IBDP Business Management HL/SL
IBDP business management challenges students to widely explore social science through the lens of six concepts namely, change, culture, ethics, globalization, innovation, and strategy. The course is taught using the triangulation of the above-mentioned Concepts by linking it with the content (business theories, tools, and techniques in the syllabus) and eventually linking it with the Context ( case studies and real-life examples)
Get In Touch
Can't Complete this
From the TOK point of view students, the BM course challenges students to deep dive into the knowledge to raise questions about several statements, assumptions and conclusions drawn in the subject. This is done by challenging the theories and tools used thereby raising an inquiry for effective learning. The idea is to see and cross-check for far claims made are justified.
Â
The international Baccalaureate program aims to keep international mindedness at the heart of the course. Can students be made a responsible citizen of the world through the help of teachings from this course? This is very much possible. It allows students to use case studies that help in understanding the business activity across the borders, with global perspectives, both for small scale to medium and large sized industries.
Â
The course is offered two levels, a Higher Level (HL) which requires 240 hours of teaching and a standard Level (SL) that needs 150 hours. The syllabus outline is as follows:
| Syllabus component | Teaching Hours | |
| SL | HL | |
| Unit 1: Business organization and environment | 40 | 50 |
| 1.1 Introduction to business management | ||
| 1.2 Types of organizations | ||
| 1.3 Organizational objectives | ||
| 1.4 Stakeholders | ||
| 1.5 External environment | ||
| 1.6 Growth and evolution | ||
| 1.7 Organizational planning tools (HL only) | ||
| Unit 2: Human resource management | 15 | 30 |
| 2.1 Functions and evolution of human resource management | ||
| 2.2 Organizational structure | ||
| 2.3 Leadership and management | ||
| 2.4 Motivation | ||
| 2.5 Organizational (corporate) culture (HL only) | ||
| 2.6 Industrial/employee relations (HL only) | ||
| Unit 3: Finance and accounts | 35 | 50 |
| 3.1 Sources of finance | ||
| 3.2 Costs and revenues | ||
| 3.3 Break-even analysis | ||
| 3.4 Final accounts (some HL only) | ||
| 3.5 Profitability and liquidity ratio analysis | ||
| 3.6 Efficiency ratio analysis (HL only) | ||
| 3.7 Cash flow | ||
| 3.8 Investment appraisal (some HL only) | ||
| 3.9 Budgets (HL only) | ||
| Unit 4: Marketing | 35 | 50 |
| 4.1 The role of marketing | ||
| 4.2 Marketing planning (including introduction to the four Ps) | ||
| 4.3 Sales forecasting (HL only) | ||
| 4.4 Market research | ||
| 4.5 The four Ps (product, price, promotion, place) | ||
| 4.6 The extended marketing mix of seven Ps (HL only) | ||
| 4.7 International marketing (HL only) | ||
| 4.8 E-commerce | ||
| Unit 5: Operations management | 10 | 30 |
| 5.1 The role of operations management | ||
| 5.2 Production methods | ||
| 5.3 Lean production and quality management (HL only) | ||
| 5.4 Location | ||
| 5.5 Production planning (HL only) | ||
| 5.6 Research and development (HL only) | ||
| 5.7 Crisis management and contingency planning (HL only) | ||
| Internal assessment | 15 | 30 |
| Total teaching hours | 150 | 240 |
The assessment is divided into two parts in IB BM, internal and external. Each of them has different assessment criteria, separately for HL and SL students.
Â
External assessment is externally marked by examiners in IB. Students are expected to attempt 2 papers in both HL and SL each. Paper 1 (for both HL and SL) is a pre-seen case study that is released by the IB prior to the paper approximately 2-3 months in advance so that students can prepare well. Paper 2 is based on stimulus, case study content which offers both quantitative (data response questions) and qualitative (analytical and evaluative questions). It has three sections: Section A (10 marks- testing numerical ability), Section B (40 Marks- testing non-numerical ability with stimulus material divided into 2 case studies of 20 marks each) and Section 3 is CUEGIS worth 20 marks
Â
There are different assessment criteria for both SL and HL students which are expected from students to apply them for better scoring.
Â
Similarly, (BM IA) internal assessment is a project work that students prepare, and the guidelines are separate for SL and HL students. The BM SL IA is based on secondary research while BM HL IA is a work of primary or field research. The BM IA HL is worth 2500 words which include 500 words as a research proposal and 2000 words in the main body. Check details about BM HL IA here
We guarantee quality process
Let’s join our community today
Join SEV7N's vibrant community of elite educators—a collaborative space where innovation meets expertise. Share resources, discuss teaching strategies, and stay ahead of educational trends. Benefit from a support network that enhances your professional growth, enriches your teaching practices, and elevates your impact on students. It's not just a community; it's your gateway to educational excellence.
