Paper 1
The new Paper 1 takes a different approach to what we have seen in the last several iterations of the course. Noticeable changes are that there will no longer will be pre-release case study. Instead, the IB will issue a pre-release statement to provide some context to the unseen case study. In addition, Paper 1 is a common paper for SL and HL, i.e., all students will answer the same set of questions.
Overview of the Paper 1 examination
There will be a pre-released statement containing two elements: (i) an introduction to the Paper 1 case study, and (ii) a small number of topics that will provide context to the Paper 1 case study.
The pre-release statement is provided around 3 months prior to the examination, notifying candidates of the topics not in the guide that will be in the case study in the final examination. The pre-released statement for May centres is released in the first week of February (and the first week of August for November centres). The pre-released statement will be made available to schools on IBIS and the Programme Resource Centre (PRC) through the My IB portal.
The introduction to the Paper 1 case study will be approx. 200-words and contains the first couple of paragraphs of the actual case study seen on the day of the exam. Typically, this will include some background information to the organization featured in the Paper 1 exam.
The topics in this pre-released statement are not in the syllabus (to account for the dynamic and contemporary nature of business management). The purpose is to assess candidates’ knowledge of important and contemporary business management topics that could not have been anticipated when the guide was written.
The rest of the case study and stimulus material are unseen and will consist of around 800 to 1,000 words released on the actual day of the actual Paper 1 examination. This will include the pre-released statement.
Students are asked to research these topics for approximately 5 hours, researching these topics and learning the terminology. The topics in this pre-release statement build on those contained in the syllabus.
Paper 1 has a qualitative focus, although there is the possibility that minor calculations can be included in the exam.
A 4-function calculator is permitted in Paper 1 (as there may be minor calculations included in the questions).
All answers are to be written on separate answer sheets (unlike Paper 2). Candidates are provided with 2 four-page booklets for this examination.
Structure of the Paper 1 examination (SL and HL)
Section A
Answer all structured questions based on the case study.
The maximum score = 20 marks
All 5 units of the syllabus can be assessed, except for HL only topics.
Section B
Answer 1 out of 2 extended response questions based on the case study.
The maximum score = 10 marks.
All 5 units of the syllabus can be assessed, excluding the HL only topics.
Duration = 1 hour 30 mins
Overall
The total number of marks for Paper 1 (SL and HL) = 30 marks
The overall weighting of Paper 1 for SL is 35% and 25% for HL.
Top tip 1!
Always refer to the command term in each question. This will help to guide how to answer the question fully without you having to write more than the demands of the question.
For example, the command terms "state”, "list", and "calculate" do not require any explanation or description.
Top tip 2!
For exam questions with an AO2 or AO3 command term, make sure that your answers are applied to the stimulus (case study) materials. Answers without appropriate application are typically limited to about half of the available marks for the question.
Comparing the syllabus change for the new Paper 1
Pre-release case study (old syllabus, final exams N23) | Pre-release case study (new syllabus, first exams M24) | |
Similarities |
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Differences |
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Duration of exam |
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Weighting |
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Top tip 3!
Use ATES as a framework for the 10-mark extended response question in Paper 1:
Answer the full question - clear focus on addressing the demands of the question.
Tool and theories - relevant and accurate use of business management tools and theories.
Evaluation - arguments are substantiated and balanced, with an explanation of the limitations of the case study or stimulus material.
Stimulus - relevant information from the stimulus material is integrated effectively to support the argument.
Top tip 4!
For the 10-mark extended response question in Paper 1, it can be useful to make reference to the organization's mission statement or vision statement (even if this is not provided in the full case study). Including the mission or vision statement can add purpose and context to extended response question, which often requires candidates to make a recommendation between two options or to evaluate a particular decision.
Essentially, any recommendation or evaluative statement should be considered in the context of what the business stands for or ultimately wants to achieve.
FAQ 1 - When does the IB publish the pre-release statement to schools and where can I find this?
The pre-released statement will be available on My IB about 3 months before the examination. For May centres, this will be during the first week of February. For November centres, a different pre-released statement is issued and this will be available on My IB during the first week of August.
The specimen pre-release statement can be accessed here on My IB.
Please note the unseen case study itself will be available to students during the actual Paper 1 examination.
FAQ 2 - How much reading time do students get in the Paper 1 exam?
There is 5 minutes of reading for all 3 Business Management exam papers, prior to students being allowed to pick up their pens to write their answers. The duration of the exam is 1 hour 30 minutes, which does not include the 5-minutes reading time.
Note that the allocated reading time is insufficient for most students to read the full case study (which they see for the first time on the actual day of the exam). This time allows students to scan the case study, looking at the stimulus materials provided, as well as taking a look at the questions. Students must ensure they spend sufficient time to comprehend the full case study prior to writing their answers.
FAQ 3 - Can HL students use HL tools and theories in Paper 1?
Paper 1 is a common paper for both SL and HL students. This means that none of the questions will be based on HL content in the syllabus. The subject guide states that "Questions in this paper are drawn from units 1 to 5 of the syllabus excluding the HL extension material and topics studied at HL only." (page 43).
Therefore, there is no requirement for HL students to use any HL content in their Paper 1 responses.
However, note that HL students are not penalized should they use relevant HL content in their answers if this enhances the application, analysis and evaluation. For example HL students can consider the use of:
appraisals and labour turnover in response to a question about human resource strategies or motivation and demotivation in the workplace.
net present value (NPV) and budgets in response to a question about growth options.
market share and market leadership in response to a question about marketing strategies.
dynamic pricing, competitive pricing, contribution pricing, and price elasticity of demand (PED) in response to a question about appropriate pricing methods.
There is absolutely no requirement for any candidate to use HL tools and theories in the Paper 1 examination.
FAQ 4 - Can students use calculators in the Paper 1 exam?
Calculators are permitted in all three Business Management exams. Although Paper 1 is mainly qualitative in nature, there may be one or two simple calculations included and/or the stimulus materials contain quantitative data (such as bar charts, pie charts, and infographics). Hence, having access to a calculator may be helpful.
Further guidance on the use of calculators in the Business Management exams can be found here.
FAQ 5 - Will students be provided with a formulae sheet in the Paper 1 exam?
The formulae sheet (pages 64 - 65 in the guide) are only provided to candidates in Paper 2. This is because Paper 2 will include compulsory quantitative questions.
Whilst calculators are permitted in Paper 1 and Paper 3, the formulae sheets in not provided in these two exams.
FAQ 6 - Are students allowed to take annotated pre-release material/notes into the Paper 1 exam?
Whilst this is allowed in a limited number of other subjects, this is not permitted in the Business Management examinations.
FAQ 7 - Should students include the line number (from the case study) in their answers?
Whilst application is absolutely essential to succeed in the Paper 1 exam, there is no need or expectation for students to include the line number from the case study in their answers. All Paper 1 examiners will be familiar with the Paper 1 case study.
FAQ 8 - How are the marks allocated for the extended response question (the 10-mark question)?
The IB applies a "best fit" approach when awarding the mark bands below.
| Mark allocations | Rubric requirements |
| 1 – 2 marks |
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| 3 – 4 marks |
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| 5 – 6 marks |
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| 7 – 8 marks |
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| 9 – 10 marks |
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FAQ 9 - How do students reach the 9 - 10 mark band for Section B of Paper 1?
In addition to showing evidence of evaluation and critical thinking for the top mark band in any extended response question, the new mark schemes state that there must be evidence of "... an explanation of the limitations of the case study or stimulus material" (page 45 of guide).
What this means it that students need to acknowledge, comment on, and provide a critique of the limitations of the information provided in the stimulus material, e.g., consideration of the reliability of the source or reflections of any missing data or evidence that may influence the candidate's conclusion.
The IB uses a "best fit" model for external assessments. Limitations of the stimulus in the case study or stimulus material must be considered to reach the top mark band, i.e., 9 marks if there is some evidence of this, and 10 marks if it is done effectively in the context of the given case study.
Note: the above applies for the extended response questions in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
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