Business management

Students learn to analyze, discuss and evaluate business activities at local, national and international levels. The course covers a spectrum of organizations from all sectors, along with the socio-cultural and economic contexts in which these organizations operate.

The course also covers the main characteristics of the organization and the business environment, as well as the functions of the company, for example, human resources management, finance and accounting, marketing and operations management. The links between the different themes are an essential element of this course. Through the exploration of six fundamental concepts (change, culture, ethics, globalization, innovation and strategy), the course allows students to develop a holistic understanding of the complex and dynamic business environment of today. Conceptual learning is firmly anchored in the theories, tools and techniques of business management and is taught using real-life examples and case studies.

The course promotes the appreciation of ethical concerns, both in the local and global environment. Its objective is the development of relevant skills that can be transferred, such as the ability to apply critical thinking; to make decisions with ethical solidity and valid foundations; to appreciate the rhythm, the nature and the significance of the change; to think strategically; and to undertake long-term planning, analysis and evaluation processes. Throughout the course, specific skills of the subject are also developed, such as financial analysis.

The general objectives of the Business Management course:

• Promote a holistic view of the business world.
• To provide students with the tools to exercise critical and strategic thinking in relation to the behavior of individuals and organizations.
• Promote the importance of exploring business issues from different cultural perspectives.
• Train the student to appreciate the nature and importance of change in local, regional and global contexts.
• Promote the awareness of the importance of environmental, social and ethical factors that intervene in the actions of individuals and organizations.
• Develop an understanding of the importance of innovation in a business environment.

Main characteristics of the evaluation model

The external evaluation for students consists of two written tests. The 1 test is based on a case study released in advance, while in the 2 test students respond to structured questions, based on stimulus material, and a long answer question, which assesses the understanding of the students of the key concepts of the course.

The internal evaluation work is a written comment. Students study real business organizations. This work is internally corrected by the teacher and moderated externally by IB examiners.