Table of Contents
The Extended Essay is a core element of the IB Diploma Programme. It provides students with an opportunity to carry out in-depth research in an area of personal interest. It required around 40 hours of work by the student. The formal requirements of the Extended Essay, such as the formulation of an appropriate research question, writing the essay within the 4,000 word limit, and including proper citation and referencing throughout the essay. 500 words for the RPPF (Reflections on Planning and Progress Form). There are three compulsory reflection sessions, ending with a viva voce. The business management extended essay must be firmly based on accepted Business Management theory. It required application of theory, tools and techniques to produce a coherent and structured essay. It involves broad and detailed research using a range of secondary sources.
All extended essays require both a title and a research question. The title should be a clear and focused summative statement that provides the reader with an indication of the research topic. The research question must be phrased as a probing question, i.e. one that demands inquiry and is worthy of investigation. The research question should allow students to show and use a variety of analytical tools, theories and techniques. This is often supported by statistical data to assist discussion and evaluation.
When selecting your topic and research question, keep the following in mind:
Read the BM syllabus and identify those areas which interest you most. For example, consider how your interests or hobbies in real life can be linked to business management. Read about the topic area and try to find relevant information to support your work.
There are four important documents you need to read before starting your extended essay – The general assessment criteria, subject specific assessment criteria, examiner report, and an example of an excellent A graded business management extended essay. As this will show clearly what needs to be done to score high.
The research question can be forward looking. Your outline, of around 400 words in length, should include the possible research question. Explain why you are interested in this topic and why it is important to study as a BM student.
The supervisor will be someone who teaches you. By preparing a concise outline and having a reasonable understanding of the EE will encourage the supervisor that your EE journey will be successful. The supervisor can help focus the research question more clearly if need be. All students need to impress supervisors that they will work diligently to undertake background reading on relevant theories and will be fully committed to the EE process.
The Higher Level Business Management IA is based on primary research. An A grade for the Extended Essay in Business Management can be awarded without doing any primary research. Both IA and EE should include tools with appropriate explanation of the content or their significance.
As the EE is an academic piece of work, the examiner will positively mark those who go beyond what is on the syllabus, such as Porter’s Five Forces or Blue Ocean Strategy. Another approach by astute students is to relate their essay through all the CUEGIS concepts. The EE research question for most students should require analysis and evaluation of a strategic issue for an organisation which can be linked to these key concepts.
Extended Essay | Internal Assessment |
Essay format, subheadings allowed | Report format, with research proposal |
Secondary focused | Primary focused, secondary to support |
Can be backward looking (must be analytical and evaluative) | Based on a current real-life situation; recommendations must be made |
Word Count – 4000 max | Word Count – 2700 max |
Demonstrates the appropriate use and application of selected Business Management tools, concepts and theories |
The EE requires a lot of background reading as its success depends on secondary research. Schools will provide students with a sufficient time frame to conduct the necessary reading of academic journals and sources. Start reading as soon as your supervisor has agreed to the research question. Identify possible secondary sources which provide balance.
The role of the school librarian is especially important as they show students how to use online databases, how to cite and reference appropriately. Do not rely on the Internet for all your sources.
Assessment Criterion C is titled “Critical Thinking” and is marked out of 12. Many students tend to describe rather than analyse and evaluate. To show evidence of critical thinking, students should use phrases like “In the short (or long) term…” and “the most significant factor is… because…”. This enables you to prioritise issues which you think are most important in addressing the research question. For all essays, the arguments should be balanced (for and against) and allow the research question to be answered at the end in a considered way.
Schools create deadlines for students’ own good! Although the EE takes about 6 to 8 months to complete, by the time students identify a question and do the final reflection (viva voce), this process could be closer to one year. Students should set aside time between deadlines so they can clearly think through what needs to be completed and then progress with the writing process.
Use the summer holidays wisely. Students may get up to 2 months break. Dedicate time spread over several weeks to re-read your EE and to make edits. This will help you to make steady progress and meet the EE deadlines in the following academic year.
Too often, the issue is not the quality of the content of the essay, but marks are lost because of poor presentation and referencing. Assessment Criteria D (Presentation) is worth 4 marks.
The six required elements of the EE:
Title Page
Contents Page
Introduction
Body of the essay
Conclusion
References and Bibliography
Format for the EE includes:
The Word Count includes:
Clearly reference using a recognized system, such as APA or MLA. As the EE is based on secondary research, ensure you cite and referencing throughout the essay.If you use diagrams, ensure these are labelled clearly and make sure you explain them in the context of your research question.
Reflections are worth 6 marks. There are three formal reflection sessions held between the EE supervisor and students:
In the reflection, give specific examples about the EE, rather than writing generally. Write about the focus of the research question in the first reflection, not your interest in BM or desire to use the EE as a pathway to studying BM at university. The total length of the three reflections is 500 words; the examiner will not read beyond this point. Each of the three reflections should be around 160 words, perhaps a little more for the final reflection.
Grade | Marks (out of 34) |
---|---|
A | 27 – 34 |
B | 21 – 26 |
C | 14 – 20 |
D | 7 – 13 |
E | 0 – 6 |
Criterion | Focus | Marks |
Criterion A – Focus and Method |
| 6 marks |
Criterion B – Knowledge and Understanding |
| 6 marks |
Criterion C – Critical Thinking |
| 12 marks |
Criterion D – Presentation |
| 4 marks |
Criterion E – Engagement |
| 6 marks |
The research question is clearly stated and focused.
The methodology of the research is complete.
Knowledge and understanding are excellent.
Use of terminology and concepts is good.
The research is excellent.
Analysis is excellent.
Discussion / evaluation is excellent.
Presentation is good.
Engagement is excellent.
The Extended Essay incorporates all five ATL skills, which are essential at various stages of completing the EE.
Students have opportunities to demonstrate their level of engagement with the EE process. These ATL skills are life-long skills that students will use and develop well beyond the IB Diploma Programme.
Assessment criteria for IB MYP Language Acquisition as stated in MYP subject brief: Each language…
Assessment criteria for IB MYP Physical Health and Education as stated in MYP subject brief:…
Assessment Criteria, as stated in IB MYP Subject Brief. Each design objective corresponds to one…
Assessment Criteria, as stated in IB MYP Subject Brief for Language and Literature: Each objective…
Assessment Criteria, as stated in IB MYP Subject Brief for Individuals and Societies: Each objective…
The MYP community project and the MYP personal project are referred to as MYP projects…