AP3EB1-Business Strategy

Module Provider: Agr and Food Econ
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: AP2SB1 Business Management
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: AP3EM1 Marketing Strategy
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Mr Edward Collins
Email: edward.collins@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The challenge of strategic management is to be able to understand the complex issues organisations face and then develop the capability for long-term organisational success. Examine how objectives, leadership, governance, structure, and processes influence the direction and destination of a business. Assess the role of organisations in business, and identify the external factors affecting strategic outcomes such as globalisation, outsourcing, mergers and alliances, corporate social responsibility, and the role of the individual employee within the organisation. Case studies will be used to illustrate problems and processes. Through regular engagement with the business press, you'll be expected to contribute your own examples of strategic management issues during discussions.

Aims:
This module builds on material covered in AP2SB1 Business Management and reinforces material covered in AP3EM1 Marketing Strategy. The aim of this module is to develop a students understanding and curiosity about the structure and strategy of organisations in the hope that this will prepare them better for working within organisations when they graduate. Students will begin to appreciate how a business organisation moves along. How objectives, leadership, governance, structure and processes can influence the direction in which a business moves and how these factors influence the final destination. We also look at the role of organisations in business, and the external factors that affect strategic outcomes such as globalisation, outsourcing, mergers and alliances, corporate social responsibility and the role of the individual employee within the organisation.

Assessable learning outcomes:
The challenge of strategic management is to be able to understand the complex issues facing organisations and then develop the capability for long-term organisational success. By the end of the module, students will be expected to identify the factors that determine an organisation£s strategic position, distinguish between strategic choices at the corporate and business level, and to understand some of the principal drivers of strategy.

Additional outcomes:
Presentation; numerical skills; an interest in business affairs which will hopefully translate into regular reading of the financial and business press.

Outline content:

The module has four parts starting with ideas about how strategy is made plus thoughts on organisational purpose and stakeholders. Next come major themes and tools of environmental analysis and how competitive advantage develops. After a look at the business and corporate levels of strategy, the module ends with selected aspects of implementation focused on organisational structure and culture.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will be extremely topical. Students will be expected to read the business press on a regular basis and to contribute their own examples of strategic management issues based on this reading. Case studies will be used to illustrate problems and processes. Students who do not contribute in class and who do not prepare adequately between lectures will be asked to withdraw from the lecture series.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Guided independent study:		80
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

An examination paper requiring answers to two out of five questions.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The Report:

Individually written strategic analysis of a company of chocie (maximum 3,000 words). This will involve an in-depth, strategic analysis of a large organisation. The candidates will apply key tools and concepts that will be introduced in the classroom and give advice on future directions of the company’s strategy.

Formative assessment methods:

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 mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

By re-examination in August/September only.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 23 June 2021