Strategy
Assignment - Case Study
Learning outcome 1: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the tools and frameworks of strategy to perform a meaningful analysis to generate coherent strategic options and choice.
Learning outcome 2: Select and apply a range of strategy tools, concepts and frameworks appropriate to analyse unstructured problems presented by the external and internal business environment.
Assignment Brief
The assessment brief must be discussed during an in-class session with students within the first 2 weeks of the unit and be accompanied by a screen/podcast on the BREO shell explaining the assessment, the rubric and marking criteria.
Strategic Analysis of a Company
The first section of this brief details the task and what you are required to produce. The second section has more information about the process that is required:
Assignment Overview:
This individual assignment requires you to conduct a comprehensive strategic analysis of a company facing a significant strategic challenge. As part of the preparation for this assignment, you will engage in group discussions to enhance your analysis by integrating diverse perspectives and insights. The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate your ability to apply strategic management frameworks, critically analyze a company's strategic position, and collaborate effectively with peers.
Assignment Task:
You will produce a strategic analysis of a company facing a significant strategic challenge
Assignment Requirements:
Word Limit: The final report should be 1,200-1500 words, excluding references and appendices.
Structure and Content: Your report should be structured as follows:
Introduction (150-200 words):
Provide a brief overview of the company, including key information such as its industry, market position, and the nature of the strategic challenge it faces.
Strategic Analysis (800-900 words):
• Conduct a detailed analysis of the company's strategic position. Use relevant strategic management frameworks to structure your analysis
• Incorporate insights and perspectives gained from the group discussions, demonstrating how these contributed to and enhanced your analysis.
Justification and critical assessment of tools and frameworks (150-200 words)
• Justify your choice of frameworks and critically assess how these frameworks help in understanding the strategic challenges the company faces.
The Assignment preparation process
Company Selection:
Selection Criteria: Choose a real company in your region that operates in a competitive industry and is currently facing a significant strategic challenge (e.g., market entry, diversification, technological disruption).
Approval Process: Submit your selected company for approval by the instructor by the end of Week 3 to ensure suitability for analysis.
Group Discussion Requirements:
While this is an individual assignment, you are required to engage in group discussions with 3-4 peers who have selected similar or related companies. These discussions are intended to deepen your understanding of the strategic issues and enhance the quality of your analysis.
Discussion Methods:
Initial Group Meeting:
Organize an initial group meeting (in-person or virtual) to introduce your selected companies, outline the strategic challenges, and identify common themes. This meeting should take place by the end of Week 4.
Ongoing Collaboration: Engage in at least two additional discussions to exchange insights, challenge each other's analyses, and refine your understanding of the strategic issues. These discussions can be conducted via group meetings, online forums, or collaborative documents.
Documenting Discussions: Keep a brief log of your group discussions, noting key points raised, insights gained, and how these influenced your analysis. This log will not be submitted but should inform your final report. The unit tutor will ask to see the log if required.