Research & Development (R&D) (DP IB Business Management: HL)

Exam Questions

44 mins14 questions
12 marks

Case Study

Nanjing Automotive Solutions Ltd, a vehicle component manufacturer, invested significantly in research and development during 2023. Despite the high costs involved, NAS believes this investment is crucial for maintaining competitiveness.

Define the term 'research and development'.

Did this page help you?

22 marks

Case Study

Meridian Pharmaceuticals Ltd developed several prototypes for a new medication delivery system in 2023.

Define the term 'prototype'.

Did this page help you?

32 marks

Case Study

Brasilia Fashion discovered unauthorised use of its distinctive logo in 2023. The company's legal department identified several ways their intellectual property rights had been violated.

State two reasons why businesses protect their intellectual property rights.

Did this page help you?

42 marks

Case Study

Wellington Ceramics Ltd creates distinctive, copyrighted pottery designs for luxury hotels. In 2023, WCL discovered that a competitor was selling identical copies of their signature pattern.

Define the term 'copyright'.

Did this page help you?

52 marks

Case Study

Cape Town Innovations Ltd successfully launched several new products in 2023 that effectively met previously unidentified customer needs.

State two benefits of meeting customer needs effectively.

Did this page help you?

62 marks

Case Study

Dubai Electronics Manufacturing Ltd used incremental innovation to improve its smartphone design throughout 2023, adding enhanced camera features and battery life with each new model release.

Define the term 'incremental innovation'.

Did this page help you?

72 marks

Case Study

Mumbai Technologies PLC launched a revolutionary payment system in 2023 that fundamentally changed how small businesses process transactions. This innovation has significantly disrupted traditional banking services.

State two characteristics of disruptive innovation.

Did this page help you?

82 marks

Case Study

EcoDrive, an electric vehicle company, uses patents to protect its battery technology.

Describe one benefit of patenting new technology.

Did this page help you?

14 marks

Case Study

NanoFlex specialises in creating advanced medical devices. The company is investing in R&D to develop a flexible, bio-compatible implant for joint replacement surgery. This innovation aims to provide patients with faster recovery times and longer-lasting solutions compared to traditional implants.

The project requires significant funding for clinical trials and collaboration with academic researchers. NanoFlex is also focused on securing patents to protect its intellectual property from competitors. However, the high-risk nature of the project and strict regulatory requirements pose significant challenges.

Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of NanoFlex securing patents for its innovative medical implant.

Did this page help you?

26 marks

Case Study

NanoFlex specialises in creating advanced medical devices. The company is investing in R&D to develop a flexible, bio-compatible implant for joint replacement surgery. This innovation aims to provide patients with faster recovery times and longer-lasting solutions compared to traditional implants.

The project requires significant funding for clinical trials and collaboration with academic researchers. NanoFlex is also focused on securing patents to protect its intellectual property from competitors. However, the high-risk nature of the project and strict regulatory requirements pose significant challenges.

Analyse two benefits and one drawback of NanoFlex collaborating with academic researchers on its R&D project.

Did this page help you?

36 marks

Case Study

SwiftGrow produces organic fertilisers for commercial farms. The company is developing a slow-release fertiliser that minimises nutrient runoff, improving sustainability while boosting crop yields. This R&D project involves pilot testing on farms and collaboration with agricultural scientists.

SwiftGrow anticipates significant demand for the product but faces challenges, including high upfront investment and uncertain long-term demand. Additionally, SwiftGrow must consider its competitors’ ability to replicate the product quickly once launched.

Analyse two advantages and one limitation of SwiftGrow conducting pilot testing on commercial farms before launching its product.

Did this page help you?

44 marks

Case Study

SwiftGrow produces organic fertilisers for commercial farms. The company is developing a slow-release fertiliser that minimises nutrient runoff, improving sustainability while boosting crop yields. This R&D project involves pilot testing on farms and collaboration with agricultural scientists.

SwiftGrow anticipates significant demand for the product but faces challenges, including high upfront investment and uncertain long-term demand. Additionally, SwiftGrow must consider its competitors’ ability to replicate the product quickly once launched.

Describe two competitive risks SwiftGrow should consider when launching its slow-release fertiliser.

Did this page help you?

54 marks

Case Study

EcoWave Cleaning Solutions specialises in eco-friendly cleaning products for households. The company is investing in research and development (R&D) to create a biodegradable cleaning agent that breaks down grease without leaving harmful residues.

This project requires significant funding, including hiring specialist scientists and testing prototypes. EcoWave aims to launch the product within two years to gain a competitive edge in the growing eco-conscious market. However, management is concerned about the risks, including high costs and the possibility of product failure during trials.

Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of EcoWave investing heavily in R&D for its new product.

Did this page help you?

64 marks

Case Study

EcoWave Cleaning Solutions specialises in eco-friendly cleaning products for households. The company is investing in research and development (R&D) to create a biodegradable cleaning agent that breaks down grease without leaving harmful residues.

This project requires significant funding, including hiring specialist scientists and testing prototypes. EcoWave aims to launch the product within two years to gain a competitive edge in the growing eco-conscious market. However, management is concerned about the risks, including high costs and the possibility of product failure during trials.

Describe two risks EcoWave should consider when undertaking its R&D project.

Did this page help you?