The Seven Step-by-Step Guide to the Internal Assessment
Step 1 - Identify the organization of choice
∙ The organization chosen is of direct interest to me.
∙ The organization has a newsworthy issue or problem that is no older than 3 years (from
the final submission date of the business research project to the IB).
∙ Theorganization has a website in English with available information relevant to the
business research project.
∙ Thereare sufficient resources available about the organization and the specific issue or
problem specified in the research question.
Use at least two sources to summarize the organization of your choice. Include
relevant information such as its mission and/or vision statement, a description of the
goods and/or services provided, the organizational structure, leadership styles, the size
of the workforce, etc.
Step 2 - Define the issue or problem
List 10 specific sources that are directly related to your business research
project. List 3 issues or problems that the organization faces in order of
importance. ∙ Outline the main causes and effects.
∙ Explain the impact of the issue or problem on the organization.
∙ Provide at least two pieces of supporting evidence and quote these correctly.
∙ Use evidence to summarize the problem or issue of your choice. Explain the
causes and effects, importance, and impact.
∙ Research question:
∙
Step 3 - Develop a conceptual lens
Choose one key concept for your IA: Creativity, Ethics, Sustainability, or
Change. (a) Determine the scope and boundaries
(b) Apply the lens to your research or analysis
Explain the relationship between your chosen key concept and the issue or problem
stated in the research question. Use evidence to justify your response.
Step 4 – Methodology
Outline the main method(s) that you intend to apply to your investigation to complete the
business research project. Explain their importance in relation to the issue/problem
identified in the research question.
Provide a brief but clear justification for including each of these tools/theories in your
business research project.
The IB does not prescribe any particular number of tools or theories to use in the
business research project. However, most students will typically include 2 - 4
tools/theories in their IA.
Step 5 - Writing the introduction
(a) Start with a compelling hook
(b) Provide background information
(c) State the problem or objective of the study
(d) Explain the relationship between the topic and a key concept
(e) State your research question
Remember that the topic in the research question must be a contemporary issue or
problem that is worthy of further academic study.
(f) Outline your methodology
(g) Develop your thesis statement
Use the subheadings and tips above to write your full introduction. (Write one-side of
A4 maximum)
Step 6 - Compiling a bibliography of the supporting documents
∙ Eachsupporting document is of an academic nature and/or is from a reputable source.
(Do not use the likes of Wikipedia, Investopedia, or personal blogs).
∙ Each source provides information about the topic (issue or problem in the research
question) or provides a historical context that is relevant to the business research
project.
∙ Each source helps you to deepen your conceptual understanding of the issue or
problem at hand.
∙ Each source helps to answer your research question.
∙ Each source is published within 3 years from the final submission date of the IA to the
IB.
Complete the template below for each supporting document you have used.
Source of supporting document:
Purpose:
Purpose:
Main content (findings):
Value of the content in relation to
the RQ:
Relevance of the content to
tools/theories:
Limitation(s) of the source:
Step 7 - Constructing the IA
Outline format of the IA
Intro
paragraph Body paragraphs Counter-arguments Conclusion(s)
statement
Context Main findings from the supporting Evidence of different
documents
perspectives Summary
Methodology Relevance of findings to the Limitations of the
research question
findings in the SDs Implications
Research
question Answer the entirety of
the research question
Thesis
You might find it useful to use the template below.
(a) Title page
Research question:
Key concept:
Organization:
Tools and theories:
(b) Introduction
Background and context:
Methodology:
Thesis statement / Research question:
(c) Body paragraph (approx. 3 – 5, but use as many as appropriate within the word
count limit)
Point:
A statement of what the paragraph is
about and how it directly links to your
RQ
Evidence:
Use the SD(s) to present specific
evidence that directly addresses the
RQ (including counter-arguments).
Analysis: Interpret the meaning of
the findings in the SD(s) and explain
the perspective it and how the
evidence supports the point or the
investigation.
Significance: Tie in the central
argument of the investigation with the
evidence and perspectives at hand.
Evaluate how significant the
perspectives demonstrate the point,
support, or contradict each other.
(d) Conclusion(s)
Summary: Summarize the contents of your written commentary, i.e., the main points presented in the
body paragraphs.
Implications: Discuss what your research contributes to our understanding of the issue or problem
stated in the RQ. For instance, “If the problem continues…” or “If the problem is addressed…”
Answer the question: Refer back to the research question and answer the entirety of the RQ. Try to
finish with a strong statement.
Limitations: Discuss the limitations of your research (including the SDs). Are there any unanswered
questions? What else, if anything, is needed to research further?
Make sure your overall conclusion is a direct answer to your research question.
