[Type here]

MBA717 - Strategic Development Course Outline

Course Code Course Title Department

MBA717 Strategic Development School of Business
Field Type of Course Mode of Delivery
Management Master of Business Administration Blended learning
Course Duration Language of Instruction
Seven weeks English

Objectives of the Course:

The aim of this module is to develop students' ability to strategically manage an organisation.
Specifically, the module will explore, from a critical perspective, rational frameworks used in
strategic analysis and planning. This will enhance students' ability to direct and manage the
development of business and corporate strategy in the contexts of complexity and change. Students
who complete this module are expected to be able to actively contribute to the strategic development
of an organisation in which they are, or intend to be, senior managers.

Learning Outcomes:

After completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Develop of an understanding of different approaches to strategic management and

rational planning frameworks
2. Introduce frameworks for understanding and developing an appreciation of an
organisation's stakeholders and values and visions.
3. Explore Strategic Business Unit (SBU) identification and competitive analysis. This
is central to any corporate analysis. As well as SBU identification this element will
introduce frameworks that enable both business and corporate competitive positions
to be identified from a range of perspectives, e.g., Strategic Group Mapping.
Examine analytical tools for the identification of market positions, including:
customer analysis and segmentation; competitor analysis; portfolio analysis (growth-
share portfolio model (BCG matrix); market attractiveness and business position
assessment; product life cycle matrix).
4. Examine analytical tools for the identification of market positions, including:
customer analysis and segmentation; competitor analysis; portfolio analysis (growth-
share portfolio model (BCG matrix); market attractiveness and business position
assessment; product life cycle matrix).

MBA717 – Strategic Development Page 1

 5. Introduce frameworks to assess environmental trends and influences on industry
structures. This will involve dynamic frameworks for both macro and micro
analyses. Examine methods of assessing company capabilities and competencies.
Frameworks introduced will include internal company audit, value assessment and
organisational and portfolio balance audits.
6. Provide frameworks for the identification of the key strategic drivers of change and
organisational capability, including assessing strategic fit and gap analysis. Explore
tools, models and frameworks for the identification, evaluation and selection of
strategic options. These will include both qualitative and quantitative methods for
determining strategic direction for organisations.
7. Develop student understanding of the key issues in affecting organisational change
(strategic implementation). These issues include reviewing organisational structural
development, resource allocation and the management of strategic change.
8. Introduce mechanisms and frameworks used in developing and presenting formal
strategic plans in the contexts of business start-up and development.

Course Content:

This module introduces students to a rational framework of strategic analysis, option

identification, evaluation and selection and strategic implementation. It also introduces
frameworks for strategic planning and plans. Established and cutting-edge strategic models
will be reviewed during the module. The module intends to develop students' analytical and
diagnostic skills together with their ability to apply strategic theory and practice to a wide
range of problems. As well as formal planning methods, the module shall introduce other
forms of strategic management and development. Students will be expected to critique
approaches and to be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different frameworks.

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods:

Unit overviews, power point presentations, video links, unit tasks and discussion forums.

Assessment Methods:

Summative Assignments

Assignment 1 - This assignment is worth 50% of the module marks and is due at the end of
Week 4; Sunday 11.59 pm (23:59 hours) UTC time on the due date at the latest.

Assignment 2 - This assignment is worth 50% of the module marks and is due at the end of
Week 7; Sunday 11.59 pm (23:59 hours) UTC time on the due date at the latest.

MBA717 – Strategic Development Page 2

 Course Requirements:

Assessment Criteria: You will be evaluated based on the average grade of your two
summative assignments. In order to pass this course, you need to achieve an overall
minimum grade of 70%. The tasks and discussion forum included in this course are
formative, this means that they are not graded but you are encouraged to participate in
each one as they are designed to help you and provide you with a good understanding
of the main concepts that are included in each of your assignments.

MBA717 – Strategic Development Page 3