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DP Business Managemant

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“The value of an idea lies in the using of it” – Thomas Edison, co-founder of General Electric
 
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure” – Colin Powell
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
Welcome to IB two-year Business management course!
 
ACADEMIC / CURRICULUM GOALS
 
As described by the IB Group 3 Business management subject guide,
 
AIMS:
The aims of the business management course at HL and SL are to:
  1. Encourage a holistic view of the world of business,
  2. Empower students to think critically and strategically about individual and organizational behavior,
  3. Promote the importance of exploring business issues from different cultural perspectives,
  4. Enable the student to appreciate the nature and significance of change in a local, regional and global context,
  5. Promote awareness of the importance of environmental, social and ethical factors in the actions of individuals and organizations,
  6. Develop an understanding of the importance of innovation in a business environment.
OBJECTIVES:
 
Assessment objective 1: Knowing and understanding (Define, Describe, Outline, State):
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the business management tools, techniques and theories specified in the syllabus content,
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the six concepts that underpin the subject (change, culture, ethics, globalization, innovation and strategy),
  • Demonstrate understanding of real-world business problems, issues and decisions,
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the HL extension topics (HL only).
Assessment objectives 2: Application and analysis (Analyse, Apply, Comment, Demonstrate, Distinguish, Explain, Interpret, Suggest):
  • Application of knowledge and skills to a variety of real-world and fictional business situations,
  • Analysis of business decisions by explaining the issues at stake, selecting and interpreting data, and applying appropriate tools, techniques, theories and concepts,
  • Application and analysis of the HL extension topics (HL only)
Assessment objective 3: Synthesis and evaluation (Compare and/or Contrast, Discuss, Evaluate, Examine, Justify, Recommend, To what extend):
  • Evaluation of business strategies and practices, showing evidence of critical thinking,
  • Evaluation of business decision, formulating recommendations,
  • Evaluation of the HL extension topics (HL only).
Assessment objective 4: Use and application of appropriate skills (Annotate, Calculate, Complete, Construct, Determine, Draw, Identify, Label, Plot, Prepare):
  • Demonstrate a variety of appropriate skills to produce well-structured written material using business terminology,
  • Demonstrate a variety of appropriate skills to select and use quantitative and qualitative business tools, techniques and methods,
  • Demonstrate a variety of appropriate skills to select and use business material, from a range of primary and secondary sources.
 
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND CONTENT
 
As the IB Subject Guide (2014) states:
 
Business management is a rigorous, challenging and dynamic discipline in individuals and societies subject group. The DP BM course is designed to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of business management theories, as well as their ability to apply a range of tools and techniques. Students learn to analyse, discuss and evaluate business activities at local, national and international levels.
 
SYLLABUS OUTLINE:
 
YEAR 1 (Grade 11)
 
Unit 1: Business organization and environment
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
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
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)
 
YEAR 2 (Grade 12)
 
Unit 4: Marketing
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
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)
 
EXPECTATIONS
 
What to expect from the teacher:
  1. To be prepared for every class,
  2. To make students love this subject, by connecting theory to real business situations/organizations, making it interesting to follow the classes,
  3. To be supportive and help students as much as possible to successfully prepare for the exam,
  4. To provide feedback in a timely manner for students’ homeworks, assessments, assignments,
  5. To make classes to be dynamic and interesting for all students,
  6. To engage students as much as possible in class discussions, encouraging them to give their opinion; arguments for and against,
  7. To develop students’ critical skills.
What is expected from the student:
  1. To be prepared for all classes,
  2. To take notes,
  3. To be actively involved in class discussions,
  4. To do their homeworks regularly,
  5. To ask questions if they do not understand something,
  6. To respect others,
  7. Be on time for class, with homeworks, assignment related duties,
  8. To read as much as possible (on regular basis) business related articles, so that they can understand real business situations better and in that way prepare themselves for successfully passing their exams, especially paper 2, section C question,
  9. Writing, writing, and writing: To be able to articulate in writing a well-substantiated and reasoned argument in response to broadly framed essay questions.
DP BM ASSESSMENT
 
The following 2 types of assessment will be prepared for and completed over the two years. They will be assessed externally:
SL
Written Papers - 3 hours, 75%
  1. Paper 1 (35%, 50 marks): Based on a case study issued in advance, with additional unseen material included in section B. In section A students answer three of four structured questions.(10 marks per question) In section B students answer one compulsory structured question.(20 marks)
  2. Paper 2(40%, 60 marks): In section A students answer one of two structured question based on stimulus material with a quantitative focus. (20 marks). In section B students answer one of three structured questions based on stimulus material. (20 marks) In section C students answer one of three extended response questions. This question is based primarly on two concepts that underpin the course. (20 marks)
  3. Internal Assessment (externally moderated)
Written commentary (25%): based on three to five supporting documents about a real issue or problem facing a particular organization. Maximum 1500 words.The project will be started in semester 2 of the Diploma year 1, and be finalized at the beginning of year 2.
 
HL
 
Written Papers - 4 hours and 30 minutes, 75%
  1. Paper 1 (35%, 70 marks): Based on a case study issued in advance, with additional unseen material included in sections B and C. In section A students answer three of four structured questions.(10 marks per question) In section B students answer one compulsory structured question.(20 marks). In section C students answer one compulsory extended response question primarly based on HL extension topics. (20 marks)
  2. Paper 2(40%, 80 marks): In section A students answer one of two structured question based on stimulus material with a quantitative focus. (20 marks). In section B students answer two of three structured questions based on stimulus material. (20 marks per question) In section C students answer one of three extended response questions. This question is based primarly on two concepts that underpin the course. (20 marks)
  3. Internal Assessment (externally moderated)
Research project(25%): Students research and report on an issue facing an organization or a decision to be made by an organization(s). Maximum 2000 words.The project will be started in semester 2 of the Diploma year 1, and be finalized at the beginning of year 2.
 
Nuts & Bolts:
  1. Come prepared to class:  Be on time with the related materials, ready to participate and learn,
  2. Take your studies seriously and treat all homework assignments as an opportunity to learn,
  3. Engage in class discussions and activities in a positive and meaningful way,
  4. Notebooks – note-taking: Use your notebook (electronic or other format) as a log of your daily activity – keep track of each cycle and what the focus is. There will be periodic notebook checks throughout the year; you’ll need to keep notes of both at-home readings, in-class activities, and informal reflective writing,
  5. Late / make up assignment policy: 10% will be deducted from the grade of any work submitted after the due date. Work submitted substantially late will be given formative feedback only. Work not submitted three days after the due date will be awarded a zero. If a student is absent, the assignment must be turned in on the first day back to receive full credit. The idea behind this is that students are responsible to check with their teacher/peers to make up missed work,
  6. Tardiness: Be on time for class. All tardies or absences will be noted,
  7. Academic honesty: Have in mind that plagiarism will lead to serious consequences. Distinguish between correct paraphrasing, direct quotation, and citation formats. Any notebooks or homework that looks too similar will also face serious penalties. For more information, please see the ISB Assessment and Academic honesty policy document,
  8. Respect: Respect each other’s voice. Listen to each other. Do not cut each other off in class discussions.
GRADING
 
Over the course of the next two years, you will be given the opportunity to practice the necessary skills to do well on the final assessments/exams for this course. Your assignments will include:
  • Participation in class discussions and activities
  • Written responses to various texts
  • Tests and quizzes
  • Formal presentations
All class work will be assessed using the published IBDP criteria that best matches the assignment.
 
You will receive quarterly/semester grades based on your completion of these assignments/tests and semester exams
 
ISB Grading Policy
 
Year 1:
 
Final grades in Semesters 1 and 2 during the Year 1 will be scored:
  • 40% quarter
  • 40% quarter
  • 20% semester exam
Year 2:
           
Final grade in Semester 1 will be scored:
  • 40% quarter
  • 40% quarter
  • 20% semester exam
Final grade in Semester 2 will be scored:
  • 80% Quarter 3
  • 20% overall mock grade
CONTACT
 
Feel free to contact me via e-mail jkovacevic@isb.rs or by calling the school.