Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: Definitions, examples, advantages and disadvantages of different types of mergers: horizontal, vertical and conglomerate
Learning Objective/s:
  • Define horizontal, vertical and conglomerate mergers and give a real‑world example of each.
  • Compare the main advantages and disadvantages of the three merger types.
  • Evaluate which merger type is most appropriate in given business scenarios.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slides with definitions and examples
  • Printed worksheet with comparison table
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Sticky notes for group activity
Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: ask students to name any recent mergers they have heard about. Briefly recap how firms use mergers to grow and the need to understand different types. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify, compare, and evaluate horizontal, vertical and conglomerate mergers.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students write recent merger examples on sticky notes and place them on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present definitions and real‑world examples of horizontal, vertical and conglomerate mergers.
  3. Guided analysis (12'): In pairs, students use the worksheet to list advantages and disadvantages for each type.
  4. Whole‑class comparison (8'): Groups share findings; teacher completes a comparison table on the whiteboard.
  5. Case‑study application (10'): Provide a brief business scenario; students decide which merger type fits and justify their choice.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick quiz or exit‑ticket question to confirm key concepts.
Conclusion:
Recap the key distinctions between the three merger types and why each carries specific benefits and risks. Have students write one advantage and one disadvantage of the merger type they selected on an exit ticket. For homework, assign a short research task: find a recent merger, classify its type, and comment on its outcomes.