Overview
The Business and Management SL course is designed to develop a student’s understanding of business theory, as well as the ability to apply business principles, practices and skills. The application of tools and techniques of analysis facilitates an appreciation of complex activities. The course considers the diverse range of business organizations and activities and the cultural and economic context in which business operates. Emphasis is placed on the day-to-day business functions of marketing, production, human resource management and finance. Links between the topics are central to the course, and this integration promotes a holistic overview of business and management.

The Business and Management course aims to help students understand the implications of business activity in a global market. It is designed to give students an international perspective on business and to promote their appreciation of cultural diversity through the study of topics like international marketing, human resource management, growth and business strategy.

The ideals of international cooperation and responsible citizenship are at the heart of this course. The course encourages an appreciation of ethical aspects of business and of social responsibility in the global business environment. Students should be able to make sense of the forces and circumstances that drive and restrain change in an interdependent and multicultural world. The Business and Management SL course will contribute to students’ development as critical and effective participants in local and world affairs.

This course makes full use of the opportunities presented by the online environment. Students will blog about business-related current events and use podcasts, screencasts, voice threads and other Web 2.0 tools to demonstrate their understanding of the course material. Structured activities will provide students with experiences which closely resemble actual situations in the business world.

Aims of the Business and Management SL course are to:

• encourage a holistic view of the world of business
• promote the importance of exploring business issues from a variety of cultural perspectives
• enable the student to develop the capacity to think critically about individual and organizational behaviour
• enhance the student’s ability to make informed business decisions
• enable the student to appreciate the nature and significance of change in a local, regional and global context
• support an awareness of social, cultural and ethical factors in the actions of organizations and individuals in those organizations
• promote an appreciation of the social and ethical responsibilities associated with businesses operating in international markets.

Syllabus outline: Business and Management SL

There are five topics:

• Business organization and environment
• Human resources
• Accounts and finance
• Marketing
• Operations management

Assessment outline: Business and Management SL

In May 2012, students will sit two written papers for their external assessment:

• Paper 1 is based on a case study which students will have seen in advance. The exam lasts 75 minutes and is worth 35% of the total mark.
• Paper 2 is comprised of structured questions based on all topics of the syllabus. The exam lasts 105 minutes and is worth 40% of the total mark.

In addition students will write a commentary for their internal assessment based on three to five supporting documents about a real issue or problem facing a particular organization. This piece can be up to 1,500 words in length and is worth 25% of the total mark.

Prerequisites

No prior knowledge of business and management is necessary, but a familiarity with business concepts would be an advantage, as would completing the humanities course in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP).

Adapted from the IB Business and Management Guide © International Baccalaureate Organization