Reference no: EM132928248 , Length: 5500 Words
Unit 32 Business Strategy
Introduction
The aim of this unit is to develop students' awareness of the different kinds of strategy which could be used in an operational, tactical or strategic role for an organisation. This will be underpinned by a thorough knowledge and understanding of the theories, models and concepts which could significantly support an organisation's strategic choice and direction.
On successful completion of this unit students will have developed sufficient knowledge and understanding of strategy to make a positive, efficient and effective contribution to the development of business plans and operational direction. This could be in the role of a junior manager responsible for having a specific input into an organisation's decision-making and planning.
Learning Outcome 1. Analyse the impact and influence which the macro environment has on an organisation and its business strategies.
Learning Outcome 2. Assess an organisation's internal environment and capabilities.
Learning Outcome 3. Evaluate and apply the outcomes of an analysis using Porter's Five Forces model to a given market sector.
Learning Outcome 4. Apply models, theories and concepts to assist with the understanding and interpretation of strategic directions available to an organisation.
Scenario and Activity
Many companies spend their time on day to day business and are unable to look objectively at themselves to understand the business environment clearly enough to plan strategically.
You have been appointed as a Junior Strategy Manager to an organisation of your choice (options are given below) and have been asked by your line manager to produce a strategic management plan report. This requires you to critique and interpret information and data, applying macro environmental analysis, internal environmental analysis (i.e. strengths and weaknesses), and competitive analyses to produce a set of valid strategic directions, objectives and tactical actions in a strategic management plan.
Within your report ensure that you analyse the macro environment where you can use models such as (but not restricted to) PESTLE framework and stakeholder analysis, assess the internal environment and strategic capabilities of a given organisation using appropriate models such as (but not restricted to) a VRIO/ VRIN framework, McKinseys' 7S model or Value Chain Analysis, and when conducting a competitive analysis you must include an application of Porter's Five Forces model although you can additionally use others. All this analysis together must result in the identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of your chosen organisation, and can be presented using SWOT framework.
Furthermore, the Ansoff Matrix, Porter's generic strategies and the extended model of Bowman's strategy clock as well as similar models, theories and concepts can be used for understanding and interpreting the strategic directions available to your chosen organisation. Finally, you are required to recommend and justify the most appropriate strategic direction available to your organization, and produce a strategic management plan that has tangible and tactical strategic priorities and objectives based on the analysis presented in the report.
As mentioned above, you will need to choose a reference company to complete this unit. Although, not restricted to, however, you may choose from one of the following companies. You must get your lecturer's approval first.
1. A mobile phone provider - EE, Vodafone, Virgin
2. An airline - BA, Lufthansa, Emirates
3. A car manufacturer - Ford, Vauxhall, VW
4. A bank - Lloyds, Barclay's, HSBC
5. An office equipment company- Xerox, Dell, Ryman's
6. Delivery companies such as DHL and UPS
7. Fitness companies such as David Lloyd and Fitness First
Attachment:- Business Strategy.rar