Strategic Management

The Brief
Academics have been debating the relevance of Michael Porters Five Forces framework(1979)and its relevance in this modern era of fast moving, international hyper competitive environments. Write a short academic paper critiquing the use of this model and its applicability as strategic decision making tool within current market conditions to industry sector and company of your own choosing.

Guidelines
– The assignment will take the form of a report;
The content of a model report is:
a) First/cover page including the title, name of company; name of student and programme;
b) Table of contents;
c) Abstract;
d) Introduction;
e) Discussion, Analysis and Findings;
f) Conclusion;
g) References (only those used in the text);
h) Appendices (only if necessary)

The assignment will be marked on the basis of the justification provide for the arguments, the applicability of the relevant theory and the critical evaluation of the company’s strategic capabilities.

This assignment and the examination that will follow focuses on the fulfilment of the Intended Learning Outcomes

1 Undertake a critical review of the key dimensions of strategic management €“ Analysis, Evaluation, Choice & Implementation;
2 Critically apply diagnostic, practical and creative skills to analyse and evaluate a range of business solutions in differing business contexts and using strategic theories and frameworks;
3 Analyse the relationship between strategic choices / remedies and the critical application of appropriate academic theories and frameworks, including an appreciation of emerging models;
4 Critically evaluate change management issues when organisations implement new strategies.

Recommended Reading List
Core Text
Johnson, G. et al. (2014) Corporate Strategy: Text & Cases, 10th Edition, Prentice Hall

Ancillary recommended texts
Barney J (2011) Gaining and Sustaining Competitive Advantage (Prentice Hall 4th ed.)
Grant R, Jordan J (2012) Foundations of Strategy (Wiley)
Hillier D et al. (2011) Financial Markets and Corporate Strategy: European Ed. (McGraw Hill 2nd Ed)
Thompson J, Martin F (2010) Strategic Management Awareness and Change (Cengage 6thEd.)