| Unit name | Strategic Management |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MGRCM1001 |
| Credit points | 15 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Beckett |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Management - Business School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Strategy is concerned with the overall direction of organisations including multinationals, start-ups, government agencies and not-for-profits. The aims of the unit are to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the theories, process and practices of strategy and strategic management, and to develop their ability to think and act strategically. Learning is developed through the use of case studies, exercises, readings, discussion and lectures. Students are exposed to different schools of thought on strategic management and are encouraged to examine critically classical and modern approaches to strategy formulation, selection and realisation. Over the course of the unit, students will be encouraged to identify links between the topic and other units being studied concurrently.
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
• Identify and describe and demonstrate understanding of the principle theories, concepts and techniques of strategy and strategic management;
• Critically evaluate theories, concepts and techniques of strategy and strategic management;
• Apply theories, concepts and techniques of strategy in practical contexts in order to identify and appraise strategic issues facing organisations;
• Analyse and interpret the application of theories, concepts and techniques in order to develop and evaluate alternative strategies;
• Identify key issues affecting the realisation of intended strategies in practical contexts;
• Critically evaluate strategic management as a managerial tool.
Lectures introduce theoretical concepts and ideas that inform the subject. Tutorials include readings, exercises and case studies. Additional reading and the active use of the Blackboard online learning environment is designed to develop a depth of understanding.
Formative Assignment
1500 word essay on a choice of topics. Students will have the opportunity to discuss a first draft of the assignment in class and to get feedback on their initial ideas. The formative assignment will test the same learning objectives as the summative assignment, although the scope will necessarily be narrower. It will be set at the start of term, the discussion of drafts will take place in week 8 and the final copy will be handed in during week 10 so that final feedback can be provided before the Christmas vacation.
Summative Assignment
3-Hour unseen exam (100%)
The exam tests students’: • Knowledge and understanding of a wide range of theories, concepts and techniques related to strategy and strategic management; • Application of theories, concepts and techniques by working through examples and developing conclusions • Ability to critically analyse theories, concepts and techniques of strategy and strategic management; • Appraisal of the efficacy of theories, concepts and techniques of strategy in different practical contexts • Identification of key issues affecting the realisation of intended strategies in a range of practical contexts • Ability to critically evaluate the concept of strategic management in the context of managerialism.
Exam questions will be structured so that students have the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and understanding and also to demonstrate application, analysis and evaluation.
Grant, R. & Jordan, J (2012) Foundations of Strategy, Chichester: John Wiley
Clegg, S., Carter, C. Kornberger, M. & Schweitzer, J (2011) Strategy: Theory and Practice, London: Sage Publications
Grant, R. (2013), Contemporary Strategic Analysis, Chichester: John Wiley
Strategic Management Journal
Harvard Business Review
Long Range Planning
