Strategy Making
Introduction
In our current globalised world, individuals in leadership and management positions within organisations across sectors are often confronted with a myriad of ‘wicked' problems which demand a comprehensive and cohesive strategy. To succeed, individuals in a position of responsibility must develop a range of capabilities needed to gain a competitive advantage in markets and in the globe.
This module seeks to equip students with crucial knowledge and strategy making skills to perform as a strategist and contribute to responsible business strategies to give their organisation a competitive advantage. Students who fully engage with the module will develop the knowledge and professional expertise needed for the formulation, implementation and analysis of responsible business strategies; to make appropriate choices between strategic options; and then to follow a strategic route that will deliver results that are robust, ethically sound and socially responsible.
Learning Outcome 1: Evaluate and demonstrate knowledge of the context in which a strategy can be made and implemented.
Learning Outcome 2: Analyse different theoretical approaches, tools and models used in understanding strategy making
Learning Outcome 3: Review an organisational strategy and the internal and external contexts of the organisation by using relevant models and tools to enable the achievement of competitive advantage for the organisation
Learning Outcome 4: Apply strategy making models and tools to proffer recommendations for organisational growth and ethically sound sustainable strategic route
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.
Principles of Responsible Management Education
Lincoln International Business School is a member of PRME (Principles of Responsible Management Education) and seeks to engage its students in critical debate about the implications sustainability for the global business community and management practice. To that end this module relates to the following sustainable development goals:
Goal 4: Quality Education - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 5: Gender Equality - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 8: Decent Work & Growth - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 10: Reduce Inequality - Reduce inequality within and among countries
The case study essay should be based on an organisation. Ideally, this will be the organisation that you are currently engaged with as you will not only be familiar with the organisation but have access to data and information which can inform your case study. However, it is also possible for you to choose another organisation. You may, for example, choose a previous organisation that you were involved with or a well-known organisation or an organisation with which you are familiar as a customer or a supplier, etc. and which you can get access to information which will allow you to meet the assessment criteria.
Please note that you may select a non-profit or a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Regardless of the organisation, you will need access to information to complete the assignment.
The case study essay will also provide a comprehensive set of recommendations and action plans, with supporting reasoning and evidence.
Appendix 2a:
Description of Assessment Task and Purpose:
The first assessment on this module is a group presentation. The assessment consists of a strategic analysis of a real firm. This is structured as group activity. Groups will be formed in the second seminar by the seminar tutor. Maximum three groups per seminar will be assigned. Students will be asked to pick a company from the FTSE4Good UK list (link on Blackboard). It is advisable that all groups in a given seminar group select a different company.
Students are required to present their analysis of the company as a PowerPoint presentation (length maximum 10 minutes and maximum 10 slides). This analysis is based on the tools, models and theories covered in the lectures and seminars. Students should demonstrate the understanding of strategic analysis, the sources of competitive advantage and strategic choices.
The presentation should represent at least the following aspects:
The analysis of the firm and its environment through validated tools, e.g. those presented in class, in the suggested readings or in individually researched material
The understanding of the firm strategic options by linking your analysis with the concepts studied during the module
The following structure is suggested as an indicative guidance:
Context
External Environment Analysis
Internal Environment Analysis
Future Trends Analysis
Critical review of the strategic purpose
Solutions
Learning Outcome 1: Evaluate and demonstrate knowledge of the context in which a strategy can be made and implemented.
Learning Outcome 2: Analyse different theoretical approaches, tools and models used in understanding strategy making
Learning Outcome 3: Review an organisational strategy and the internal and external contexts of the organisation by using relevant models and tools to enable the achievement of competitive advantage for the organisation
Learning Outcome 4: Apply strategy making models and tools to proffer recommendations for organisational growth and ethically sound sustainable strategic route
Appendix 2b
Description of Assessment Task and Purpose:
The purpose of this assessment is to assess your ability to critically evaluate and apply strategy concepts and theory to an organisation of your choice and to demonstrate knowledge of business strategy.
Put yourself in the shoes of a consultant to the board of directors, hired to tackle a strategic problem or address an opportunity to improve the performance of the organisation selected. The board of directors consists of the representatives of the main shareholders, executive directors and independent directors who are industry experts and university professors.
Your Strategic Management Report will provide an in-depth set of analyses of an organisation's current strategic position and recommendations on how to move forward. The case study essay should be based on an organisation. Ideally, this will be the organisation that you are currently engaged with as you will not only be familiar with the organisation but have access to data and information which can inform your case study. However, it is also possible for you to choose another organisation. You may, for example, choose a previous organisation that you were involved with or a well-known organisation or an organisation with which you are familiar as a customer or a supplier, etc. and which you can get access to information which will allow you to meet the assessment criteria.
The case study essay will also provide a comprehensive set of recommendations and action plans, with supporting reasoning and evidence.
In the Strategic Management Report, address the following points:
What are the strategic issues that are presently confronting the organisation that you selected as a case study?
What are the external/environmental factors that are relevant to these issues? Real experts, zero AI-Get authentic assignment help!
What are the internal factors (resources, capabilities, etc.) that are relevant to these issues?
What are the future trends? Are there significant opportunities in the market untapped and significant threats to the company looming over the horizon?
What are the implications of the strategic analysis for the strategic purpose of the organisation? Does it need to be reviewed?
What potential competitive advantage could be developed based on matching and converting internal and external factors? What are the implications for the business model of the organisation?
What alternative strategy(ies) would you consider or recommend to address the strategic issue(s) that you identified and to develop a sustainable competitive advantage? Why?
How you will monitor the execution of the selected strategy (strategy map, KPIs, etc.)?
What are the key recommendations and most significant first-priority actions that you would have to take to implement your recommended strategy effectively?
You should use academic literature and relevant evidence to support the reasoning and evidence of the analysis you performed to "sell" your approach to board members and the senior management of the organisation. Besides, by engaging with literature, you will provide contextualization and critical evaluation of the strategic analysis and the suggested strategic recommendations:
Explain your approach by drawing on relevant literature.
Critically assess the tools chosen to conduct internal and environment analyses and justify your approach.
Critically evaluate how the strategic alternatives you suggested address the issues identified considering the context of your selected organisation.
Critically review the first-priority actions that you would have to take to implement your recommended strategy effectively.