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International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

• A title page
• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

• A check on plagiarism and malpractice
• Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
• Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!  

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

• Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
• Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
• English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
• Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
• Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
• Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

• January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
• February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
• April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
• Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
• August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
• September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
• November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

• Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
• Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
• Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

• Business Management 1
• Chemistry 1
• Chemistry 2
• Chemistry 3
• Chemistry 4
• Chemistry 5
• Chemistry 6
• Chemistry 7
• Computer Science 1
• Economics 1
• Design Technology 1
• Design Technology 2
• Environmental Systems and Societies 1
• Geography 1
• Geography 2
• Geography 3
• Geography 4
• Geography 5
• Geography 6
• Literature and Performance 1
• Mathematics 1
• Mathematics 2
• Mathematics 3
• Mathematics 4
• Mathematics 5
• Philosophy 1
• Philosophy 2
• Philosophy 3
• Philosophy 4
• Philosophy 5
• Psychology 1
• Psychology 2
• Psychology 3
• Psychology 4
• Psychology 5
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Arts 2
• Visual Arts 3
• Visual Arts 4
• Visual Arts 5
• World Religion 1
• World Religion 2
• World Religion 3

What's Next?

Trying to figure out what extracurriculars you should do? Learn more about participating in the Science Olympiad , starting a club , doing volunteer work , and joining Student Government .

Studying for the SAT? Check out our expert study guide to the SAT . Taking the SAT in a month or so? Learn how to cram effectively for this important test .

Not sure where you want to go to college? Read our guide to finding your target school . Also, determine your target SAT score or target ACT score .

As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.

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IB EE examples for all subjects

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conferencing market from 2020 to 2021, how do different concentrations of punica granatum extracts: peel, flower and leaves (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/ml) affect the rate of reaction of α-amylase and compare with metformin (anti-diabetic drug) as measured by a spectrophotometer at 587nm, to what extent were queer people liberated in weimar germany, 1919-1933, to what extent were the nuremberg trials defendants afforded a fair due process, how does the concentration of harpagoside, which is identified by the surface area of the spot on the chromatography paper, changes in the equine mane over the period of one month after gradual consumption of the supplement “devil’s claw”, to what extent have tesla’s distinct marketing strategies been effective at promoting its automotive business”, how do the angular momentum and orbital velocity affect the eccentricities of planetary orbits, to what extent was amazon’s decision to expand into the physical grocery retail industry a successful change 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• About IB , About the IB , Extended Essay
• March 26, 2023

The Extended Essay (EE) in Business Management

Written by : Sophie M.

Let’s start off with the basics…

The extended essay is an independent piece of research.

4,000-word paper.

Students are required to have three mandatory reflection sessions with their supervisors.

The final session, a concluding interview, is also known as viva voce (oral presentation)

The score a student receives relates to a band. The bands are:

• A – work of an excellent standard.
• B – work of a good standard.
• C –work of a satisfactory standard.
• D – work of a mediocre standard.
• E – work of an elementary standard

The Extended Essay (EE) in Business Management is an in-depth study of a focused topic that demonstrates your ability to conduct independent research and communicate your findings effectively. Here are some steps you can follow to write an excellent EE in Business Management (IB DP):

Choose a topic: You should select a topic that interests you and is relevant to business management. It is important to select a topic that is narrow enough to allow for a focused analysis but broad enough to have sufficient research material. You can consult with your supervisor or use resources such as academic journals and textbooks to help you identify a topic.

Define your research question : Your research question should be clear and specific. The research question should be based on a real-world problem or issue related to business management. Here’s a guide on how to refine your title.

Consideration 1 : Which Business Management units have you really enjoyed?

E.g. Marketing and more specifically Social Media Marketing

Consideration 2: A country, business, case study, relevant theory, strategy or model (although you don’t have to include every single one!).

Consideration 3: Typical question starters in Business Management EE research questions:

• To what extent…
• How effective was…
• How did [insert model/theory/strategy] contribute to the success of….
• To what extent can X be attributed to…
• Should X company implement X
• What was the influence/cause of X…

Narrowing down the research question:

Think of an inverted triangle, start off broad and slowly narrow the focus of your research question:

  Linking all the ideas from the inverted triangle we can come up with a general title of:

“How does Tesla’s effective use of social media marketing contribute to the company’s success in the electric vehicle industry?”

This is a great start but the question is far too broad, how could we refine the title even more? Let’s think about Tesla’s SMM what do you know about it? Start searching using internet resources…with caution.

There are several reasons why we should be careful when using internet resources, including:

• Accuracy: Not all websites provide accurate information. It’s important to verify the information presented and to check multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
• Bias: Many websites have a specific purpose or agenda (such as a blog), and the information presented may be biased or one-sided. It’s important to consider the purpose and audience of the website to determine its bias.
• Quality: Anyone can create a website, and not all websites are of high quality. It’s important to evaluate the credibility of the author and the website before relying on the information presented.

When considering the purpose and audience of a website, it’s important to ask questions such as:

• Who is the intended audience for this website?
• What is the purpose of this website?
• Is the author an expert in the subject matter?
• Does the website provide references or sources for its information?
• Does the website contain advertising or sponsored content that may influence the information presented?

To help refine the question we will use the following Forbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2019/05/06/tesla-spends-zero-on-ads-heres-where-bmw-toyota-ford-and-porsche-spend-digital-ad-dollars/?sh=2734ac8711d4

As we can see from the information provided it is interesting to see that Tesla has spent zero dollars on paid campaigns!!!

Let’s use the question starter of “to what extent…” and add into the question our new found information about Tesla’s zero spending on SMM…

“To what extent does Tesla’s organic social media strategy contribute to the company’s success in the electric vehicle industry, despite its minimal spending on paid social media advertising?”

Is there a possibility that this research question might be too narrow? You may find in the process of researching that your research question is too narrow or there is not enough information or data available to answer your question. Don’t panic! Just add a comparative element. In the case of Tesla, we could compare how another auto brand allocates and spends money on its SMM campaign.

“How does Tesla’s organic social media strategy impact its success in the electric vehicle industry, given its minimal spending on paid social media advertising, compared to Toyota, which allocates a significant portion of its budget to social media marketing?”

Now that we’ve refined the question it’s time to:

Conduct research: You should gather information from a variety of sources, including academic journals, books, online databases, and other credible sources. You should critically evaluate the sources to ensure they are reliable and relevant to your research question (see earlier point about caution with online resources).

Fortunately, in the field of Business Management, we have the option to rely on secondary resources for our Extended Essay (EE). However, should you decide to incorporate primary sources, it would typically be to provide quantitative or qualitative data that can assist in addressing your research question.

Using secondary resources in your EE is essential to support your research and provide evidence for your arguments. Here are some tips on how to effectively use secondary resources in your essay:

• Choose reliable sources: When selecting secondary resources, it’s crucial to ensure that they are reliable and credible. Consider using scholarly articles, academic journals, books, and reputable websites. Avoid using unreliable sources such as blogs, social media, and personal websites.

Artistic materials/Letters/Tweets/Visual materials/Lectures/Broadcasts/Blogs/Audio materials/Interviews Maps/Advertisements/Graphics/Conversations/Charts/Photographs

Check out the IB guide on Effective citing and referencing, which can be found at:

https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/76d2b6d4731f44ff800d0d06d371a892/effective-citing-and-referencing-en.pdf

But don’t start writing yet. First you should note down:

Create an outline: An outline will help you organize your thoughts and ideas. It should include an introduction, main body, and conclusion. You should also include subheadings and bullet points to help you structure your essay. Check this outline with your supervisor.

Other things to include are:

• Which theory you used: e.g. SMM/motivational theories of HRM/strategic alliances…
• Give any definitions: e.g. what does BCG matrix stand for
• Methodology: e.g. secondary or primary/marketing mix/SWOT analysis

Write your essay: Your essay should be well-structured and clearly written. You should use evidence from your research to support your arguments and conclusions. It’s important to use academic language and cite your sources correctly.

Revise and edit: You should review your essay carefully and make any necessary revisions. You should also check for spelling and grammar errors and ensure that your citations are accurate.

Submit your essay: Once you are satisfied with your essay, you should submit it to your supervisor. They will review it and provide feedback to help you improve your work.

Remember, the EE in Business Management is a significant piece of work that requires dedication, time management, and critical thinking skills. It’s essential to start early and seek guidance from your supervisor throughout the process. Good luck!

IB Business Management EE examples.

In the link below: Four authentic examples of student EE in Business management can be found. These examples come with their respective RPPFs and examiner’s commentaries:

<https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/extendedessay/apps/dpapp/assessment.html?doc=d_0_eeyyy_gui_1602_1_e&part=1&chapter=4

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Everything you need to know about IB Business Management Extended Essay

• January 27, 2023
• IB Extended Essay (EE)

Table of Contents

• 1 Business Management Extended Essay
• 2 Formulating an Extended Essay Title and Research Question
• 3.1 1) Choose a topic which interested and engages you 
• 3.2 2) Understand the EE requirements 
• 3.3 3) Create a research question and write an outline 
• 3.4 4) “Choosing” a supervisor 
• 3.5 5) The EE is not an Internal Assessment 
• 3.6 6) Achieving the A grade
• 3.7 7) Analyse and Evaluate 
• 3.8 8) Meet deadlines 
• 3.9 9) Presentation and Referencing 
• 3.10 10) Reflect, Reflect, Reflect 
• 4.1 The following are not included in the word limit: 
• 4.2 The following style of presentation: 
• 4.3 Cover Page should contain the following information: 
• 4.4 Grade Boundaries:
• 4.5 Assessment Criteria:
• 4.6 Criterion A – Focus and Method 
• 4.7 Criterion B – Knowledge and Understanding 
• 4.8 Criterion C – Critical Thinking 
• 4.9 Criterion D – Formal Presentation 
• 4.10 Criterion E – Engagement
• 5 Tools, Techniques and Theories for the Extended Essay 
• 6 Tools, Techniques and Theories beyond the IB BM Syllabus 
• 7 Research Question Examples – 

Business Management Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is a core element of the IB Diploma Programme . It provides students with an opportunity to carry out in-depth research in an area of personal interest. It required around 40 hours of work by the student. The formal requirements of the Extended Essay, such as the formulation of an appropriate research question, writing the essay within the 4,000 word limit, and including proper citation and referencing throughout the essay. 500 words for the RPPF (Reflections on Planning and Progress Form). There are three compulsory reflection sessions, ending with a viva voce. The business management extended essay must be firmly based on accepted Business Management theory. It required application of theory, tools and techniques to produce a coherent and structured essay. It involves broad and detailed research using a range of secondary sources. 

Formulating an Extended Essay Title and Research Question

All extended essays require both a title and a research question. The title should be a clear and focused summative statement that provides the reader with an indication of the research topic. The research question must be phrased as a probing question, i.e. one that demands inquiry and is worthy of investigation. The research question should allow students to show and use a variety of analytical tools, theories and techniques. This is often supported by statistical data to assist discussion and evaluation. 

When selecting your topic and research question, keep the following in mind: 

• Choose a subject and topic that interests you 
• Construct a research question that is worth of study and has academic rigour 
• Ensure there are sufficient secondary resources and materials to address the research question. 
• Ensure the topic is neither too narrow nor too broad 

Tips for writing Business Management Extended Essay 

1) choose a topic which interested and engages you  .

Read the BM syllabus and identify those areas which interest you most. For example, consider how your interests or hobbies in real life can be linked to business management. Read about the topic area and try to find relevant information to support your work. 

2) Understand the EE requirements  

There are four important documents you need to read before starting your extended essay – The general assessment criteria, subject specific assessment criteria, examiner report, and an example of an excellent A graded business management extended essay. As this will show clearly what needs to be done to score high. 

3) Create a research question and write an outline  

The research question can be forward looking. Your outline, of around 400 words in length, should include the possible research question. Explain why you are interested in this topic and why it is important to study as a BM student. 

4) “Choosing” a supervisor 

The supervisor will be someone who teaches you. By preparing a concise outline and having a reasonable understanding of the EE will encourage the supervisor that your EE journey will be successful. The supervisor can help focus the research question more clearly if need be. All students need to impress supervisors that they will work diligently to undertake background reading on relevant theories and will be fully committed to the EE process.

5) The EE is not an Internal Assessment 

The Higher Level Business Management IA is based on primary research. An A grade for the Extended Essay in Business Management can be awarded without doing any primary research. Both IA and EE should include tools with appropriate explanation of the content or their significance. 

As the EE is an academic piece of work, the examiner will positively mark those who go beyond what is on the syllabus, such as Porter’s Five Forces or Blue Ocean Strategy. Another approach by astute students is to relate their essay through all the CUEGIS concepts. The EE research question for most students should require analysis and evaluation of a strategic issue for an organisation which can be linked  to these key concepts. 

6) Achieving the A grade

The EE requires a lot of background reading as its success depends on secondary research.  Schools will provide students with a sufficient time frame to conduct the necessary reading of academic journals and sources. Start reading as soon as your supervisor has agreed to the research question. Identify possible secondary sources which provide balance.

The role of the school librarian is especially important as they show students how to use online databases, how to cite and reference appropriately. Do not rely on the Internet for all your sources. 

7) Analyse and Evaluate  

Assessment Criterion C is titled “Critical Thinking” and is marked out of 12. Many students tend to describe rather than analyse and evaluate. To show evidence of critical thinking, students should use phrases like “In the short (or long) term…” and “the most significant factor is… because…”. This enables you to prioritise issues which you think are most important in addressing the research question. For all essays, the arguments should be balanced (for and against) and allow the research question to be answered at the end in a considered way.

8) Meet deadlines  

Schools create deadlines for students’ own good! Although the EE takes about 6 to 8 months to complete, by the time students identify a question and do the final reflection (viva voce), this process could be closer to one year. Students should set aside time between deadlines so they can clearly think through what needs to be completed and then progress with the writing process.

Use the summer holidays wisely. Students may get up to 2 months break. Dedicate time spread over several weeks to re-read your EE and to make edits. This will help you to make steady progress and meet the EE deadlines in the following academic year.

9) Presentation and Referencing 

Too often, the issue is not the quality of the content of the essay, but marks are lost because of poor presentation and referencing. Assessment Criteria D (Presentation) is worth 4 marks. 

The six required elements of the EE: 

Title Page 

• Title of the essay 
• Research Question 
• Subject (i.e. Business Management) 
• Word Count 
• Candidate Code 
• Contents Page 
• Introduction 

Body of the essay 

• Conclusion 

References and Bibliography

Format for the EE includes: 

• Size 12 font, Arial or Times New Roman recommended 
• Double Spacing 
• Page numbering 
• File size no larger than 10MB

The Word Count includes: 

• Quotations 

Clearly reference using a recognized system, such as APA or MLA.  As the EE is based on secondary research, ensure you cite and referencing throughout the essay.If you use diagrams, ensure these are labelled clearly and make sure you explain them in the context of your research question. 

10) Reflect, Reflect, Reflect 

Reflections are worth 6 marks. There are three formal reflection sessions held between the EE supervisor and students:

• The first reflection happens during the beginning stages of the EE, where the student describes how they will approach the essay (methodology) and possible concerns.
• The interim reflection is analytical and happens around the middle of the EE process. Students comment on what they are doing well, where they are struggling and how they will address problems.
• The final reflection, called the viva voce, is evaluative and takes place after the EE is completed. Students comment on the success of the essay and their learning journey.

In the reflection, give specific examples about the EE, rather than writing generally. Write about the focus of the research question in the first reflection, not your interest in BM or desire to use the EE as a pathway to studying BM at university. The total length of the three reflections is 500 words; the examiner will not read beyond this point.  Each of the three reflections should be around 160 words, perhaps a little more for the final reflection.

Note the following Key Points while writing the Extended Essay – 

The following are not included in the word limit: .

• Acknowledgements 
• Charts, Diagrams, Annotated Illustrations 
• Tables (of data, but not text or analysis) 
• Calculations, Equations or Formulae 
• References, Citations, Bibliography 
• Footnotes or Endnotes 
• Appendices 

The following style of presentation: 

• Font Style – Times New Roman or Arial 
• Font Size – 12 
• Line Spacing – Double
• Numbered Pages 

Cover Page should contain the following information: 

• Subject – Business Management Extended Essay
• Session – May 2023

Grade Boundaries:

Assessment criteria:, criterion a – focus and method .

The research question is clearly stated and focused.

• The research question is clear and addresses an issue of research that is appropriately connected to the discussion in the essay.

The methodology of the research is complete.

• An appropriate range of relevant source(s) and/or method(s) has been selected in relation to the topic and research question.
• There is evidence of effective and informed selection of sources and/or methods.

Criterion B – Knowledge and Understanding 

Knowledge and understanding are excellent.

• The application of source materials is clearly relevant and appropriate to the research question.
• Knowledge of the topic/discipline(s)/issue is clear and coherent and sources are used effectively and with understanding.

Use of terminology and concepts is good.

• The use of subject-specific terminology and concepts is accurate and consistent, demonstrating effective knowledge and understanding.

Criterion C – Critical Thinking 

The research is excellent.

• The research is appropriate to the research question and its application to support the argument is consistently relevant.

Analysis is excellent.

• The research is analysed effectively and clearly focused on the research question; the inclusion of less relevant research does not significantly detract from the quality of the overall analysis.
• Conclusions to individual points of analysis are effectively supported by the evidence.

Discussion / evaluation is excellent.

• An effective and focused reasoned argument is developed from the research with a conclusion reflective of the evidence presented.
• This reasoned argument is well structured and coherent; any minor inconsistencies do not hinder the strength of the overall argument or the final or summative conclusion.
• The research has been critically evaluated.

Criterion D – Formal Presentation 

Presentation is good.

• The structure of the essay clearly is appropriate in terms of the expected conventions for the topic, the argument and subject in which the essay is registered.
• Layout considerations are present and applied correctly.
• The structure and layout support the reading, understanding and evaluation of the extended essay.

Criterion E – Engagement

Engagement is excellent.

• Reflections on decision-making and planning are evaluative and include reference to the student’s capacity to consider actions and ideas in response to challenges experienced in the research process.
• These reflections communicate a high degree of intellectual and personal engagement with the research focus and process of research, demonstrating authenticity, intellectual initiative and / or creative approach in the student voice.

The Extended Essay incorporates all five ATL skills, which are essential at various stages of completing the EE. 

• Students should work closely with their supervisor, thus developing their own communication skills when discussing their ideas and reflections.
• This also provides students with opportunities to develop valuable social skills.
• The student’s self-management skills are needed to conduct the research and to complete the essay in an academic and independent way.
• To succeed in the EE, students must demonstrate their ability to think critically about the research, methodology, findings, and conclusions.
• The EE require students to carry out extensive secondary research, including the use of primary research where appropriate

Students have opportunities to demonstrate their level of engagement with the EE process. These ATL skills are life-long skills that students will use and develop well beyond the IB Diploma Programme.

Tools, Techniques and Theories for the Extended Essay 

• 1.3 – Ansoff Matrix 
• 1.3 – SWOT Analysis 
• 1.4 – Stakeholders analysis
• 1.5 – STEEPLE analysis
• 1.7 – Decision Tree 
• 1.7 – Fishbone Diagram 
• 1.7 – Force Field Analysis 
• 1.7 – Gantt Chart 
• 2.4 – Motivation  
• 2.5 – Organisational culture
• 3.3 – Break-even Analysis 
• 3.4 – Final Accounts 
• 3.5 – Profitability and Liquidity Ratio Analysis 
• 3.6 – Efficiency Ratio Analysis
•  3.7 – Cash Flow Forecasts 
• 3.8 – Investment Appraisal 
• 3.9 – Budgets
• 4.2 – Position Maps 
• 4.3 – Sales Forecasting 
• 4.5 – BCG Matrix 
• 5.1 – The Triple Bottom Line 
• 5.5 – Cost to Make vs. Cost to Buy 
• 5.6 – Research and Development 

Tools, Techniques and Theories beyond the IB BM Syllabus 

• Blue Ocean Strategy 
• Porter’s Five Forces Analysis 
• Strategic Drift Theory 
• Porter’s Generic Strategies 
• Thomas-Kilmann’s Conflict Instrument 
• Kotter and Schlesinger’s Change Management model 
• Greiner’s Growth Model 
• Bowman’s Strategic Clock 
• Charles Handy 

Research Question Examples – 

• Which promotional strategy has proved most effective in enabling Tata Coffee to gain market share in Mumbai in the past three years?
• To what extent has the product extension strategy of Apple for its Apple TV service helped the company to remain competitive in Hong Kong?
• How effective has McDonald’s franchise growth strategy been in improving its market share in Malaga, southern Spain?
• To what extent has Starbucks’ use of social media marketing (SMM) increased its brand awareness in Singapore?
• To what extent has Amazon’s acquisition of Souq.com contributed to its growth in Saudi Arabia?
• To what extent has McDonald’s Ronald McDonald House Charities philanthropy programme motivated the company’s workforce in Chicago, Illinois?
• To what extent has Nike’s above the line marketing strategies contributed to the company’s overall profitability?
• To what extent is Ryanair’s corporate success in the European low-cost airline industry attributed to its “no-frills” pricing strategy?

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Dr. Bogard's Extended Essay Guide For IB Business Management

Read Everything In Here And You'll Not Only Know How To Get An Excellent Score But It Will Be much Easier For You To Do It

Course curriculum

Thinking about doing an extended essay for business management.

Be Your Best Self Every Day

Video: What You Should Be Aware Of Before Starting Your BM EE

Start Here With The IB Extended Essay Complete Guide - Read The Business Management Pages 146-154

Your Sources Must Not Be Older Than 4 Years (= Find A Recent Hot Topic From Within The Past 4 Years)

Quick Start Guide

IB's Main Objective = ATL (Approaches To Learning) Talk About These 5 Skills In Your Reflections- They Are Scored By Examiners!

THE RHS EE Guide (Sept. 2022)

How To Design Your Best RQ

Read These BM EE Titles To See What Yours Should Look Like

The IB Business Management EE Guide- Read This Several Times Throughout Your EE Journey

Not Sure Which Company To Choose For Your BM EE? (Junior Year's February Task)

Option 1: Find A Company With A Recent Crisis (Watch This Boeing Example)

Option 2: Find A Company Being Successful (Zipline Example)

Extra Help Getting Started With Your EE Research Question (RQ)

Focus Your RQ On The BM Key Term Not The Company

Past, Present Or Future? IA vs EE

The BM EE Poster - Most Important Rules To Know (Read Each Column Top To Bottom)

Video: How To Do Research Using Scholarly Business Journals (Ask The Media Specialist In The Library Which Databases Are Available)

List Of Business Websites For Finding For Your BM Tools (February Task)

Which IB BM Key Term Fits For A Human Resource Topic At A Non-Profit

MUST READ: Final Tour Of Your EE Thinking & Writing Process

Tesla Article Used As Example In Article Above.

IB's Guide On How You Cite & Build Your References Page At The End Of Your EE (Published 2022)

EE Meetings, Monthly Reflections & Assignments

Dr. Bogard's EE Time Line From Beginning to End

Meetings Packet - Bring this to every EE meeting

EE Planning Worksheet Assignment (complete & discuss in March or April)

Tips To Help You Complete Your Planning Worksheet

Visual Outline Assignment: Upload Your Completed Picture In ManageBac. Print A Copy & Complete It. Schedule A Meeting With Dr. Bogard To Discuss It. You May Turn This In To The IB Office Before Senior Year Starts In August!

What Happens If You Miss Your Scheduled Meeting?

Requirement: Write Your First Reflection In MB At The End Of The First Advisor Meeting

IB Examiner Advice

Examiners' Overall Scoring Comments About Submitted BM EEs

Examiner Comments About Student Reflections

Here Is What IB Wants You To Do When Writing Your Reflections

Here Are Sample EEs That Earned An 'A' & Here Is Your Template (Remember To Use Different Words)

Our Tesla EE That Scored An A (You May Not Choose The Same Company Or The Same Research Question)

Our IKEA EE That Scored An A (You May Not Choose The Same Company Or The Same Research Question)

Another Of Our EEs That Scored an A (Your EE May Not Use The Same Company Or the Same RQ)

Take A Look Through Dr. Bogard's BM EE Template (please do not share or circulate-it is not an official IB resource)

Download Your Template Here...

This Is How Your EE Is Scored

The EE Scoring Rubric (34 Marks)

IB EE Grade Descriptors- Read Each & Note The Things You Must Do To Earn a Final Score Of " A"

Learn What The Expectations Are For Each Criteria

EE Scores and Boundaries

EE Scoring Criteria- The Most Detailed Information To Guide Your Writing

Your EE Affects Your IB Diploma

A Great EE Can Earn You Bonus Points On Your IB Diploma

Know The IB Rules For Earning Your IB Diploma

Tools, Techniques, Theories

How The Tools Fit Into The Structure of the EE

List Of Most Popular Analysis Tools

Complete List of Tools, Techniques and Theories from the IB BM Syllabus

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How To Start Writing

Article 1 - How To Start Your BM EE (Late February / Early March Work Of Junior Year)

Article 2 - Three Easy Steps To Master Your BM EE (Summer Work Before Senior Year)

Article 3 - How To Write An Analysis That Supports Your Findings (Summer Work)

Article 4 - How To Make Your Good EE Great (Late Summer Work)

Article 5 - Dr. Bogard Explains What It Means To Analyze

Article 6 - What Is An Evaluative Statement? (You Must Include These In Your EE)

Write Like a Professional - Use APA Style

Understand What Plagiarism Is So You Don't Do It By Accident

Humor: Check & Verify What You See & Hear From Your Sources

You Must Use A Quote That Ends With An APA Citation In Every Paragraph (Every Source On Your "References Page" Must Be Quoted At Least Once!)

Handout: 4-Page APA Booklet With Examples

Handout: APA Quick Guide

Your Complete Guide To Using APA Style With Complete Examples

Use These 3 Writing Methods To Avoid Plagiarizing

Must Read: The IB Citation Rule Book

How To Cite AI Tools (AI Sources Are Not Reliable & May Not Be Appropriate For Any Part Of Your EE)

Your Finished EE

Time To Make Some Vocabulary Adjustments

How To Shorten Your Final EE Draft

The Final EE A-Z Checklist (You Must Write Each Letter On Your Hard Copy)

After Getting Your Draft Back- Follow These Steps To A Final Paper

How To Replace Your Descriptive Sentences With Analytical Sentences (Look At The Second Page)

Video: What Is The Purpose of the Viva Voce?

Viva Voce Due Dates

How To Confirm Your Viva Voce

Viva Voce Presentation Handout

IB Requires You To Submit This Completed RPPF Form Into IBIS (You Can't Earn The Diploma Without This)

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30+ IB Business Management Extended Essay Topics

by  Antony W

April 28, 2024

In this post, we give you a list of potential business management topics suitable for an extended essay report.

You also learn how to choose the best idea to explore, even if you don’t have enough time left before the first meeting with your supervisor.

The ideas we share with you here should cut down the brainstorming time, so you can get down to writing as soon as possible.

Business Management Extended Essay Topics

Don’t worry if you don’t have a business essay topic yet for your EE assignment. Below are simple and equally interesting examples to get started:

Small Business Management 

• The planning culture suited to small or privately held businesses.
• Managerial business counseling techniques
• Discuss the management techniques for small firms
• Analyze the relationship between innovation and microbusiness growth

Financial Management 

• Aspects of business management in mechanical engineering pertaining to finances
• How to administer the financial data system
• Why every organization needs a risk and insurance management policy
• How to administer taxes and income for large businesses

Motivation and Human Resources 

• The significance of motivation and social media in achieving an accurate understanding of job objectives
• Should businesses give greater recognition to persons of color, or would this have the opposite effect?
• What obligations do managers have for their employees?
• How can remote employees develop workplace trust and mutual respect?
• People despise their employers for no apparent reason, or because they force them to do things beyond their comfort zone?
• What characteristics should a competent manager possess?
• Should businesses provide equal opportunity for all employees?
• Why is fostering a happy environment in the workplace so important?
• Mention workplace sexual harassment protection procedures.
• Why do some businesses impose clothing rules on their employees?

Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility 

• Is it moral or bad to obey the company's policies when they contradict fundamental human principles?
• What impact does the black market have on legal businesses?
• Should businesses consider the incorporation of patriotic educational efforts and sessions into business education?

Leadership and Management 

• What distinctions exist between managers and leaders ?
• How does your management push you to improve your work performance?
• What are leadership and management talents, and what are their distinctions?
• Discuss business management fundamentals and practices.
• Evaluative quantitative methodologies applied in management.
• The significance of corporate communication to good management
• Why computer apps are crucial for every management
• Considerations related to cooperative management.
• The role of public relations in controlling a company's reputation
• Discuss the elements of purchasing and inventory management

Good Business Management EE Topics 

• How does the stock market respond to catastrophes?
• Does the legalization of marijuana in various countries and/or states have a direct effect on the economy ?
• Has the introduction of smartphone-based convenience businesses such as Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb had an impact on the market?
• To what extent has the digital infrastructure supported traditional businesses during Covid-19?
• What is the effect of tourism on the economy of your country in light of the Covid-19 pandemic?
• What is the effect of population control in China on business and economy?
• To what extent is the government responsible for the successful operation of businesses in your country?
• How effective is the control of the diamond market by DeBeers in keeping the prices of gem-quality diamonds high?

While these topics are for inspiration, you can pick one and modify it to your liking. You’ll then conduct research based on the business management EE guidelines and write your report thereafter. 

How to Choose Business Management Extended Essay Topics

The marking scheme used to grade extended essays gives us a clue on what a good topic for business management should look like. You should choose a topic that:

• Is Relevant to Your Career: Is the topic relevant to a career path you intend to pursue after school? If the topic touches on something you can apply to solve a real-world problem, it’s probably a good one to explore.
• Is Interesting: The topic should be captivating not only to you but also to your audience. If you and your audience can draw parallels with the topic, you’ll have an easy time writing the business management EE.
• Has Real-life Examples: Examples such as your favorite grocery store, parent’s business, and restaurants are not public knowledge. Therefore, choose a topic for which you can use major business events and examples known to your audience.
• Encourages a Unique Approach: Use a controversial or unique approach to your topic. Doing so can easily capture the attention and the interest of your audience.

Can I Buy a Business Management Extended Essay Online?

You can buy an extended essay on Help for Assessment and get a writer to work on it. Write a clear assignment brief based on the prompt and scope given to you by your teacher. We’ll send this information to one of the top writers, and they’ll use it to inform your essay.

Our writers follow a strict process when it comes to extended essays. Ideally, they’ll help you choose the best topics, come up with research questions, structure the document accordingly, write the report from scratch, and deliver on time.

How Much Does It Cost to Write a Business Management Extended Essay?

It costs $12.99 to $40 per page depending on the urgency to write an extended essay in business management. You can choose a longer deadline if you have a lot of time on your hands and less money to spend. Or, you can choose a shorter deadline if you need the report written urgently.

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About the author 

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Business Management Extended Essay Topic Ideas and RQs

Table of contents

• Writing Metier

If you’re gearing up to write your Business Management Extended Essay and feeling a bit overwhelmed with where to start, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will walk you through various IB BM EE topics that span across different aspects of business management. 

From organizational culture and leadership dynamics to financial management and even diving into some of the most buzzing modern business trends of 2023 and 2024, we’ve got you covered. 

Whether you’re fascinated by the impact of AI in finance or curious about how businesses are tackling sustainability, these topics are designed to spark your interest and guide your research.

No more long introductions; let me go straight to the Business Management extended essay topics list.

Business Management EE Topics

Here are nine topics and corresponding research questions for each subcategory, starting from organizational culture and leadership.

Impact of Leadership Styles on Organizational Culture

Topic:  The Effect of Transformational Leadership on Organizational Culture in Tech Startups

Research Question:  How does transformational leadership impact the organizational culture in emerging tech startups?

Topic:  Autocratic Leadership and Its Influence on Corporate Culture in Traditional Manufacturing Companies

Research Question:  What is the impact of autocratic leadership on the organizational culture within established manufacturing companies?

Topic:  Comparing the Effects of Democratic and Laissez-Faire Leadership Styles on Organizational Culture in Non-Profit Organizations

Research Question:  How do democratic and laissez-faire leadership styles differently influence organizational culture in non-profit organizations?

The Role of Organizational Culture in Mergers and Acquisitions

Topic:  Cultural Integration Challenges in Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions

Research Question:  What are the key challenges of cultural integration in cross-border mergers and acquisitions, and how do they affect the success of the merger?

Topic:  The Impact of Organizational Culture on Employee Retention During Mergers in the Banking Sector

Research Question:  How does organizational culture influence employee retention during mergers in the banking industry?

Topic:  Assessing the Role of Organizational Culture in the Success of Mergers and Acquisitions in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Research Question:  What role does organizational culture play in determining the success of mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical sector?

How Leadership Adaptation Influences Employee Morale and Productivity

Topic:  Leadership Adaptation in Remote Work Environments and Its Impact on Employee Morale

Research Question:  How does leadership adaptation in remote work settings affect employee morale?

Topic:  The Effect of Adaptive Leadership in Times of Organizational Change on Employee Productivity

Research Question:  In what ways does adaptive leadership during organizational change impact employee productivity?

Topic:  Evaluating the Influence of Leadership Adaptation Strategies in Multicultural Organizations on Employee Productivity

Research Question:  How do leadership adaptation strategies in multicultural organizations influence employee productivity?

Alright, after exploring how leadership shapes a company’s culture, let’s shift our focus to marketing. It’s a whole different ball game where creativity meets strategy, and we’re going to see how businesses reach out to their customers and build their brands.

Marketing Strategies

Effectiveness of Social Media Marketing in Small Businesses

Topic:  Social Media Marketing Strategies and Their Success Rate in Local Cafés and Restaurants

Research Question:  How effective are social media marketing strategies in enhancing customer engagement and sales in local cafés and restaurants?

Consumer Response to Green Marketing Practices

Topic:  The Impact of Green Marketing on Consumer Purchasing Decisions in the Cosmetics Industry

Research Question:  How do green marketing practices influence consumer purchasing decisions in the cosmetics industry?

The Impact of Branding on Customer Loyalty in the Retail Sector

Topic:  Branding Strategies and Customer Loyalty in Fast Fashion Retailers

Research Question:  How do branding strategies affect customer loyalty in the fast fashion retail sector?

Now, moving on from the flashy world of marketing, it’s time to talk about the backbone of any business – its people. Human Resources isn’t just about hiring and firing; it’s about nurturing a workforce that can take a company to new heights.

Human Resources Management

The Influence of Employee Training Programs on Organizational Efficiency

Topic:  The Effectiveness of Digital Skills Training Programs on Employee Performance in IT Companies

Research Question:  How do digital skills training programs influence employee performance and organizational efficiency in IT companies?

Strategies for Managing Workplace Diversity

Topic:  Diversity Management Strategies and Their Impact on Team Performance in Multinational Corporations

Research Question:  What is the impact of diversity management strategies on team performance in multinational corporations?

The Role of Motivational Theories in Employee Retention

Topic:  Application of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Employee Retention Strategies in the Hospitality Industry

Research Question:  How does the application of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in employee retention strategies affect staff turnover in the hospitality industry?

Next up, let’s talk ethics and social responsibility. This is where businesses show they’re about more than just profits. It’s about doing the right thing and making a positive impact on society and the environment.

Corporate Ethics and Social Responsibility

ontinuing in the same vein, here are topics and research questions for the categories of Corporate Ethics and Social Responsibility, and Globalization and International Business:

The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Brand Image

Topic:  Analyzing the Influence of CSR Initiatives on Consumer Perceptions in the Fast-Food Industry

Research Question:  How do corporate social responsibility initiatives impact brand image and consumer loyalty in the fast-food industry?

Ethical Considerations in Advertising Campaigns

Topic:  The Ethics of Emotional Appeals in Children’s Advertising

Research Question:  What are the ethical implications of using emotional appeals in advertising targeted at children, and how does this affect brand reputation ?

Business Responses to Environmental Sustainability Challenges

Topic:  Sustainable Practices and Their Impact on Corporate Performance in the Automotive Industry

Research Question:  How have environmental sustainability challenges shaped the operational practices of companies in the automotive industry, and what has been the impact on their corporate performance?

From the moral compass of businesses, we’re now stepping into the global arena. International business is a complex and exciting field, where cultures collide and businesses expand beyond borders.

Globalization and International Business

Challenges and Strategies of Entering New International Markets

Topic:  Market Entry Strategies and Challenges for Retail Businesses Expanding into Emerging Markets

Research Question:  What are the key challenges and effective strategies for retail businesses entering emerging international markets?

The Impact of Globalization on Small Local Businesses

Topic:  The Effects of Global E-Commerce Giants on Local Retail Businesses

Research Question:  How has the rise of global e-commerce platforms impacted the survival and strategies of small local retail businesses?

Cross-Cultural Communication and Its Effect on Business Negotiations

Topic:  The Role of Cross-Cultural Communication in Successful International Business Partnerships

Research Question:  How does effective cross-cultural communication influence the outcomes of business negotiations in international partnerships?

After looking at the big picture of global business, it’s time to zoom in on the numbers. Financial management and accounting are crucial for any business to thrive, especially in today’s fast-paced economic environment.

Financial Management and Accounting

Continuing with the topics and research questions for Financial Management and Accounting, and Operations Management:

Analysis of Risk Management in Investment Decisions

Topic:  Risk Management Strategies in Cryptocurrency Investments

Research Question:  How do modern risk management strategies impact investment decisions in the volatile cryptocurrency market?

The Role of Financial Planning in Business Growth

Topic:  Financial Planning and Its Impact on SME Expansion

Research Question:  What role does strategic financial planning play in the growth and expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)?

Comparative Study of Traditional vs. Digital Accounting Practices

Topic:  The Transition from Traditional to Digital Accounting: A Comparative Analysis

Research Question:  How does the transition from traditional to digital accounting practices affect the efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting in medium-sized enterprises?

And from the world of numbers and spreadsheets, let’s move to the action-packed area of operations. This is where plans and strategies become real products and services, the real nuts and bolts of a business.

Operations Management

Efficiency of Lean Management Techniques in Manufacturing

Topic:  Implementing Lean Manufacturing Techniques in the Automotive Industry

Research Question:  How do lean management techniques improve operational efficiency and product quality in the automotive manufacturing industry?

The Role of Technology in Supply Chain Management

Topic:  The Impact of Blockchain Technology on Supply Chain Transparency

Research Question:  How is blockchain technology transforming supply chain management practices, particularly in terms of transparency and efficiency?

Quality Control Measures and Their Impact on Consumer Satisfaction

Topic:  Quality Control in the Pharmaceutical Industry and Its Effect on Consumer Trust

Research Question:  How do quality control measures in the pharmaceutical industry impact consumer satisfaction and trust?

These topics are designed to delve into key aspects of Financial Management and Accounting, and Operations Management, offering a platform for in-depth analysis and exploration. 

Alright, let’s switch gears and look at what’s happening in the business world right now. We’re moving into areas like artificial intelligence, sustainability, and the gig economy. These are the hot topics that are really defining how businesses operate and succeed in our current times. 

It’s all about staying ahead and being in tune with the latest trends and technologies.

BM Extended essay topics in 2023/2024

A list of 12 contemporary and engaging topics for a Business Management Extended Essay, each accompanied by a relevant research question. 

These topics are tailored to reflect modern business trends and issues pertinent to 2023 & 2024:

• Research Question:  How is artificial intelligence transforming decision-making processes in major financial institutions?
• Research Question:  How are leading fashion brands integrating sustainability strategies to address environmental concerns?
• Research Question:  How is virtual reality technology being used to enhance customer experience and engagement in retail businesses?
• Research Question:  What factors contribute to the success of subscription-based business models in the entertainment industry?
• Research Question:  How does influencer marketing impact consumer purchasing decisions in the beauty industry?
• Research Question:  How are corporations adapting their employment structures in response to the rise of the gig economy?
• Research Question:  What impact do remote work policies have on employee productivity and well-being in IT companies?
• Research Question:  What are the opportunities and challenges presented by the adoption of blockchain technology in supply chain management?
• Research Question:  How are businesses adapting their marketing strategies to cope with changes in social media algorithms?
• Research Question:  How do ethical and sustainable practices influence consumer attitudes and choices in the fast food industry?
• Research Question:  How is big data being utilized for personalized marketing strategies in e-commerce platforms?
• Research Question:  What crisis management strategies were effective for hospitality businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Need a Helping Hand?

Just a quick heads-up! Refrain from sweating if you’re stuck with choosing the perfect topic or if the thought of writing and editing your IB Extended Essay seems daunting. You’re not alone in this. The team at Writing Metier and our  expert extended essay writers  are here to lend a hand. 

Whether you need fresh ideas for your topic, guidance in structuring your essay, or a professional eye to edit and refine your work, we’ve got your back. 

So, if you need that extra boost to make your essay shine, don’t hesitate to contact Writing Metier . We’re all about helping IB students like you nail their Extended Essays!

Btw.. if you are searching for BM IA topics, this article is for you!

Wrapping up!

And there you have it! We’ve journeyed through various Business Management topics, each offering a unique lens to view and analyze the business world. 

Whether you were drawn to the traditional aspects of business like marketing strategies and human resources, or found yourself intrigued by the challenges of globalization and the latest trends in the business sphere, we hope this list has given you the inspiration and direction you need for your Extended Essay. 

And always remember, the key to an excellent business management extended essay is not just choosing the right topic , but also bringing your own curiosity and perspective to it. 

So, pick a topic that resonates with you, dive into the research, and let your insights shine.

Free topic suggestions

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Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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• The BM Extended Essay

The Business Management Extended EssayThe popularity of Business Management for the Extended Essay is highlighted in the line graph above, which illustrates an impressive growth rate of 517.2% during the period shown above. Business Management is the fifth most popular EE subject (after History, English A, Psychology, and Biology).The Extended Essay aims to provide students with the opportunity to:

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Extended Essay Guide: Criteria, Format, Sample EEs

• Criteria, Format, Sample EEs
• Annotated Bibliographies
• DP Research Process
• Databases & Academic Journals
• Evaluate Sources
• Academic Integrity
• MLA Citation Format
• CSE Citation Format (Science & Math)
• Video Tutorials 2024

The Assessment Crtiteria in Detail!

• Criterion A: Focus and method
• Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking
• Criterion D: Presentation
• Criterion E: Engagement
• EE_How to maximize marks for different subjects?

• Criterion C: Critical thinking

Notes from the IB

RE: Research Question and Title of Extended Essay

Please note the statement below from the EE curriculum manager regarding the need to have both a title and a RQ for all subjects. Previous versions of the EE Guide indicated that the title and the RQ should be the same for History, Business Management and Mathematics. This is no longer the case.  All essays, regardless of the subject, need to have both a RQ and a title.

Hi Kathy, 

To answer your question, I am going to quote directly from a response John Royce provided, on this forum, in October in response to a very similar question: (it was a question about using Spanish sources - hence the mention of Spanish)

It is certainly  permissible to use sources which are not in the language of the essay, but translation into the target language is required , one cannot assume that the reader understands the original language.

It is usual to quote the original as well as presenting the translation.  [Do not put quotation marks around your translation, just around the original]

Umberto Eco argues ("in Mouse or rat?") that direct translation may lose meaning, paraphrase or use of different idioms may be required to get the ideas across. Paul Bellos ("Is that a fish in your ear?") makes a similar argument - direct translation may confound meaning... Direct translation may not be ideal - meaning and understanding are preferred - so, not to worry that your student with her good Spanish cannot present a direct translation.

What  must be made clear is that the translations are those of the student;  these are her understandings. Readers can make of that what they will - and if unsure, are presented with the original - they can seek another translation.  A note in the acknowledgements and/or in the introduction to the effect that all translations are those of the writer is ... essential.

In response to the question about the  Bibliography/Works cited, my preference would be to list the source in its original Thai version, but perhaps with the English in brackets, to help the examiner.

Your bibliography will have the entries in Thai characters first in the document. Any in-text citation to Thai sources will be in (Thai characters [English translation]).

Citation in Thai [English translation]

Works Cited Example:

วงษ์ปัญญา, ธนกร [Wongpunya, Thanakorn]. “โรงงานยาสูบรวยแค่ไหน และเอาเงินไปทำอะไรบ้าง.”  [How rich is the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly and where does the money go?] (candidate translation). The Standard, The Standard, 30 Aug. 2018, thestandard.co/thailand-tobacco-monopoly/.

Format of the Extended Essay

Required Formatting

The extended essay should be written in a clear, correct and formal academic style, appropriate to the subject from which the topic is drawn. Given that the extended essay is a formally written research paper, it should strive to maintain a professional, academic look. 

To help achieve this, the following formatting is  required:

• 12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman);
• double spacing throughout entire Essay;
• page numbering - top right corner;
• no candidate or school name or supervisor name on the title page or page headers.

Submitting the extended essay in the required format will help set the tone of the essay and will aid readability for on-screen assessment by examiners.

Required S tructure

The structure of the essay is very important. It helps students to organize the argument, making the best use of the evidence collected. 

There are six required elements of the final work to be submitted. More details about each element are given in the  “Presentation”  section. Please note that the order in which these elements are presented here is not necessarily the order in which they should be written. 

Six required elements of the extended essay:

• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography -- if MLA "Works Cited" if CSE "References"

1. Required Title Page  

The title page should include  only  the following information: 

• the title of the essay
• the research question
• the subject the essay is registered in (if it is a language essay also state which category it falls into; if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilized) 

The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays. 

2. Required Contents Page

A contents page must be provided at the beginning of the extended essay and all pages should be numbered. Please note that an index page is not required and if included will be treated as if it is not present.

3. Required Introduction

The introduction should tell the reader what to expect in the essay. The introduction should make clear to the reader the focus of the essay, the scope of the research, in particular an indication of the sources to be used, and an insight into the line of argument to be taken. 

While students should have a sense of the direction and key focus of their essay, it is sometimes advisable to finalize the introduction once the body of the essay is complete.

4. Required Body of the Essay  (research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation)

The main task is writing the body of the essay, which should be presented in the form of a reasoned argument. The form of this varies with the subject of the essay but as the argument develops it should be clear to the reader what relevant evidence has been discovered, where/how it has been discovered and how it supports the argument. In some subjects, for example, the sciences, sub-headings within the main body of the essay will help the reader to understand the argument (and will also help the student to keep on track). In structuring their extended essay, students must take into consideration the expected conventions of the subject in which their extended essay is registered. 

Once the main body of the essay is complete, it is possible to finalize the introduction (which tells the reader what to expect) and the conclusion (which says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved). 

Any information that is important to the argument  must not  be included in appendices or footnotes/endnotes. The examiner  will not  read notes or appendices, so an essay that is not complete in itself will be compromised across the assessment criteria.

5. Required Conclusion

The conclusion says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved. While students might draw conclusions throughout the essay based on their findings, it is important that there is a final, summative conclusion at the end. This conclusion(s) must relate to the research question posed.

6.  Required References & Bibliography

Students should use their chosen style of academic referencing as soon as they start writing. That way they are less likely to forget to include a citation. It is also easier than trying to add references at a later stage. For more information on this, refer to the guidelines in the IB document  Effective citing and referencing.

Writing the essay takes time but if students have used their Researcher's reflection space and reflection sessions in a meaningful way they should be well prepared to develop their arguments.

Extended Essay - Examples & Exemplars

• Essays from May 2018 with IB marks and commentaries
• Assessed Student Work & Commentary IB-provided. "Student sample extended essays, corresponding marks and comments from senior examiners are available for the following Diploma Programme disciplines. Please note that in light of not having authentic RPPFs to accompany these essays, they are marked against criteria A – D only, for a total of 28 possible marks. Following the first assessment session in 2018, exemplars will be refreshed with authentic sample material." more... less... Biology English Economics History Studies in language and literature Language acquisition Mathematics Psychology Visual arts World studies extended essay (WSEE)
• Excellenet Extended Essays Concordian GoogleDoc
• EngA1_Othello EE Othello 2018 From inThinking.net Click the link to see the score and evaluation.
• Fifty (50) More Excellent Extended Essays DVD by International Baccalaureate Call Number: HS DVD 808.4 ISBN: 9781906345600 Publication Date: 2011 1 DVD-ROM (1:33 min.)

Past CIS Extended Essays

Available in the library behind the desk are file folders of past Extended Essays by Concordian students and IB EE Exemplars. Feel free to browse the papers which must be kept in the library.

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• Last Updated: Feb 27, 2024 8:42 AM
• URL: https://concordian-thailand.libguides.com/ee

2016-2017 IB Extended Essay: Sample IB EE's

• Workshop 1: Getting started
• Workshop 2: EE Options
• Workshop 3: Selecting a topic
• Workshop 4:Research Questions
• Workshop 5: Supervisors and Reflections
• Finding Books & Ebooks
• Primary Sources
• Citation Guide
• Subject guidance
• Sample IB EE's
• Biology (2018 new rubric)
• Biology Light Intensity
• Does Age Have an Effect on Short-term Memory of 6 to 18 Year Old Students?

Chemistry: 

• Chemistry 1
• What are the Alternative Fuels for the Depleting Fossil Fuels and which is the Best Fuel in Accordance with the Energy Output?
• A Copper Ions
• Chemistry 3

Design Technology

• Does Hull Trim and Balance Affect the Speed of a Boat?

Individuals & Society:

• Market Form of the Retail Petroleum Supply Industry in Parklands
• Economics 1
• Economics 2
• Economics 3

I have an exemplar but the file is too big to upload.  If you are interested in this topic I can share the essay with you.

• Geography 2
• History EE (2018 new rubric)
• To What Extent was the Establishment of the State of Israel in Palestine in 1948, Influenced by Theodor Herzl?

Information Technology in a Global Society

• Philosophy 1
• Philosophy 2
• Philosophy 3
• Philosophy 4
• Psychology EE (2018 new rubric)
• Applied Behavior Analysis and Early Intervention: The Extent of Recovery from Autism
• Psychology 1
• Psychology 2
• Psychology 3

Social & Cultural Anthropology

• Social & Cultural Anthropology 1
• Social & Cultural Anthropology 2

World Religions

• To What Extent do the Core Scriptural Teachings of Sikhism Permit them to Marry Outside of the Religion?
• World Religions 1
• World Religions 2

Language Acquisition:

• French: Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Literature & Language 

•   Journeys in the Inferno and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz   
•   Toni Morrison 

Math: 

•   Cryptography and Rubik's Cube: An Investigative Analysis   
•   Pascal's Triangle 

Visual Arts: 

•   How Does the work of Yinka Shonibare Illustrate the Changing Role of African Art in a Global Society? 
• Ballet's Accessibility and Costumes Affecting Society's View of the Art Form
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Arts 4

Interdisciplinary Essays:

Environmental Systems & Societies

• ESS Extended Essay (2018 new rubric)

World Studies

• World Studies EE History, Economics, & Politics  (2018 new rubric)
• Does the Production of Dairy and Meat from Dairy Cows in the United States affect the Environment and Well Being of Animals and Humans?
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• Last Updated: May 2, 2024 12:55 PM
• URL: https://lewishs-fcps.libguides.com/IBExtendedEssay

IB EE - History, Global Politics, World Studies - Class of 2025: Business Management

• Introduction
• Scholarly Sources
• Books & eBooks
• Global Politics
• World Studies
• Subject Guidelines
• Contact a Librarian
• Last Updated: Apr 15, 2024 1:49 PM
• URL: https://robinsonss-fcps.libguides.com/IBguide-history-worldstudies-politics