CARIBBEAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL

CARIBBEAN SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE

SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT 2026
RESEARCH PAPER

MARIAN ACADEMY

CANDIDATES: Denesh Persaud 0900870478

Joaquim Rangel 0900870540

Joshua Rangel 0900870559

Saamiya Sattaur 0900870630

CENTRE NAME: Marian Academy

CENTRE NUMBER: 090087

NAME OF TEACHER: Ms. Kiana Mckenzie

SUBJECT: Principles of Business

TERRITORY: Guyana

YEAR OF EXAMINATION: 2026

Contents
Statement of Topic................................................................................................................................................1
Objectives..............................................................................................................................................................2
Background........................................................................................................................................................... 3
Methodology.........................................................................................................................................................4
Presentation of data..............................................................................................................................................5
Figure 1..............................................................................................................................................................5
Figure 2..............................................................................................................................................................6
Figure 3..............................................................................................................................................................7
Figure 4..............................................................................................................................................................8
Figure 5..............................................................................................................................................................9
Figure 6............................................................................................................................................................10
Analysis of Data...................................................................................................................................................11
Conclusion........................................................................................................................................................... 12
Recommendations...............................................................................................................................................13
Appendix..............................................................................................................................................................14
Interview sheet................................................................................................................................................14
Questionnaire..................................................................................................................................................17
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Statement of Topic

An Investigation into the effect of inflation on Marian Academy’s school canteen.

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Objectives
This research aims to:
 Explore how inflation has affected the canteen prices
 Determine if inflation has affected the canteen’s demand
 Identify the impact inflation has had on the students of Marian Academy
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Background

Marian Academy was founded on 1997 on Carifesta Avenue by the Ursuline sisters began as
a primary school only. Through the support of others Marian Academy moved to a bigger
building and became a renowned Christan private school hosting nursery, primary secondary
and sixth form. The school was chosen for this research because it contains a canteen whose
steady flow of customers make it suitable for studying the effect of inflation on demand and
the price which the canteen sells its food. Marian Academy has positively impacted Guyanese
society by creating employment opportunities and educating a minimum of 800 students.
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Methodology
The researchers collected primary data using two data collection instruments, a questionnaire
directed to the students of Marian Academy and a interview sheet given to the canteen staff
of Marian Academy.
The questionnaire is a document containing structured multiple and open ended questions
articulated to obtain relevant information. A total of 29 online questionnaires were
distributed with 14 multiple choice and 2 open ended questions. This instrument is mainly
quantitative, while some questions are qualitative. The researchers chose this method
because it made it easier to analyze the data.

An interview sheet is a set of prepared questions used to guide face-to-face interviews. It

included open-ended questions on food preparation, pricing, and customer demand, with
responses recorded by the researcher. It was chosen to obtain detailed, firsthand information
from canteen workers. A disadvantage is that the small sample may not represent all views.
The target sample was five canteen workers selected using convenience sampling.

The data collected will be presented using 6 graphs and charts that best represent the aim and
objectives of this SBA.
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Presentation of data
Figure 1

Pie Chart Showing Students Understanding

of Inflation

Understood
28% Did not understand
Had an idea

52%

21%

Figure 1: A pie chart showing students understanding of inflation

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Figure 2

Donut Chart Showing Students Who Noticed

an Increase In Canteen Prices

10%

Yes
No

90%

Figure 2: Donut Chart Showing Students Who Noticed an Increase in Canteen Prices
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Figure 3

Column Chart Showing Students Reaction to

the Price Increase

12

10

Bought less overall Not affected Planned to stop buying Brought food from home
overall

Column Chart Showing Students Reaction to the Price Increase

Figure 3: Column Chart Showing Students Reaction to the Price Increase

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Figure 4

Bar Graph Showing the Change in Demand

Due to the Price Increase
Demand for specific items decreased while overall 5
spending shifted

Demand did not change 7

Demand decreased proportionally to price increase 8

Demand decreased slightly 2

Demand decreased significantly 7

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Bar Graph Showing the Change in Demand Due to the Price Increase

Figure 4: Bar Graph Showing the Change in Demand Due to the Price Increase
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Figure 5

Column Chart Showing Actions Taken By

Students as a Result of the Price Increase
12
8
4
0

Column Chart Showing Actions Taken By Students as a Result of the Price Increase

Figure 5: Column Chart Showing Actions Taken By Students as a Result of the Price
Increase
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Figure 6

Bar Graph Showing the Personal Impact of the Price

Increase on Students

Were not affected

Brought food from home

Ate less at school

Spent more money

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

Bar Graph Showing the Personal Impact of the Price Increase on Students

Figure 6: Bar Graph Showing the Personal Impact of the Price Increase on Students
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Analysis of Data

The researchers used a questionnaire and an interview sheet to gather the necessary data for
this project. The questionnaire consisted of 17 questions, 2 open ended and 15 multiple
choice, while the interview sheet consisted of 12 open ended questions. The questionnaires
were spread out amongst the Marian Academy secondary department. It was a mixture of
online and physical research; the online questionnaire was sent out to various class group
chats, and any 10 physical questionnaires were shared out to children from forms 1 to 2.
Additionally, 5 interview sheets were shared out to canteen staff; one response was returned.
During the duration of this study, researchers faced multiple difficulties. The data collection
process was gruelling, and response rates were extraordinarily low. However, as a team, we
worked to overcome these obstacles.

To begin, the questionnaire was filled out by the students of Marian Academy. Most
responses came from females. Overall, 66% of responses were from the female audience.
Furthermore, 66% of students came from the upper forms (Forms 4 and 5), while forms 1 and
2 gained an accumulated 34% of responders. Now that the demographic has been established,
the main research questions can be thoroughly analysed. Firstly, question 5 (See Appendix B)
states the main factor determining demand is supply. To continue, while most students don’t
have a cohesive grasp on what inflation is, most students have been able to notice a mark-up
in prices (See Figures 1 and 2). Question 13 determined that demand decreased
proportionally to price. (See Appendix B). This means that as price goes up, demand goes
down. The results thus far have reflected this. To continue, the interview sheet provided
insight into the inner workings of the canteen. The worker confirmed inflation has a key role
in the increase of price for the business. It was revealed that to cover costs the canteen now
must account for, prices need to rise to make the business feasible. Additionally, the effects
of inflation are further highlighted in the way the business has such little freedom. The
business cannot afford to attempt new items or expand their menu, as they do not have room
to incur a loss due to their own overhead being increased. (See Appendix A).

In conclusion, researchers used two research instruments, a questionnaire and an interview

sheet, to explore how inflation has affected the canteen prices, determine if inflation has
affected the canteen’s demand and identify the impact inflation has had on the students of
Marian Academy. This study concluded that the general population at Marian Academy
determined that supply is the greatest contributing factor to their demand levels, yes, inflation
has affected demand negatively and inflation has affected prices which has in turn caused
demand to decrease. Due to the canteen no longer being a feasible business to source goods
from, most students either curbed their buying or began to bring food from home. This has
negatively affected the canteen. Two of the main findings are that, yes, business demand has
been negatively affected by inflation and students have maneuverer to avoid buying from the
canteen due to inflation. This research has highlighted the negative effects of inflation on a
business and clearly answered our aims. The researchers faced multiple difficulties. The data
collection process was grueling and response rates were extraordinarily low.
 P a g e | 12

Conclusion

In conclusion, this SBA was conducted to explore how inflation has affected the canteen
prices, determine if inflation has affected the canteen’s demand and identify the impact
inflation has had on the students of Marian Academy. The researchers were able to do this
using a questionnaire and conducting an interview with canteen staff.

Inflation caused the canteen to raise prices. The canteen had to raise their prices to be able to
make a profit. The increased prices caused almost half of the respondents to buy fewer items,
indicating a reduce in demand when price increased. Few students switched to other
alternatives such as buying cheaper options, causing a shift in demand. Others stopped
buying from the canteen overall showing that demand for certain items is heavily dependent
on price. Overall, the price increase at the canteen has had a negative effect on demand for
products sold by the canteen.

The raised prices resulted in half of the respondents spending more money than they would
like to keep buying things that they like which may have affected their weekly allowance or
parents’ budgets. The increase in price also caused some students to start bringing their own
lunch rather than purchase from the canteen, which shows a shift in consumer patterns. Very
few students ate less at school because of the price increase and some other few students
remained unaffected by the price increase.

Overall, inflation at Marian Academy led to higher prices, which reduced or shifted demand
which caused students to spend more money, rethink their spending habits of bring food from
home. This shows a clear impact on both consumer and student behaviour.
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Recommendations

1. The canteen should introduce more affordable meal options and source supplies from
cheaper or local suppliers. This would help control rising prices caused by inflation
while still allowing the canteen to operate profitably.
2. The canteen should offer smaller portion sizes and meal bundles at reduced prices to
encourage students to continue purchasing from the canteen. This would help stabilize
demand and reduce the number of students who stop buying or switch to alternatives.
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Appendix
Interview sheet

[Link] is your role at the canteen?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________
[Link] long have you worked here?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________

[Link] you experienced an increase in prices recently?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________

[Link] this increase in price affect your selling price for products?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________

5. Do you have to buy less items as a result of the price increase?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________

6. How have your customers adjusted to the price increase?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
 P a g e | 15

___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________

7. Have you experienced an increase in overhead cost as well? Including, rent, utilities and
consumables
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________

[Link] you adjusted the brands you buy due to increase in prices?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________

9. Have you been able to introduce new products since the price increase?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________

10. How do you believe the price increase has affected consumer demand?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________

11. What agents do you believe need to step in to support businesses affected by continuous
price increases
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
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12. What recommendations do you have on how businesses can deal with price increases
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
 P a g e | 17

Questionnaire

1. What is your gender?

 male
 female

2. What class are you in?

 Grade 7
 Grade 8
 Grade 9
 Grade 10
 Grade 11

3. Do you purchase from the school canteen?

 YES
 NO

4. On average, how often do you purchase from the canteen?

 Never
 Daily
 Weekly
 Monthly

5. What is the main factor affecting your demand at the Marian Academy canteen?
 Price
 Quality
 Supply
 Preference

6. What is your understanding of inflation?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
 P a g e | 18

7. Have you noticed a recent increase in prices at the school's canteen?

 Yes
 No

8. If YES, which products were affected the most?

 packet snacks
 lunches
 drinks
 pastries
 all of the above
 none of the above

9. Where do you get the money you use to buy from the canteen?
 Working
 Parents
 Saving

10. How much money do you spend at the canteen during a given week?
 $1000 or less
 $2000 to $5000
 more than $8000
 $10000 or more

11. Which of the following STATEMENTS do you agree with? (More than one can be
chosen)
 Due to the price increase I must buy less items
 I was not affected by the price increase
 Due to the price increase I plan to stop buying from the canteen overall
 Due to the price increase I bring more food from home
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12. How strongly do canteen prices affect your demand? (1 = not at all, 5 = strongly)
 1
 2
 3
 4
 5

13. How would you describe your demand for items at the canteen as a result of the price
increase?
 My demand decreases significantly. I will buy much less of the item or stop
buying it altogether.
 My demand decreases only slightly. I still buy almost the same amount, even
though I'm not happy about the price
 My demand decreases proportionally to the price increase. If the price goes up
10%, I buy about 10% less.
 My demand does not change at all. I will buy the exact same quantity regardless of
the price increase.
 My demand for that specific item decreases, but my overall canteen spending
might shift

14. Which of the following actions are you most likely to take as a result of the increase
in prices?
 Buy less frequently (e.g., 2x a week instead of 5x).
 Switch to cheaper alternatives in the canteen (e.g., a hotdog instead of burgers).
 Stop buying lunch at the canteen entirely and bring food from home.
 Continue buying items just as often, absorbing the higher cost."

15. How have higher canteen prices affected you personally?

 I spend more money
 I eat less at school
 I bring food from home
 It hasn’t affected me

16. How has inflation affected what you can buy with your pocket money?
 I can buy more than before
 P a g e | 20

 I can buy less than before

 It hasn’t affected me
o I buy different items

17. What recommendations do you have to give to the canteen management and staff to
remedy the effects of the price increase?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
________________