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The module examines strategic decision-making through an investigation of external and internal environment, strategic options and implementation. It enables students to develop an understanding of business strategy formulation and implementation; in terms of theory, practice and policy. In particular it addresses key challenges in the areas of global and local competition, sustainability, governance and ethics, leadership, change and diversity and technology. It builds upon the students' prior learning at Levels 4 and 5 and integrates these, providing the student with a holistic perspective of how organisations determine their strategic direction.

The module will examine the nature of the organisation and strategy. This will include strategic analysis of the internal and external environment, mission and objectives, basis, direction and method of strategic options, strategic evaluation and implementation. There will also be elements covering, ethics and CSR, strategic positioning and competition, capability and strategic choice, globalisation, managing knowledge, the internet and technology, strategic project management, and sustainability; strategy-in-practice across private, public and third sector organisations.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Evaluate the strategic decision-making process and the influences on that process (PLO1).
2. Critically evaluate the strategic position of an organisation, the strategic options organisations have available and the rationale for selecting and implementing a specific strategy PLO2, PLO4)
3. Demonstrate their understanding of, and ability to apply, strategic management principles, by reference to relevant current business practice such as ethics to CSR, corporate governance and sustainability issues in a business context, in business simulation(s) and case study analyses (PLO1, PLO3, PLO2)
4. Apply numerical techniques: use of KPIs and ratios to determine the performance and financial status of organisations (PLO4)
5. Have developed communication and literacy capabilities, throughassignments, simulations and seminars which deploy a range of communication and writing skills (PLO6).
6. Have enhanced independent learning,through the assembling of a theory-based portfolio (Sem1), and working with others as a “management team” through the pursuit of a complex group business simulation project  (PLO5)

Marks for each individual student in group work will be adjusted based on the individual student’s overall contribution. The approximate word count contribution per individual for the group work is 3000 words (or equivalent). Please note that is only an approximation and may vary depending on the number of individuals per group.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.