Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Business Studies
Lesson Topic: interpret simple organisational charts
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the purpose and benefits of organisational structures in small businesses.
  • Identify the three basic organisational structures (owner‑manager, functional, divisional) and their key features.
  • Interpret simple organisational charts by locating the top authority, reporting lines, and departmental groupings.
  • Compare advantages and disadvantages of each structure to suggest appropriate use.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed copies of simple organisational charts (owner‑manager, functional, divisional)
  • Worksheet with chart interpretation tasks
  • Markers and sticky notes for group activity
  • Laptop with presentation slides
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick discussion: ask students how they know who to approach for decisions in a small business they are familiar with. Recall that clear reporting lines help communication and decision‑making, which we will explore today. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to read and explain a basic organisational chart.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – students list who makes decisions in a family shop and share responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – introduce why organisational structure matters and overview the three simple structures using slides.
  3. Guided analysis (15’) – display a sample chart; together identify the top box, reporting lines, and groupings for each structure.
  4. Group activity (15’) – learners annotate a printed chart, draw reporting lines, discuss advantages/disadvantages; teacher circulates for questioning.
  5. Quick check (5’) – exit ticket: write one key feature that distinguishes each structure.
Conclusion:
Summarise how the top‑level box, lines, and groupings reveal the type of structure. Ask a few students to share one advantage of each structure as a final recall. For homework, students will create their own simple organisational chart for a hypothetical small business.