BM HL IA

Areas to focus:

Methodology: Include validity and reliability of the data collected

An evaluative approach to the discussion of findings
Recommendations should be precise and answer the Research question
Proposals for action that arise from the conclusion

HL IA FORMAT

Title page
Contents page
Executive summary
Introduction (background)
Research question
Methodology (use primary research, and only, where relevant, secondary research)
Analysis and discussions
Conclusions
Recommendations
References and Bibliography
Appendices

HL IA CHECKLIST

Criterion A: Research proposal - 3 marks

The research proposal with all the required elements is appropriate, detailed, clear and focused

It is not more than 500 words.

It identifies possible sources of information.

Anticipated difficulties have been mentioned.

The research question looks forward and enables a recommendation to be made.

The project is realistically achievable.

The teacher and student both agree that the research question can be addressed within the word limit.

Issues of confidentiality and ethics have been discussed.

Contact individuals within the organization are identified.

Format for Research proposal: Rationale for study, Theoretical framework (areas of syllabus to be
covered), Proposed methodology, Anticipated difficulties, Timeline and action plan
RP and Action plan should be written in future tense.

Executive Summary: an abstract of maximum 200 words, it should have the RQ, rationale and
conclusion. ES should be written in past tense.

Criterion B: Sources and data (written report) – 3 marks

The primary sources selected and the data collected are appropriate, varied and sufficient.

There is sufficient primary research.

Sources of data have been clearly identified.

Methodology: Include validity and reliability of the data collected

Use recognised referencing system like MLA style

If using interview, place the transcript in the appendices and highlight relevant parts to show use of
information.

Criterion C: Use of tools, techniques and theories (written report) – 3 marks

There is a good understanding of relevant business management tools, techniques and theories, and these
are skillfully applied.

Relevant theory is applied to the organization under investigation.

Do not include full SWOT or STEEPLE analysis, place these tools in appendix.

Criterion D: Analysis and evaluation (written report) – 6 marks

There is a skillful analysis of the results and findings and consistent evidence of substantiated evaluation.

The student evaluates his or her arguments and makes judgments that are well substantiated. An
evaluative approach to the discussion of findings

Criterion E: Conclusions (written report) – 2 marks

The student is able to draw relevant conclusions based on the analysis of the report.

Conclusions that stems from the evidence presented in the main body of the report. Areas for further
study have been identified, if appropriate. Unanswered questions have been acknowledged. Proposals for
action that arise from the conclusion

Criterion F: Recommendations (written report) – 2 marks

This criterion assesses the extent to which the student is able to make substantiated recommendations that
are consistent with the conclusions made and answer the research question.

The recommendations are substantiated and consistent with the conclusions, and they answer the research
question. Recommendations must be realistic. Recommendations should be precise
 Criterion G: Structure (written report) - 2 marks

This criterion assesses the extent to which the student organizes his or her ideas into a structured report

Criterion H: Presentation (written report) – 2 marks

This criterion assesses the extent to which the student presents all the required components of the written
report in the correct order and format.

Criterion I: Reflective thinking (written report) - 2 marks

This criterion assesses the extent to which the student is able to reflect critically on their own work.

The report includes appropriate evidence of reflective thinking on the approach taken in this piece of
research and its limitations. Acknowledge any limitations and unanswered questions in the report.