| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Business Studies |
| Lesson Topic: reasons for reducing the size of the workforce, e.g. automation, reduced demand for products, need to lower costs |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the main reasons a business may need to reduce its workforce (automation, demand decline, cost pressures, restructuring, outsourcing).
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each reason for workforce reduction.
- Calculate potential cost savings from redundancies using a simple formula.
- Apply a decision‑making checklist to evaluate whether workforce reduction is appropriate.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- PowerPoint slides summarising key reasons and impacts
- Printed worksheet with the impact table and calculation exercise
- Calculators (or spreadsheet software)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Sticky notes for the decision‑making activity
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Introduction:
Begin with a short news clip about a company that recently announced layoffs due to automation. Ask students what they already know about why firms cut staff and how this links to profitability. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify reasons, weigh pros and cons, and perform a basic cost‑saving calculation.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑Now (5’): Quick write – “What would you do if your part‑time job was at risk?” – share ideas.
- Mini‑lecture (10’): Present the five key reasons for workforce reduction with real‑world examples (slides).
- Impact analysis activity (12’): In pairs, fill out a simplified version of the impact table (financial, productivity, morale, reputation) for two reasons.
- Calculation practice (8’): Guided example of the cost‑saving formula, then students complete a second scenario on the worksheet.
- Decision‑making checklist role‑play (10’): Groups use sticky notes to work through the six‑step checklist for a case study.
- Check for understanding (5’): Quick quiz via Kahoot or show of hands on key concepts.
- Transition to conclusion (2’): Teacher summarises main points.
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Conclusion:
Recap the five reasons and the trade‑offs discussed, highlighting how the checklist helps managers make balanced decisions. Ask students to write one “exit ticket” – the most important factor they would consider before approving a layoff. Assign homework: research a recent real‑world workforce reduction and prepare a brief report on its stated reasons and outcomes.
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