AC213-Business Strategy for Accountants

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: AC101 Introduction to Accounting or AC110 Introduction to Accounting and AC107 Management Information
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: MM276 Business Strategy or MM272 International Business Management and Strategy
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Joseph Lane
Email: j.lane@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in the prerequisite modules through their application to real-world business problems and case study scenarios. This module aims to provide students with an understanding of how organisations develop and implement strategy, and to apply and evaluate that knowledge. At the end of the module, students should have a good understanding of the external and internal environment of the firm and the how they influence strategic decision making.

Aims:

The aim is to provide students with an understanding of the nature of business strategy with particular emphasis on the way in which the activities of an organisation are interrelated both with each other and with the strategic, competitive and environmental contexts within which they operate. The module aims to build on students' knowledge of a range of business theories and techniques, and assist them in utilising and combining knowledge from prior learning in order to analyse an organisation and its environment at different levels of abstraction. Students will be able to analyse and identify the consequences of an organisations current objectives, market position and direction. They will analyse for a given situation the external factors which may impact upon an organisation's performance and competitive market position, evaluate its current position and performance from both a financial and a non-financial perspective, using management information and data analysis. This will lead to the ability to evaluate the likely consequences of strategic choices and recommend strategies to meet the objectives and recommend appropriate methods of implementing strategies measure and monitor strategic performance.

 

The module will help students’ development by involving them in a discussion of ideas, views and conclusions about business with their peers. The students will be required to work in groups to analyse business situations and cases at differing levels of abstraction and present and defend their group conclusions in a presentation

 

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Analyse the strategic choices of an organisation in order to appraise its performance and future direction.

2. Consider contemporary issues in strategic management, drawing from a sound theoretical underpinning of how strategic choices are made in relation to the context of the organisation.

3. Evaluate the various strategies organisations employ to gain and sustain a competitive advantage.

4. Consider the future trajectory of organisations and make critical adjustments to strategy based on current knowledge of the firms’ environment.

5. Identify the pragmatic issues with altering the strategy and direction of the an organisation based on a more developed sense of commercial awareness.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge and skills from strategy, finance and accounting studies to underpin the analysis of an organisation in terms of its current market position, objectives, and strategic direction.

2. Discuss contemporary issues affecting business decision making around strategy, financial management and management accounting including consideration of the ethical consequen ces of decisions.

3. Undertake a strategic analysis of an organisation taking into consideration internal and external factors, draw strategic conclusions and highlight issues consistent with financial and market data and the organisational and operational capabilities.

4. Make recommendations for strategic options based on reasoned analysis and argument and evaluate the consequences of strategic choice, including a consideration of ethics and co rporate responsibility.

5. Critically evaluate and discuss the key implementation steps and issues that will be required to achieve the organisation's overall strategy.

Additional outcomes:

The module aims to provide opportunities to develop interpersonal and team working skills using in-class discussions and group-based exercises, in addition to an assessed group presentation. Structured activities are designed to develop independent learning, including reflective, adaptive and collaborative learning. Students will be provided with opportunities to use information and communications technology for business applications through use of relevant web resources and electronic communication techniques, including Blackboard. An emphasis is placed on collaborative learning.

Outline content:

Topics covered include:

Introductions to business strategy and competitive advantage; industry analysis; resources and capabilities; strategic change management; strategy in tech-based industries; executing strategy.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is taught through lectures and tutorials. Lectures are where core content is delivered and these involve class interaction. Tutorials are case-study or skill-based and are an opportunity for deepening of knowledge and a practical application of core concepts and approaches. Students will be set pre-class tasks for the tutorials, based on guided pre-readings and case analysis, and will be able to test their knowledge and understanding of these materials, with immediate feedback from the tutorial leader.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20		2
Tutorials	5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	35
Wider reading (directed)	55
Exam revision/preparation			35
Preparation for tutorials	20
Preparation for presentations	18
Reflection	10
Total hours by term	163	0	37
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

1 x 2 Hour Final Examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1 x 15 minute Group Presentation (30%) – Week 11 of Autumn Term

Formative assessment methods:

Tutorials are an opportunity to receive oral feedback on a variety of small group tasks, oriented around close case studies of a range of organisations. Through this informal feedback mechanism students are able to practice and develop various skillsets related to case study analysis and the communication of ideas and arguments in a coherent manner. 

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A minimum weighted average mark of 40%

Requirements for ICAEW Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
This module contributes to the Business Strategy module of the ACA Professional Stage Knowledge and Application levels. In order to apply for ICAEW CPL a minimum mark of 50% must be obtained on this module.

Reassessment arrangements:

By examination only.

Re-examination for Part 2 modules takes place in August/September of the same year 

 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required textbook for purchase:

Grant, R.M. (2019). Contemporary Strategy Analysis: Text and Cases. 10th Edition. Hoboken, NJ : Wiley & Sons. ISBN 9781119576433

Approximately £45-54

Last updated: 20 May 2021