to influence businesses (including campaigns, boycotts, demonstrations and lobbying), and how businesses respond to public pressure.

Additional Revision and Exam Preparation: The organiser also includes SWOT and PEST analysis, guidance on the four assessment objectives (AO1–AO4), chains of analysis, examination techniques and structured practice questions.

Students often find external influences challenging because they need to explain how changes outside a business can affect its costs, revenue, profits and decisions.

This is why I have included practical business scenarios, illustrated examples and exam-style activities to help students develop their application, analysis and evaluation skills.

The resource also includes an extended OceanTrail Clothing case study, with 6-mark and 8-mark examination questions, model answers, additional practice activities and answer-planning guidance. These are designed to help students move beyond simply identifying business concepts towards developing well-supported explanations and justified judgements.

Format: 14-page printable PDF, suitable for printing, classroom use, independent revision and emailing to students.

Please note that, as a PDF, this document is not directly editable.