Module title: Business Strategy

Module code: MBABS NQF level: Level 7

Credit value: 10 credits Study duration: 6 weeks

Module description This module is designed to encourage students to reflect on a variety of issues relating to business strategy, such as: the nature of business strategy; the approaches to strategy development; the implications of strategic choices; stakeholder interests and the wider context of strategy. In particular, the module encourages students to evaluate many of the aspects of strategy and strategic thinking that are not usually reflected upon. This module provides students with an insight into the nature of business strategy and its implications which go beyond what might be expected in the standard text book. Consequently, the module offers an insight into a range of current business issues, management dilemmas, ethical considerations, and general governance issues relating to the strategic direction of organizations. Overall, the module provides an introduction to strategy and a critical examination of its application in practice.

Aims The main aim of the module is to enable students to have an understanding of the nature of business strategy and to evaluate its meaning and implications in practice.

Learning outcomes At the end of this module the student should be able to:

1. Recognise and understand the many varied principles, practices and perspectives involved in business strategy making;

2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding in relation to issues underlying mainstream interpretations of strategic processes;

3. Understand the importance of ideological positions and ethical principles in relation to strategic aspirations and to demonstrate an understanding of the complicated governance issues involved in strategic decision making

4. Critically evaluate the different tools and techniques used in strategy making

Skills for your professional life (transferable skills) As part of this module you will be able to gain the following transferable skills:

1. Enhance your written communication skills through a written assignment 2. Improve your oral communication through informal presentations as part of group work and in-class discussions 3. Develop your research and critical thinking skills by researching a current business case and applying strategy models

to make recommendations to a company. This will also greatly develop your commercial awareness 4. Enhance your teamwork and collaboration experience through extensive group work

Syllabus

Introductions- Session 1-2 Session 1 - Immersion Session 2 – An introduction to strategic management, what strategy is and an overview of the module Tools for analysis – Session 3-6 Session 3 – The external environment and the outside in view of strategy Session 4 – The inside out view of strategy and an analysis of strategic capabilities Session 5 – Business development and strategy Session 6 – Decision Making Issues when strategizing – Session 7-10 Session 7– Organizational Politics and Power in Strategy making Session 8 –Top Management and Strategy Session 9 – Strategy, (Business) Ethics and Governance Session 10 – Strategy and Innovation

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered by learning materials provided on the learning platform supplemented by readings. Tutor support will be available to students via phone, email, and a fortnightly question and answer (Q&A) session.

Assessment

Description of unit of assessment Length / Duration Submission Date Weighting

End of Module Project 2,500 words End of Unit 6 70%

Discussion Forums x 2 Up to 10 posts in each

forum

End of Units 2 and 4 20%

Individual Reflective Journal 3 entries End of Units 2, 4 and 6 10%