There is no limit to the power of positive thinking: think and act positively between now and June and you will do well, writes Rose Mary Lynch

Do you imagine yourself as the next Bill Gates? Maybe you imagine yourself as the next Sonia O'Sullivan or Michael Schumacher? Whoever you aspire to being like, they have one thing in common: a need to be aware of the world about them. They all need an understanding of enterprise culture, running a business (remember their own finances/businesses have to be managed), decision making, financial management, the role of the EU, of global markets and all the other areas you have studied. These concepts are very familiar to everyone who has studied business over the past two years.

September 11th showed us all how vulnerable economies and businesses can be, and an understanding of how business operates is the first step to overcoming problems.

Situations must be managed, problems solved and new strategies for success developed.

Having studied business you will be aware of the importance of planning, evaluating and feedback - and of being adaptable. This is what businesses across the globe have had to engage in. Everyday business, organisations and individuals put into practice what you have been learning about.

To maximise your success in the Leaving Certificate you will need coping strategies. Outlined in this article is advice on the examination structure and how best to approach the questions. Remember, Section A is compulsory, so practise answering the questions. Short, succinct answers are needed.

Plan the use of time in the examination, and begin now. Stick to the allotted time per question. By June you will be well used to covering all parts of the question within the time limits. Take on board the advice given below on timing and answering style. You want to show what you know. You cannot score marks with parts of questions unanswered or for answers which do not cover the necessary number of points. Make sure you answer all parts of the questions and that you give the necessary number of points in each part of the question.

Expect to have to give examples or to illustrate with a diagram. Practise these now, while doing your revision: think of the real life examples you have studied in class. These examples help your revision, as they are reminders of key concepts and points; they also enhance your answer even if not explicitly asked for.

For those taking higher level in 2002 the Applied Business Question (ABQ) is based on Units 4, 5 and 6. Remember that these units are also examined in Part 1 and in Part 2.

The ABQ is an applied question. This means you back up the theory with an appropriate example or quotation from the ABQ printed. You need both the theory and the example. Remember, there are hints in the ABQ - so read it carefully, jot notes to yourself as you read it through. These will remind you of the issue being tested and what you need to look out for.

Have a close look at the sample questions which follow. Pay attention to the style of answering; remember the state-and-explain principle applies throughout.

Also, pay attention to the depth of knowledge given. This is the standard need for success in June. Plan your revision now, think in terms of exam questions, practise questions. Remember there is no limit to the power of positive thinking, so think and act positively between now and June and you will do well in your exam.