Introduction
The IB Business IA HL (Internal Assessment) is a major project where students investigate a real business problem or decision. Unlike typical exam questions, the IA tests how well you apply business theories, tools, and concepts to actual organizations. For many IB Business HL students, this is their first serious experience analyzing a company like a consultant.
Because it counts for 25% of the final HL grade, the Business IA can significantly boost your overall result. This guide explains how to choose a topic, structure your report, and meet IB’s strict criteria for a top score.
Quick Start Checklist
Before starting your IB Business IA HL, make sure you:
- Select a real company with accessible data.
- Identify a focused research question (decision-based).
- Use at least three business tools or models.
- Collect both primary and secondary research.
- Keep the word count under 2,000 words.
- Align your report with the official IB assessment rubric.
Choosing a Business IA HL Topic
Your topic should be specific, relevant, and researchable. A weak IA tries to cover too much, while a strong IA zooms in on one decision.
Examples of strong Business IA HL topics:
- Should Starbucks expand further into plant-based product lines?
- Should Tesla adjust pricing strategies in Asia?
- Should a local restaurant franchise into new markets?
Avoid generic “What is the best strategy for Company X?” questions. Instead, frame your topic around a decision the business actually faces.
Structure of the Business IA HL
The IB requires a clear, professional report format:
- Research Proposal – Define the research question and methodology.
- Introduction – Explain the context of the company and issue.
- Methodology – Describe data collection and tools used.
- Analysis & Discussion – Apply business tools to analyze the decision.
- Conclusion & Recommendations – Provide a reasoned answer to the research question.
- Evaluation – Assess limitations of your research and tools.
- Works Cited & Appendices – Include sources and raw data.
Business Tools for HL Students
To score well, HL students must use at least three business tools or models. Commonly used examples include:
- SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats).
- Porter’s Five Forces (industry competition).
- Decision trees (evaluating strategic options).
- Investment appraisal (payback period, NPV, IRR).
- Ansoff Matrix (growth strategies).
Remember: tools are not enough on their own—you must analyze results critically.
Grading Criteria
The Business IA HL is graded on five key criteria:
- Criterion A (Research Proposal) – Is the question focused and appropriate?
- Criterion B (Introduction) – Does it set up context clearly?
- Criterion C (Research Methodology) – Are methods and sources strong?
- Criterion D (Main Report) – Is the analysis deep and well-structured?
- Criterion E (Conclusion & Evaluation) – Are recommendations logical and realistic?
Examiners look for application, analysis, and evaluation, not just description.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing giant corporations (like Apple) without access to primary data.
- Too descriptive: summarizing a company instead of analyzing it.
- Weak recommendations: conclusions must be justified with data.
- Ignoring limitations: every IA should acknowledge weaknesses in methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long should the IB Business IA HL be?
The maximum is 2,000 words. Stay concise and cut unnecessary description to leave space for analysis.
2. Do I need primary research?
Yes, at least some. Interviews, surveys, or observations strengthen your IA. Without it, your analysis risks being superficial.
3. Can I do my IA on a small local business?
Yes, and it’s often better. Local businesses usually provide easier access to primary data compared to multinationals.
4. How many business tools should I use?
At least three. But don’t just include them—integrate them into your argument and use them to build towards your conclusion.
5. How is the Business IA HL different from SL?
HL requires more depth and weighting (25% vs. 20%). HL students are expected to show stronger evaluation and apply more advanced tools like investment appraisal.
Conclusion
The IB Business IA HL is your chance to think like a real consultant—evaluating a company’s options and making strategic recommendations. With a strong topic, robust analysis, and clear structure, you can turn your IA into one of the highest-scoring components of your diploma.
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