Business Strategy
MODULE CODE
CREDIT VALUE
Module Aims
Aim 1
This module seeks to provide students with a background in business analysis, strategic decision making and strategy development. The focus is on the development of strategy and strategic concerns given that strategy is inextricably linked to the nature, structure, and success of business. This module will evaluate practically the different, and sometimes conflicting, perspectives, concepts and models within this field. A large component of this module involves students learning and applying various models, frameworks and concepts to organisational case studies in attempts to analyse the company’s strategic choices and actions.
Module Content
Theme 1: An Introduction to Strategy
• Definitions, viewpoints, levels and statements
• Connections to competitive advantage
Theme 2: Strategy Formulation
• Strategic schools of thought
• Deliberate versus emergent approaches
Theme 3: The Strategic Position
• The collection, analysis and interpretation of data
• The wider environment
• Industries and sectors
• Competitors and markets
Theme 4: The Strategic Choice
• Choice
• Competitive strategy
• Strategy directions and evaluation
Theme 5: Strategic Implementation
• Strategic Change
• Human behaviour and change
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
Teaching Methods
The module is delivered via lecture and seminar sessions. Lectures enable new concepts, frameworks and perspectives to be delivered to the whole group and the seminar delivery enables the flexibility for students to experience more practical elements, such as working in groups on tasks and engaging in discussions and debate and practice applying the frameworks to organisation case studies. In the seminars a strong emphasis is placed on activity based learning using realistic materials in a practical context and a variety of materials will be used; videos, case studies, group discussions and practical exercises. Some of the sessions will be delivered in a pc room to enable students work practically on their poster presentation.
Within these seminar sessions, time is also built in for academic skill support in terms of building on students prior abilities. Module activities will therefore assist in the further development of students’ communication, critical thinking and debating skills. This module will also encourage a collaborative learning environment that encourages students to learn with, and from, each other.
The assessment on the module involves two summative pieces; a poster presentation and an examination. Academic support is provided within the module to enable students to maximise both their skill development in terms of academic writing (such as referencing, using academic sources, structuring and presenting the poster) as well including revision and exam preparation techniques.
The module is fully supported by blackboard eLearn and therefore module materials from both the lecture and seminar as well as assessment related information, will be posted on the module area on blackboard.
Assessment Methods
This module is assessed through a poster presentation and an examination.
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Compulsory
Optional
