Strategic Management

Code

BUSI4018

School

Business

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

Strategy is central to any organisation. How do we become better at it? How does our strategising make a difference? This module covers all the basic tools and techniques of strategy and strategic management, underpinned by theory which we make practically relevant and which you can then apply in your own organisation. You will gain insight into how your organization can develop and implement better strategy and how to become a more effective strategist. We use case studies, insights from guest speakers and your own organisation and/or management experience, our own research (enthusiastically covered) and even storytelling or Lego play, to develop and interrogate your understanding.

We challenge preconceptions and introduce you to key debates, whilst equipping you with an understanding of context and critical faculty in the application of key concepts – for example the nature of strategy, understanding the competitive environment, external and internal sources of competitive advantage, business models, corporate strategy and alternative strategy options, and strategy development processes. This is a central module in your Executive MBA, and according to comments from previous cohorts, insight and enjoyment is (almost) guaranteed.

Target Students

Only students registered on Executive MBA programmes, or other MBA or PG Dip BA programmes at the MBA Director's discretion

Classes

• One 4-hour lecture
• One 7-hour lecture each week for 4 weeks

32 hours contact time over a one-week intensive block. Please note all non-lectures will be timetabled in the Business School

Assessment

• 70% Project: Individual assignment (3000 words)
• 30% Presentation: Group Presentation (15 mins plus 5 mins Q&A)

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:
•    The dynamics of the global economy and international business &/or an awareness of cultural, legal/regulatory, political, and economic differences across countries &/or an appreciation of management issues from a global perspective.
•    The management of operations
•    Markets - the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services
•    Customers and stakeholders - customer expectations, service and orientation
•    The management of resources
•    Leadership and management of people within organisations - leadership, organisational behaviour and motivation
•    Strategic management - the development and implementation of appropriate strategies within a changing environment
•    Strategic risk management and issues of compliance'
•    Business Policy on strategy: the development of appropriate policies and strategies within a changing environment

Intellectual skills
This module develops:
•    Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately
•    Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions
 

Professional practical skills
This module develops:

•    The ability to conduct research and enquiry into business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, the collection and analysis of quantitative data, synthesis and reporting
•    Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management. Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting objectives, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring
•    The ability to recognise the need for and initiate change and to be able to manage change
 

Transferable (key) skills
This module develops:

•    Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports
•    High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; conflict resolution, displaying commercial acumen, the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience
•    Soft skills: understanding the needs of others and empathy towards them; sensitivity to diversity in people and in different situations
•    Self Management: Accept responsibility for one's own intellectual and professional development

Conveners

• Dr Jeannie Holstein