Strategic Analysis Report: Relationship between External and Internal Contexts of an Organisation an

Background Literature and Concepts

1. Synthesise the relationship between the external context of an organisation and its internal context and their impact on its management to a specific case.

2. Critically evaluate competitive and development report. strategies, in the context of contemporary strategic management issues.

3. Critique the factors that must be considered in implementing strategy. Work as an individual to research, write and structure a report.

Analyse and critique issues in the application of strategic strategies.

Work as an individual to research, write and structure a Application and critical analysis to relevant organisation and critical appraisal of an organisation application of theory and strategic business models. Work as an individual to research, write and structure a report.

Analyse complex issues and review sectional, functional, organisational and stakeholder interests within a strategic framework.

Choose one case study, from the list below, and complete a strategic analysis of how the central issues the company faced were dealt with, using models and theories taught in the module and showing how these were deployed in the emergent strategies. Demonstrate how the company achieved competitive advantage through their particular choice of strategic management.

Using appropriate concepts, theoretical frameworks and techniques explored within the module, you will present your findings in the format of an individually written report (6000 words maximum).

List of cases will be uploaded on Moodle in week 5.

NOTE: The guidance offered below is linked to the five common assessment criteria overleaf and specifically aligned to the “exceptional” outcome category to which we anticipate students aspire.

1. Research-informed Literature

Your work must embed and be informed and supported by relevant and credible scholarly material that is accessible in the learned journals listed on the module schedule. You should refer to at least 10 such sources. Additionally, you should refer to text books, current news items and benchmark your organisation against other organisations to ensure your assignment is current and up-to-date. High-level referencing skills using the Harvard Method must be demonstrated throughout your work and all sources listed alphabetically within your bibliography.

Specific to this assignment: In addition to scholarly materials mentioned above, you will be expected to have demonstrated thorough industry-specific research as well as the organisation itself using a variety of current sources. As a guide a minimum of 25 credible sources should be provided.

2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject

Your work must demonstrate the growing extent of your knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the subject area. This means that within your work, you should provide evidence of your growing mastery in critical awareness of current challenges, new insights and the constant need for innovation within the field. Furthermore, a critical awareness of the ambiguities and limitations of knowledge and even understanding, should be considered and examples of such, illustrated within your work.

Specific to this assignment: In demonstrating in-depth knowledge and understanding of appropriate theory you are not required to provide explanation/description of models/frameworks considered. You are also expected to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the industry in which your chosen organisation operates.

In addition to evaluating the strategic challenges and options available to the organisation, there is also an opportunity for you to demonstrate your theoretical knowledge and understanding of specific topics in relation to the wider implications of such strategic management decisions. Topics you could consider might include leadership, culture, structure, innovation, technology, CSR, environmental and ethical challenges.

Your work must provide evidence of your attributes in the application of professional practice. This includes demonstrating that you are highly capable of individual and collaborative working. Regarding the presentation of your work, you must demonstrate your ability to select and deploy the appropriate media that is “fit for purpose. Additionally, you must exhibit your ability to: communicate with an exceptionally high level of professionalism; work professionally, autonomously and within a team; develop leadership skills; and produce/present work that is coherent, cogent and specifically addresses the challenges set for you or you have set yourself. Importantly, your work should be easily understood by specialists and non-specialists in the field.

1. Research-informed Literature

Extent of research and/or own reading, selection of credible sources, application of appropriate referencing conventions.

2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject – see guidance notes point 2

Extent of knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the discipline

3. Analysis – see guidance notes point 3

Analysis, evaluation and synthesis; logic, argument and judgement; analytical reflection; organisation of ideas and evidence

4. Practical Application and Deployment

Deployment of methods, materials, tools and techniques; application of concepts; formulation of innovative and creative solutions to solve problems.

5. Skills for Professional Practice

Attributes in professional practice: individual and collaborative working; deployment of appropriate media; presentation and organisation