IB

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT EXAMINATION COMMAND TERMS

COMMAND SKILL MARKS IB DEFINITION EXAMPLE
TERM LEVE PER Q? LEVEL
L TYPICALL FOCUS
Y
DEFINE 1 2 4 Give a clear and precise Define the term stakeholder
meaning of a given word,
term or concept
DESCRIBE 1 2 4 Present the Describe Company Xs corporate culture
characteristics of a
particular topic
IDENTIFY 1 2 4 Recognize and state Identify two reasons why the owner has
briefly a distinguishing chosen a particular method of investment
fact or feature. appraisal.
CLASSIFY 1 2 4 Arrange or order by Classify the range of products sold by line
class or categories range and mix.
COMPLETE 1 2 4 Add missing Complete the critical path diagram by
information/data. calculating the earliest starting time and
latest finishing time for each activity.
OUTLINE 1 2 4 Give a brief explanation Outline two advantages and
and/or summary of the disadvantages of working from home.
issues, principles, or
arguments stated in the
question.
COMPARE 2 4 5 Describe two (or more) Compare the benefits of adopting
situations and present LIFO with those of FIFO.
the similarities between
them
CONTRAST 2 4 5 Describe two (or more) With reference to the impact on profit,
situations and present contrast the FIFO method of stock
the differences between valuation with the LIFO method of stock
them valuation.
DISTINGUISH 2 4 5 Make clear the Distinguish between variable costs and
differences between two fixed costs.
or more concepts/terms.
EXPLAIN 2 4 5 Describe, giving reasons Explain why company X has changed its
pricing strategy.
CALCULATE 2 4 5 Give a precise numerical Calculate the acid test ratio for company
answer X in 2008.
COMMENT 2 4 5 Write an explanation of, Comment on the profitability, liquidity
or commentary on, the and efficiency of the firm.
information given in
relation to a problem or
issue.
CONSTRUCT 2 4 5 Present a variety of Based on the information given,
information in a construct a break-even chart for
diagrammatic or tabular company X.
form.
PREPARE 2 4 5 Put given data or Prepare a cash-flow forecast for company
information into a X for January, February and
suitable business format. March 2010.
ANALYSE 3 6 6 Break down in order to Analyse the impact of external
bring out the essential opportunities and threats on the business
elements, structure, any strategy of company A.
underlying assumptions
and any
interrelationships
involved
EXAMINE 3 6 6 Consider an argument or Examine company Xs present marketing
concept in a way that approach in the light of changes in the
 uncovers the external environment.
assumptions and
interrelationships of the
issue.
APPLY 3 6 6 Use an idea, principle or Applying Maslows motivation theory,
theory in relation to a suggest a new rewards package for
problem or issue employees of company X.
FORMULATE 3 6 6 Express precisely, clearly Formulate an appropriate promotional
and in mix for company X.
a systematic manner the
relevant concept(s) or
argument(s).
INTERPRET 3 6 6 Use knowledge and (Calculate and) interpret the value of
understanding to explain the sales variance for XYZ Ltd.
and, where appropriate,
draw inferences from a
given situation, problem
or issue.
DISCUSS 4 8/9 7 Offer a considered and Discuss how the introduction of an
balanced review of a employee share-ownership scheme could
particular topic. affect motivation for employees of
Opinions or conclusions company X.
should be presented
clearly and supported by
empirical evidence and
sound argument.
EVALUATE 4 8/9 7 Make an appraisal by Evaluate the option of accelerating
weighing up the company Xs overseas development
strengths and limitations through the use of franchising or joint
of different evidence and ventures.
arguments.
JUSTIFY 4 8/9 7 Provide evidence to Justify your reasons for introducing an
support or defend a extension strategy for product X.
choice, decision, strategy
or course of action.
TO WHAT 4 8/9 7 Evaluate the success or To what extent was the marketing
EXTENT otherwise of an strategy of company X successful?
argument or concept.
Opinions and
conclusions should be
presented clearly and
supported with
empirical evidence and
sound argument.
ADVISE 4 8/9 7 Offer Advise the human resources manager on
suggestions/recommend the use of both monetary and
ations for a potential nonmonetary rewards to improve staff
course of action. motivation at XYZ Ltd.
RECOMMEND 4 8/9 7 Recommend a suitable Recommend a suitable growth strategy
growth strategy for for company X.
company X.








EXAMINER FEEDBACK:

Explain (Level 2)
The response exhibits an accurate, specific, well-detailed explanation of the relevant issue(s) and
demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic
There is an appropriate use of the appropriate terminology throughout the response.
Relevant examples from the case study are given to support explanations within the response.
Analyse/Examine (Level 3)
A balanced analysis/examination with accurate, specific, well-detailed knowledge and
understanding of relevant issues, concepts, and theories.
An analysis/examination that uses appropriate terminology throughout the response.
Explicit references are made to the information in the stimulus material.
Discuss/Evaluate/To What Extent/Recommend (Level 4)
A response with accurate, specific, well-detailed knowledge and understanding of relevant issues,
concepts, and theories.
A response that uses appropriate terminology competently throughout the response.
A response that includes judgments and/or conclusions that is well supported and underpinned
by a balanced analysis.
Explicit references to the information in the stimulus material are made throughout the response.

THE INVERTED Y-APPROACH TO WRITING EVALUATION ANSWERS:
EVALUATE THREE WAYS OF IMPROVING A COMPANYS
CASH FLOW:
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

JUSTIFIED CONCLUSION