How to get 7 on Business Management Paper 1?

In this article we discuss how to get 7 on Business Management paper 1. There are 10 easy steps. Let’s get started!

Know your case study

Business Management Paper 1, May 2022   examination session is based on the pre-released case study, Peacewick University.

Understand the Paper 1 Assessment Structure.

Understand the assessment structure of the Paper 1 examination, such as duration, maximum marks, number of sections, number of questions need to be answered, command terms used in questions, etc.

For instance, both higher level and standard level papers will have two sections A, and B. Section A questions are based on the IB prescribed pre-seen case study issued to students before the examination.  Section B questions are primarily based on the additional stimulus material given on the day of the examination. However, students are expected to draw on the pre-seen material where relevant.

This helps you manage your time as well as respond to questions appropriately as per the command words.

Gather basic information about the case study.

Read the case study thoroughly, and identify all key words used in the case study. For example, External Environment (lines 15 and 16).

Followed by this, you should be able to define all key words, and make connections with the relevant section of the business management syllabus guide. For instance, how external environment factors affect internal and external stakeholders of the university.

Identify the current legal structure of the business or organisation mentioned in the case study and different operational departments. For instance, Peacewick University is a not-for-profit organisation.

This whole exercise helps you understand it is a not-for-profit organisation. Hence operations and activities are different from ‘for profit organisations.

Now you try to understand legal obligations of the members, sources of finance available, accounts maintained, distribution of profit, marketing mix elements, or promotional strategies, and staff motivation.

Who are the key people involved?

Identify who are the key people involved in the management of the Peacewick University. Understand their leadership style, roles and responsibilities.  For instance, Adriana, president, James Summerfield, head of History faculty, and Jones, trustee of the university.

Prepare a SWOT matrix

Now it’s time to prepare a SWOT matrix and identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Followed by the SWOT matrix, try to understand each element of the matrix in detail involving STEEPLE factors

Use ICDA matrix for in depth analysis.

To get hold of the case study in depth, use ICDA matrix. ICDA stands for Identify, Connect, Develop, and Act.

Think for a while the Past, Present and Future of the university

Understand the past, present and future of the university.  For instance, in 2019, the university was one of the most popular universities in the country. At present, there are problems like cash flow, high rate of staff turnover, and ethical issues. However, university’s long-term plan includes refurbishing teaching facilities that were damaged by the accident, and open a new campus in country B.

Now create a timeline.

Once you are done with the basic information, now draw a timeline, which includes major events like the year of establishment, crucial events, issues and key decisions. For instance, Peacewick University was founded as a teacher training college in 1935.

Get into creative classroom activities

Make your own small study groups. Each group can come up with study resources like   quizzes, posters, presentations, short videos, animations, podcasts, etc.,  to understand  the case study better. Organise classroom debate, discussion and speeches. For instance, leadership style of James Summer field. Use 6 Thinking Hats for a productive discussion and debate.

Finally Practice! Practice! Practice!

Finally, answer all mock exam papers prepared by your teachers and get feedback too.

We wish you all the very best for your examination!