Business and Management (Standard and Higher Levels)
Previous knowledge
Whilst the course is designed so that it can be taken without any previous knowledge, it is desirable that students who wish to study Business and Management at Standard Level have gained at least a grade C in Business Studies and Economics at GCSE Level (or equivalent), and students who wish to study the Higher Level have gained a grade B or above. Students who have not studied Business Studies and Economics at GCSE Level or who have not achieved the desired grades and who wish to study Business and Management will only gain access to the course after an interview with the IB Coordinator and the Subject Leader of Economics and Business Studies to assess their suitability. (See ‘Who is the IB Diploma Programme for?’)
Business and Management SL and HL
The aim of this course is for students to develop an understanding of business theory and be able to apply business principles, practices and skills for decision making and problem solving in the international business world. This course has an international perspective and considers ethical issues and ways in which business activity has an impact on society and thus highlights the importance of social responsibility. Through this course students will acquire a thorough knowledge of business terminology, concepts, principles and theories. Furthermore they will be able to select and interpret data in order to apply this knowledge to business situations. Students will also analyse and evaluate business decisions, strategies and practices in a way that shows critical thinking. Finally, they will communicate business ideas and information, through oral and written presentations and assessments, in an effective and accurate manner.
Standard Level students will study five topics:
Business Organisation and Environment
Human Resources
Accounts and Finance
Marketing
Operations Management
Business and Management HL only
The Higher Level course aims to support and build upon the teaching and learning of the Standard Level course. In addition to the five topics above Higher Level students will also study:
Business Strategy
Assessment
All students will be formally examined at the end of the two-year course (2 papers). All students will also be required to undertake an Internal Assessment where they will have to produce an extended piece of written work on an area of study relating to the course in the following format:
SL: A written commentary.
HL: A research project which includes a research report and action plan and a written report. Topic six must be incorporated in this research project.