LO1. Analytically evaluate the impact of external factors on strategic positioning of an organisation within an industry with particular emphasis on dynamic global business environments.
LO2. Critically apply a range of theories, frameworks, techniques and perspectives to analyse strategic issues in organisations
LO3. Develop and evaluate strategic options and make strategic decisions.
LO4. Critically analyse the nature of strategic paradoxes and tensions which influence strategic decision-making in an organisational setting and make informed business decisions.
LO5. Reflect on strategic decision-making process and performance in a simulated business context.
Assessment 1 is designed to test your learning against the learning outcomes 1-3. The coursework tests all aspects of the module content in Trimester 2, Year 1. You are expected to draw on the learning from the module content and your own research from relevant sources
You need to complete a strategic analysis on an organisation. You can choose any one of the following organisations for your analysis: Diageo plc (a major player in the alcoholic beverage industry), Natwest Group plc (one of the major banking institution in the UK), Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (multinational aerospace and defense company based in the UK), and Ocado Group plc (Online grocery retailer in the UK). You should make use of appropriate concepts, theories and frameworks, and provide clear justification for their use. The following represents the different elements you will need to consider in this assignment:
Identify a key external factor impacting on your organisation’s strategic positioning – Undertake a critical analysis of the macro environment and the relevant industry and consider implications for your chosen organisation. You need to identify and justify a key issue facing the organisation. (This section of the report should not exceed 750±10% words)
Evaluate your organisation’s ability to sustain strategic advantage – Critically evaluate your chosen organisation’s ability to respond to the key external issue you have identified in 1. You are required to discuss the challenges arising from the issue within your industry and organisation. Examples of such impact could include implications for the value system, changes in stakeholder relationships, implications for resources and capability, changes in the competitive environment etc. (This section of the report should not exceed 750±10% words)
Develop and evaluate strategic options to respond to the key issue – Using appropriate strategic management frameworks, summarise the findings arising from your analysis in 1 and 2, develop and evaluate strategic options to present key strategic recommendations for your chosen organisation’s Board of Management to help them respond to the key external issue identified in 1 and to sustain strategic advantage against their competitors. (This section of the report should not exceed 500±10% words)
SOE11164