What is the Business Alive Investigative Study?

The Business Alive Investigative Study is the project component of Leaving Certificate Business.

• It is worth 200 marks (40%) of your final grade
• The written exam is worth 300 marks (60%)
• It is completed by all Business students (Higher & Ordinary Level)
• It must be your own, individual work

You will complete a research-based report on a real business issue and submit it digitally.

2027 Project Theme

Digitalisation is a major driver of productivity growth through improvements in efficiency and the quality of products and services. Technology is disrupting traditional roles and transforming the world of work.

Your task:

You must investigate how a work practice that uses digital technology impacts either:

• Employers, or
• Employees

You choose a specific focus within this theme (for example: automation, AI, remote working tools, data systems, digital platforms, etc.).

What You Must Produce

You must submit:

• One digital report (PDF format)
• Maximum 1500 words (references, tables, graphs, and images not included)
• Maximum 10 images (properly labelled)

The report must follow the official structure and formatting rules set by the SEC.

Report Structure (Very Important)

Your report must include these headings:

1. Introduction (≈200 words)

• State your research question
• Explain why you chose it
• Refer to your project plan and how you engaged with it

2. Investigation and Findings (≈400 words)

• Explain the research methods used (primary and/or secondary)
• Present findings clearly (tables, graphs where appropriate)
• Show different viewpoints

3. Analysis and Evaluation (≈600 words)

• Analyse what your findings mean
• Evaluate their importance
• Show critical thinking and originality

4. Conclusions (≈300 words)

• Draw conclusions based on your analysis
• Reflect on how your views changed
• Link your findings to the real world of business

5. References

• List all sources used, including websites, reports, interviews, and AI tools

How to Write a High-Quality Business Alive Investigative Study Report

A practical guide to the structure and what the examiner is looking for.

Section 1: Introduction

Suggested word count: Approximately 200 words

What to include

• State your research question.
• Explain the rationale for choosing this question and why it is important to business locally, nationally or internationally.
• Explain why you chose the question.
• Reflect on how you engaged with your project plan and how it helped you complete the study.

What the examiner is looking for

1. Demonstrate effective engagement with planning throughout the study.
2. Develop a clear and probing research question that is underpinned by the relevance or importance of business locally, nationally and/or internationally.

Section 2: Investigation and Findings

Suggested word count: Approximately 400 words

What to include

• Explain the purpose and relevance of each research method and source used.
• Use a range of reliable, relevant sources and perspectives, such as primary and secondary research.
• Present your research findings in appropriate formats, such as charts, graphs or tables.
• Consider a variety of perspectives.
• Acknowledge supporting references.

What the examiner is looking for

3. Identify and evaluate the potential value of a wide range of appropriate sources related to the research question.
4. Present clear and appropriate data and information using a range of relevant graphics.
5. Clearly acknowledge supporting references.

Section 3: Analysis and Evaluation

Suggested word count: Approximately 600 words

What to include

• Analyse your research findings by breaking them into key points and relationships.
• Compare different sources and perspectives, including areas of disagreement.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence.
• Explain what the evidence supports, what it does not support, and why.
• Identify limitations in the research question, design, sources and/or analysis.

What the examiner is looking for

6. Complete an in-depth analysis and evaluation of data and information from a range of reliable sources, justifying the choice of sources.
7. Clearly identify limitations in the investigative study across the design of the research question, the research gathered and/or analysis conducted.
8. Demonstrate originality and critical thinking throughout your analysis and evaluation.

Section 4: Conclusions

Suggested word count: Approximately 300 words

What to include

• Answer the research question using conclusions justified by your analysis.
• Make realistic recommendations supported by your findings.
• Explain how your planning helped you complete the study.
• Reflect on how your perspective changed as a result of the study.
• Connect your findings to the real world of business and relevant themes in the specification.

What the examiner is looking for

9. Present conclusions justified by the analysis and evaluation of the data and information related to the research question developed.
10. Make recommendations that can be justified as appropriate for the business.

Section 5: References and Appendix

Suggested word count: No word limit

What to include

• Record all sources accurately in the references or bibliography.
• Include relevant supporting material, such as survey questions, interview questions, extra charts, graphs, tables and other research evidence.
• Keep the appendix organised and easy to follow.

Final check before submitting

• Research question: Is it clear?
• Evidence: Is it reliable and referenced?
• Analysis: Does it explain what the findings mean?
• Conclusions: Are your conclusions and recommendations supported by evidence?

High-grade habits

• Plan throughout the study.
• Show different perspectives.
• Use your own critical thinking.
• Communicate clearly and consistently.
• Link your findings to real business practice and the wider world.