MWM006-Strategy

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 15 [7.5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: i.surdu@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Strategy can be defined as the art and science of planning and distributing resources for their most efficient and effective use. The premise of this module is that, irrespective of what role you may have, and what types of organisations you work in, managers need to understand more the science but particularly the art of strategising. At the heart of strategy are ideas related to the firm's (unique) resources and capabilities, organisational structures and practices that help the firm manage an increasingly competitive and dynamic business environment. Strategy can be thought of as a series of answers to questions such as; What explains the competitiveness of some industries and firms? How do firms make decisions? Do we have the resources to compete with those firms in the long term? Can we attain them somehow? The purpose of this module is to break these questions down and to explore strategy from both the perspective of the firm and that of the decision-maker.  In doing so, we are likely to find that some of the answers to the above questions may be evident, when, in fact, they are not.

Aims:

The Strategy module is designed for practising managers to enable them to: • develop an understanding of current thinking and approaches to strategy and the field of strategic management • think strategically; apply strategic thinking to analysis and sense making of competitive contexts • demonstrate competence in identifying the relevant issues and developing managerial insight through judicious application of appropriate tools of strategic analysis and deal pragmatically with strategic options generation • demonstrate knowledge, understanding and competence in advanced strategic evaluation, and decision making •  develop analytical skills to create new insights and provide recommendations into what/how real world firms should strategise

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students should be able to: • understand and apply the basic principles of the strategic thinking process • demonstrate a high level of ability and skill in strategic analysis, synthesis and decision-making • analyse and understand the organisation and its external competitive environment from a holistic perspective • assess an organisation's internal value-creating activities and processes, contributing to sustainable competitive advantage and effectiveness • identify and evaluate appropriate strategic options for an organisation, assessing their impact on competitiveness and long term performance. These outcomes will be achieved through acquiring high levels of knowledge and understanding, cognitive and intellectual skills. They will help students to develop and demonstrate personal and team competence and behaviours expected at senior executive level within an organisation.

Additional outcomes:
Students will also develop team working skills through completion of group work, as well as IT skills and presentations skills.

Outline content:

The module focuses on strategic analysis, strategic option evaluation, decision-making and strategy implementation, rather than merely on strategy tools and models.  In other words, the focus is on how well these tools and models are applied and discussed.

Global context:

The case studies discussed will include firms from different parts of the world, from classic companies such as Apple and Google to emerging market multinationals such as TATA, Haier, Grupo Bimbo and many others. The cases used will reflect the complexity of doing strategy across borders as well as the differences in strategising amongst various types of multinational firms.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module uses a blended-learning approach, incorporating self study, face-to-face workshop(s) and online tutor support. Key module content will be delivered in 5 one-day (7-hour) workshops. These workshops comprise a mixture of content delivery, discussion in class and break-out into group sessions.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
3 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Group presentations will take place in Week 5 of the module. These will be 30 minute presentations delivered in groups of around 6 students. The group presentations consist of 20 minutes of actual presentation time and 10 minutes Q&A from the module leader and peers.

Formative assessment methods:

Presentations in class following group discussions based on case studies.

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the standard University policy. 

Assessment requirements for a pass:
Assignments and Examinations: 50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Students who fail to achieve an overall module pass mark of 50% will be re-assessed by the failed element only, as below.

• Reassessment by examination (capped at 50%) would take place in August/September

• Reassessment mode for group oral assessment and presentation (capped at 50%) to be advised by Programme Admin along with date of reassessment

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019