JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Commerce 2008
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2008 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The fundamental principle underlying the concept of trade is

A. Government regulation of markets
B. The specialization of labor and exchange
C. The accumulation of wealth through production
D. The equitable distribution of resources
Explanation

Trade is based on the specialization of labor, where individuals or entities focus on producing specific goods or services and exchange them to meet their needs, enhancing efficiency and mutual benefit.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The primary aim of a public limited company is

A. To operate within a specific geographical region
B. To promote social welfare and community development
C. To provide essential services to the public sector
D. To maximize profits for its shareholders
Explanation

The primary aim of a public limited company is to maximize profits for its shareholders, achieved through efficient operations and strategic decisions that enhance financial returns.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A retailer buys goods worth ₦500,000 and receives a trade discount of 12%. If a cash discount of 4% is offered for payment within 10 days, calculate the amount paid with both discounts.

A. ₦422,400
B. ₦440,000
C. ₦460,000
D. ₦480,000
Explanation

Trade discount = 12% of ₦500,000 = ₦60,000. Price after trade discount = ₦500,000 - ₦60,000 = ₦440,000. Cash discount = 4% of ₦440,000 = ₦17,600. Amount paid = ₦440,000 - ₦17,600 = ₦422,400.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The utility created when raw materials are transformed into finished goods is

A. Possession utility
B. Time utility
C. Form utility
D. Place utility
Explanation

Form utility is created when raw materials are transformed into finished goods, making them more useful and valuable to consumers through production processes.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The legal principle that holds partners jointly and severally liable for partnership debts means

A. Each partner is only responsible for their share
B. All partners are collectively liable, and each can be held for the full amount
C. Only the partner who incurred the debt is liable
D. Liability is limited to capital contribution
Explanation

Joint and several liability means all partners are collectively responsible for the partnership’s debts, and each individual partner can be held liable for the entire amount, ensuring creditors can recover debts fully.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A key characteristic of a perfectly competitive market structure is

A. Significant barriers to entry
B. Differentiated products
C. A large number of buyers and sellers
D. Price-making ability of individual firms
Explanation

A perfectly competitive market features a large number of buyers and sellers, each with no control over price, trading identical products, ensuring market efficiency and price uniformity.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The document that invites the public to subscribe for the shares of a public limited company is the

A. Articles of Association
B. Memorandum of Association
C. Prospectus
D. Certificate of Incorporation
Explanation

The prospectus is a document issued by a public limited company to invite the public to subscribe for its shares, detailing the company’s operations, financial status, and associated risks.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The role of a wholesaler in the distribution process is best described as

A. Providing after-sales service to consumers
B. Selling goods directly to the final consumers
C. Breaking bulk and distributing goods to retailers
D. Producing goods in large quantities for retailers
Explanation

Wholesalers purchase goods in bulk, break them into smaller quantities, and distribute them to retailers for sale to consumers, facilitating efficient distribution.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The increasing interconnectedness of countries through the exchange of goods, services, information, and capital is known as

A. Economic nationalism
B. Globalization
C. Regional integration
D. Trade liberalization
Explanation

Globalization refers to the growing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries through the exchange of goods, services, information, and capital, fostering economic and cultural integration.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A fundamental function of money is

A. A measure of personal satisfaction
B. A tool for direct exchange of goods
C. A store of value
D. A guarantee of future wealth
Explanation

Money serves as a store of value, allowing wealth to be saved and used in the future, a fundamental function alongside medium of exchange and unit of account.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A retailer sells an item for ₦800, earning a profit of 25% on the cost price. Calculate the cost price.

A. ₦600
B. ₦640
C. ₦700
D. ₦720
Explanation

Let cost price = C. Selling price = C + 0.25C = 1.25C. Given 1.25C = ₦800, C = ₦800 / 1.25 = ₦640.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A key objective of advertising is

A. To regulate market prices
B. To store goods efficiently
C. To inform, persuade, and remind consumers
D. To transport goods effectively
Explanation

Advertising aims to inform consumers about products, persuade them to purchase, and remind them to maintain brand loyalty, driving sales and brand awareness.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The acronym AIDA, used in marketing, represents the stages of

A. Distribution channel management
B. Consumer response to marketing communication
C. Product development
D. Market segmentation
Explanation

AIDA stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action, representing the stages of consumer response to marketing communication, guiding effective advertising strategies.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The level of management primarily responsible for translating broad goals into specific operational plans is

A. Board of directors
B. Top-level management
C. Middle-level management
D. Supervisory management
Explanation

Middle-level management translates broad goals from top management into specific operational plans, coordinating departmental activities to achieve organizational objectives.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A key characteristic of an entrepreneur is

A. Resistance to change
B. Innovation and risk-taking
C. Avoidance of risk
D. Preference for established routines
Explanation

Entrepreneurs are characterized by innovation and risk-taking, driving new business ventures and market opportunities through creative and bold initiatives.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The financial statement that summarizes a company's revenues, expenses, and profit or loss over a specific period is the

A. Statement of owner's equity
B. Income statement
C. Balance sheet
D. Cash flow statement
Explanation

The income statement summarizes a company’s revenues, expenses, and profit or loss over a specific period, reflecting its financial performance and operational success.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A primary function of a central bank is

A. Providing loans to businesses at low interest rates
B. Accepting deposits from the general public
C. Issuing and managing the national currency
D. Promoting the profitability of commercial banks
Explanation

A central bank issues and manages the national currency, ensuring monetary stability and controlling the money supply to support economic objectives.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A company has current assets of ₦600,000, including inventory of ₦150,000, and current liabilities of ₦300,000. Calculate the quick ratio.

A. 1.5:1
B. 2.0:1
C. 0.5:1
D. 1.0:1
Explanation

Quick assets = Current assets - Inventory = ₦600,000 - ₦150,000 = ₦450,000. Quick ratio = Quick assets / Current liabilities = ₦450,000 / ₦300,000 = 1.5:1.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

Government policies related to taxation and spending are referred to as

A. Trade policy
B. Fiscal policy
C. Monetary policy
D. Exchange rate policy
Explanation

Fiscal policy involves government taxation and spending to influence the economy, distinct from monetary policy, which focuses on money supply and interest rates.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The concept of comparative advantage in international trade suggests that

A. A country should produce all goods it needs domestically
B. A country should import goods that are cheaper than domestically produced goods
C. A country should specialize in producing and exporting goods with lower opportunity cost
D. A country should export goods it can produce at a lower absolute cost
Explanation

Comparative advantage suggests a country should specialize in producing and exporting goods in which it has a lower opportunity cost, maximizing efficiency and trade benefits.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A tax imposed on imported goods to protect domestic industries is a

A. Embargo
B. Quota
C. Tariff
D. Subsidy
Explanation

A tariff is a tax on imported goods, designed to protect domestic industries by making foreign goods more expensive, thus encouraging local purchases.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The international organization that primarily deals with rules of trade between nations is the

A. United Nations (UN)
B. World Trade Organization (WTO)
C. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
D. World Bank
Explanation

The World Trade Organization (WTO) sets and enforces rules for international trade, promoting fair trade practices and resolving disputes between nations.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

Sustainable consumption emphasizes

A. Reducing the price of goods and services
B. Maximizing depletion of natural resources
C. Meeting current needs without compromising future generations
D. Encouraging planned obsolescence
Explanation

Sustainable consumption focuses on meeting current needs while ensuring resources remain available for future generations, promoting environmental and economic balance.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

An unethical business practice is

A. Ensuring safe working conditions
B. Providing accurate product information
C. Engaging in deceptive advertising
D. Offering bulk purchase discounts
Explanation

Deceptive advertising misleads consumers, violating ethical standards by providing false or misleading information about products or services.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The consumer right to seek redress when their rights are violated is the right to

A. Choose
B. Be informed
C. Be heard and seek redress
D. Safety
Explanation

The right to be heard and seek redress allows consumers to address violations of their rights, ensuring access to remedies through complaints or legal action.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

Market segmentation involves

A. Promoting a product through various channels
B. Dividing a market into distinct groups of buyers with different needs
C. Selling the same product to all consumers
D. Positioning a product in the minds of consumers
Explanation

Market segmentation divides a market into distinct groups with different needs or characteristics to tailor marketing strategies, enhancing effectiveness and customer satisfaction.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A company imports goods worth $20,000 at an exchange rate of ₦500/$1. If the Naira depreciates by 6%, calculate the new cost in Naira.

A. ₦10,600,000
B. ₦10,000,000
C. ₦9,400,000
D. ₦11,200,000
Explanation

Original cost = $20,000 × ₦500 = ₦10,000,000. New exchange rate after 6% depreciation = ₦500 × 1.06 = ₦530. New cost = $20,000 × ₦530 = ₦10,600,000.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A brand is best described as a

A. Physical product offered for sale
B. Legal document protecting an invention
C. Name, term, design, or symbol identifying a seller's goods
D. Process of manufacturing goods efficiently
Explanation

A brand is a name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies a seller’s goods or services, distinguishing them from competitors in the market.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A key function of packaging is

A. Determining the price of the product
B. Protecting the product and attracting consumers
C. Creating the product itself
D. Distributing the product to retailers
Explanation

Packaging protects the product during transport and storage while attracting consumers through appealing design and information, enhancing marketability.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A characteristic of a monopolistic market structure is

A. Many firms selling identical products
B. Many firms selling differentiated products
C. A single seller dominating the market
D. A few large firms with interdependent pricing
Explanation

A monopolistic market structure features many firms selling differentiated products, competing through branding, quality, and marketing strategies.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A product costs ₦400 to produce. If a retailer applies a markup of 30% on the cost price, what is the selling price?

A. ₦480
B. ₦520
C. ₦560
D. ₦600
Explanation

Markup = 30% of cost price = 0.3 × ₦400 = ₦120. Selling price = Cost price + Markup = ₦400 + ₦120 = ₦520.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A key advantage of using road transport for the distribution of goods is

A. High speed for international shipments
B. Low cost for long-distance bulk transport
C. Ability to provide door-to-door service
D. Minimal environmental impact
Explanation

Road transport offers door-to-door service, providing flexibility and direct delivery to specific locations, enhancing convenience for businesses and consumers.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A bill of lading is a document issued by a carrier to a shipper, serving as a

A. Demand for payment for the goods
B. Receipt for the goods and a contract of carriage
C. Promise to pay for the goods
D. Certificate of ownership of the goods
Explanation

A bill of lading serves as a receipt for goods, a contract of carriage, and a document of title in shipping, facilitating international trade and logistics.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A company issues 5,000 ordinary shares at a premium of ₦8 per share, with a par value of ₦40. Calculate the total amount raised.

A. ₦240,000
B. ₦200,000
C. ₦160,000
D. ₦280,000
Explanation

Issue price per share = Par value + Premium = ₦40 + ₦8 = ₦48. Total amount raised = 5,000 × ₦48 = ₦240,000.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

Public relations primarily focuses on

A. Short-term sales incentives
B. Paid communication through mass media
C. Building and maintaining a positive image for the organization
D. Directly persuading consumers to buy products
Explanation

Public relations focuses on building and maintaining a positive organizational image to foster goodwill among stakeholders, enhancing reputation and trust.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A warehouse has an opening inventory of 3,000 units. During the month, 8,000 units are received, and 6,500 units are issued. What is the closing inventory?

A. 4,500 units
B. 11,000 units
C. 2,500 units
D. 6,000 units
Explanation

Closing inventory = Opening inventory + Receipts - Issues = 3,000 + 8,000 - 6,500 = 4,500 units.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A core function of the organizing process in management is

A. Monitoring performance and taking corrective actions
B. Structuring tasks and allocating resources
C. Motivating employees to achieve targets
D. Setting organizational goals and objectives
Explanation

The organizing process involves structuring tasks and allocating resources to achieve organizational objectives efficiently, ensuring effective coordination and implementation.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

A company invests ₦100,000 at a compound interest rate of 10% per annum. Calculate the total amount after 2 years.

A. ₦120,000
B. ₦121,000
C. ₦110,000
D. ₦115,000
Explanation

Compound interest formula: A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt). Here, P = ₦100,000, r = 10% = 0.1, n = 1, t = 2. A = ₦100,000 × (1.1)^2 = ₦100,000 × 1.21 = ₦121,000.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The primary advantage of e-commerce for businesses is

A. Reduced need for physical stores
B. Limited customer reach
C. Higher operational costs
D. Increased regulatory restrictions
Explanation

E-commerce allows businesses to operate without the need for physical stores, reducing overhead costs and enabling wider market access through online platforms.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2008

The principle of indemnity in insurance ensures that

A. The insured receives a profit from claims
B. The insured is restored to their pre-loss financial position
C. The insurer avoids paying claims
D. Premiums are refunded annually
Explanation

The principle of indemnity ensures that the insured is compensated to restore their financial position before the loss, preventing profit from insurance claims.

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