Strategic Analysis, Tools and Techniques
An 8-week master's level module on business strategy and analysis
Module Aims
The aim of this module is to develop a student's ability to evaluate the strategic environment of an organisation; internally and externally. Specifically, the module will explore, from a critical perspective, a series of frameworks used in strategic analysis and planning. This will enhance a student's ability to direct and manage the development of business and corporate strategy in the contexts of complexity and change.
Students who complete this module are expected to be able to actively contribute to the strategic development of an organisation in which they are, or intend to be, senior managers.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module students should be able to:
Learning Outcome 1:
- Critically evaluate the contribution of strategic frameworks in contemporary strategic management
Learning Outcome 2:
- Critically apply a range of strategic tools, frameworks and concepts in the strategic analysis of an organisation.
Content Summary
This module introduces students to tools and frameworks for strategic analysis, option identification, evaluation and selection and strategic implementation. Established and cutting-edge strategic models will be reviewed and critically evaluated during the module.
The module intends to develop a student's analytical and diagnostic skills together with their ability to apply strategic theory and practice to a wide range of problems.
Students will be expected to critique approaches and to be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different frameworks.
The module shall:
- Develop of an understanding of different approaches to strategic management and planning frameworks
- Introduce frameworks for understanding and developing an appreciation of an organisation's stakeholders and values and visions.
- Explore Strategic Business Unit (SBU) identification and competitive analysis. This is central to any corporate analysis. As well as SBU identification this element will introduce frameworks that enable both business and corporate competitive positions to be identified from a range of perspectives, e.g. Strategic Group Mapping.
- Examine analytical tools for the identification of market positions e.g. customer analysis and segmentation; competitor analysis; portfolio analysis (growth-share portfolio model (BCG matrix); market attractiveness and business position assessment; product life cycle matrix; and issues relating to business ethics.
- Introduce frameworks to assess environmental trends and influences on industry structures. This will involve dynamic frameworks for both macro and micro analyses. Examine methods of assessing company capabilities and competencies.
- Provide frameworks for the identification of the key strategic drivers of change and organisational capability, including assessing strategic fit and gap analysis. Explore tools, models and frameworks for the identification, evaluation and selection of strategic options.
- Develop student understanding of the key issues in affecting organisational change as it impacts on the implementation of strategic choices.
Assessment
- Report 01 (50% grade): The assignment will enable students to critically evaluate the use and applicability of strategic methods to an organizational context
- Report 02 (50% grade): The assignment will enable students to critically apply strategic frameworks to an organisational context.
Course curriculum
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1First Section
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2Week 1: Strategic Context
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3Week 2: Analyzing Stakeholders and Organizational Purpose
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4Week 3: Competitive Advantage and Positioning and Industry Analysis
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5Week 4: Assessment
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6Week 05: Competence (Resource Audit) and Value Systems
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7Week 06: Evaluating Strategic Growth
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8Week 07: Strategic Change
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9Week 08: Summative Assessment