MMD7042 - Corporate Strategy

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Explain the nature and principles of corporate strategy and critically evaluate the appropriateness of different models in different business settings
Recognise and evaluate the challenges and practical aspects of making strategy work Devise and evaluate strategic scenarios at industry level
Apply strategic analysis tools (PEST, SWOT, Porter's 5 powers, portfolio methods, value chain, etc.) to a comparative strategic analysis of corporations from a given industry
Survey and evaluate key subjects of strategic importance (Business Ethics, Globalisation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Scenarios, Innovations and Communication)

Content:

The module will start with an overview of the theories of Corporate Strategy and an outline of the often-applied rational model of strategy, in the practical corporate context. Conventional strategic planning assumes a foreseen environment, predictable competitors and rational managers. These are not the parameters of the contemporary world economy. It provides a fundamental framework to integrate other elements of the programme and to enhance strategic thinking. Further, the module is intended to review the challenges arising from turbulent developments in the business environment and to integrate them into the practices of strategic management. The practical application means a critical approach to the models and tools provided with the analytical infrastructure for developing the strategic options. It considers corporate strategy in a European and global context.
Competitive Strategy
Developing Competitive Advantage
Corporate Centre
Company Decline
Turnaround Strategies
Supply Chain Management
Global Strategic Alliances and Joint Ventures

Learning and Teaching Information:

Students will be encouraged to develop a critical and reflective approach to the module content. A review of the theoretical concepts and models will be included in a "distance learning type of workbook" prepared for this module. However, additional directed reading and research of the selected industry will be expected. Interactive sessions will comprise a mix of teaching and working both individually and in small groups. Students will be divided into four groups during the first workshop and will carry out the research as a group. During subsequent workshops students will present their findings, giving their own oral presentations. The key issues presented will be critically appraised and discussed by the tutor and the rest of the students.

Lectures/workshops (online)
Hours: 30
Intended group size: 25

Guided independent studies
Hours: 160
Intended Group size: 1

Tutorials/consultation
Hours: 10
Intended group size: 25

Further details relating to assessment
The assignment allows for the assessment of both the students' knowledge and their ability to synthesise and apply this knowledge in novel contexts. Their written communication skills are assessed as well as their ability to formulate logical and coherent arguments.
The portfolio of online activity comprises short participation activities (e.g. quizzes, short-answer or multiple choice questions, matching exercises, etc.) as well as more involved work (e.g. open-ended questions, analyses, etc.) completed by the student during the workshops. The student's attendance of workshops as well as the degree to which they generally participate in and engage with the material and discussions may also constitute a component of their mark for this piece of assessment. Transcripts of all discussions conducted in the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) and even a student's movement throughout the VLE are automatically stored by the E-edusystems platform, facilitating the fair and consistent evaluation of this component.

Do all individual components need to be passed to pass the module overall? Yes
Is this module exempt from condonement of marginal failure? Yes

Other relevant matters All modules and on-line support features are available to all students following registration for their chosen programme of study.