Task:

You are required to submit an individual report of 3,000 words, which can be based on an organization or idea of your own choice. The strategic analysis must be related to a recognised aspect of business policy, strategic management or the philosophical underpinning of a particular methodology within the public or private sector strategic management domain.

If your analysis is of an organisation then do not submit a functional analysis; for example do not submit a strategic marketing analysis or a strategic human resource analysis. You should be applying the concepts and models from the topics that are within the module to your chosen organisation.

The report must be written in a recognised 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. The word count must be stated on the front page of your assignment. The word count includes the contents page, introduction, main analysis, conclusions, recommendations, diagrams, tables, figures and graphs; The word count does not include references, bibliography and appendices. A penalty will be applied for exceeding the word count. The penalties that will be applied for exceeding the word count can be found in Table 1.

Objectives

To analyse 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 analyse 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 Satya Nadella, 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 in light of their poor performance over the last 5 years.

- A risk management strategy: My advice to Tesco's Chief Executive Officer in light of their 2014/5 £6.4 Billion trading loss.

These are merely examples of approaches you might take; thinking up your own ideas might be more productive and fun. You are encouraged where practical to discuss your ideas with your tutor prior to commencing the assignment.