The Strategic Analysis

The strategic analysis must be related to a recognized aspect of business policy, strategic management or the helicopters underpinning of a particular methodology within the public or private sector strategic management domain. If your analysis is of an organization then It must contain a minimum of two organization functions, examples would be, Leadership and Marketing or Marketing and Manufacturing or Finance and Leadership or Leadership and Human Resource Management or Marketing and Human Resource Management, etc..

Your strategic analysis may contain two or three functions however more than three functions would make it difficult to achieve a good depth to the analysis. At the functional level, In your analysis, you would need to unction(s). For example in a manufacturing organization if the Marketing function develops a strategy to increase sales by 20% then this may have a detrimental impact upon the organization if it is already running at maximum capacity. The organization would need to increase its capacity by perhaps purchasing new machines or even new premises.

The report must be written in a recognized style, I. E. Table of contents, introduction, main analysis, conclusions, recommendations, references and bibliography. You must apply the Harvard system of referencing in your report. Objectives To

analyses a business policy or strategic management topic, to carry out individual research or evaluation of an organization. Requirements Meet the learning outcomes listed above, identify and critically analyses fundamental issues related to strategic management. Undertake a study that shows clear evidence of synthesis and evaluation.

There are a number of ways you might carry out this assignment: here are a few ideas: Use a theoretical model to reflect upon the reality (practice) of a situation. Use theory to predict the outcomes of practice. Use practice to reflect upon / modify theory; Compare theory and practice: Does M. E. Porter’s (1985) model of competition support the experience of practitioners? I. E. Use a practical example ‘case / issue to reflect on Porter’s model(s) and examine success and / or failure. A case study approach: Is Steve Babbler, C.

E. O. Managing Microsoft as effectively as he might? I. E. Do an analysis of Microsoft’s performance in relation to declared (or undeclared) strategy and the efficacy of his strategy. A recovery plan: My advice to the Chief Executive Officer of the Sony Corporation is …… I. E. Suggest a way forward for the organization n light of their poor performance over the last 5 years. A risk management strategy: My advice to British Petroleum’s Chief Executive Officer in light of their environmental disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

These are merely examples of approaches you might take; thinking up your own ideas might be more productive and fun. Assessment Criteria Your seminar tutor on the basis of the following general criteria will assess the Content – the quality of research and analysis undertaken and the use of initiative in finding sources of information; Process – the quality and clarity of the assignment and your ability to demonstrate nomad over the subject area and the development of a case or argument; Discretion – additional credit may be awarded to a student who tackles a difficult subject well.

The assignment will be graded for individuals on the basis of the specific criteria outlined on the following page. The “Presentation” element of the Generic Assessment Criteria will be used to assess the report structure. Generic Assessment Criteria – Undergraduate These should be interpreted according to the level at which you are working and related to the assessment criteria for the module Categories Grade Relevance Knowledge

Analysis Argument and Structure Critical Evaluation Presentation Reference to Literature Pass 86 – 100% The work examined is exemplary and provides clear evidence of a complete grasp of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also ample excellent evidence showing that all the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that Level are fully satisfied. At this level it is expected that the work will be exemplary in all the categories cited above.

It will demonstrate a particularly compelling evaluation, originality, and elegance of argument, interpretation or discourse. The work examined is outstanding and demonstrates comprehensive knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also excellent evidence showing that all the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that level are fully satisfied. At this level it is expected that the work will be outstanding in the majority of the categories cited above or by demonstrating particularly compelling evaluation and elegance of argument, interpretation or discourse. 0 – 75% The work examined is excellent and is evidence of comprehensive knowledge, appropriate to that level are satisfied At this level it is expected that the work will be excellent in the majority of the categories cited above or by demonstrating 60 – Directly relevant to the requirements of the assessment A substantial knowledge of strategy material, showing a clear grasp of themes, questions and issues therein A good strategic analysis, clear and orderly Generally coherent and logically structured, using an appropriate mode of argument and/or theoretical mode(s) May contain some distinctive or independent thinking; may begin to formulate an independent position in relation to strategic theory and/or practice. Well written, with standard spelling and grammar, in a readable style with acceptable format Critical appraisal of up-iodated and/or appropriate literature. Recognition of different perspectives. Very good use of source material.

Uses a range of sources 50- Some attempt to address the requirements of the assessment: may drift away from this in less focused passages evidence of an appreciation of its significance Some analytical treatment, but may be prone to description, or to narrative, which lacks clear analytical purpose Some attempt to construct a coherent argument, but may suffer loss of focus and consistency, with issues at stake stated only vaguely, or theoretical mode(s) couched in simplistic terms Sound work which expresses a coherent position only in broad terms and in uncritical conformity to one or more standard views of strategy. Competently written, with only minor lapses from standard grammar, with acceptable format Uses a variety of literature which includes some recent strategic texts and/or appropriate literature, though not necessarily including a substantive amount beyond library texts. Competent use of source material. 40 ? 49%

Some correlation with the requirements of the assessment but there are instances of irrelevance Basic understanding of the strategy but addressing a limited range of material Largely descriptive or narrative, with little evidence of analysis A basic argument is evident, but mainly supported by assertion and there may be a lack of clarity and coherence Some evidence of a view starting to be formed but mainly derivative. A simple basic style but with significant deficiencies in expression or format that may pose obstacles for the reader Some up-to-date and/or appropriate literature used. Goes beyond the material tutor has provided. Limited use of sources to support a point. Fail 35 – Relevance to the requirements of the assessment may be very intermittent, and may be reduced to its vaguest and least challenging terms A limited understanding of a narrow range of strategic material.