Business Strategy and Application
This assignment achieves module outcomes one and two. It aims to test students’ knowledge on key concepts in business strategy and their ability to apply such knowledge in a simulated or real-life organisation.
The assessment requires you to consider the long-term strategy of a business in the ever-changing and often competitively hostile global business environment where strategies and priorities differ between organisations and their wider stakeholders., In your assignment it is therefore important that you weigh the time economic environment and implication in relation to growth and expansion opportunities., This knowledge gained in the module should enable you to write an academic report in which you evidence your ability to critically evaluate different strategy options and to apply such knowledge in a logical manner., Note that this is an assignment in strategic management., This means that you must engage with strategic management literature more than the organisation’s information., The organisation only provides you with the context to explore issues, challenges, and options in strategic management. The organisation itself is not what the report is about. As much as you will need some basic information about a company, as background and context, the actual evaluation desired is how you consider the various theories, concepts, models, and literature covered in the module and beyond to make informed decisions backed by academic sources. Another point is that although a key rationale for organisations is to increase shareholder value through growth and expansion, there are other wider concerns which must be considered beyond profit maximisation. Business Strategy and Application
Relationship to Programme Assessment Strategy Business Strategy and Application
This module builds on the following level 4 and 5 core modules:
4HR503 Understanding People in Organisations
4EC508 Business Economics
4LO510 Operations, Supply Chain and IT
4AG500 Finance and Business Performance
4MK514 Marketing Fundamentals
4GN501 Developing an Enterprising Mindset
5EC511 Quantitative Skills for Business
5IM514 Sustainability and Responsible Management
5LO507 Applied Operations Management
5HR515 Managing Performance through People
This module is also having a synergy with the following level 6 core modules:
6IM511 The Business Consultancy Project
6HR510 Developing Leadership and Management Business Strategy and Application
You are expected to apply the learning from other modules in conjunction with the learning from the present module to write CW2. Business Strategy and Application
Attributes and Skills
Skills | Links to useful resources | |
ü | Critical thinking | https://libguides.derby.ac.uk/critical-reading |
ü | Communication | https://libguides.derby.ac.uk/writing-at-university |
☐ | Collaboration | |
☐ | Creative problem solving | |
ü | Self-direction & planning | https://libguides.derby.ac.uk/c.php?g=703815&p=5093008 |
☐ | Numeracy, statistics & financial literacy | |
ü | Digital | https://libguides.derby.ac.uk/referencemanagementsoftware |
☐ | Resilience | |
☐ | Adaptability | |
ü | Leadership & future thinking | https://libguides.derby.ac.uk/your-future |
Assessment Content
A critical analysis of the chosen* multinational enterprise (MNE) or a business unit within it in a host country of your choice where it operates encompassing situation analysis, strategy choice adopted in the chosen country and strategic response to any present and/or emerging challenges.
* From a list of companies that will be shared with you in Week 1
The assessment will be presented in the format of an academic management report, with appropriate numbered headings and subheadings.
This assignment has 3 interconnected elements which need to be addressed as a single document, which contains:
1. Situation analysis
You are required to use appropriate academic models and approaches to critically analyse the external and internal environments in ONE country where the MNE operates. This will comprise:
An external analysis of the organisation in relation to the selected country, followed by analysis of competitors. What makes this country an attractive destination for the MNE vis–à–vis its competitors? Identification of pertinent issues (threats and opportunities) essential for growing the business in the chosen country.
An internal analysis of the business leading to identifying strengths / weaknesses and its readiness for addressing any opportunity and threat.
2. Strategy choice
Building upon the previous section identify and critically analyse the strategies adopted by the MNE in the chosen country.
Please evaluate both static and dynamic strategies if needed.
3. Challenges and mitigation
The final section of the report should identify any existing and/or emerging challenges or potential risks and lead to any corresponding mitigation strategies that has been/might be employed.