b) Explain seven factors to consider when selecting a suitable location for a retail outlet. [14 marks] QUESTION FOUR Write short notes on each of the following giving examples: a) Mergers [5 marks] b) Acquisitions [5 marks] c) Capital markets [5 marks] d) Franchise [5 marks] QUESTION FIVE a) Explain five characteristics that distinguish a co -operative from a public limited company. [10 marks] b) Detail the contents of a business plan. [10 marks]

QUESTION THREE<br />b) When selecting a suitable location for a retail outlet, the following seven factors should be considered:<br /><br />1. Accessibility: The location should be easily accessible to the target customers, with good transportation links and parking facilities.<br /><br />2. Demographics: The local population demographics, such as age, income, and lifestyle, should align with the target market of the retail outlet.<br /><br />3. Competition: The location should not have an oversupply of similar retail outlets, which could lead to reduced customer traffic.<br /><br />4. Visibility: The retail outlet should be easily visible to potential customers, with high foot traffic and prominent signage.<br /><br />5. Proximity to suppliers: The location should be close to suppliers and distributors to minimize transportation costs and ensure timely delivery of goods.<br /><br />6. Zoning regulations location should comply with local zoning regulations and land use restrictions.<br /><br />7. Rent or lease terms: The rent or lease terms should be reasonable and provide long-term stability for the retail outlet.<br /><br />QUESTION FOUR<br />a) Mergers: Mergers occur when two or more companies combine to form a new entity. For example, when Company A and Company B merge, they create a new company, Company C, which owns the combined assets and liabilities of the two original companies.<br /><br />b) Acquisitions: Acquisitions occur when one company purchases another company. For example, when Company A acquires Company B, Company A becomes the owner of Company B's assets and liabilities.<br /><br />c) Capital markets: Capital markets refer to the financial markets where companies and governments raise capital by issuing securities, such as stocks and bonds. For example, a company may issue shares of stock to raise funds for expansion.<br /><br />d) Franchise: A franchise is a business arrangement where an individual (the franchisee) operates a business using the branding, products, and business model of an established company (the franchisor). For example, a McDonald's restaurant is a franchise operated by an individual using the McDonald's brand and business model.<br /><br />QUESTION FIVE<br />a) Five characteristics that distinguish a co-operative from a public limited company are:<br /><br />1. Ownership structure: In a co-operative, the members own and control the business, while in a public limited company, the shareholders own the company.<br /><br />2. Profit distribution: In a co-operative, profits are distributed among the members based on their participation, while in a public limited company, profits are distributed to shareholders based on their share ownership.<br /><br />3. Decision-making: In a co-operative, decisions are made by the members in limited company, decisions are made by the board of directors.<br /><br />4. Limited liability: In a co-operative, members have limited liability, while in a public limited company, shareholders have limited liability.<br /><br />5. Democratic control: In a co-operative, each member has an equal say in decision-making, while in a public limited company, decision-making power is proportional to share ownership.<br /><br />b) The contents of a business plan typically include:<br /><br />1. Executive summary: A brief overview of the business and its objectives.<br /><br />2. Company description: Detailed information about the business, including its history, mission, and values.<br /><br />3. Market analysis: Analysis of the target market, including size, growth potential, and competition.<br /><br />4. Product or service description: Description of the products or services offered by the business.<br /><br />5. Marketing and sales strategy for promoting and selling the products or services.<br /><br />6. Operations plan: Description of how the business will operate, including production, logistics, and supply chain management.<br /><br />7. Financial projections: Projections of the business's financial performance, including revenue, expenses, and cash flow.<br /><br />8. Funding request: If the business is seeking funding, a detailed explanation of the amount of funding required and how it will be used.<br /><br />9. Appendices: Supporting documents, such as market research data, product specifications, and legal agreements.