IB Business at a glance

The IB Business curriculum (the subject is officially called Business Management) is an ever-popular choice for those interested in learning the inner workings of the worlds of business, finance, and marketing. IB Business is broken down into five units that examine business activities at the local, national and global levels. These units are business organisation and environment, human resource management, finance and accounts, marketing, and operations management.

With regard to the exam, both HL and SL IB Business consist of two papers. The first paper in the IB Business exam is based on a pre-seen case study that has been given to IB Business students in advance. The second paper challenges IB Business learners to respond to structured questions based on stimulus material. A major component of the second paper is an extended, or long response question. This task aims at assessing IB Business candidates’ understanding of certain key concepts of the course.

In addition, both Higher and Standard Level IB Business students must complete an IA (Internal Assessment) focusing on a real world business organisation. For HL this is a research project, while for SL it is composed of a written commentary.

Long response question types

The long response questions located in paper two of the IB Business exam can often prove a challenge for students at both Higher and Standard Level. The structure of this section of the examination (Section C) is such that candidates must answer one of three proposed long response questions for a total of 20 marks.

An example of the types of questions asked at this stage in the IB Business exam are as follows:

With reference to an organisation of your choice, discuss the ways in which ethics can influence innovation in an organisation.
With reference to an organisation of your choice, examine the impact of culture on organisational strategy.
With reference to an organisation of your choice, discuss the ways in which globalisation can influence organisational change.

To succeed, IB Business learners must recognise the key words used within the long response questions and asnwer accordingly. These keywords form the six underlying concepts that drive the IB Business curriculum and are often presented via the acronym CUEGIS.

Change
Culture
Ethics
Globalisation
Innovation
Strategy

For example, with regard to question one, it is important that candidates notice the use of the terms “ethics” and “innovation”. What’s more, students must be able to define these keywords as well as understand their benefits, limitations, impacts, both internally and externally, in a business context, so as to complete a response that reaches the upper markband.

Towards a stronger IB response

The means of scoring highly in the long response portion of the IB Business examination is within every student’s grasp. To do so, candidates must have a firm understanding of CUEGIS and approach the questions with the correct methodology.

For example, once again using the question “With reference to an organisation of your choice, discuss the ways in which ethics can influence innovation in an organisation”, students must ensure that they address both keywords used. While this may seem obvious, examinations can be stressful and mistakes such as these are made. IB Business learners must ensure they read the question carefully, and, if they feel it is of benefit to them, highlight the keywords used in their chosen long response question.

Additionally, if a long response question, such as is listed above, asks to discuss the influence of one concept on another, it is imperative that students address the potential impacts of ethics on innovation. Consequently, both IB Business concepts must be discussed in tandem. Put more simply, each example of ethical behaviour proposed by students in their long response should be applied to a real innovation the company created or adopted and the subsequent impact on various stakeholders.

Teaching Business to IB students

BartyED tutors have supported innumerable students through both Higher and Standard Level IB Business Management. Among our expert team of educators, there is a focus on ensuring students not only understand the six central concepts of the IB Business course, but also develop exam techniques that will prove invaluable when tackling the long response questions found in paper two. If you think that you or your child could benefit from an experienced IB Business tutor, reach out to us today by phone (+852 2882 1017) or email (enquiries@bartyed.com).