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Week 1 - Introduction Lecture

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35 views13 pages

Week 1 - Introduction Lecture

Uploaded by

Vishnu Sasindran
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ST4S38

Strategic Analysis; Tools and


Techniques

An Introduction & Strategy –


Welcome!!

Lecture 1
© University of South Wales
Today’s Aim
• To introduce the nature of the module.

• To introduce the topics we will cover throughout the


module.

• To familiarise yourself with the assignments.

© University of South Wales


Lectures, Workshops,
and Drop-Ins
Lectures – Pre-recorded
• Uploaded the Blackboard

Workshops – Throughout the week


• Please ensure you check your timetables
Module Aims
• To develop your ability to undertake a meaningful strategic analysis

• To explore a range of frameworks used in strategic planning

• To enhance your ability to direct and manage the development of an


organisation’s strategy in the contexts of complexity and change

• To enable students to actively contribute to the strategic development


of an organisation, in which they are, or intend to be, senior managers

© University of South Wales


Module Overview

Topic 1 – Introduction & What is strategy and why do we need it? (Week 1)

Topic 2 – For whom does the business/strategy exist? (Week 2)

Topic 3 – How can you gain a competitive advantage? (Week 3)

Topic 4 – Does the business environment/industry matter? (Week 4)

Topic 5 – Can what we already have create a competitive advantage? (Week 5)

Topic 6 – Is your strategy good enough? + Assignment Surgery (Week 6)

Topic 7 – What if there is a change? How do you manage the change? (Week 7)

Topic 8 – How can you develop based on what you already have? (Week 8)

Topic 9 – How can you grow/change using external partners/resources? (Week 9)

Topic 10 –Module recap + Assignment Surgery (Week 10)


Assignment Details
• Assignment 1 – Why some companies succeed while others fail? (50%)
• 3000 words +/- 10% (with extra allowance for tables and diagrams)
• You can choose one or two companies of your choice to strategically appraise.
• Using a selection of the models and frameworks introduced throughout the module, you
are required to complete a report (as a consultant) which will strategically analyse your
company.
• You are also required to develop a clear strategic view of the business’ strategic position.
• Be critical and original when developing your argument.

• Submission Date: on or before Friday 25th March 2022 @ 23:59hrs

• Assignment 2 – Diversify or Focus on core business? (50%)


• 3000 words +/- 10% (with extra allowance for tables and diagrams)
• To critically apply strategic frameworks in an organisational context
• You can choose one company to appraise their portfolio and evaluate key future
directions for strategic growth.
• Be critical and original when developing your argument

• Submissions Date: on or before Friday 6th May 2022 @ 23:59hrs.


Questions
• If you have any questions we can discuss them in your workshop .
Assignment Marking Criteria
What’s with all the
Models?!!
• Strategic Management is about being able to make
informed decisions;
• To be able to do this, we need to know about:
• the external environment we are working in, including our
industry;
• ourselves as an organisation and what we are capable of;
• the options available to us;
• how we make the changes required.

It is only once we know all this, that we can make


INFORMED DECISIONS
Teaching Methods

• This is an applied module – the models used in the sessions are


tools of the trade for strategists and managers
• The approach is always critical – models and approaches used
should always be open to question and considering
• Ask ‘why’, and there is no ‘ultimate’ solution for all!
• We need YOUR participation
• The sessions will provide a structure to assist your skill
development
• Sometimes you learn more from experiences and sharing
those experiences
Reading
• Quality business press
• This is a live subject
• Current business stories will be used as the examples to be
discussed in the class
• Selected journal articles and case studies
• They can be helpful to understand underpinning theories that
support strategic analysis
• Relevant papers will be provided as part of activities but you
are encouraged to seek more to develop your understanding
• The more you know the better the conversation can be
A simple task this week!
Before your tutorials this week:

• Think about what the word ‘Strategy’ means;

• Where do you see it? How is it used?


This week’s Workshop
We will be looking at:
• Different strategic perspectives
• Strategic schools of thought
• Strategy in context

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