Group 3 command terms Students should be familiar withthe following key terms and phrases used in examinations in group 3 subjects. An explanation is given for each term and an example, specific to business and management, is provided. Command term Analyse Compare Contrast Define Describe Discuss Distinguish Evaluate Examine Definition Break down in order to bring out the essential elements, structure, any underlying assumptions and any Interrelationships involved Describe two (ormore) situations and present the similarities between them. Describe two (or more) situations and present the differences between them. Give a clear and precise meaning of a given word, term or concept. Present the characteristics of @ particular topic. Offer a considered and balanced review of a particular topic. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by empirical ‘evidence and sound argument, ‘Make clear the differences between two or more concepts/terms. ‘Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations of different evidence and arguments. Consider an argument or concept in ‘away that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue. Business and management example Analyse the impact of external ‘opportunities and threats on the business strategy of company A. Compare the benefits of adopting UFO with those of FIFO. With reference to the impact on profit, contrast the FIFO method of stock valuation with the LIFO method of stock valuation. Define the term “stakeholder*, Describe company X's corporate culture, Discuss how the introduction of an ‘employee share-ownership scheme could affect motivation for employees of company X. Distinguish between variable costs and fixed costs. Evaluate the option of accelerating ‘company X's overseas development through the use of franchising or Joint ventures. Examine company X's present marketing approach in the light of ‘changes in the external environment, ‘© international Baccalauente Organization 2007Explain Describe, giving reasons. Identify, Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing fact or feature. Justify Provide evidence to support or defend a choice, decision, strategy or course of action. Towhat Evaluate the success or otherwise of extent ‘an argument or concept, Opinions and conclusions shouldbe presented clearly and supported with empirical ‘evidence and sound argument, Glossary 0 Explain why company X has changed its pricing strategy. Identity two reasons why the owner hhas chosen a particular method of investment appraisal. Justify your reasons for introducing an extension strategy for product X. ‘To what extent was the marketing strategy of company X successful? Subject-specific command terms Although the group 3 command terms are used frequently in business and management examination questions, other terms may be used to direct students to present an answer ina specific way for business and management. Students should be familiar with the following command terms used in HL and SL business and management examination questions. Commandterm Definition Advise Offer suggestions/recommendations for a potential course of action. Apply Use an idea, principle or theory in ‘elation to a problem or issue. Calculate Give a precise numerical answer. Classify Arrange or order by class or categories. Comment Write an explanation of, or ‘commentary on, the information given In relation to a problem or issue. Complete ‘Add missing information/data. ‘© international Baccalaureate Organization 2007 Business and management examp! ‘Advise the human resources manager fon the use of both monetary and ‘non-monetary rewards to improve staff motivation at XYZ Ltd. ‘Applying Mastow’s motivation theory, suggest a new rewards package for employees of company X. Calculate the acid test ratio for ‘company X in 2008, Classify the range of products sold byline range and mix. Comment on the profitability, liquidity and efficiency of the firm, Complete the critical path diagram by calculating the earliest starting ‘time and latest finishing time for each activity. %Glossary of Construct Formulate Interpret outline Prepare Recommend Present a variety of information in a diagrammatic or tabular form. Express precisely, clearly and ina systematic manner the relevant concepts) or argument(s). Use knowledge and understanding to explain and, where appropriate, draw inferences from a given situation, problem or issue. Give a brief explanation and/or summary of the issues, principles, or arguments stated in the question. Put given data or information into a suitable business format, Present an advisable course of action with appropriate supporting evidence/reasons, in relation to a given situation, problem or issue. Based on the information given, constructa break-even chart for ‘company X. Formulate an appropriate ‘promotional mix for company X. {Calculate and) interpret the value of the sales variance for XYZ Ltd. Outline two advantages and disadvantages of working from home. Prepare a cash-flow forecast for ‘company for January, February and March 2010. Recommend a suitable growth strategy for company X. ‘© ternational Baccalaureate Organlation 2007Key words in IB Business & Management Analyse Identify factors of importance ASSES (the problem) What is likely to happen, what may or what will happen Assess the situation As nothing is black or white this can mean examining : Benefits - problems Pros¢ —con¢s Advantages — disadvantages For — against Arguments in favors of - arguments against Evaluation Assess something in the way as listed below: Benefits - problems Pros@ —congs Advantages - disadvantages For ~ against Arguments in favors of - arguments against + Make judgment or Draw conclusiosnsExplain How does it work? Why? How? Where? Explain the effect? What happens if? Discuss Consider different ideas or opinions about something. The response should cover at least two arguments in favour and at least BS"arguments against. This should be followed by a judgment/conclusion based on previous answer. Examine Identify and explain why Define Give full and clear definition that conveys knowledge and understanding Outline Give your alternative + a short explanation of such-4- ‘N10/3/BUSMT/HP2/ENG/TZO/XX/M Section B »@) questions ss Se sere Level descriptors Q3 @) | Q4 (4) | Q5@) | Marks 0-9 s f No knowledge or understanding of relevant issues, concepts and theories. No use of appropriate terminology. Little knowledge and understanding of relevant issues, concepts and theories. ne) © Little use of appropriate terminology. * No evidence of judgments and/or conclusions, © No reference is made to the information in the stimulus material, A description with some knowledge and/or understanding of relevant issues, concepts and theories. Some use of appropriate terminology. 34 © No evidence of judgments and/or conclusions. Some reference is made to the information in the stimulus material, not just to the name of the organization. ‘The response is mainly theoretical. A response with relevant knowledge and understanding of relevant issues, concepts and theories. ‘A. response that uses relevant and appropriate terminology. s7 Evidence of judgments and/or conclusions that are little more than unsubstantiated statements that has balanced analysis and demonstrates understanding. Explicit references to the information in the stimulus material are made at places in the response. A_response_with accurate, specific, well-detail ‘knowledge _and_understanding of relevant issues, ‘concepts and theories. ‘A response that uses appropriate terminology| 29 competently throughout the response. A xesponse that includes judgments and/or conclusions| that_is well supported and underpinned by a balanced analysis, Explicit references to. the information in the stimulus material are made throughout the response. ~ Discuss Evaluate-3- N10/3/BUSMT/HP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M_ ‘The markbands on pages 3-4 should be used where indicated in the markscheme. Level descriptors ‘No knowledge or understanding of relevant issues, concepts and theories. No use of appropriate terminology. Little knowledge and understanding of relevant issues, concepis and theories. Little use of appropriate terminology. No reference is made to the information in the stimulus material. ‘The response is mainly theoretical. ‘A description or partial analysis/examination with relevant knowledge and/or understanding of relevant issues, concepts and theories, © Some use of appropriate terminology. Some reference is made to the information in the stimulus material, not just to the name of the organization, Section A | Section B = @anestions " Qi 93 | a4] os ©} 0 }@|O}o Me ° 12 a4 54 ‘A__balanced _analysis/examination with accurate, specific, well-detailed knowledge and understanding] Of relevant issues, concepts and theories. ‘An analysis/examination that uses appropriate terminology throughout the response. Explicit references are made to the information in the stimulus material. Analyse Brawing