Case study questions form the backbone of IB Business Management exams. Whether it is the pre-released case study (Paper 1 HL) or unseen stimulus material, your ability to apply business concepts to specific situations determines your grade.
What case study questions test
Case study questions assess three key skills:
- Application: Can you relate business theory to the specific company?
- Analysis: Can you break down the problem using business tools?
- Evaluation: Can you weigh options and make a justified recommendation?
How to read the case study
Use a systematic approach:
- First read: Understand the company, its situation, and the main challenge
- Second read: Underline key facts, figures, and quoted opinions
- Third read: Match the case study details to business concepts and tools
Practise case study questions and see how your answers would score with our IB Past Paper Feedback tool.
How to structure your answer
For high-mark case study questions:
- Identify: Name the relevant business concept
- Apply: Connect it specifically to the company in the case study
- Analyse: Explain the implications using data from the case
- Evaluate: Discuss limitations and alternative approaches
- Conclude: Give a justified recommendation
Common mistakes
- Writing a textbook answer: You must reference the specific company and its data
- Ignoring financial data: If the case includes revenue, profit, or ratios — use them
- One-sided arguments: Always consider the alternative perspective before concluding
For more on structuring answers, see our guide on structuring 10-mark BM answers.
Practice answering IB Business Management questions and receive feedback.
Practice BM questions →For more exam strategies, see our guides on BM Paper 1 Strategy and Common BM Exam Mistakes.
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