This is not available as a Single Subject.This is a Post Graduate Diploma in Management subject.

Main Aim(s) of the Unit:

Strategy is a term covering the tools and techniques that enable an organisation to adapt effectively in a changing environment, improving competitive advantage.

In this unit, students will focus on using available academic literature to evaluate strategic issues requiring problem identification, evaluation and proposed solutions. This process will often require strategic prioritisation and problem analysis. Students will have an opportunity to apply their academic study to work based or case study problems.

Main Topics of Study:

Strategic Audit Techniques:

Environmental Analysis, Resource Analysis, Portfolio analysis, Organisational Culture and Structure

Strategic Issues Identification:

Prioritisation, Scenario Planning, Planning and decision making

Strategic Issues:

Globalisation, Change Management, Organisational Learning, Information Management, Competitive Advantage, Leadership, Innovation

Strategic Action:

Option Generation and Evaluation, Generic Strategies, Implementation

Learning Outcomes for the Unit

At the end of this Unit, students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate and apply strategic management concepts, tools and techniques.
2. Apply independent learning and research to strategic problem definition and resolution
3. Critically evaluate alternative theories and approaches to strategic business problems
4. Identify and critically appraise alternative strategies and their implementation.

Learning and teaching methods/strategies used to enable the achievement of learning outcomes:

Students will be directed and encouraged to undertake research to enable them to critically evaluate the theories and practices associated with strategic management. Students will then be required to apply this knowledge and understanding to work based or case study business problems in terms of problem identification, relevant theoretical approaches linked to practical evaluation leading to justified recommendations.

Assessment methods which enable student to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the Unit:

Written assignment (4,000 words) : 100%
Assignments should be typed, page numbered and bound. Please find below, the accepted binding methods:

• Tape bound
• Coil bound
• Comb bound
• Spiral bound

Indicative Reading for this Unit:

Main Text:

Johnson, G. & Scholes, K. Exploring Strategy: texts and cases, 9th Ed.

Alternative texts

Lynch, R. (2005) Corporate Strategy, 3rd Ed., Financial Times, Prentice Hall
Mazzucato, M. (Ed.).(2002) Strategy for Business: a reader, Sage
Mullins, L.(2005) Management and Organizational Behaviour, 7th Ed., Financial Times, Prentice Hall.
Segal-Horn (Ed.). (2004) The Strategy Reader , 2nd Ed., Blackwell.

Guideline for Teaching and Learning Time (10 hrs per credit)

50 hours: Lectures / Seminars / Tutorials / Workshops
These interactive sessions will be used to discuss concepts and allow students to present findings

50 hours: Directed learning
Advance reading and preparation / Background research / individual and group preparation for seminars

100 hours: Self managed learning
Working through the course text and completing assignments as required will take up the bulk of the learning time. In addition students are expected to engage with the tutor and other students and to undertake further reading using the web and/or libraries.