Strategic Analysis Tools and Research Methodology: A Guide for Students

Description of the problem and importance

The design of the research methodology and the use of strategic analysis tools like PEST, SWOT etc., depends on the specific question or problem that you are asked to analyse and solve. Students are encouraged to use one or more of the strategic analysis tools that were taught in the course as appropriate.

Description of the problem, the importance of this problem to the client (rationale), clear objectives of the work, clear research methodology, literature review when appropriate, findings of the research and concrete recommendations with clear justification.

Project characteristics

• The Consultancy projects should address issues of strategic importance to the organisation and result in practical business solutions.
• Projects should address issues linked to the organisation’s strategic objective in the following areas: finance, marketing, accounting, strategy, management, intellectual property and market research.
• Each project should have an applied research focus.  It should allow students to design solutions to real business problems using the skills they have developed in the class.
• Participant organisations must agree to supply all necessary data to the students and schedule meetings with the top level management team and with other employees if necessary.

What should I do once I get my project?

Once you have been allocated an Advisor and working title, you can start doing some of the preliminary work for the project. Advisors will normally be willing to communicate with you by email during mentoring period, though remember that marking takes precedence during the exam periods and their holidays will probably take precedence during the vacation. Please check their availability during your first meetings.

What will I be doing during my project?

During the course of a project, you will undoubtedly undertake many different activities. These will include:

• Identifying proposed working title and agree deliverable with client
• Defining the objectives of the project
• Acquiring background information about the problem and its possible solutions
• Establishing the criteria by which your solution(s) to the problem will be judged
• Determining by what process the work will be carried out
• Planning a detailed phases of the project and agree with client
• Adopting one or more design methodologies
• Analysing situation
• Reporting on your work and findings.