InThinking Subject Sites

Subscription websites for IB teachers & their classes

Find out more


Sitemap
Recommendations
Other subjects
Brochure

Disclaimer: InThinking subject sites are neither endorsed by nor connected with the International Baccalaureate Organisation.

Student access tools
 You need to log-in or subscribe in order to use Student access.

N23 P1

November 2023 - Paper 1 assessment (Brondy’s PLC)

The Paper 1 examination for November 2023 is scheduled for Monday 23rd October 2023 (afternoon session). This is the final examination of the Paper 1 in its current format.

The main aims and overview of the Paper 1 assessment are as follows:

  • Promotes a holistic approach to IB Business Management

  • Assesses all 5 topics in the IB Business Management syllabus

  • Demands extensive analytical and critical thinking skills.

Table 1 - Overview of Paper 1

Exam paper

Duration

Topics

Weighting (%)

Total marks

Paper 1 (SL)

1 hr 15 mins

All

30

40

Paper 1 (HL)

2 hr 15 mins

All

35

60

SL candidates answer only two questions from Section A, plus the compulsory question in Section B.

HL students answer two questions from Section A and the compulsory question in Section B. In Section C (an extended response/essay question), additional unseen data/information will be provided in the exam.

Note: Schools are responsible for providing the formulae sheet plus a clean copy of the pre-issued case study for students in the external exam. It is therefore useful to practice this by setting students a mock/trial exam for Paper 1.

The Paper 1 pre-issued case study

Each exam session, the IB releases a pre-issued case study for the external examinations. This is made available on the PRC (Programme Resources Centre) - speak with your IB Coordinator if you are not sure how to access this resource.

For the November 2023 examination, the pre-issued case study, is available on the PRC in the first week of August.

The case study is based on a hypothetical organization, which covers all 5 units in the syllabus. It can act as a useful stimulus for students when revising for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Note: students must not use this organization for their CUEGIS essay in Paper 2, Section C!

FAQ 1: So, what would happen if a student decided to write about the organization featured in Paper 1 for their CUEGIS essay in Section C of Paper 2?

The CUEGIS essay in Paper 2 must be based on a real-world organization. The organization featured in the Paper 1pre-issued case study is a fictitious business. Therefore, students will be penalized if they choose to use the business organization featured in Paper 1!

Paper 1 – Standard Level

  • Section A: answer 2 of 3 structured questions

  • 10 marks per question; there are no AO3 questions in Section A

  • Additional unseen additional material in Section B

  • Section B: answer the compulsory structured question worth 20 marks

  • Total = 40 marks

  • Time = 1 hour 15 mins examination

FAQ 2: What happens if a student answers all three questions in Section A?

This is not a recommended strategy! As the proverb goes, “If you run after two hares, you will catch neither".
Students need to be familiar with the rules for each exam paper.

However, in such a case, the examiner will mark all three answers and award the top two marks. However, there is an opportunity cost if answering all three questions in Section A because students are likely to run out of time for Section B of the exam.

Paper 1 – Higher Level

  • Section A: answer 2 of 3 structured questions

  • 10 marks per question; there are no AO3 questions in Section A

  • Additional unseen additional material in Section B

  • Section B: answer the compulsory structured question worth 20 marks

  • Total = 40 marks

  • Time = 1 hour 15 mins examination (approx.)

  • Section C:

    Additional unseen material will be provided in the actual Paper 1 exam

    Answer the compulsory question worth 20 marks

    HL extension topics may be assessed

  • Total for HL Paper 1 = 60 marks

  • Total time for HL Paper 1 = 2 hour 15 mins

FAQ 3: How do the HL and SL Paper 1 examinations differ from each other?

Sections A and B are very similar for SL and HL, although the latter can include HL extension or HL only topics as mentioned in the Guide (page 54).

The main difference is Section C for HL only students, which is a single question worth 20 marks. This requires students to answer a business strategy question based on the pre-released material and the additional stimulus materials in Section B and Section C of the examination.

Paper 1 Quiz

So, how much do you know about the Paper 1 assessment?

Use any resource you have access to (such as the IB Business Management Guide) to answer the following questions:

1.Which two items must a school provide for students in the Paper 1 Business Management exam?

The formulae sheet plus a clean copy of the pre-issued case study.

2.What is tested in Section C of Paper 1 (HL only)?

Business decision-making and business strategy, using tools, theories, and techniques such as decision trees or investment appraisal techniques.

3.Are there any AO3 questions in Part A of the exam paper?

No – only up to AO2 (such as describe or explain).

4.Can quantitative questions appear in Section B of the Paper 1 exam?

Yes, potentially. Section B is different for SL and HL but students can expect data / quantitative questions (although this is not prescriptive).

5.What is the rule on the use of calculators in the Paper 1 exam?

A 4-function calculator would suffice; graphic display calculators (GDCs) with storage devices must have the memory completely swiped and checked by an exams invigilator.

6.What is the weighting of the Paper 1 exam for HL? SL?

35% for HL and 30% for SL - as stated on pages 53 and 54 of the official IB Business Management Guide.

These weightings potentially represent three grade boundaries for the Paper 1 examination, so schools are strongly advised to devote adequate time to review and revise the syllabus through the context of the organization and information contained in the pre-issued case study.

7.

How long does the IB recommend that schools should spend on the pre-release case study?

Up to three weeks - but this is not prescriptive. You know your students best, so use your professional judgement when deciding how much time your students will need.

8.Is there any difference between the pre-seen case study for SL and HL candidates?
No - the pre-seen case study is the same for SL and HL students. However, that some HL terminology will typically appear in the (common) pre-seen case study.
9.When responding to questions in Section B (SL) and Sections B and C (HL), are students expected to draw on the pre-seen material?

Yes, students are expected to draw on the pre-seen material where relevant. This can include aspects of their answers from Section A (for SL candidates) and Sections A and B (for HL candidates).

10.

Are the questions in Sections A and B the same for SL and HL students?

Questions may be the same, similar, or different for SL and HL
students. In Section A, all questions are based on the pre-seen case study (so there may be HL content in Section A for HL only candidates). In Section B, the questions  are mainly based on the additional stimulus material provided on the day of the exam.



Click on the link here to access the ATL Activities for the November 2023 Brondy’s PLC case study. Teachers can also activate Student Access from the homepage to enable your students to use the ATL Activities, lesson ideas, quizzes, top tips, and other resources that will be populated here for the November 2023 Paper 1 examination.

All materials on this website are for the exclusive use of teachers and students at subscribing schools for the period of their subscription. Any unauthorised copying or posting of materials on other websites is an infringement of our copyright and could result in your account being blocked and legal action being taken against you.