The recommended format for the IA
The following structure/format works well for the IA.
Title page (cover sheet) - refer to the "Top tip 4" box below
Table of contents
Introduction
Main body
Conclusion(s)
Bibliography and references (works cited page)
Appendices: include the 3 to 5 supporting documents (to be electronically uploaded on IBIS
or ManageBac as a separate PDF file).
Good presentation also requires the appropriate use of headings and sub-headings, consistent
referencing, and numbered pages.
1.Introduction
Brief background information about the chosen business organization. This provides
the context of the business research project.
Outline of the contemporary, real-world issue or problem under investigation (to provide
context).
Rationale for the study, including choice of key concept.
Relevance of the chosen key concept * to the research question.
Description of the methodology used to investigate the chosen issue or problem. This
should include an outline of the relevant tools and theories, i.e., the contents of the syllabus
most relevant to the RQ.
*Key Concept
2. Body
Main findings (from the 3 - 5 supporting documents).
Analysis of the findings (in relation to the research question).
Application of relevant Business Management tools, theories, techniques, and terminology.
Integration of the chosen key concept.
Evidence of evaluation (critical thinking) in relation to:
1. Why and how the information in the 3 - 5 supporting documents are helpful (or unhelpful)
in addressing the research question
2. Strengths and limitations of the data/information in the 3 - 5 supporting documents with
respect to answering the research question.
3. An evaluative approach to the discussions, e.g., the short-term and long-term
implications of the findings on the chosen business organization, including the impact on
employees, customers, or other key stakeholder groups, as well as its finances.
Follow this format
3. Conclusion
Provide a clear and explicit answer to the research question, backed by the evidence
presented in the main body of the research project.
Do not introduce any new materials, facts, or arguments that have not been discussed in
body of the research project.
Acknowledge any aspect of the research question that has not been fully addressed from the
findings and analysis of the research project, outlining any further investigation needed to
answer the research question more effectively.
The conclusion should be the final section of your business research project, preceding non-textual
elements like the bibliography and appendices (supporting documents). It must address the research
question in its entirety, ensuring consistency with the research question stated on the cover page of
the IA. For example, if your research question begins with "To what extent...", your conclusion
should clearly state "to a large extent" or "to a small extent," supported by your arguments and
evidence from the supporting documents. Avoid vague statements such as "to some extent," as
these are uninformative and expected from the beginning of the IA process.
Top tip 2 - The Bibliography
For the bibliography, ensure you include all works cited in the business research project. This should
include details of:
The 3 - 5 supporting documents. The first 3 to 5 items in the bibliography must contain full
citations of the supporting documents used. This does not include the actual supporting
documents, which are merged and uploaded as a separate PDF file (see Top tip 3 below).
Additional sources. These should include at least a textbook (for referencing the tools and
theories used, for example).
Top tip 3 - The Appendices (The Supporting Documents)
For the appendices, which are uploaded separately on IBIS or ManageBac,
only include the 3 - 5 supporting documents.
Do not place additional items (such as a table of main findings or a SWOT
analysis) in the appendices. These will not be read by the moderator.
Similarly, make sure that all crucial information or analysis related to your
arguments are included within the main body of the business research project
rather than placed in the appendices or footnotes/endnotes, as moderators
are instructed not to read those sections.
Students should label each of the supporting documents clearly (e.g.,
Supporting Document 1, Supporting Document 2, and so forth).
Start each new supporting document on a new page. This makes is easier for
the moderator (and your teacher) to see where each SD starts and ends.
Highlight (or underline) the parts of the SDs used within the analysis of the
business research project.
Ensure the SDs in the appendix are saved and uploaded as a single PDF file to
IBIS or ManageBac.
