IB Business Management HL · Unit 5 of 6

IB Business Management HL Unit 5: Operations Management

Unit 5 of IB Business Management covers Operations Management. This unit contains 9 topics and 24 sub-topics. Below you'll find free study notes, flashcards, and exam preparation resources for every topic in this unit.

Higher Level students should treat this unit page as a route map: revise the shared core, then use the HL notes and topic links to reach the extra depth and evaluation expected at HL.

9 topics24 sub-topics

Exam technique guide

What Unit 5 covers

HL Unit 5 adds lean production, quality management systems, production planning (critical path analysis), crisis management, R&D, and management information systems. These HL-only topics require students to apply quantitative tools and evaluate operational strategies in complex business contexts.

Topics in Unit 5

5.1

Introduction to operations management

2 sub-topics

5.2

Operations methods

4 sub-topics

5.3

Lean production and quality management (HL only)

4 sub-topics

5.4

Location

3 sub-topics

5.5

Break-even analysis

5 sub-topics

5.6

Production planning (HL only)

2 sub-topics

5.7

Crisis management and contingency planning (HL only)

2 sub-topics

5.8

Research and development (HL only)

1 sub-topics

5.9

Management information systems (HL only)

1 sub-topics

Study tip: Work through the topics in order — each builds on concepts from the one before. Start with notes, then reinforce with flashcards and practice questions.

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Unit 4 Unit 6