EXTENDED ESSAY

The extended essay is compulsory for all students taking the

Diploma Programme and is an option for course students.
SUBJECT SPECIFIC GUIDANCE:
A student must achieve a D grade or higher to be awarded the Diploma. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
WORD LIMIT EXAMPLES OF SOME EXTENDED ESSAY TITLES OVERVIEW OF THE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
It is presented as a formal piece of sustained academic writing containing How is market positioning significant in establishing Audi as a premium brand Criterion A: focus and method (Marks: 6)
no more than 4,000 words accompanied by a reflection form of no more than in Hong Kong? • Topic
500 words. • Research question
How effective has the joint venture between 7-Eleven and Ocean Park been as
a growth strategy? • Methodology
THE 4000-WORD LIMIT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE:
Contents page, maps, charts, diagrams, annotated illustrations, tables, How effective have the campaigns of Ronald McDonald House Charities been in Criterion B:
equations, formulae and calculations, references/citations, footnotes or end raising awareness of McDonald's knowledge and understanding (Marks: 6)
notes, the corporate social responsibility in Britain? • Context
bibliography and appendices. • Subject-specific terminology and concepts
To what extent has the joint venture between Nestle and Haagan Dazs
PRIMARY OR SECONDARY DATA? increased its market share in the US ice Criterion C: critical Thinking (Marks 12)
cream industry? • Research
You should use secondary data as the basis of their EE, supported where • Analysis
appropriate by primary research. To what extent is competitive pricing suitable for Savita Solar?
• Discussion and evaluation
The sole use of secondary sources is permitted and will allow you to access to How significant is Maslow's hierarchy of needs in explaining the improved level
of motivation at the English Criterion D: presentation (Marks: 4)
all levels of the EE assessment criteria. • Structure
Schools Foundation?
BACKWARD VERSUS FORWARD-LOOKING QUESTIONS • Layout
How effective has the takeover of Cadbury's been as a growth strategy for Kraft
You can choose to investigate past event(s). However, you must ensure that Foods in the USA? Criterion E: engagement (Marks 6)
your research question will enable you to analyze and evaluate rather than • Process
simply describe what happened. How has KFC outperformed McDonald's in the Chinese fast-food market over • Research focus
the past decade?
A forward-looking question can enable you to search for conflicting sources to TOP TIPS
arrive at a well-supported argument and conclusion. FORMAT OF YOUR EXTENDED ESSAY
 The essay should be written in an objective way (leave out subjective
But the topic should not be so forward-looking that information and results Title page - include the essay question, candidate name and number, center comments and personal preconceptions).
are not yet available: hypothetical questions based on future events are to be name and number and date of submission.  Focus on the use of secondary data sources for the EE. Primary data
avoided. Please note that name of the student or the school should not appear on the can be used if appropriate in supplementing the secondary research.
title page or on any page headers. This is because the work is assessed  The analysis and conclusions should only be derived from the data and
FORMULATING AN EXTENDED ESSAY TITLE evidence presented in the essay.
anonymously.
 The essay title should be phrased as a probing question, i.e. one that  Do not introduce anything new in the conclusion, except any
Contents page - including page numbers. unanswered or new questions that may have arisen from the
demands inquiry.
Introduction - this section includes a brief background to the organization and research.
 The title question should allow you to show and use a variety of analytical  Make sure there is evidence of critical thinking in the essay. Your EE
an outline of the methodology used.
tools. supervisor can provide some guidance here.
Body - this section includes the findings (results) and analysis. Good essays  Above all, ensure that the essay fulfills the Assessment Criteria.
 Make sure the title question has a clear focus that allows the application
show evidence of critical thinking within the body of the EE.
of BM theory, tools and techniques. This is often supported by statistical
ANALYTICAL TOOLS
data to assist discussion and evaluation. Conclusion - this should stem from the research carried out, with the
conclusion backed with evidence presented in the body of the essay. Appropriate analytical tools from the BM syllabus include:
 The essay should also allow you to engage in broad and detailed research,
requiring the selection and use of a range of sources. References and bibliography - a comprehensive list that references all sources • Ansoff Matrix • Force field analysis You may also
should be used. Note that the omission of a bibliography is deemed to be • BCG Matrix • Position maps use analytical
QUESTION STARTERS unacceptable for Criterion I, so zero marks would be awarded. • Break-even analysis • Stakeholders analysis tools that are
Given below is a list of common question starters that may help you design • Decision tree • STEEPLE analysis not included
Appendices - supplementary evidence and supporting documentation (such as
your own research question. • Financial statements • SWOT analysis in the
excerpts of company annual reports and newspaper articles) should be placed
• Ratio analysis • Fishbone diagram syllabus.
 To what extent ...  Has the introduction (or in this section.
 Assess the role of ... cancellation)of ... resulted in ... THE DIPLOMA POINT MATRIX CRITICAL THINKING
 How accurate/reliable ...  Does [X] process/approach provide ... You must ask probing questions and look at all relevant factors when
 How far could one argue ...  What is the contribution/ TOK/EE A B C D E considering the information obtained from your research. Information
 How successful ...  infrequence of ... A 3 3 2 2 cannot always be accepted at face value. Indicate unresolved questions,
 How crucial/significant ...  What evidence is there to support ... or new questions that have arisen from their study, in your conclusions.
B 3 2 2 1 Failing
 Which factors played ...  What is the impact of ... Following sources were used to prepare this poster
C 2 2 1 0 condition
 Under what circumstances  Is it possible to determine ... o IBO, Extended Essay guide, 2018
may ...  Under what circumstances may … D 2 1 0 0 o Paul Hoang and Chris Taylor, Extended Essay Skills for Success, 2017
E Failing condition o Kosta Lekanides, Extended Essay Course Companion, 2016