Strategy Analysis: Evaluating External and Internal Factors for Organizational Success

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

LO1: Evaluate external and internal environmental factors which impact on strategy

LO2: Critically review an organisation's strategic plan

Assessment Brief:

You have recently been appointed as a Strategy Analyst in a major consultancy firm based in the City of London. As part of your training you have been asked by your manager to evaluate strategic choice for an organisation to show your capabilities as a Strategy Analyst. You have been given a free choice of organisation. Choose a company with a background you know well or have researched carefully.  

In preparation for drafting this strategy plan you should provide the following information:

1.Critically evaluate the value of clear Purpose, Vision, Mission and Objectives in setting the strategic direction of organisations. Use examples from your selected organisation to explain the views you put forward.

2.In the process of assessing a competitive advantage, this can be evaluated using four attributes under the acronym VRIO. As a matter of example, assess the competitive advantage of the company you selected, using the VRIO framework.

3.Using PESTLE framework analyse the external environment of the business you selected.

4.If you would like to appraise the attractiveness of going into a sector, industry or market, and also for assessing the competitiveness of an organization you could use the Porter’s Five Forces Model. Apply the Porter’s Five Forces Model for the organisation you selected.

5.Based on your analysis, review the organisation’s strategy.

Secondary Research Level HE6 - It is expected that the Reference List will contain between fifteen to twenty sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include three refereed academic journals and five academic books.

Assessment Preparation and Submission (see section 11 of the module guide for Guidelines on the Preparation and Submission of Assignments)

Additional Submission Instructions:

You are only required to submit a soft copy (report only) via “TurnitIn UK” on the module Moodle page.

Assessment Criteria (see section 16 of the module guide for General Assessment Criteria)

Specific Assessment Criteria

Excellent (70%+): The report will be to a high standard and will reflect the effective application of extensive reading.  They will address the specific issues outlined in the assignment brief about Strategic Management theory and process.  The report will contain minimal errors in spelling and grammar and will be accessible to readers from a range of cultural and social backgrounds.

Very Good (60 – 69%): The report will cover the salient points. The presentation will be very clear and informative. The report is very well written and presented in a structured and readable style.

Good (50 – 59%): The report will cover the salient points. The presentation will be clear and informative. The report is well written and presented in a structured and readable style.

Satisfactory (40-49%):  A reasonable attempt will be made to prepare and deliver the report but will be under-developed and will not reflect effective teamwork.

Fail (1-39%): Students who do not meet the requirements of a third-class grade will not successfully complete the assessment activity.