Ib Business Management - Command Terms PDF

IB Business Management – Command Terms
Command Terms for IB Business Management Examinations
IB Business Management: www.BusinessManagementIB.com
COMMAND TERMS
Knowing the command terms enables the student to present their answers to examination questions
in a way that meets the requirements of the question (for example, the answer to a ‘Define’ question
is a little different to that of an ‘Explain’ question, which is very, very different to the answer required
for a ‘Discuss’ question.
COMMAND TERMS – YOUR GUIDE HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR ANSWERS IN EXAMINATIONS
Students should be familiar with the

following key terms and phrases
used in the syllabus content and in
examination questions.
Command terms need to be
understood by students and taught
be teachers. There are specific
areas in the mark schemes that
require examiners to penalise
students for not answering the
question in the appropriate
manner.
Although these terms will be used
frequently in exam questions, other
terms may be used to direct
students to present an argument in
What command terms look like in exam questions a specific way. Thus, we have the
first commandment of IB Business
Management: Thou shalt know thy command terms. The second commandment of IB Business
Management is: Evaluate, evaluate, evaluate. Do this for all of the Level 3 command terms. Establish
and provide balanced evaluation of two sides of an argument, followed by a judgment. Always.
THE IB BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMMAND TERMS:
Level 1: Knowledge and understanding [1-2 marks]
Term Definition
Define Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
Define the term marketing mix.
Describe Give a detailed account.

Describe the relationship between costs and profit.
Outline Give a brief account or summary.

Outline one advantage and one disadvantage of Burton Inc.® using the Gantt
chart to plan the development and release of Product X.
State Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or
calculation.
State one reason why Burton Inc.® has decided to structure the business as a
private limited company.
Level 2: Application and analysis [3-6 marks]
Term Definition
Analyse Breakdown in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.

Analyse the impact of an internal opportunity and an internal threat to the
business objectives of Burton Inc.®
Apply Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in relation to a given problem or
issue.
Apply the concept outsourcing to the Burton Inc.® objective of maximising
shareholder returns.
Comment Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.

Comment on the liquidity position of Burton Inc.® based on the acid test ratio
calculated.
Demonstrate Make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical

application.
Demonstrate how Burton Inc.® has benefited from economies of scale in
pursuing its growth objective.
Distinguish Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.
Distinguish between autocratic and democratic leadership styles.
Explain Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.

Explain why Burton Inc.® has changed its pricing strategy.
Interpret Use knowledge and understanding to recognise trends and draw conclusions
from given information.
Interpret the difference between the gearing ratios calculated for Burton inc.®
in 2014 and 2013.
Suggest Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

Suggest a suitable method to improve the liquidity position of Burton Inc.®
Level 3: Synthesis and evaluation [8-20 marks]
Term Definition
Compare Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations,
referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Compare the pricing strategies of Burton Inc.® and VIBE Education™ Ltd.
Compare and Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or
contrast situations, referring to both (all) of.
Compare and contrast the pricing strategies of Burton Inc.® and VIBE
Education™ Ltd.
Contrast Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations,
referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Contrast the pricing strategies of Burton Inc.® and VIBE Education™ Ltd.
Discuss Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments,
factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and
supported by appropriate evidence.
Discuss the strategic decision by Burton Inc.® to expand into an overseas
market.
Evaluate Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.

Evaluate the decision by the directors of Burton Inc.® to acquire VIBE
Education™ Ltd.
Examine Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and
interrelationships of the issue.
Examine Burton Inc.®’s decision to outsource production to the Philippines.
Justify Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.

Justify Burton Inc.®’s decision to launch its new product X.
Recommend Present an advisable course of action with appropriate supporting

evidence/reason in relation to a given situation, problem or issue.
Recommend a promotional strategy to Burton Inc.®
To what extent Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and
conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate
evidence and sound argument.
To what extent is Burton Inc.®’s decision to adopt profit-related pay a successful
way to improve staff motivation?
Level 4: Appropriate skills [1-6 marks]
Term Definition
Annotate Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.

Copy and annotate the product life cycle of Product X for Burton Inc.®
Calculate Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.
Calculate the gearing ratio for Burton Inc.® in 2014.
Complete Add missing information/data.

Copy and complete the profit and loss account for Burton Inc.® in 2014.
Construct Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

Construct a break-even chart showing the current margin of safety for Burton
Inc.®
Determine Obtain the only possible answer.

Determine the break-even level of production for Burton Inc.®
Draw Represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil.

A ruler (straight edge) should be used for straight lines. Diagrams should be
drawn to scale. Graphs should have points correctly plotted (if appropriate) and
joined in a straight line or smooth curve.
Draw a break-even chart for Burton Inc.®
Identify Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.

Identify two reasons why the Burton Inc.® has chosen a particular method of
investment appraisal.
Label Add labels to a diagram.

Label the margin of safety on the break-even chart that you have constructed.
Plot Mark the position of points on a diagram.

Plot the position of Burton Inc.® on the position map drawn in your answer to
part (a).
Prepare Put given data or information from a stimulus/source into a suitable format.
Prepare a cash flow forecast for Burton Inc.® for April, May and June 2016.
Source: BusinessManagementIB.com

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IB Business Management – Command Terms

Command Terms for IB Business Management Examinations

IB Business Management: www.BusinessManagementIB.com

COMMAND TERMS – YOUR GUIDE HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR ANSWERS IN EXAMINATIONS

Students should be familiar with the

THE IB BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMMAND TERMS:

Level 1: Knowledge and understanding [1-2 marks]

Describe Give a detailed account.

Outline Give a brief account or summary.

Level 2: Application and analysis [3-6 marks]

Analyse Breakdown in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.

Comment Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.

Demonstrate Make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical

Explain Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.

Suggest Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

Level 3: Synthesis and evaluation [8-20 marks]

Evaluate Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.

Justify Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.

Recommend Present an advisable course of action with appropriate supporting

Level 4: Appropriate skills [1-6 marks]

Annotate Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.

Complete Add missing information/data.

Construct Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

Determine Obtain the only possible answer.

Draw Represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil.

Identify Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.

Label Add labels to a diagram.

Plot Mark the position of points on a diagram.

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