MINISTRY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
SKILLS

FORMS 1 - 4
2024 - 2030

Curriculum Development and Technical Services

P. O. Box MP 133
Mount Pleasant
Harare

© All Rights Reserved

2024
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education would like to acknowledge the following:

• The National Business Enterprise Skills Syllabus Panel

• Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development
(MoHTEISTD)
• Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC)
• United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
 i

CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................................................. i

1.0 PREAMBLE .................................................................................................................................................. 1

2.0 PRESENTATION OF SYLLABUS ................................................................................................................ 1

3.0 AIMS ............................................................................................................................................................. 1

4.0 SYLLABUS OBJECTIVES........................................................................................................................... 2

5.0 METHODOLOGY AND TIME ALLOCATION .............................................................................................. 2

6.0 TOPICS ........................................................................................................................................................ 2

7.0 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE ........................................................................................................................... 3

8.0 COMPETENCY MATRIX.............................................................................................................................. 6

8.1 FORM 1 SYLLABUS .................................................................................................................................... 6

8.2 FORM 2 SYLLABUS .................................................................................................................................... 13

8.3 FORM 3 SYLLABUS .................................................................................................................................... 21

8.4 FORM 4 SYLLABUS .................................................................................................................................... 30

9.0 ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................................. 37

ii
1.0 PREAMBLE

1.1 Introduction

This Heritage-Based Business Enterprise Skills syllabus is a four – year learning area covering Forms 1 – 4. The learning
area intends to develop in learners skills in enterprising, leadership, resource management, problem solving and critical
thinking. This learning area will enable learners to interact with and participate in the changing enterprising environment,
through the use of their learnt financial skills and acquired competences, namely; knowledge, skills, values and attitudes.
It also fosters an understanding and appreciation of the national tangible and intangible heritage.

1.2 Rationale

The study of Business Enterprise Skills equips learners with practical enterprise skills, value addition skills and business
enterprising ethics such as self-management, business integrity, volunteerism (corporate social responsibility) and dignity
of labour. This enables learners to operate successful enterprises in the prevailing socio–economic, cultural, political and
technological environment. It promotes self-reliance for the enhancement of economic growth through the ownership of,
access to and utilisation of the means of production, as enshrined in the prevailing national economic policies. The
syllabus fosters effective exploration of both tangible and intangible aspects of our heritage, thereby encouraging cultural
identity, pride and continuity.

The Business Enterprise Skills syllabus enables learners to develop skills such as:

• Business Leadership
• Business Communication
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Creativity and innovation
• Decision making
• Team building

1.3 Summary of Content

This syllabus intends to provide a theoretical and practical knowledge base for learners in areas such as enterprising
environment, business planning, setting up a new enterprise, operations management, financial
management, human resource management and marketing.

1.4 Assumptions

It is assumed that learners:

• have a desire for self-reliance through running

their own enterprises
• desire to contribute economically to the community and the nation at large
• have access to some means of production
• are constantly participating in, and interacting with business enterprise activities such as buying and selling
• are aware of the prevailing business environment
• interact with Information Communication Technology (ICT).

1.5 Cross Cutting Themes

The teaching and learning of the Heritage-Based Business Enterprise Skills will encompass the following cross cutting
themes:

• Information Communication Technology (ICT)

 • Environmental management
• Disaster risk management
• Health and wellbeing
• Climate Change
• Children’s rights and responsibilities

2.0 PRESENTATION OF SYLLABUS

The syllabus is presented as a single document comprising preamble, aims, objectives, methodology, topics,
scope and sequence, competence matrix and assessment.

3.0 AIMS

The syllabus enables learners to:

3.1 develop an appreciation of the environment within which business enterprise activities take place
3.2 develop knowledge and understanding of stakeholders within and outside business
3.3 consider ways in which they are able to influence business objectives
3.4 create new business ventures and employment
3.5 enhance lifelong skills such as creativity, innovation., problem solving and decision making allowing them to
contribute to economic development
3.6 demonstrate an appreciation of the tangible and intangible heritage

4.0 SYLLABUS OBJECTIVES

Learners should be able to:

4.1 analyse the environment in which business and enterprise activities take place
4.2 demonstrate knowledge and understanding of facts, terms, concepts, functions of the business enterprise skills
4.3 apply knowledge and skills to solve problems in a business situation
4.4 make accurate judgments on business issues
4.5 apply ICTs in business activities
4.6 communicate business information in a logical manner
4.6 demonstrate an enterprising culture, apply skills of numeracy, literacy, inquiry and use relevant sources of
information to present and interpret business data

5.0 METHODOLOGY AND TIME ALLOCATION

5.1 Methodology
The syllabus encourages learner-centred methods and approaches. The following methods are suggested.

• Mini enterprise approach

• Problem solving
• Demonstrations
• Educational tours
• Research
• Group work
• Role play
• Guided discovery
• Seminars
• Debates
• Project work
 • Shadowing
• School on the shop floor
5.2 Time Allocation

At least five (5) forty-minute lessons per week with one double period shall be allocated. Learners should be engaged in
at least one educational tour per year and one seminar per term.

6.0 TOPICS

The syllabus topics are as follows:

6.1 The Business Enterprise

6.2 The Enterprising Environment
6.3 Setting Up a New Enterprise
6.4 Business Planning
6.5 Enterprise Finance and Securing Investors
6.6 People in Business Enterprises
6.7 Markets and Marketing
6.8 Operations Management

2
7.0 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

7.1 TOPIC 1: THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4

• Enterprising • The role of an enterpriser in an • Drivers towards enterprising

• Skills and personal attributes of an enterprise
enterpriser

7.2 TOPIC 2: THE ENTERPRISING ENVIRONMENT

FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4

• Internal and external stakeholders • Internal and external environment • Business constraints • Business Opportunities and Risks

• Need for resources and capabilities • Resources and capabilities

7.3 TOPIC 3: SETTING UP A NEW ENTERPRISE

FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4

• Unincorporated Business • Incorporated business enterprises • Forms of business enterprises • Risk, ownership and limited liabilities
enterprises • Setting a sole proprietorship or • Formation of business enterprise
partnership business enterprises
• Business ethics

• Business size and growth • Assistance to enterprise start-ups • Business size

• Causes of business failure • Business growth
7.4 TOPIC 4: BUSINESS PLANNING

FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4

• Purpose of business planning • Business planning process • Business plan • Implementation of business plan
• Business plan
• Business objectives

7.5 TOPIC 5: ENTERPRISE FINANCE AND SECURING INVESTORS

FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4

• The need for finance • Financial statements • Working capital • Business costs
• Sources of finance • Cash budgets • Financial statements • Break-even analysis
• Cash Budgets • Budgeting and Budgets
• Financial institutions • Securing Investors

7.6 TOPIC 6: PEOPLE IN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4

• Functions of managers • Motivation theories • Financial and non-financial methods

• Motivating employees • Leadership of motivation
• Business communication • Organisational structure
7.7 TOPIC 7: MARKETS AND MARKETING

FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4

• The need for marketing • Types of markets- • Marketing research • Economic integration
• Market segmentation • Marketing mix
• Demand forecasting

7.8 TOPIC 8: OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4

• Nature of Production • Value addition • Purchasing • Warehousing

• Location of production • Transport • Inventory management • Quality management
• Information Communication Tech-
nologies (ICTs) in operations man-
agement
8.0 COMPETENCY MATRIX

8.1 FORM 1

8.1.1 THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values RESOURCES
and attitudes)
Enterprising • explain the concept of • Concept of enterprising • Defining terms • Recommended
enterprising Meaning of: • Identifying enterprises which are in their textbooks
- Enterprising, communities • Case studies
- Enterpriser, • Demonstrating enterprising activities • Samples of
- Enterprise that learners may practice at school and goods
at home • ICT tools:
internet
• Resource
person
• Relevant
statutory
instruments
Skills and personal • identify skills and personal attributes • Skills and personal • Describing the personal attributes and • Recommended
attributes of an needed to run an enterprise attributes such as skills needed to run a new enterprise. textbooks
enterpriser leadership, innovation, • Operating local projects • Charts
creativity, team building, • ICT tools
delegation, problem • Newspaper
• explain skills and personal attributes of solving, as self-confidence, cuttings
a good enterpriser determination to succeed, • Literature on our
• apply leadership skills in a given project perseverance. Heritage

• identify the benefits and drawbacks of

enterprising • Benefits and drawbacks of • Explaining the benefits and drawbacks
enterprising of enterprising giving examples
8.1.2 THE ENTERPRISING ENVIRONMENT

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values RESOURCES
and attitudes)
Internal and • distinguish between internal and • Internal stakeholders such • Explaining the difference between
external external stakeholders as: internal and external stakeholders • Journals
stakeholders - the enterpriser • Newspapers
- managers • Identifying the internal and external • Charts
- employees stakeholders • ICT tools
• explain the role of each internal and • external stakeholders such
external stakeholder as: • Discussing the roles of internal and
- Suppliers external stakeholders
- Competitors
Need for resources • differentiate resources and • Resources and • Identifying different resources and
and capabilities capabilities capabilities capabilities • Examples of
• explain the need for resources in an • The need for resources • Discussing the differences between tangible
enterprise and capabilities capabilities and resources resources
• explain reasons for analysing • Types of resources
capabilities - tangible such as -
forests, land, water,
capital, • Explaining the need for resources in
• identify different types of resources - intangible such as an enterprise
required in an enterprise labour, knowledge, • Describing different types of
enterprising, resources
expertise, skills
8.1.3 SETTING UP A NEW ENTERPRISE

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values RESOURCES
and attitudes)
Unincorporated • identify forms of unincorporated • Forms of business • Discussing forms of business • Recommended
Business business enterprises enterprises such as: sole enterprises textbooks
enterprises • describe the forms of unincorporated proprietorship, partnership • Explaining forms of business • Newspapers
business’ enterprises • Characteristics of business enterprises • Local
enterprises businesses

• explain advantages and • Advantages and

disadvantages of unincorporated disadvantages of • Debating on the advantages and
business enterprises unincorporated business disadvantages of unincorporated
enterprises business enterprises

Purpose of • explain the purpose of business • Purpose of the business • Discussing the purpose of business
business enterprise enterprises enterprises such as: enterprises
employment creation,
infrastructural development
8.1.4 BUSINESS PLANNING

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values RESOURCES
and attitudes)
Purpose of Business • explain business planning and a • The need/purpose for • Discussing purpose of business • Recommended
planning business plan business planning and a planning textbooks
• describe importance of business business plan • Samples of
Business plan planning • Discussing importance of business business plans
• explain importance of a business planning and business plan • Computers
plan • Dramatising importance of business • Software
• design a mini-business plan plan packages such
• Listing the elements of business plan as business in
• Creating a mini-business plan a box

Business objectives • identify different business objectives • Business objectives such • Describing business objectives
as:
- Profit maximization
- Growth
- Survival
- Sales revenue
- Corporate social
responsibility
- Ethical
8.1.5 ENTERPRISE FINANCE AND SECURING INVESTORS

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES: CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
Need for business • explain the need for finance in an • The need for finance • Discussing the need for finance • Recommended textbooks
finance enterprise in an enterprise • Local Financial
Institutions
• explain investment and saving • Investment and saving • Describing investment and saving • Newspapers

Sources of finance • Listing sources of finance

• identify sources of finance • Sources of finance for • Discussing differences between
different types of internal and external sources of
enterprises: finance
• differentiate between internal and ‾ Internal sources such as: • Explaining advantages and dis-
external sources of finance personal savings, family, advantages of various sources of
friends, profits from in- finance
• explain advantages and vestment
disadvantages of various ‾ External sources such • Role playing such as a learner
sources of finance as: banks and other approaching a friend for funds to
financial institutions, start a business
com- munity sources,
including charities and • Touring financial institutions
social enterprises,
government grants and • Listing factors to consider when
• identify factors to consider when subsidies, venture choosing sources of finances
choosing sources of finance capitalists and equity
finance.
8.1.6 MARKETS AND MARKETING

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED RESOURCES

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values ACTIVITIES
and attitudes)
The need for • explain the meaning of • Meaning of : • Group research and • Recommended
marketing market, product, • Market brainstorming the meaning text books
demand and supply • Product of the terms product, • Journals
• Supply demand supply and market; • Newspapers
• Demand and the relationship that • ICT tools
exists between demand and
supply
• Identifying different products
around the school
• evaluating importance of
marketing
• discuss the importance of • Importance of
marketing to business marketing • Illustrating the relationship
enterprises that exists between demand
• explain the relationship that and supply using diagrams
exists between demand and
supply
8.1.7 OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and RESOURCES
attitudes)
Nature of • identify the means of production • Means of production such as • Describing the means of production • Recommende
production land, labour, capital and d text books
enterprising • ICT tools
• identify stages of production • Stages of production – • Describing the stages of production • Production
primary, secondary and process
tertiary • Local
Businesses

• explain the production function • Illustrating the production process

Location of • illustrate the production function • Production function • Discussing factors influencing
production • Locational factors such as business location.
• identify factors influencing the nearness to raw materials, • Examining factors leading to
location of a business unit markets, transport and capital relocation of a business
• Citing businesses that relocated
• Relocational factors such as • Giving reasons why named
depletion of raw materials, • enterprises have relocated
• discuss factors that lead to relocation dying markets, natural
of a business disasters and government
policy
8.2 FORM 2

8.2.1 THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES: CONTENT SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES AND SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and NOTES RESOURCES
attitudes)
The role of an • explain the role of an enterpriser in an • Roles of an enterpriser • Discussing the role of an enterpriser in • Recommended
Enterpriser in an enterprise in business such as: business textbooks
enterprise - Scanning the • Visiting enterprises in the community • Case studies
environment • Samples of goods
- Identifying business • ICT tools: internet
opportunities • Newspaper
- Mobilizing necessary cuttings
resources • Literature on our
- Proper allocation of Heritage
resources • Resource person
- Setting up the business
• Relevant statutory
- Managing business instruments
operations
8.2.2 THE ENTERPRISING ENVIRONMENT

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
Internal and external • identify the internal and external • Internal and external • Listing the internal and external • Recommended
environment environmental factors environment environmental factors text books
• describe the internal and external - SWOT Analysis • Discussing the internal and external • Journals
environmental factors environmental factors • Newspapers
• ICT tools
Resources and • identify different ways of • Acquisition and ownership • Listing different ways of acquiring • Recommended
capabilities acquiring resources of resources and owning resources textbooks

• analyse different forms of • Sustainable use of • Discussing different forms of

resource ownership resources resource ownership
• justify ownership of resources • Role play on ownership of resources

• explain various ways of • Describing ways of using resources

sustainable use of resources sustainably

• explain the importance of using • Discussing importance of

resources sustainably sustainable use of resources
8.2.3 SETTING UP A NEW ENTERPRISE

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
Incorporated business • identify forms of incorporated • Limited companies and • Describing different forms of • Recommended
enterprises business enterprises cooperatives incorporated business enterprises textbooks

• explain the features of • Explaining features of different

incorporated business • features of incorporated incorporated business enterprises
enterprises business enterprises
• Debating on the benefits and
• analyze the benefits and • Benefits and limitations of limitations of incorporated business
limitations of different incorporated business enterprises
incorporated business enterprises
enterprises

Setting up a sole • identify the requirements of • Requirements of • Discussing the requirements of • ICT tools
proprietorship and setting up a business setting up a sole setting up business enterprises
Partnership enterprise proprietorship and a • Visiting business enterprises
partnership • Compiling information on
• establish a sole • Process of forming a formation of business enterprise
proprietorship or partnership business enterprise • Discussing issues concerning
business enterprise business ethics
• Debating the advantages and
Business ethics • explain issues concerning • Business ethics disadvantages of a business
business ethics being ethical or not ethical
• evaluate the importance of • applying business ethics in
being ethical in business running projects
• apply business ethics in
their projects
Business size and • describe factors influencing • Factors influencing • Discussing the factors • Textbooks
growth business growth business growth influencing business growth • I.C.T tools
• such as: capital,
competition,
management, labour
and location
8.2.3 SETTING UP A NEW ENTERPRISE

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
Causes of business • discuss the reasons why • Causes of business • Explaining causes of business • Textbooks
failure some businesses fail failure such as: poor failure • I.C.T tools
management, poor • Describing causes of business • Local
recording keeping failure business
and lack of finance • Investigating signs of centre
failure/weaknesses in school
projects
• suggest solutions to causes • Discussing solutions to causes
of business failure of business failure

8.2.4 BUSINESS PLANNING

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES: CONTENT SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES AND SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values NOTES RESOURCES
and attitudes)
Business planning • describe business planning • Business planning • explaining business planning • Recommended
process process process: process textbooks
- Environmental
analysis
• discuss importance of each - Destiny, cause and • Describing the importance of
business planning step calling each business planning step
- objective setting • Presentations on business
- options generation, planning process
evaluation and
selection • carrying out business
• execute business planning - implementation, planning process
process review and control
8.2.5 NTERPRISE FINANCE AND SECURING INVESTORS

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES: CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGETSED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
Financial statements • explain importance of keeping • Financial statements • Discussing importance of keeping • Recommended text-
accurate financial records accurate financial records books
• prepare an income statement • Income statement • Local business
• draw a statement of financial • Statement of financial • Preparing financial statements enterprises
position position such as income statement and • Financial statements
• Cash budgets statement of financial position
• prepare a simple cash budget • Identify inflows and out flows

Cash Budgets • describe a cash budget • Applying cash budget information

on projects
8.2.6 PEOPLE IN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
Functions of • explain functions of managers in a • Management functions: • Outlining functions of managers • Recommended text
managers business ‾ Planning • Discussing the functions of books
‾ Leading managers • ICT tools
‾ Organizing • Role playing functions of managers
‾ Controlling

Motivating employees • explain the benefits of motivated • Motivation • Discussing the benefits of • Recommended
employees motivated employees text books
• identify financial and non- • Describing financial and non- • Merit awards
financial methods of motivating financial methods of motivation
employees • Investigating and reporting on the
methods being used to motivate
• investigate how local employees at school
employees are motivated
• demonstrate motivation skills in
projects
8.2.7 MARKETS AND MARKETING

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED RESOURCES

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES
attitudes)
Types of Markets • identify types of markets • Types of markets • Listing types of markets • Recommended text
books
• explain types of markets ‾ Physical and virtual • Describing types of markets • Pamphlets
markets • ICT tools such
‾ Local markets computers, internet
‾ Regional markets • Resource persons
‾ Global markets

• describe the features of virtual • Features of physical and • Explaining features of virtual and
and physical markets virtual markets physical markets
• Visiting local markets

• discuss the advantages and • Advantages and • Outlining the advantages and
disadvantages of physical and disadvantages of physical disadvantages of different types of
virtual markets and virtual markets markets
• Selling or buying products on
• participate in various types of various marketing platforms such
markets as virtual
• Advertising on available marketing
platforms
• evaluate benefits and challenges • Participating in foreign markets
encountered in foreign markets through activities such as viewing
online products in foreign markets
and requesting quotations.
• implement solutions that reduce • Suggesting solutions to challenges
challenges faced in foreign faced in foreign markets
markets
8.2.8 OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

TOPIC OBJECTIVES CONTENT SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES RESOURCES

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and
attitudes)
• Value addition • explain value addition • The production function • Explain the concept of • Locally available inputs
• explain ways of adding value to (inputs, processes & value addition such as candles, green
a product outputs) • Discussing the vegetables
• explain the importance of adding • Value addition advantages and
value to products disadvantages of value
addition
• create a product using locally • Making products from
available inputs locally available inputs
• Transport • explain the importance of • Importance of transport in • Discussing the importance • ICT tools
transport production and operations of transport

• Modes of transport
• identify different modes of • Listing modes of transport
transport
• Strengths and weakness of • Discussing strengths and
• describe strengths and different modes of weaknesses of different
weaknesses of different modes transport modes of transport
of transport
• Factors to consider when • Identifying factors
• explain factors influencing choosing transport modes influencing choice of mode
choice of mode of transport of transport
8.3 FORM 3

8.3.1 THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES: CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED RESOURCES

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values ACTIVITIES
and attitudes)
Drivers towards • list the drivers towards • Drivers towards • Identifying drivers towards • ICT tools
enterprising enterprising enterprising such as: enterprising • Recommended text
• explain the different drivers - Government policies • Explaining the drivers towards books
towards enterprising - Demographic and enterprising • Resource persons –
• evaluate drivers towards economic changes local enterprisers
enterprising - Self-actualization • Discussing the different drivers
- Community towards enterprising
enterprising heroes
• Researching on factors that
contributed to the success of local
community enterprising heroes.
8.3.2 THE ENTERPRISING ENVIRONMENT

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES; CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to; (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
Business • identify business constraints Business constraints such as: • Listing the various business • Recommended
constraints • explain the business constraints • Political constraints text books
• Economic • Analysing the effects of each • Guest experts
• Ecological business constraint • Sample
• Social documents of
• Legal government
policy
• ICT tools
8.3.3 SETTING UP A NEW ENTERPRISE

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES; CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to; (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
Forms of • outline forms of business • Forms of business enterprises • Identifying forms of business • Recommended
business enterprises ‾ Private and public enterprises text books
enterprises enterprises • Guest experts
‾ Public corporations from
‾ Joint ventures organizations
‾ Franchise such as ZIMRA
• describe the features of different • Explaining features of each form of • Media such as
forms of business enterprises business enterprise newspapers
and magazines
• analyse the advantages and • Explaining the advantages and • Sample
disadvantages of each form of disadvantages of each form of documents
business enterprise business enterprise required in
setting up a
• compare and contrast different new enterprise
forms of business enterprises • Recommending a suitable form of • ICT tools
business enterprise.
Assistance to • justify reasons why new • Need for support • Explaining why enterprise start-ups • Recommended
enterprise business enterprises need need support text books
start-ups support • videos
• resource
• identify ways of support given to • Ways of business support such • Discussing sources of persons
new business enterprises as: friends, family members and assistance/support • ICT tools
government

• explain why some enterprises • Small and Large business

grow and others remain small

• discuss advantages and • Advantages and disadvantages • Evaluating importance of small or

disadvantages of business of different business sizes large business enterprises
enterprises being small or large
• Carrying out fundraising activities
• perform fundraising activities to
raise money for mini-enterprises
8.3.4 BUSINESS PLANNING

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES; CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to; (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
• Business • explain components of a • Business plan guide; • Listing components of a • Recommended
plan business plan - Executive summary business plan textbooks
- Organisational • Sample business
background • Describing components of a plans
- Products business plan • Resource person
- Market analysis
- Strategy and
implementation • Discussing the importance of
- Management a business plan
- Financial plan
• explain the importance of a • Discussing possible business
business plan • Importance of business ventures
plan • Crafting a business plan
• develop a business plan • Consulting resource persons
such as business consultants
8.3.5 ENTERPRISE FINANCE AND SECURING INVESTORS

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES: CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
Working capital • explain the meaning of working • Managing working capital • Discussing the meaning of working • Recommended text-
capital capital books
• Local business
• identify components of working • Listing components of working enterprises
capital cycle capital • Financial statements

• discuss importance of managing • Discussing the significance of

working capital working capital
• Researching on the importance of
• explain ways of managing working managing working capital
capital • Discussing ways of managing
working capital

• control working capital in a given • Controlling working capital on as-

enterprise signed projects

Financial • prepare an income statement • Financial statements • Preparing income statements

statements ‾ Income statement
• draw a statement of financial ‾ Statement of financial • Creating a statement of financial
position position position

Financial • identify different types of financial • Financial institutions such • Discussing roles of different financial • Recommended text-
institutions institutions as Merchant banks, institutions books
Commercial banks and • Financial institutions
• explain functions of different Discount houses • Financial statements
financial institutions
8.3.6 PEOPLE IN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
Motivation theories • identify the theories of motivation • Motivation theories: • Discussing the theories of • Local business
• discuss Maslow, Taylor, ‾ The concept of human motivation enterprises
McGregor and Herzberg theories needs (Maslow) • Identifying human needs • ICT tools such
of motivation ‾ Herzberg, (Hygiene according to Maslow as
• assess the applicability of factors) • Explaining motivation theories by Internet,
motivation theories to different ‾ Taylor Maslow, Taylor, McGregor and Computers and
business enterprises ‾ McGregor theory X and Herzberg Cell-phones
Y • Evaluating the applicability of
motivation theories to different
business enterprises
Leadership • explain leadership • Leadership qualities • Defining what leadership is
• identify qualities of a good leader • Outlining qualities of a good
• discuss different leadership leader
styles • Leadership styles: such as • Discussing different leadership
democratic, autocratic, styles
laissez faire.
• Role play exhibiting different
styles of leadership
Business • explain business communication • Importance of business • Discussing the importance of
communication • analyse the importance of communication business communication
communication in business
• Debating on the advantages and
• evaluate different methods of disadvantages of various
communication • Methods of communication communication methods
such as written, oral and • Visiting existing enterprises and
electronic observing communication
methods in use.

• justify the appropriateness of • Communication media such

communication methods and as letters, memorandum • Debating on the advantages and
media in given circumstances and radio disadvantages of various
communication media

• Recording and reporting on their

8.3.6 PEOPLE IN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
observations
• assess the impact of ICTs in • Impact of ICTs in business
business communication communication • Evaluating the impact of ICTs in
business communication
8.3.7 MARKETS AND MARKETING

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and RESOURCES
attitudes)

Marketing research • explain the importance of • Importance of marketing • Discussing the importance of • Recommended text
marketing research research marketing research books
• Software packages
• identify different types of • Types of research data • Describing different types of such as Microsoft
research data ‾ Qualitative research data excel, SPSS,
‾ Quantitative publisher
• Sample
• identify sources of data • Sources of data • Describing different sources of data questionnaires
• Discussing sampling methods • Recorders
• apply appropriate • Sampling methods • Cameras
sampling methods to
given situations • Designing data collection tools
• design data collection • Data collection tools such
tools as questionnaire and
interviews • Collecting data using different tools
• collect research data • Data collection • Processing collected data
• Illustrating collected data using
• present data in formats • Methods of data presentation graphs, tables, charts
such as graphs, tables such as tables, graphs and
and charts charts • Interpreting and analysing data
• interpret and analyse data • Data interpretation and
analysis • Explaining factors to consider when
• Reasons for market segmenting a market
Market
• discuss factors to segmentation • Discussing reasons for market
segmentation
consider when • Factors to consider when segmentation
segmenting a market segmenting a market such • Subdividing markets into various
• explain reasons for as demography, income and segments
market segmentation personal interests
• segment a market • Discussing the importance of
• Demand forecasting demand forecasting

• Discussing qualitative techniques of

• Qualitative techniques of demand forecasting
• explain the importance of demand forecasting • Forecasting demand in given
 TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES SUGGESTED
Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and RESOURCES
attitudes)
Demand demand forecasting projects
forecasting
• identify methods of demand
forecasting

8.3.8 OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES: CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to (knowledge, skills, values and RESOURCES
attitudes)
Purchasing • Explain importance of the • Purchasing function • Discussing the importance of the • ICT tools
purchasing function purchasing function • Recommended text-
• Listing steps of the purchasing books
process
• identify the five (5) ‘rights’ of • Rights of purchasing • Explaining ‘rights’ of purchasing
purchasing
• Illustrating the purchasing cycle
• explain stages of the • Purchasing cycle
purchasing cycle • Outlining the role of e-purchasing

• explain the role of e- • e-purchasing

purchasing

Inventory • describe inventory • Types of inventories • Explaining types of inventories • ICT tools
Management management • Recommended text-
• explain the advantages and • Costs and benefits of • Discussing the benefits and limitations books
disadvantages of holding holding inventory of holding inventory
inventory
8.4 FORM 4
8.4.1 ENTERPRISING ENVIRONMENT

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and attitudes) ACTIVITIES RESOURCES

Business • identify opportunities and risks • Ways in which opportunities might • Identifying opportunities for the • ICT tools
Opportunities for enterprise arise such as: rise of business. • Newspaper
and Risks - identifying the need or demand for • Identifying current government cuttings
a product or service economic policies • Recommended
- the ability to meet the demand • Engaging in exhibitions text books
- new technology • Job shadowing • Local business
- Research and Development • Role playing
(R&D) • Touring businesses
- recognising areas for expansion
- changes in taste and fashion
- changes in the size and structure
of population
- changes in real income
- opportunities offered by • Identify risks associated with
globalisation business growth.
- Government policies.

• investigate opportunities and • Potential risks faced by

risks associated with local enterprisers
• Assessing the likelihood and
business enterprises magnitude of impact caused by
• identify risks associated with the risks
business enterprises
8.4.2 SETTING UP A NEW ENTERPRISE

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and attitudes) ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
Risk, ownership • identify risks associated with • Risks associated with setting up an • Discussing risks associated • Recommended
and limited formation of new business enterprise with formation of new business textbook
liabilities enterprise enterprise • ICT tools

• explain the concepts of • Describing the concept of

corporate legal personality • Limited liability and corporate legal corporate legal personality and
and limited liability personality limited liability

• evaluate the importance of

limited liability • Explaining the importance of
limited liability
Formation of • identify legal formalities • Memorandum of Association • Outlining the steps followed • Recommended
business required in the formation of a • Articles of Association when forming a business textbook
enterprise business enterprise enterprise. • Actual
• Business
• explain the contents of documents
business documents required • Discussing the contents of • Resource
in the formation of a business business enterprise documents persons
enterprise • Constructing/creating business
documents of their choice.
• Visiting companies to check on
business documents
Business size • Identify ways of measuring • Measuring business size • Discussing ways of measuring • Resource person
business size business size • Drama
• evaluate the methods of • Discussing the limitations of • Recommended
measuring business size each method textbooks

• discuss the role of Small to • Importance of SMEs to the economy • Outlining the role played by
8.4.2 SETTING UP A NEW ENTERPRISE

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and attitudes) ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
Medium Enterprises SMEs in the country’s
(SMEs) in the economy economy

• identify government • Assistance to SMEs such as grants and • Discussing forms of

assistance to SMEs loans government assistance
• Dramatizing cases of
assistance to SMEs

Business • identify methods of business • Ways of business growth such as: • Outlining methods of business
growth growth • vertical, growth
• evaluate methods of business • horizontal • Discussing advantages and
growth • merger disadvantages of each method
• assess the effects of business • takeover of business growth
growth • Discussing the effects of
• Effects of business growth business growth
• apply at least one method of • Applying at least one method
business growth to available of business growth to local
business enterprises business
8.4.3 BUSINESS PLANNING

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES: CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGESTED RESOURCES

learner should be able to: (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES
attitudes)
Implementation of • implement designed business • Business plan implementation • Executing business plans of • Business plan
business plan plans on selected projects choice • Resource person
• manage selected projects • Managing the projects such as
consultants
• Recommended
textbooks
8.4.4 ENTERPRISE FINANCE AND SECURING INVESTORS

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES: CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGETSED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
Business costs • classify costs • Business costs such as: • Explaining different types of costs • Break even chart
- Fixed • Local business projects
- Variable • Software packages
- Direct such as excel
- indirect
Break-Even Analysis • explain break-even analysis • Break- even analysis • Describing break-even analysis
- Loss/profit region
• construct a break-even chart - Margin of safety • Drawing a break-even chart
• calculate break-even point, - Break-even point • Computing a break-even point
output and margin of safety for
a business venture • Evaluating the concept of break-
• discuss importance of break- even analysis
even analysis • Calculating break-even point using
Budgeting and budgets • explain the concepts of • Budgeting and budgets sales of local products
budgeting and budgets - Types of budgets: cash,
• identify different types of sales, production and • Discussing differences between
budgets purchases budgeting and budgets
• prepare a budget for an • Describing types of budgets
enterprise • Preparing a simple budget for an
enterprise
• explain the importance of • Discussing the importance of
budgeting budgeting
• Discussing ways of attracting
• explain different ways of investors
attracting investors • Ways of attracting investors
such as:
Securing Investors - Favourable government
policy,
- Good corporate
governance
- Reputable brand
8.4.6 MARKETS AND MARKETING

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES: CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGETSTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be able to (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES RESOURCES
attitudes)
Economic integration • explain the concept of eco- • Regional economic • Discussing the meaning of • Recommended text-
nomic integration integration such as: economic integration books
- SADC • Brochures
• describe aims of different - COMESA • Discussing the aims and operations • ICT tools
economic blocs - ECOWAS of different trading blocs

• explain the advantages and • Debating on the effect of

disadvantages of economic economic integration to the
integration economy of Zimbabwe

Marketing mix • identify marketing mix • Marketing mix variables such • Listing marketing mix variables
variables as product (product
development, product life • Discussing marketing mix variables
• explain marketing mix cycle, packaging and
variables branding), price, place and • Suggesting appropriate pricing,
promotion product, distribution and promotion-
• evaluate the impact of al strategies for a given market
marketing mix variables on • Crafting an advertising model
marketing
8.4.7 OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

TOPIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES: CONTENT NOTES AND SUGGETSED SUGGESTED RESOURCES

Learners should be able to (knowledge, skills, values and ACTIVITIES
attitudes)
Warehousin • describe role of warehousing • The need for warehousing • Explaining importance of ware- • Recommended textbooks
housing • ICT tools
• explain factors to consider • Warehouses
when locating a warehouse • Factors considered when • Listing factors to consider when
locating a warehouse locating a warehouse
• state different types of
warehouses • Identifying different types of
• Types of warehouses warehouses
• explain functions of different
types of warehouses • Describing functions of each type
of warehouse
• Touring warehouses

Quality management • explain the concept of quality • Concept of quality • Describing the concept of quality • Recommended textbooks
management management management • ICT tools
• Warehouses
• analyse the importance of • Importance of quality • Discussing the benefits and costs
producing quality products management of producing quality products
• explain ways of assuring • Describing ways of assuring quality
quality • Ways of assuring
quality such as Total
Quality
Management (TQM), quality
circles and Just-In-Time
(JIT)
Information • evaluate the impact of ICTs in • ICTs in operations • Explaining ICT tools used in • Software packages such as
Communication operations management management such as; operations management SAGE
Technologies (ICTs) • recommend appropriate ICT - bar codes • Recommended textbooks
in Operations tools for given circumstances - Radio frequency • Discussing impact of ICTs in
Management identification (RFID) operations management
- Computer aided design • Suggesting ICTs that can be used
- Online billing in local enterprises
9.0 ASSESSMENT

The Business Enterprise syllabus learning area for Forma 1-4 shall be assessed through School Based Continuous
Assessment (SBCA) and Summative Assessment (SA). These assessments shall be guided by the principles of inclusivity,
practicability, authenticity, transparency, flexibility, validity and reliability. The principles are crucial for creating a supportive
and effective learning environment that fosters growth and development in learners at secondary school level. Arrangements,
accommodations and modifications shall be visible to enable candidates with special needs to access assessments.

This section covers the assessment objectives, the assessment model, the scheme of assessment, and the specification grid.

9.1 Assessment Objectives

Learners will be assessed on their ability to:

9.1.1 explain relevant terms used in Business Enterprise Skills
9.1.2 demonstrate knowledge of basic principles, techniques and ideas in Business Enterprise Skills
9.1.3 interpret information through numeracy and literacy
9.1.4 analyse significant factors to consider in business enterprise situations
9.1.5 apply knowledge and skills to solve everyday challenges in enterprise situations
9.1.6 make accurate judgments on commercial issues
9.1.7 communicate commercial information in a logical and coherent manner
9.1.8 execute acquired enterprising skills in business projects

9.2 Assessment Model

Assessment of learners at lower secondary school level for the Business Enterprise Syllabus Forms 1-4 shall be both
Continuous and Summative as illustrated in Figure 1. School Based Continuous Assessment shall include recorded
activities from the School Based Projects done by the learners. The mark shall be included on learners’ end of term and
year reports. Summative assessment at school level shall include terminal examinations which are at the end of the term
and year.
 Assessment Of Learner
Performance in Business
Enterprise Skills

School Based Continuous

Assessment Summative Assessment
20% 80%

School
Based
Profiling Project
Paper 1
20% Paper 2

Exit Continuous
Assessment Mark Summative
Profile (20%) Assessment Mark
Certificate (80%)

Final Mark (Continuous + Summative) =

100%)

Fig. 1 Assessment Model

In addition, learners shall be profiled and learner profile records established. Learner profile certificates shall be issued
for checkpoints assessment in schools as per the dictates of the Teacher’s Guide to Learning and Assessment. The
aspects to be profiled shall include learner’s prior knowledge, values and skills, and subsequently the new competences
acquired at any given point.

9.3 Scheme of Assessment

The Assessment Model shows that learners shall be assessed using both School Based Continuous Assessment and
Summative Assessment for both School and ZIMSEC assessments.

The table shows the Scheme of Assessment where 20% is allocated to School Based Continuous Assessment and 80% to
School or ZIMSEC Summative Assessment.
FORM OF ASSESSMENT WEIGHTING
School Based Continuous Assessment 20%
Summative Assessment 80%
Total 100%

9.3.1 Description of School Based Continuous Assessment

Learners shall do one school-based project per Form which contributes to 20% of the end of year final mark. The end of year
summative assessment shall then contribute 80%. However, for ZIMSEC public examinations, two (2) school-based projects
shall be considered as School Based Continuous Assessment at Form 4. The two School Based Projects shall include those
done during Form 3 and Form 4 sessions. Each will contribute 10%.

9.3.1.1: School – Based Project Continuous Assessment Scheme

The Table given below shows the Learning and Assessment Scheme for the School Based Project.
 Project Execution Stages Description Timelines Marks
1 Problem Identification January 5
2 Investigation of related ideas to February 10
the problem/innovation
3 Generation of possible solutions March 10
4 Selecting the most suitable April-May 5
solution
5 Refinement of selected solution June 5
6 Presentation of the final solution July 10
7 Evaluation of the solution and August-September 5
Recommendations
TOTAL 50

The learning and assessment scheme shows the stages that shall be executed by pupils and the timeline at
which each stage shall be carried out. Possible marks, totalling 50, are highlighted to indicate how much can be
allocated.

9.3.2 Description of the ZIMSEC Summative Assessment

ZIMSEC Summative Assessment shall be a public examination at Form 4. The examination shall consist of 2 papers of
equal weighting

Paper Paper type Marks Duration Weighting

1 Structured 100 1 hour 45 minutes 40%

Short Questions

2 Case study and Essays 100 2hours 15 minutes 40%

TOTAL 80%

Description of papers

Paper 1
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Structured Short Questions

The paper consists of six (6) questions.

Paper 2
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
The paper consists of 2 sections which are Section A and Section B

Section A – Case Study

One (1) case study totaling 40 marks

Section B - Essays
Three (3) essay questions totaling 60 marks will be answered out of 6 questions
9.4 Specification Grid

Skills Paper 1 Paper 2

Knowledge and comprehension 20% 20%

Application and Analysis 30% 30%

Problem solving 50% 50%

Total 100% 100%

44