Overview
The IB Business Management Internal Assessment is worth 25% of your final Business Management grade — often the difference between a 5 and a 7 when exams go wrong. Unlike past papers, the IA is coursework you control months before exams. This guide explains criteria, structure, and the mistakes moderators see every year.
What examiners mark
For the IB Diploma Programme, marked on research proposal, application of tools, analysis and evaluation, and structure — SL and HL differ in length and depth (HL expects more strategic analysis).
Recommended structure
Research question on a real business → methodology (primary/secondary sources) → apply toolkit (SWOT, Ansoff, etc.) → findings → conclusions and recommendations → bibliography.
Workflow for a top-band IA
Choose a business you can interview or survey. Every tool must be applied, not defined. Recommendations need feasibility and stakeholders.
Common pitfalls
For the IB Diploma Programme, generic tools without data; no primary research; recommendations unsupported; ignoring ethical consent for surveys.
Criterion practice on MarkScheme
Draft sections can be checked against IB assessment language — [get feedback on your IA writing](/mark?subject=ib-business-management-sl) where supported, and use syllabus [lessons](/ib/courses/business-management-sl) to strengthen methodology and subject vocabulary.
Frequently asked questions
This section covers Frequently asked questions — what IB examiners reward most often in past papers and coursework.
HL vs SL length?
HL IA is longer with deeper strategic analysis — check current word/page limits.
Real company names?
Often allowed with anonymity if needed — follow school ethics guidance.
Exam prep?
Toolkit fluency helps Paper 1/2 — see Business past papers.