Topic: Strategic Analysis

Order Description
Learning outcomes:
Strategic analysis of an organization(s).
Synthesis of ideas or solutions relating to strategy issues
Skills outcomes: Research skills
Critical evaluation
Creativity
Communication

Task
You are required to submit an individual report of 3,000 ±10% words, which can be
based on an organization or idea of your own choice.
The strategic analysis must be related to a recognised aspect of business policy,
strategic management or the philosophical underpinning of a particular
methodology within the public or private sector strategic management domain.
If your analysis is of an organisation then do not submit a functional analysis; for
example do not submit a strategic marketing analysis or a strategic human resource
analysis. You should be applying the concepts and models from the topics that are
within the module to your chosen organisation.
The report must be written in a recognised style, i.e. table of contents, introduction,
main analysis, conclusions, recommendations, references and bibliography. You
must apply the Harvard system of referencing in your report.
Objectives
To analyse a business policy or strategic management topic, to carry out individual
research or evaluation of an organization.
Requirements
Meet the learning outcomes listed above, identify and critically analyse
fundamental issues related to strategic management. Undertake a study that
shows clear evidence of synthesis and evaluation.
There are a number of ways you might carry out this assignment: here are a few
ideas:
• Use a theoretical model to reflect upon the reality (practice) of a situation. Use theory
to predict the outcomes of practice. Use practice to reflect upon / modify theory;
• Compare theory and practice: Does M.E. Porter’s (1985) model of competition
support the experience of practitioners? i.e. use a practical example /case / issue to
reflect on Porter’s model(s) and examine success and / or failure.
• A case study approach: Is Satya Nadella, C.E.O. managing Microsoft as effectively as
he might? i.e. do an analysis of Microsoft’s performance in relation to declared (or
undeclared) strategy and the efficacy of his strategy.
• A recovery plan: My advice to the Chief Executive Officer of the Sony Corporation is
……i.e. suggest a way forward for the organization in light of their poor performance
over the last 5 years.
• A risk management strategy: My advice to JP Morgan’s Chief Executive Officer in light
of their 2012 $6 Billion trading loss.
These are merely examples of approaches you might take; thinking up your own
ideas might be more productive and fun. You are encouraged where practical to
discuss your ideas with your tutor prior to commencing the assignment.
Assessment Criteria
Your seminar tutor on the basis of the following general criteria will assess the
paper:
• Content – the quality of research and analysis undertaken and the use of initiative in
finding sources of information;
• Process – the quality and clarity of the assignment and your ability to demonstrate
command over the subject area and the development of a case or argument;
• Discretion – additional credit may be awarded to a student who tackles a difficult
subject well.
The assignment will be graded for individuals on the basis of the specific criteria
outlined on the following page.
The “Presentation” element of the Generic Assessment Criteria will be used to
assess the report structure.