Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Business Studies
Lesson Topic: how and why businesses can grow externally: mergers and takeovers, including horizontal integration, vertical integration
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the concept of external growth and differentiate between mergers, takeovers, horizontal and vertical integration.
  • Explain the reasons businesses pursue horizontal and vertical integration and evaluate associated advantages and disadvantages.
  • Analyse real‑world examples to assess the strategic fit of different integration types.
  • Apply a simple decision‑making framework to determine whether a proposed external growth option is appropriate.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed case‑study worksheets (horizontal & vertical integration examples)
  • PowerPoint presentation slides
  • Flip chart with markers for group work
  • Online video clip illustrating a recent merger
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video showing the headline merger of two major retailers, prompting students to consider why firms choose to grow by joining forces. Recap prior learning on internal growth, then outline today’s success criteria: students will be able to define external growth, compare horizontal and vertical integration, and evaluate their strategic benefits.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Quick recall quiz on internal vs external growth displayed on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define external growth, mergers, takeovers; present key concepts via PowerPoint.
  3. Interactive concept mapping (10'): Pairs create a mind map of reasons for horizontal vs vertical integration on a flip chart.
  4. Case‑study analysis (15'): Groups examine printed worksheets—one horizontal, one vertical—identify advantages/disadvantages and present findings.
  5. Whole‑class discussion (10'): Compare examples, discuss antitrust concerns and resource implications.
  6. Exit ticket (5'): Write one key advantage and one risk for each integration type.
Conclusion:
Summarise that external growth offers rapid expansion but carries strategic risks, reinforcing the need for careful analysis. Collect the exit tickets to check understanding. For homework, assign a brief research task where students find a recent real‑world merger or vertical integration and write a paragraph evaluating its likely benefits and challenges.