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097e145
NotesBusiness Management HLTopic 5.8Research and development
Back to Business Management HL Topics
5.8.11 min read

Research and development (Business Management HL)

IB Business Management β€’ Unit 5

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πŸ”¬ Research and Development (R&D)

Definition: R&D is the systematic investigation aimed at developing new products, improving existing products, or finding more efficient production methods.

Why invest in R&D?

  • Develop innovative products that create competitive advantage
  • Improve existing products to maintain market share
  • Find more efficient production methods (lower costs)
  • Patents create barriers to entry
  • Essential in fast-changing industries (tech, pharmaceuticals)

Risks of R&D

  • Very expensive with no guaranteed return
  • Long time horizons β€” years before products reach market
  • Competitors may innovate faster
  • High failure rate

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IB Exam Questions on Research and development

Practice with IB-style questions filtered to Topic 5.8.1. Get instant AI feedback on every answer.

Practice Topic 5.8.1 QuestionsBrowse All Business Management HL Topics

How Research and development Appears in IB Exams

Examiners use specific command terms when asking about this topic. Here's what to expect:

Define

Give the precise meaning of key terms related to Research and development.

AO1
Describe

Give a detailed account of processes or features in Research and development.

AO2
Explain

Give reasons WHY β€” cause and effect within Research and development.

AO3
Evaluate

Weigh strengths AND limitations of approaches in Research and development.

AO3
Discuss

Present arguments FOR and AGAINST with a balanced conclusion.

AO3

See the full IB Command Terms guide β†’

Related Business Management HL Topics

Continue learning with these related topics from the same unit:

5.1.1What is operations management?
5.1.2Business sectors in operations
5.2.1Job, batch and flow production
5.2.2Cellular manufacturing
View all Business Management HL topics

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Command terms, paper structure, and mark-scheme tips for Business Management HL

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5.7.2Contingency planning
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Management information systems5.9.1

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