Unit information: Strategic Management in 2016/17

Unit name	Strategic Management
Unit code	ECONM2025
Credit points	15
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Beckett
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	ECONM1013
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Management - Business School
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit combines the theory of strategic management with its practice. Various theoretical approaches are used and different key areas are examined. Case studies are used to give practical applications of theory. After an introduction that outlines the basics of strategic management there are three main sections dealing with: strategic analysis, strategic choice and strategy implementation. This unit will particularly develop issues relating to strategic choice and implementation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Identify and describe the principle theories, concepts and techniques of strategy and strategic management;

• Critically evaluate theories, concepts and techniques of strategy and strategic management;

• Apply theories, concepts and techniques of strategy in case study contexts in order to identify and appraise strategic issues facing organisations;

• Identify key issues affecting the realisation of intended strategies

Teaching Information

Lectures introduce theoretical concepts and ideas that inform the subject. Tutorials include readings, exercises and case studies. Additional reading and the active use of the Blackboard online learning environment is designed to develop a depth of understanding.

Assessment Information

One piece of assessed course work - 50%

The course work tests students’ ability to: identify, describe and critically evaluate the principle theories, concepts and techniques of strategy and strategic management; and apply theories, concepts and techniques of strategy to cases studied contexts in order to discuss and critically appraise strategic issues facing organisations.

Students receive formative feedback on the preparation of this assignment approximately two weeks before its due date.

2 hour exam - 50%

The exam tests students’ ability to:

Identify and describe the principle theories, concepts and techniques of strategy and strategic management; critically evaluate theories, concepts and techniques of strategy and strategic management; appraise the efficacy of theories, concepts and techniques of strategy in different practical contexts; and identify key issues affecting the realisation of intended strategies in a range of practical contexts

Reading and References

• Johnson, G., Scholes, K & Whittington, R. (2011) Exploring strategy, 9th Edition, Harlow: Pearson Education.

• Grant, R. M. (2010), Contemporary Strategy Analysis, 7th ed, Oxford: Blackwell

• Clegg, S., Carter, C. Kornberger, M. & Schweitzer, J (2011) Strategy: Theory and Practice, London: Sage Publications

• De Wit, R. & Meyer, R. (2010), Strategy: Process, content, context. 4th ed. Andover: Cengage.

Strategic Management Journal Harvard Business Review