• Competition Preparation

    Welcome to the ​International Business Olympiad (IBO)​​ preparation guide. This page outlines the competition structure and provides strategies to help you succeed at each stage.

  • Qualification Round

    Global Grand Test

    Format:​

    • Objective Exam​ (150 minutes)
    • 300 multiple-choice questions
    • Focus:​​ Core business theories, concepts, and methodologies (aligned with the ​IBO Learning Syllabus)

    Preparation Tips:​

    • Use the ​IBO Learning Syllabus​ as a study guide.
    • Review business fundamentals through ​online courses or standard business textbooks.
    • Registered participants can access ​practice questions​ in the ​EAE system​ for additional preparation.

    Resources:

  • Final Round

    The Final Round consists of two components:

    Material-Based Objective Exam

    Format:​

    • 5 business case studies​ (each with 15 multiple-choice questions + 5 true/false questions)
    • 120-minute exam
    • Focus:​​ Applying business knowledge and analytical frameworks to real-world scenarios

    Preparation Tips:​

    • Review ​Sample Questions​ to understand the exam format.
    • Practice with ​consulting-style case studies​ (e.g., McKinsey, BCG, Bain) to strengthen analytical skills.

    Resources:

    Case Analysis

    Format:​

    • Teams analyze a ​business case, develop solutions, and present their findings.
    • Focus:​​ Problem-solving, strategic thinking, and structured communication

    Preparation Tips:​

    • Study ​Sample Cases​ to familiarize yourself with IBO’s format.
    • Practice with ​consulting frameworks​ (e.g., SWOT, Porter’s Five Forces, 4Ps).
    • Review ​classic consulting cases​ (e.g., Harvard Business School cases) to refine your approach.

    Resources:

  • Recommended Readings

    To deepen your business knowledge, consider:

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    The Trusted Advisor

    By David Maister

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    Crack the Case

    By David Ohrvall

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    Case In Point

    By Marc Cosentino

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    The McKinsey Way

    By Ethan Rasiel

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    The Pyramid Principle

    By Barbara Minto

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    The Strategy Management

    By Thompson Strickland

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    BCG on Strategy

    By C. Stern, M. Deimler.

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    Say it with Charts

    By Gene Zelazny

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    Unfolding the Napkins

    By Dan Roam

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    Visualizing This

    By Nathan Yau

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    Slide: ology

    By Nancy Duarte