Usually only requires 1-3 sentences

Only need to answer the question and not more.

(a) is only a Knowledge question and does not need a case link. Only requires a textbook definition and maybe a small example.

(ii) question says "for CD" and therefore needs a Case Link. Only requires 1 benefit and is marked: (1 mark to answer the question of one benefit + 1 mark for application to the case study)

Please Answer with K, A, CL

(ii) says "for the new pie", however you only need to show your calculations along with the calculated correct answer

(c) says "for PP of selling older non-current assets to finance the production of the new pie" and therefore needs a Case Link. Only requires 1 disadvantage and is marked (1 mark to answer the question of one disadvantage + 1 mark for application to the case study)

Please Answer with K, A, CL

(a) is only a Knowledge question and does not need a case link. Only requires a textbook definition, including a feature of supply chain and maybe a small example.

Marked as 2+2

• 1 mark for each correct application of business management content “A”

• 1 mark for case link “CL” (connecting that content to the case study)

5-6 sentences

• Don’t need more than 6 sentences

Eg: one advantage and one disadvantage of Company X becoming a public company

• “K” 1st sentence: define the main term (public company)

• Sentences 2 & 3: “A” one advantage of going public, clearly referencing the context of the company in the case study “CL”

• Sentences 4 & 5: “A” one disadvantage of going public, clearly referencing the context of the company in the case study “CL”

Paragraph 1

• K 

• A

• CL

Paragraph 2

• K (only if you're introducing another new business term)

• A

• CL

Explain one advantage and one disadvantage for StellarTech to decentralize their hierarchical structure.

Advantage:
K: Decentralization involves delegating decision-making authority to lower levels within the organization.
A: It can lead to faster decision-making and improved adaptability, especially for global offices with differing cultural expectations.
CL: For example, StellarTech’s North American office has pushed for more autonomy, which could be addressed through decentralization.

Disadvantage:
K: A disadvantage of decentralization is the potential for inconsistent decision-making across different offices.
A: Without clear guidelines, employees in decentralized offices may make decisions that conflict with the company’s overall strategic goals.
CL: For instance, the Stockholm headquarters favors structure, and decentralization could lead to friction with other offices advocating for autonomy.

To score 9 – 10 marks (the top mark band), students must demonstrate evidence of the following:

• Clear focus on addressing the demands of the question

  • • Refer to the impacts of business decisions (include implications of doing the action or not doing the action, 

      • • eg. "Recommend if Dales should stop outsourcing the cleaning of hotel rooms"; what would be the implications of Dale stopping outsourcing and of not stopping outsourcing? If Dales stops outsourcing its cleaners, the costs are likely to rise, but they would be able to monitor and improve quality

• Relevant and accurate use of business management tools and theories. 

  • • Explain and Justify the tools and theories you use in y our answer

      • • Eg. if you use staff turnover rate, tell the examiner why you believe it's relevant (a high turnover rate means high costs for ongoing recruitment and training)

    • Use business terminology as much as possible such as "profit", "wages", "recruitment", competitive environment", quality

• Relevant information from the stimulus material is integrated effectively to support the argument.

  • • Quote short extracts of the case study to help make a point 

• Arguments are substantiated and balanced, with an explanation of the limitations of the case study or stimulus material.

  • • Balance refers to positives (+) and negatives (-), but also quantitative (#, $) and qualitative (finance versus human resources)

    • Justify your judgements and your final recommendation: provide evidence and justification for all of the points that you make, using elements from the case study (quoting it) as well as your knowledge of business management

    • Explanation of Limitations of the case study: explain what information is missing from the case study that would be needed to provide better evaluation of the business problem.

      • • Incomplete or biased Information

        • Limited scope or generalizations

        • Lack of current or up-to-date information

        • Assumptions and uncertainties

        • Limited perspectives

Recommend:

4 main points with a short introduction and conclusion (6 paragraphs total):

Paragraph 1: short Introduction of issue

Paragraph 2: Advantage of recommendation +

• K

• A

• CL

• E

Paragraph 3: Advantage of recommendation +

• K

• A

• CL

• E

Paragraph 4: Disadvantage of recommendation -

• K

• A

• CL

• E

Paragraph 5: Disadvantage of recommendation -

• K

• A

• CL

• E

Paragraph 6: 

• Conclusion/Final Recommendation

  • What are the priorities of the company and how does your analysis meet that priority? 

  • Answer the question!

  • Overcoming drawbacks

  • Limitations of the case study

    • Explanation of the limitations of the case study or stimulus material

How can you structure your paragraphs?

• Paragraph Structures for the IB Business Final