SUGGESTED STRUCTURE FOR GLOBAL CORPORATE STRATEGY

Case Study: Lloyds Banking Group: Becoming the Best Bank in the Global Financial These Guidelines are based on the module assignment below.

In this guide:

1. Assignment Structure;

2. Preparing for the Assignment;

3. Doing the Assignment - Techniques;

4. Assignment Content;

5. The Assignment Case Study: ‘Lloyds Banking Group'.

1. Assignment Structure

1.1. This is an individual and not a group assignment based on a case study. You are allowed to use relevant material from a wide range of sources.

1.2. In addition to the case study, it is often a good idea to check out other work by the author on the topic or company or industry or even newspaper articles that you think might relate to the case. Often recent articles can bring the case up to date or offer greater insight when answering questions.

1.3. The assignment has four questions based on the case study provided. You must answer all four questions.

1.4. 10 marks are allocated to overall presentation of the assignment in a Report format.

1.5. Suggested Report Structure:

- Title Page - insert your Name, ID, Tutor's Name, Module leader, and actual Word count
- Abstract / Executive Summary: 200 - 250 words (not included in word count)
- Contents Page - show page numbers
- Introduction to the Report: 150 - 200 words
- Question One(20%):700 - 900 words
- Question Two(30%): 1,050 - 1,100 words
- Question Three(30%): 1,050 - 1,100 words
- Question Four(10%): 300 - 350 words
- Conclusions to the Report: 150 - 200 words
- References / Bibliographies - Harvard Referencing Style
- Appendices - Assignment Brief; Details of Analysis, etc. The materials in the appendices should be well organized; and avoid placing ‘too much' or ‘irrelevant' material in the appendices.

2. Preparing for the Assignment

2.1. Be careful not to answer two questions with exactly the same material - you are not allowed to double count one answer.

2.2. You must word-process your answers/work in the English language - you must not use pencil or pen.

2.3.Make sure you have answered all four questions. There is an old aphorism in education - ‘know your notes', it does no harm to read through lecture notes and other module material. Don't leave the assignment until the night before the submission date - one to two weeks prior to the submission date is a reasonable time to start.

Question One: Firms' competitiveness in the global financial services industry

Using information from the 2014 Annual Report of Lloyds Banking Group, relevant data/information from Citigroup and ICBC company websites (http://www.citigroup.com/citi/ ; http://www.icbc.com.cn/icbc/sy/default.htm ), critically evaluate the nature of the global financial services industry competition facing the Lloyds Banking Group.

This is a personal response developed against the generic criteria below. Students are expected to demonstrate a critical and reflective understanding of the ‘nature of the global financial servicesindustry competition'in terms of the threats of new entrants and substitutes; and the bargaining powers of buyers and suppliers. The competitor analysis should reflect on the impact of customer feedback and fashion trends on firm and industry competitiveness. Credit will be given for criticality of the competitor analysisand strength of evaluation and arguments.

5 forces, pestel framework,

Question Two: Strategic alliances, M&As and global competitiveness

Using relevant literature, carry out a critical assessment of the terms ‘strategic alliances' (SAs) and ‘mergers and acquisitions' (M&As) in the context of Lloyd's ambition to become the best bank for customers in the insurance, customer finance, retail and commercial banking markets. In your opinion is Lloyds ‘business model' fit for purpose in a fast and dynamic 21st Century global business environment? And why?

This is a personal response developed against the generic criteria below. Students are expected to demonstrate ability to critically assess the concepts of ‘strategic alliances', and ‘mergers and acquisitions' (Lectures 3, 4)in the context of Llyod's‘core competences and dynamic capabilities'.Credit will be given for using appropriate examples from Lloyds Banking Group and from the Banking Industry in general.

Question Three: Corporate governance, CSR, leadership and competitiveness

"Doing business fairly and responsibly is the best way to rebuild trust with Britain's households, businesses and communities. It also rebuilds our colleagues' pride in our Group. Our business model puts customers at the heart; based on traditional attributes such as prudence and a long-term view, whilst making the most of emerging digital channels. The best of the past combined with the best of the present and the future." Lord Blackwell, Chairman of Lloyds Banking Group (Lloyds Bank, 2014, page 8).
Using your understanding of corporate governance, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and relevant management and leadership concepts, critique the above statement and evaluate the ability of Lloyd's Chairman and senior management team to make Lloyds the best bank for all stakeholders.

This is a personal response requiring students to use their understanding of relevant theories relating to corporate purpose, profitability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate culture and leadership, in critiquing and evaluating the ability of Lloyd's top management team to sustain organic growthCredit will be given for critical analysis of data/information, your strength of arguments and ability to apply relevant theory to practice.

Question Four: Personal reflections on learning

In 350-400 words reflect on the impact of assessment on your understanding of the Global Financial services industry competition, highlighting the key role of strategic alliances and corporate leadership in sustaining growth through responsible banking.