Assignment: Strategic analysis and context evaluation

Overview

Main report: A Maximum of 7,500 words

You are required to conduct a strategic analysis and context evaluation for a real-lifeorganisation - Holcim (Singapore) (http://www.holcim.sg).

The purpose of this assignment is to apply the theoretical framework, concepts, andanalytical tools covered in this course to analyse the organisation's strategic position.

As part of your report you will provide a reasoned conclusion based on rigorousanalysis detailing what you believe Holcim (Singapore)'s current strategy is andwhether it is appropriate.

How this assignment connects to the learning opportunitiesafforded by this course:

This assignment is designed to enable assessment of your knowledge, skills andabilities across three dimensions:

1. Your ability to learn and understand the strategic management theory andconcepts contained within the course. This may include other theories and conceptsnot specifically covered in the course that you discover through your reading of the(strategic) management literature.

2. Your ability to critically evaluate theory and to understand the implications ofapplying the theory.

3. Your ability to apply the theory in an appropriate or creative manner.

What a typical report includes (this is a guide only):

1. A description of the relevant background and history of Holcim (Singapore).

This information should be accurate and relevant to the analysis of Holcim (Singapore). As a group you need to decide what should be included; it may includeownership, history, size, business scope, major products/services, and major‘markets' and spheres of influence of the organisation. Only include the relevantmaterial that will have a material affect on your analysis.

This provides the background against which you undertake subsequent analysis.

It may also include an outline of the significant moments in the history of Holcim (Singapore) and why you believe these moments were/are consequential to the way Holcim (Singapore) undertakes its activities today. Your choices here about whichinformation to include or exclude are important and will require you to use yourcritical and analytical skills.

2. Conduct a macro-environment analysis for the operating environment withinwhich Holcim (Singapore) operates.

You must use analytical tools/frameworks that have been published in recognisedscholarly publications.

Focus on developing and demonstrating:
• an understanding of the purpose of this analysis
• identification of key factors/forces and their implications in terms of key opportunities and threats
• determine the overall direction of the operating environment in the future.

Draw well reasoned conclusions that have been supported by analysis about thenature of the macro-operating environment of Holcim (Singapore). Use this analysisto inform later aspects of your assignment.

3. Undertake aindustry/sector/market analysis.

You must use analytical tools/frameworks that have been published in recognisedscholarly publications. Focus on developing and demonstrating:
• an understanding of the purpose of this analysis
• a critical understanding of any tools/frameworks you select for the analysis
• an understanding of how this analysis is connected to the macro environmental analysis previously undertaken.

You must make reasoned, argued conclusion(s) on the structure of the
Industry/market/sector(s) and any competitive/cooperative forces that are operatingon and within it. Use this analysis to inform later aspects of your assignment.

4. Identify any resources and competences that are likely to provide sustainable competitive advantage for Holcim (Singapore) (and whether or not
Holcim (Singapore) possess these)

Justify why these resources and competences can be regarded as strategic capabilities and discuss how useful they are in relation to the macro-environmental and industry/sector/market analysis that you have conducted earlier.

You must use analytical tools/frameworks that have been published in recognised scholarly publications.

Focus on developing and demonstrating:
• an understanding of the purpose of this analysis
• a critical understanding of any tools/frameworks you select for the analysis
• drawing conclusions as to whether you believe Holcim (Singapore)currently possess the resources and competencies that you haveidentified.

Use this analysis to inform later aspects of your assignment.

5. Identify and assess who the key stakeholders are for Holcim (Singapore) and how and why they are important.

Justify your choices about who the stakeholders are and why you have indicated that they are important. Broad categories are discouraged.

Focus on developing and demonstrating:

• an understanding of the purpose of this analysis
• a critical understanding of any tools/frameworks you select for the analysis
• drawing conclusions as to how and why each of these stakeholders areimportant to Holcim (Singapore) and how this knowledge can help you toshape strategic recommendations for Holcim (Singapore).

6. Identify and discuss the current strategy of Holcim (Singapore) and assess if it is suitable given the strategic context.

Use a well established strategic framework (e.g. Porter's generic strategies or
Miles and Snow's strategic typology, or similar) to classify the strategy of Holcim
(Singapore). Clearly justify your choice with a well developed and logical argument.

Justify whether you believe the current strategy is appropriate for theorganisation or whether it needs to change. Explain why.

Focus on integrating the conclusions from the analysis that you have undertakenin previous aspects of your assignment to make a coherent, logical argumentsupporting your position.

Length: A maximum of 7,500 words

Referencing Style : Harvard

References : 12

Comments : There is a word limit of 7500 words.