These are explanations and solutions for IB past papers, not the official version. For official papers, you can go to IB Follet or access them through your school.
These are explanations and solutions for IB past papers, not the official version. For official papers, you can go to IB Follet or access them through your school.
These are explanations and solutions for IB past papers, not the official version. For official papers, you can go to IB Follet or access them through your school.
These are explanations and solutions for IB past papers, not the official version. For official papers, you can go to IB Follet or access them through your school.
02 Hours
100 Marks
Calculator NOT allowed
IB BUSINESS MANAGEMENT HL, Paper 1, May, 2005, TZ0, Solved Past Paper
Master the 2005 IB May for Paper 1 Business Management HL with examiner tailored solutions and comments for TZ0
Question 1 [Explained]
This question focuses on the organizational structure of Gadgets2u.com, specifically the benefits of adopting a matrix structure and addressing communication problems within the company. The matrix structure is a type of organizational structure that combines functional and product departments in a dual authority system, which can offer various advantages for a growing firm like Gadgets2u.com.
Question 1 [a] [Explanation]
This sub-question asks you to explain three benefits that Gadgets2u.com could gain by adopting a matrix structure. The matrix structure allows for more flexible organization of staff, faster decision-making, and improved motivation among employees. Each of these benefits should be clearly articulated and related to the context of Gadgets2u.com.
Question 1 [b] [i] [Explanation]
This sub-question asks you to identify reasons why communication problems have started to emerge at Gadgets2u.com. The company has experienced rapid growth, and several factors could contribute to communication issues, such as increased workload, inadequate management of staff, and lack of formal communication methods.
Question 1 [b] [ii] [Explanation]
This sub-question asks you to examine possible strategies to overcome the communication problems identified in (b)(i). Strategies could include implementing management by objectives, setting up formal communication systems, limiting information dissemination, and further empowering project teams.
Question 2 [Explained]
This question focuses on analyzing the potential impacts of forecasted European Union growth figures on Gadgets2u.com and evaluating how the company can adapt its marketing mix to mitigate the seasonal nature of its sales.
Question 2 [a] [Explanation]
This part of the question asks you to explain how the forecasted growth figures for the European Union, as provided in Appendix 1, could affect Gadgets2u.com. The growth figures indicate a significant slowdown in 2005, followed by a recovery in 2006 and a return to trend growth rates in 2007. You need to consider various aspects of the business, such as staffing levels, stock management, financial performance, and sales, and explain how these might be impacted by the changes in growth rates.
Question 2 [b] [Explanation]
This part of the question asks you to evaluate how each element of the marketing mix (Price, Product, Promotion, and Place) could be adapted to reduce the seasonal nature of Gadgets2u.com's sales. You need to consider different strategies for each element and discuss their potential advantages and disadvantages in the context of the company's operations.