Welcome to the Unit 4.5 review hub
all-in-one simulatorThis simulator is built for proper IB Business Management revision: not just recognition, but application, justification and exam-style explanation.
1. Learn
Review the seven Ps, product life cycle, promotion types, pricing strategies, distribution channels, Ansoff and BCG.
2. Practise
Each P has its own practice tab with match-up, classification, scenario selection and justification activities.
3. Build exam answers
Use drag-and-drop 10-mark builders to connect points, explanations and business impact.
Learn the seven Ps of the marketing mix
core knowledgeThe marketing mix is the combination of decisions a business uses to meet customer needs and achieve marketing objectives. For services, the traditional four Ps are extended to seven Ps.
Design, quality, features, branding, packaging and product life cycle.
Pricing strategy used to position the product and influence demand.
Distribution channels used to get the product to customers.
Communication methods used to inform, persuade and remind customers.
Employees and customer-facing staff who influence the customer experience.
The steps and systems customers experience when buying or receiving the service.
Tangible clues that shape trust, quality perception and brand image.
The best mix depends on objectives, target market, finance, competition and product type.
7Ps deep practice lab
one tab per PChoose a P. Each tab includes content, a practice task and feedback.
Ansoff matrix
decision-making toolDrag each growth strategy into the correct quadrant. Then check your answers and read the feedback.
Market penetration
Product development
Market development
Diversification
Case study: FreshBite marketing team uses Ansoff
FreshBite is a mid-sized healthy snack company selling protein bars through gyms and supermarkets in the UK. Sales growth has slowed because many competitors now offer similar bars. The marketing team has a fixed annual budget of £450,000 and must recommend one growth strategy for the next 12 months.
In a planning meeting, the team maps four options using the Ansoff matrix: increase promotions for existing bars in current gyms and supermarkets; develop a new high-protein breakfast drink for existing customers; sell existing protein bars through schools and office vending machines; or launch a new children’s lunchbox snack range in Southeast Asia.
The marketing director likes Ansoff because it makes the risk level of each option clearer. However, the finance manager warns that the matrix does not show costs, likely profit, competitor reaction or whether FreshBite has the operational capacity to produce new products.
Task: sort the evaluation points
Drag each statement into advantage or disadvantage of using Ansoff.
Advantages of using Ansoff
Disadvantages / limitations of using Ansoff
BCG matrix
portfolio analysisDrag each product scenario into the correct BCG category. Look carefully at market growth and market share.
Star
Question mark
Cash cow
Dog
Case study: GlowUp Cosmetics uses BCG
GlowUp Cosmetics sells four product lines. Its tinted moisturiser has a 32% market share in a fast-growing skincare market. Its classic mascara has a 38% share in a mature market. Its vegan glitter gel has only 6% share but the market is growing rapidly on social media. Its old nail polish range has 5% share in a slow-growth market.
The marketing team uses the BCG matrix to decide how to allocate its promotional budget. They suggest protecting the tinted moisturiser, using cash from mascara to fund the vegan glitter gel, and either repositioning or discontinuing the nail polish range.
The sales director likes the visual overview, but the brand manager warns that the BCG matrix is only a snapshot. It does not show profit margins, brand loyalty, production costs, ethical issues, or whether a product currently classed as a dog could be revived through an extension strategy.
Task: sort the evaluation points
Drag each statement into advantage or disadvantage of using BCG.
Advantages of using BCG
Disadvantages / limitations of using BCG
10-mark answer builder
interactive exam practiceChoose a case. Drag each explanation to the correct point. The explanations include context, why/how logic and business impact.