Unit information: Strategic Management in 2016/17

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

Description including Unit Aims

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.

Students attending the course and involving themselves in the work will develop their ability to think and act strategically, and be able to apply their thinking at organisational, group and individual levels.

Intended Learning Outcomes

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.

Teaching Information

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

Assessment Information

50% individual assignment of 1500 words, 50% 2 hour examination

The written assignment will test students’ ability to apply strategic management in an integrative way, bringing theory and practice together particularly in identifying and appraising key strategic issues facing organisations, evaluating alternative courses of action and reaching conclusions.

The exam will test students’ ability to demonstrate understanding of theory and to apply concepts and tools to particular situations. Overall, students’ appreciation of the role of the individual, and their ability to act and think strategically will be tested by the two methods of assessment.

Reading and References

1. Grant, R. & Jordan, J (2012) Foundations of Strategy, Chichester: John Wiley
2. Clegg, S., Carter, C. Kornberger, M. & Schweitzer, J (2011) Strategy: Theory and Practice, London: Sage Publications
3. Grant, R. (2013), Contemporary Strategic Analysis, Chichester: John Wiley

Strategic Management Journal

Harvard Business Review

Long Range Planning