Introduction
The IB Business IA HL (Internal Assessment) is a major project where students investigate a real business problem or decision. Unlike typical exam questions, the IA tests how well you apply business theories, tools, and concepts to actual organizations. For many IB Business HL students, this is their first serious experience analyzing a company like a consultant.
Because it counts for 25% of the final HL grade, the Business IA can significantly boost your overall result. This guide explains how to choose a topic, structure your report, and meet IB’s strict criteria for a top score.
Quick Start Checklist
Before starting your IB Business IA HL, make sure you:
- Select a real company with accessible data.
- Identify a focused research question (decision-based).
- Use at least three business tools or models.
- Collect both primary and secondary research.
- Keep the word count under 2,000 words.
- Align your report with the official IB assessment rubric.
Choosing a Business IA HL Topic
Your topic should be specific, relevant, and researchable. A weak IA tries to cover too much, while a strong IA zooms in on one decision.
Examples of strong Business IA HL topics:
- Should Starbucks expand further into plant-based product lines?
- Should Tesla adjust pricing strategies in Asia?
- Should a local restaurant franchise into new markets?
Avoid generic “What is the best strategy for Company X?” questions. Instead, frame your topic around a decision the business actually faces.
Structure of the Business IA HL
The IB requires a clear, professional report format:
