IB Business Management SL 6.1.6 Decision trees Question Bank
Practise IB Business Management SL/HL 6.1.6 by applying decision trees concepts to exam-style questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2024
- Course
- Business management SL
- Level
- SL
Practise IB Business Management SL/HL 6.1.6 by applying decision trees concepts to exam-style questions.
Nha Trang Bicycles (NTB)
Chinh Pham offers daily rentals of bicycles at the seaside resort of Nha Trang in Vietnam. He operates as a sole trader under the name Nha Trang Bicycles (NTB). The business rents mostly to young tourists, who enjoy riding bicycles on the roads that run alongside the beautiful beaches. Many other businesses in the area also offer bicycle rental. Because of the intense competition, the price of renting a bicycle is low.
In addition to offering bicycle rental, N T B is considering two options:
- Option 1: offer motorcycle rental. Total initial cost to purchase 10 motorcycles: $120000.
- Option 2: offer car rental. Total initial cost to purchase 5 cars: $110000.
The following shows the expected total net income from both options (all figures in $000s):

The motorcycles would typically be rented by young tourists on a daily basis. The cars would be rented for longer periods (one week on average) by older customers with families. Chinh has no experience with this market segment. A concern for Chinh is the impact that the increased scale of operation will have on his ability to manage the business. A local pressure group argues that cars will harm the environment. Another concern is that motorcycles are very noisy and would disturb the quiet, peaceful feel of the seaside resort.
Analyse whether N T B should purchase the 10 motorcycles (Option 1) or the 5 cars (Option 2).
(d) Analyse whether N T B should purchase the 10 motorcycles (Option 1) or the 5 cars (Option 2).
NTB's decision whether to purchase motorcycles or cars probably depends on (1) the organization's commitment to social responsibility, (2) Chinh's concerns over increasing the scale of his business, and (3) Chinh's long-term vision. Based upon the information provided, the motorcycles have a better average rate of return. However, from the point of view of social responsibility, NTB should purchase the cars. Though they consume petrol, they are much quieter than the motorcycles. In addition, Chinh will have far less paperwork than with the motorcycles, which rent on a daily basis.
From an investment point of view, the reason that N T B has a lower rate of return from the cars is the lower profits in first year, when the organization is trying to establish its identity in the car rental market. Once it is established, Chinh predicts no problem offering car rental and the rate of return will improve to what he would have on motorcycles. Thus, if Chinh can accept the slightly lower rate in the first year, he will soon be making as much with cars as with motorcycles, the scale of his business will not be as large as with motorcycles, and he can appease the pressure group in Nha Trang.
Accept any other relevant analysis.
N.B. If the candidate fails to use figures in their argument, award a maximum of [3 marks].
Marks should be allocated according to the markbands on page 3.