Commerce WASSCE (PC), 2018

Question 6

    1. The government is considering making its transport corporation more efficient. Privatization and commercialization options were suggested by its board of directors.

      1. State two differences between the two options suggested.

       

      1. State three advantages of each of the options.        
  • Observation

    The question was avoided by most candidates. They may have avoided the question because it is an application question. The once who attempted it could not differentiate between the options. 

    The expected responses to the question include:                                               108

    1. Difference between privatisation and commercialization

     

    Privatization

    Commercialization

    Ownership

    The business is owned by shareholders/individuals

    The business remains the property of government.

    Management

    Management is by a board of elected directors.

    Management is by a board of appointed directors.

    Source of capital

    Capital is obtained through the sale of shares.

    Capital is provided by government.

    Publication of accounts

    Obliged to publish accounts.

    Not obliged to publish accounts.

    Profit

    Profits made belong to the shareholders

    Profits made belong to the government as revenue.

             

    1. Advantages of privatization
    2. Leads to greater efficiency due to pressure from shareholders to earn dividend.
    3. Consumers will benefit from greater choice of goods and better services.
    4. Services also become cheaper as a result of competition.
    5. It gives opportunity to members of the public to become co-owners of the transportation business.
    6. It increases government revenue through the sales of government interest to private individuals.
    7. It leads to increased competition as more firms are allowed to participate in the business.
    8. It reduces political interference in the business.
    9. It leads to tapping of foreign technology.

          Advantages of commercialization

    1. It reduces spending by government on firms that are less viable.
    2. It increases revenue for government as firms become profit oriented.
    3. It makes for greater efficiency of firms in the provision of services.
    4. Consumers have a range of choice of services.
    5. It creates job opportunities.