Business Strategy Assignment Brief -

Assignment Context and Scenario: You have been recruited as a trainee Strategic Planning Manager by a large UK-based enterprise (with at least 50 employees) of your choice. Your line manager has asked you to produce an environmental analysis and a strategic growth management plan based on the use of recognized internal and external analytical tools taking into account the company objectives of growth and expansions. You are required to devise a draft strategic Plan based your analysis based on the use of recognised internal and external analytical tools taking into account the company objectives of growth and expansions.

You are required to devise a strategic plan based on the environmental analysis.

What you must do -

1. Analyse the impact and influence which the macro environment has on an organisation.

You are required to write a brief profile of your chosen organisation including mission, vision and objectives. You should then apply appropriate frameworks to analyse the macro environment. You should also critically analyse the macro environment to determine and inform strategic management decisions.

2. Assess an organisation's internal environment and capabilities.

Like the external environment, an organisation's internal environment can determine its success or failure. Using appropriate frameworks analyse the internal environment and capabilities of your chosen organisation. You should critically analyse the internal environment to assess strengths and weaknesses of your chosen internal capabilities, structure and skill set.

You are also required to critically interpret the information from both the external and internal environment and data, applying environmental and competitive analysis to produce a set of valid strategic directions, objective and tactical actions.

3. Evaluate and apply the outcomes of an analysis using Porter's Five Forces model to a given market sector.

You are required to apply Porter's five forces model and to evaluate the competitive forces in your chosen organisation's industry. Based on the evaluation, you should devise appropriate strategies to improve your organisation's competitive edge and market position.

4. Apply models, theories and concepts to assist with the understanding and interpretation of strategic directions available to the chosen organisation.

Using Porter's generic strategies and Bowman's extended model of strategy, you are required to apply these models in interpreting and devising strategic planning for your chosen organistion. You are also required to produce a strategic management plan that will direct the organisation's future survival in a competitive market.

Recommended Word limit: 3,500-4,500.