Lesson Plan

• Explain why businesses must consider community needs and the influence of pressure groups.
• Analyse how social and demographic factors affect business decisions.
• Evaluate the benefits and risks of engaging with community and pressure groups.
• Propose CSR strategies that align with local community priorities.
• Apply a simple cost‑benefit model to assess community‑focused initiatives.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed case‑study handout (retail chain scenario)
• Worksheets for demographic analysis activity
• Flip chart for group brainstorming
• Internet access for research on local pressure groups

Begin with a quick poll: “What do you think a local community expects from a new business?” Connect this to previous lessons on market research and set the success criteria – students will identify community needs, describe pressure‑group influence, and evaluate business responses.

1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list community needs they observe in their neighbourhood.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Overview of social & demographic influences and types of pressure groups.
3. Case‑study analysis (15’) – In groups, read the retail‑chain scenario and identify how community concerns and pressure groups were addressed.
4. Demographic impact activity (10’) – Worksheet matching demographic factors to specific business decisions.
5. CSR planning task (15’) – Groups design a CSR initiative responding to a pressure group, using the simple net‑benefit formula.
6. Whole‑class debrief (5’) – Share proposals; teacher summarises key take‑aways.

Recap the link between community needs, pressure groups and business strategy. Students complete an exit ticket stating one action a business could take and its expected benefit. For homework, research a local pressure group and draft a brief CSR response.