Business IA Notes + Outline

• got to integrate the key concept
  • CHANGE
  • directly relevant
  • define in introduction
• supporting documents
  • relate to issue or problem
  • 5
• selection and application of tools + theories
  • relevant BM tools + theories used
  • use quantitative where possible
  • directly relevant to research question
  • conceptual lens of change
• analysis and evaluation
  • why the rq
  • appropriate data from supporting documents
  • used to answer RQ
  • clearly structured an dlogical
  • two sided argument to address the RQ
  • breadth, depth + varied perspectives
  • bias + limitations acknowledged
  • all claims are backed up
  • coherent integration of ideas
• conclusion
  • answer RQ
  • be clear
  • no yapping yada yada business
  • no new ideas introduced; state unanswered questions if relevant
• structure
  • see IA planning checklist DP Business Management: IA Student Checklist (thinkib.net)
• presentation
  • should look good

Thesis statement: think about 2/3 correlations/relationships that arise from the issue or problem stated in the research question

(a)  Title page

Research question:
Key concept:
Organization:
Tools and theories:

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(b)    Introduction

Background and context:
Methodology:
Thesis statement / Research question:

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(c)    Body paragraph (approx. 3 – 5, but use as many as appropriate within the word count limit)

Point: A statement of what the paragraph is about and how it directly links to your RQ
Evidence: Use the SD(s) to present specific evidence that directly addresses the RQ (including counter-arguments).
Analysis: Interpret the meaning of the findings in the SD(s) and explain the perspective it and how the evidence supports the point or the investigation.
Significance: Tie in the central argument of the investigation with the evidence and perspectives at hand. Evaluate how significant the perspectives demonstrate the point, support, or contradict each other.

 Top tip

 

Use the PEAS framework to develop each of the paragraphs in the body of your written commentary:

• Point

• Evidence

• Analysis

• Significance (to the research question)

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(d)    Conclusion(s)

Summary: Summarize the contents of your written commentary, i.e., the main points presented in the body paragraphs.
Implications: Discuss what your research contributes to our understanding of the issue or problem stated in the RQ. For instance, “If the problem continues…” or “If the problem is addressed…”
Answer the question: Refer back to the research question and answer the entirety of the RQ. Try to finish with a strong statement.
Limitations: Discuss the limitations of your research (including the SDs). Are there any unanswered questions? What else, if anything, is needed to research further?

Recommended Format: (copy pasted from InThinking) 1. Introduction

• Brief background information about the chosen business organization. This provides the context of the business research project.

• Outline of the contemporary, real-world issue or problem under investigation (to provide context).

• Rationale for the study, including choice of key concept.

• Relevance of the chosen key concept to the research question.

• Description of the methodology used to investigate the chosen issue or problem. This should include an outline of the relevant tools and theories, i.e., the contents of the syllabus most relevant to the RQ.

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2.  Body

• Main findings (from the 3 - 5 supporting documents).

• Analysis of the findings (in relation to the research question).

• Application of relevant Business Management tools, theories, techniques, and terminology.

• Integration of the chosen key concept.

• Evidence of evaluation (critical thinking) in relation to:

1. Why and how the information in the 3 - 5 supporting documents are helpful (or unhelpful) in addressing the research question

2. Strengths and limitations of the data/information in the 3 - 5 supporting documents with respect to answering the research question.

3. An evaluative approach to the discussions, e.g., the short-term and long-term implications of the findings on the chosen business organization, including the impact on employees, customers, or other key stakeholder groups, as well as its finances.

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3.  Conclusion

• Provide a clear and explicit answer to the research question, backed by the evidence presented in the main body of the research project.

• Do not introduce any new materials, facts, or arguments that have not been discussed in body of the research project.

• Acknowledge any aspect of the research question that has not been fully addressed from the findings and analysis of the research project, outlining any further investigation needed to answer the research question more effectively.

To what extent has Apple’s vertical integration of hardware impacted the profitability of their Mac line up?

Arguments:

• improve image of product (probably remove this point)

  • in control of brand image of product, because now you are in direct control how much each generate improves by, since you vertically integrate hardware and software (ok but relate to profitability)

• get a competitive advantage: not have to rely on chip manufacturers for innovation

• porter’s generic strategies

  • point of Porter’s strategy is to outline strategies to have a competitive advantage
  • Apple’s 4 strategies for a competitive advantage:

• you see cost leadership ⇒ extend idea to profitability, don’t have to pay extra to companies like intel to manufacture chips, reduced overhead costs

  • but now there are higher R&D costs and random costs with finding manufacturers, etc.

• do a contribution analysis (if can find data!)

• how do these translate into the public perception of product (i.e. will people actually purchase it)

  • stakeholder analysis Apple_M1_Spotlight.pdf (totaleconomicimpact.com)
  • TEI-of-Mac-in-Enterprise.pdf (totaleconomicimpact.com)
  • more secure devices
  • makes high performance devices more accessible to all workers
    • they want to buy into apple’s other products (i.e. app store) because it is all vertically integrated

Conclusion:

• helps Apple continue to be profitable, hard to say at this stage if it had a direct increase/decrease in profitability.
• Also COVID, so financial data cannot be taken completely accurately
• indirectly positively impacts profitability

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Introduction 

• Clarify 

• Background on the company

• Methodology used to investigate the issue or problem

• Discuss the choice of sources

Analysis

• Talk about findings + analysis from supporting documents

• BM tools and theories under the lens of the key concept. 4 is a good amount 

• JAM: Justification, analysis, mini-conclusion approach

• In each mini conclusion

• How insights relate to the key concept

• Insights + themes emerge from analysis of tool and why its helpful in answering the research question

• Evaluate the findings - state assumptions + implications of analysis

• Clear how tool is helpful in answering research question

Conclusion

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