BUS9048 Strategy Making Level 7 Module Handbook 2025

Learning Outcomes of BUS9048:

On completion of the module, you should be able to:

LO1: Assess, analyse and reflect upon strategy and strategic decision-making.
LO2: Apply strategy concepts and models to analyse and appraise a company’s strategy.
LO3: Critically identify and evaluate strategic choices for the future.

AACSB

In addition to module specific outcomes, selected modules within Lincoln International Business School are required to deliver and assess particular core competencies associated with our mission as an AACSB Accrediting Business School; and as such reflect core skills and knowledge sets associated with being a graduate in business management. There are twelve core competencies, and these are distributed across modules associated with each programme. Each core competency is assessed through
the assessment(s) for a module and is identified on relevant the Assessment Rubric.

The assessment of these core competencies is not weighted (they don’t contribute to your grade) but is assessed on the basis of proficiency/non-proficiency. If you find yourself not achieving proficiency then this will not directly affect the outcome for a module but is an opportunity for you to reflect on your own development and how you can work towards proficiency at a later opportunity. We will also reflect on the overall outcomes for modules and programmes and seek to enhance our teaching, learning and
assessment as a result.

The Core Competencies assessed in this module are as follows:

AoL Competence CC1: Apply concepts associated with sustainability to evaluate strategies, policies, or practice.
AoL Competence CC10: Critically reflect on policy or practice.

BUS9048 Assessment

The final assessment consists of an individual strategic report with two parts:

BUS9048 Part 1: Situational analysis of a firm (1,500 words)

In this assignment, students will conduct a comprehensive situational analysis of the organisation’s internal capabilities and external competitive environment. Students should also demonstrate the understanding of where the competitive advantage of the company lies and which strategies the company deploys. They will use advanced concepts, frameworks, and tools of strategy to evaluate the organisation’s resources, core competencies, value chain, industry dynamics, competitive positioning, future trends.
Based on the analysis, students will identify at least two strategic issues and challenges faced by the organisation in its current business context.

This analysis is based on the tools, models and theories discussed in the first weeks of class.

BUS9048 Part 2: Strategic choice and strategy implementation (2,000 words)

Building on the situational analysis conducted in Part 1, students will select a specific strategic issue and develop a strategic plan for the organisation to gain a sustainable competitive advantage. They will appraise, investigate, and recommend strategies aligned with the organisation’s mission, vision, and values. Students will formulate a comprehensive strategy that addresses the chosen strategic issue and opportunities for growth and success and helps to develop a lasting competitive advantage. Additionally,
they will discuss strategy implementation or execution outlining the steps, resources and actions required for a successful strategy execution and suggest ways to monitor and evaluation the success of the chosen strategy.

Finally, students will proffer recommendations for organisational growth and ethically sound sustainable strategic route.

The written paper should be 3,500 words (please use 12-point font and 1” margins), including any exhibits, tables and figures, excluding eventual reference list.

In general, there is no single correct answer to a case analysis. The key to a good case analysis is to carefully analyse the situation, apply relevant conceptual materials (and reference it), and evaluate choices before selecting your own recommendations. Although each case is unique and may require a different approach and analysis, your case writeup should include the following elements:

1. A comprehensive situational analysis of the selected company.
2. A discussion of identified strategic issues and their impacts on the company’s current and future performance.
3. A discussion of the strategy or strategies suggested to resolve the selected strategic issue.
4. A discussion of how the strategic choices will be implemented and executed.
5. A discussion about how the success of the strategy will be evaluated and a suggestion of monitoring tools or criteria.
6. A suggestion of recommendations for organisational growth and ethically sound sustainable strategic route.