Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Business Studies → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Business Studies
Lesson Topic: how pressure groups can influence business decisions
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe what pressure groups are and identify the main types.
  • Explain at least three tactics pressure groups use to influence business decisions.
  • Analyse how a pressure‑group campaign can lead to specific business responses using a case study.
  • Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages for businesses responding to pressure‑group pressure.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed case‑study handout (XYZ Clothing Ltd.)
  • Worksheet with analysis questions
  • Laptop for video clips of pressure‑group campaigns
  • Sticky notes for group brainstorming
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip of a recent environmental campaign against single‑use plastics to capture interest. Ask students to recall any recent news where a pressure group impacted a company, linking to prior knowledge of stakeholder influence. Explain that today they will explore how pressure groups shape business decisions and the criteria for assessment.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students write a quick response to: “Name a pressure group you know and what they want.” Collect responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Define pressure groups, outline types and tactics using slides.
  3. Case‑study analysis (15’) – Distribute XYZ Clothing handout; in pairs, identify the pressure group’s tactics and the business’s responses; complete worksheet.
  4. Whole‑class discussion (10’) – Groups share findings; teacher highlights links to key points and exam‑question styles.
  5. Activity: Influence flowchart (10’) – Students create a simple flowchart on sticky notes showing campaign → business response → outcome; display on board.
  6. Check for understanding (5’) – Quick quiz (Kahoot or show of hands) on tactics and impacts.
  7. Recap & exit ticket (5’) – Students write one way businesses can turn pressure‑group influence into a strategic advantage.
Conclusion:
Summarise that pressure groups use tactics such as campaigns, boycotts, and legal action to push businesses toward change, and firms can respond by adapting products, policies, or engaging in dialogue. For the exit ticket, students note one strategic benefit of responding positively to a pressure group. Assign homework to research a recent real‑world pressure‑group campaign and prepare a brief report on its business impact.