Module: Business Strategy

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Business Strategy
Module Code	MT301
School	DCUBS
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: John Loonam Semester 2: Vanessa Bretas Autumn: John Loonam
Module Teachers	Brian Harney John Loonam Malcolm Brady Jennifer Dann Michael Joseph Moran Lareese Dunne James McDonald Michael Kelly Vanessa Bretas
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

None
Array

Description

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of business strategy concepts and their application to business and real-life. Active learning is a key methodology in the delivery and assessment of the module, where students are active agents in the development and assimilation of module knowledge and skills. In active learning, students will engage weekly in asynchronous content in preparation for in-class lectures. The module, and its respective assessment, supports a variety of active learning pedagogical interactions, namely through student to content, student to student, student to lecturer, and student to industry/enterprise. Students will explore business analysis skills at macro-environmental, industry and company levels. It aims to develop within students the ability to think critically and strategically and to work as part of a management team. The module also aims to develop personal and interpersonal skills: communication, teamwork, information management, project management. This is achieved through use of methods such as: carrying out a strategic analysis of a real client company, presenting the results of the analysis and preparation of a formal strategic report. The module is year-long and weighted at 10 credits.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the process of strategy formulation
2. Use strategy tools and techniques to analyse the external and internal business context
3. Explain the nature of strategic choice for single, diversified and international businesses
4. Explain the issues involved in strategy implementation
5. Participate as a consulting team in strategically reviewing an organization, delivering a presentation, and writing a strategic report.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	48	Participation in Asynchronous and Face to Face Lectures
Independent Study	48	Study of materials pre and post lecture
Assignment Completion	77	Group Case Strategic Analysis - including interim presentation and final report
Independent Study	77	Individual Assignment Strategic Analysis
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Purpose of the firm and the strategy process
Purpose, mission, vision, values; the strategy process; strategy evaluation criteria

External analysis
Macroenvironmental analysis: economic chararacteristics, driving forces, PESTEL; industry analysis: five forces, strategic groups, competitor analysis

Internal analysis
Company analysis, current strategy, SWOT, resources and capabilities, value chain, cost analysis, financial analysis

Strategic choice and firm growth
Generic strategies: low cost, differentiation, focus, best cost; industry life cycle; international expansion; diversification; growth strategies (Ansoff matrix); business portfolio management and parenting

Strategy implementation
Organisation and resources; systems and processes; staffing and reward; culture; governance; stakeholders; social responsibility; ethics

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Group assignment	Strategic Review Company Project	50%	n/a
Written Exam	End-of-Semester open Book Final Examination	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Johnson, G. Scholes, K. Whittington, R: 0, Fundamentals of Strategy, Prentice Hall,
Thompson, A. Strickland, A. and J. Gamble.: 0, Crafting and executing strategy: text and readings,, McGraw-Hill,
Porter, M.E.: 0, Competitive Advantage, Free Press,
Mintzberg, H, J. Lampel.: 0, A Strategy Safari, Prentice Hall,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

AF	BA in Accounting and Finance
AMPS	BSc in Aviation Management
BS	Bachelor of Business Studies
BSE	Bachelor of Business Studies (Exchange)
BSI	Business Studies ( with INTRA )
EB	BA in Global Business
EBC	BA in Global Business (Canada)
EBF	BA in Global Business (France)
EBG	BA in Global Business (Germany)
EBS	BA in Global Business (Spain)
EBT	BA in Global Business (USA)
INTB	Bachelor Business Studies International
MINT	BSc Marketing, Innovation & Technology
MINTI	BSc Marketing, Innovation & Technology

Date of Last Revision

08-JUN-11

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