A Critical Analysis of Prescriptive and Emergent Approaches to Strategy and their Role in Achieving

Section 1: Compulsory question to be answered by all:

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

LO1: Critically analyse concepts and models which relate to organisational strategy

LO4: Critically appraise the importance of change management

Assessment Brief:

All answers are to be in the form of an essay, they should be fully supported with citations and references. Diagrams and tables are allowed.

Section 1: The question in this section is compulsory

Section 2: Answer any two questions. All questions in this section carry equal marks.

Section 1: Compulsory question to be answered by all:

Strategy is the comprehensive action plan that identifies the long-term direction for an organization and guides resource utilization to accomplish organizational goals with sustainable competitive advantage” (McCuddy 2007).

Critically compare and contrast the application of ‘prescriptive’ and ‘emergent’ approaches to strategy and outline their role in the delivery of this aim. Where possible use examples drawn from the literature to support points you put forward.

Section 2: Answer any two from the following:

Comment critically on the role of ‘Core Competence’ in developing Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA) for an organisation. Use examples from the literature to support your arguments.

“The use and application of a SWOT analysis is ‘blunt tool’ when applied to strategy management (McDonald 2018)’.

Critically evaluate this statement appraising issues and limitations associated with its use. What conclusions can reasonably be made about the use of this tool in strategy?

Compare and contrast two models or theoretical approaches available to managers to assess the environmental impact on the competitive position of an organisation. Comment critically on the benefits and limitations of each model/approach and apply your response in context.

Evaluate the benefits, costs and risks of using ‘innovation’ to drive long-term organisation development, illustrating your answer with examples of how this approach to formulating and deploying strategy works in practice.

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.

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.

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.