Business Management

Students can choose a topic they have encountered during their Diploma Programme business management course. However, they may also choose to investigate issues that fall outside its scope. For example:
a) business practices in a specific regional or national context, or
b) the practical applications of the work of a particular business management theorist

Choose a topic that enables you to carry out qualitative and possibly quantitative research and apply business management theories and techniques in a real-world setting

Think about:
a) an interest in issues raised in the classroom
b)aspects of a student’s own experience
c)current events

Avoid broad questions

Use reliable secondary sources

Do not shy away from looking for primary sources (industry experts or executives in the companies pertinent to your research)

You should assume a critical stance regarding all your sources

Use theory, tools and techniques with evidence throughout the essay. This should not be an isolated section

Make sure you use analytical tools to support your analysis.
These can include Ansoff Matrix, BCG Matrix, Break-even analysis, Decision tree, Financial statements, Force Field analysis, Position maps, Stakeholder analysis, STEEPLE analysis and SWOT analysis but are not limited to IB curriculum specific tools

Do not expect the reader to interpret or draw conclusions. Be clear on the points you are making and be explicit regarding your conclusions.

Stick to the word count- do not exceed 4,000 words

Edit your work thoroughly
a)Look out for grammar and spelling mistakes and fix them. Use a tool such as Grammarly to make your work easier
b)Have a clear outline before you start writing so that you know how the arguments fit together and where you are going
c)Rewrite longer sentences, making them short and concise
d)Do parts of your essay sound redundant? Delete them, regardless of where they appear in the essay
e)Have you used a source you haven’t cited? Go back and fix the error

Identify any unresolved questions, or new questions that have arisen from your study