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16 Dec 2025

143

3 pages

Unit 7 Business Theory Models Explained

user profile picture

Phoebe @phoebe_elwp

Ever wondered how businesses measure success beyond just making money? These four key business theories show you different... Show more

11 35 Thu 22 Feb
<=0
THEORIES
●
COT SEE O
1 Elkington's Triple Bottom Line
aims to measure the financial, social and
environmental performan

Business Performance Models

Elkington's Triple Bottom Line is all about balancing three crucial areas people, planet, and profit. Instead of just focusing on financial success, this model encourages businesses to consider their social and environmental impact too.

The idea is simple but powerful - look after your employees, customers, suppliers (people) and the environment (planet), and the profits will naturally follow. Think of companies like Ben & Jerry's or Patagonia that build their entire brand around this philosophy.

Kaplan and Norton's Balanced Scorecard takes a different approach by focusing on four key perspectives. It looks at financial performance (profit margins and returns), customer satisfaction, internal processes (operations and new ideas), and organisational capacity (employee retention and learning).

Quick Tip The Balanced Scorecard is brilliant for improving communication within businesses and helps managers track whether they're actually meeting their strategic goals.

11 35 Thu 22 Feb
<=0
THEORIES
●
COT SEE O
1 Elkington's Triple Bottom Line
aims to measure the financial, social and
environmental performan

Strategic Analysis Models

Carroll's CSR Pyramid shows you the four levels of corporate social responsibility that businesses should aim for. At the bottom, you've got economic responsibilities (making profit), then legal (following laws), ethical (doing what's morally right), and finally philanthropic (giving back to society) at the top.

This model helps companies build a positive reputation whilst promoting sustainable and ethical business practices. Companies that master all four levels often enjoy stronger brand loyalty and better public perception.

Porter's Five Forces Model is your go-to framework for analysing any industry's competitive landscape. It examines five key forces supplier power, buyer power, competitive rivalry, threat of new entrants, and threat of substitution.

Exam Gold Use Porter's Five Forces to analyse case study companies - it's a guaranteed way to show deep understanding of competitive positioning and industry dynamics.

11 35 Thu 22 Feb
<=0
THEORIES
●
COT SEE O
1 Elkington's Triple Bottom Line
aims to measure the financial, social and
environmental performan

Triple Bottom Line The Full Picture

Whilst the Triple Bottom Line sounds brilliant in theory, it's not without its challenges. The biggest drawback is that there's no legal requirement for companies to report on their social and environmental performance, making it easy for businesses to ignore these areas.

Measuring the "people and planet" aspects reliably is genuinely difficult. How do you put a number on employee wellbeing or environmental impact? This inconsistency makes it hard to compare companies fairly.

However, the benefits are significant. The model actively encourages CSR reporting and helps businesses track their environmental impact and sustainability efforts. Companies using this approach often find they attract better employees and more loyal customers.

Real World Many investors now specifically look for companies with strong Triple Bottom Line performance, as they're seen as lower-risk, long-term investments.

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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Business

143

16 Dec 2025

3 pages

Unit 7 Business Theory Models Explained

user profile picture

Phoebe

@phoebe_elwp

Ever wondered how businesses measure success beyond just making money? These four key business theories show you different ways companies can evaluate their performance, from environmental impact to competitive positioning. Understanding these models will help you analyse real businesses and... Show more

11 35 Thu 22 Feb
<=0
THEORIES
●
COT SEE O
1 Elkington's Triple Bottom Line
aims to measure the financial, social and
environmental performan

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Business Performance Models

Elkington's Triple Bottom Line is all about balancing three crucial areas: people, planet, and profit. Instead of just focusing on financial success, this model encourages businesses to consider their social and environmental impact too.

The idea is simple but powerful - look after your employees, customers, suppliers (people) and the environment (planet), and the profits will naturally follow. Think of companies like Ben & Jerry's or Patagonia that build their entire brand around this philosophy.

Kaplan and Norton's Balanced Scorecard takes a different approach by focusing on four key perspectives. It looks at financial performance (profit margins and returns), customer satisfaction, internal processes (operations and new ideas), and organisational capacity (employee retention and learning).

Quick Tip: The Balanced Scorecard is brilliant for improving communication within businesses and helps managers track whether they're actually meeting their strategic goals.

11 35 Thu 22 Feb
<=0
THEORIES
●
COT SEE O
1 Elkington's Triple Bottom Line
aims to measure the financial, social and
environmental performan

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Strategic Analysis Models

Carroll's CSR Pyramid shows you the four levels of corporate social responsibility that businesses should aim for. At the bottom, you've got economic responsibilities (making profit), then legal (following laws), ethical (doing what's morally right), and finally philanthropic (giving back to society) at the top.

This model helps companies build a positive reputation whilst promoting sustainable and ethical business practices. Companies that master all four levels often enjoy stronger brand loyalty and better public perception.

Porter's Five Forces Model is your go-to framework for analysing any industry's competitive landscape. It examines five key forces: supplier power, buyer power, competitive rivalry, threat of new entrants, and threat of substitution.

Exam Gold: Use Porter's Five Forces to analyse case study companies - it's a guaranteed way to show deep understanding of competitive positioning and industry dynamics.

11 35 Thu 22 Feb
<=0
THEORIES
●
COT SEE O
1 Elkington's Triple Bottom Line
aims to measure the financial, social and
environmental performan

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Triple Bottom Line: The Full Picture

Whilst the Triple Bottom Line sounds brilliant in theory, it's not without its challenges. The biggest drawback is that there's no legal requirement for companies to report on their social and environmental performance, making it easy for businesses to ignore these areas.

Measuring the "people and planet" aspects reliably is genuinely difficult. How do you put a number on employee wellbeing or environmental impact? This inconsistency makes it hard to compare companies fairly.

However, the benefits are significant. The model actively encourages CSR reporting and helps businesses track their environmental impact and sustainability efforts. Companies using this approach often find they attract better employees and more loyal customers.

Real World: Many investors now specifically look for companies with strong Triple Bottom Line performance, as they're seen as lower-risk, long-term investments.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

1

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content in Business

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user