Level 7 Strategic Management Semester 2 Assessment 1 & 2 Coursework Module Handbook : LBU| 2023-24

Module Aims 

1    To provide students with a critical understanding of the main theories, techniques and debates which inform contemporary approaches to business strategy. 

2    To provide opportunities to interrogate the relevance of theoretical models and analytical techniques in local and international contexts.

Assessment 1

Component 1 of the module assessment is to Conduct a Macro-environmental analysis of a selected organisation. Based on this analysis you are to identify the key strategic issues that your organisation is facing. A number of academic references are provided for you to use as a starting point for you to start your research. These are located in week 2 of the module materials. All students should read chapter’s 1, 2 and 4 of the recommended textbook prior to starting the assessment. Lecture 2 should also be reviewed as well. A recording of this is available on MyBeckett. 

The core models to use are PESTLE OR VUCA analysis. A template for both models are available for you to use in your assessment. These are located in the assessment folder. (Approx. 1200 words) 

In order to conduct their research students must make use of Statista, Marketline, Mintel, Mergent, Fame and academic journals that are available via the University Library. Students must reference their sources carefully. Students should also use Company Reports. 

The organisation that you choose in this assessment will also be the same organisation that you use for component 2. 

Assignment 2 

Following on from your work for assessment 1 you must now use your macro-environmental analysis to complete a Strategic management report which has the following subsections. 

Module Learning Outcomes

1    Evaluate the assumptions underlying different approaches to the management of strategy to inform strategic action within organisations.

2    Critically evaluate key theories underpinning the strategy process, including how organisations analyse their environment and capabilities, and choose between potential strategic options and suggest ways to overcome the challenges of implementation.

3    Critically evaluate the risks and ethical considerations involved in organisational decision-making, including consideration of rationality in the decision-making process.

4    Directly apply strategic thinking and its impact on existing theory and practice.

Module Learning Activities 

•    The strategy process, strategic thinking. Approaches to strategic management.
•    The external and internal environments of strategic management PESTEL analysis, 5 forces, RBV, and managing resources in achieving strategic goals, core competencies, and other relevant theories. Organisational purpose.
• Business-level strategies, generic strategies, the value chain, and portfolio analysis.
•    Corporate strategies and their choice – strategies for growth, retrenchment, and turnaround. Strategies for declining industries.
•    Globalisation, global strategy of multinationals, and current issues affecting strategy.
•    The role of entrepreneurship and strategic leadership. Corporate social responsibility.
•    Strategic evaluation
•    Organisational structures, corporate parenting, and networked organizations
•    Managing corporate knowledge and innovation, critical perspectives of strategy, and  postmodern perspectives.
•    Strategic implementation and managing change in complex environments.

Tasks

1.    Industry Analysis

Conduct an Industry analysis of your organisation. Based on this analysis, identify the key strategic issues that your organisation is facing. A template for your Industry analysis is available which students must use.

2.    Internal Analysis

Conduct a resource-based analysis of your organisation using relevant concepts and frameworks. Drawing on this analysis, provide appropriate recommendations on how your organisations resources and its strategy should be developed. A template for your Resource Based Analysis which students must use. (Approx. 1200 words)

3.    Business Models

Critically analyse your selected organisation’s business model. A template for the Business Model Canvas is provided although students are free to use other appropriate models to evaluate the Business Model. 

4.    Sustainable Value 

All students must consider and apply Hart, S.L. and Milstein, M.B., (2003) Sustainable Value Framework to their organisation. All students must do this as part of their assignment using the resources provided. 

5.    Strategic options. 

Recommendation of some strategic options for the organisation to maintain or enhance competitiveness in the future. These must be related to the potential impacts of macro / competitive forces as identified in component 1 and Section 1. Please also note you should make recommendations within the context of the organisation. Some evaluation of risk and ethical issues is also important here.