Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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 strategy 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 consulting team. The module also aims to develop personal and interpersonal skills: e.g. communication, teamwork, information management, and 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 ECTS credits. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the purpose of the firm and its mission, vision, values and objectives 2. Describe the process of strategy formulation 3. Use strategy tools and techniques to analyse the external and internal business context 4. Explain the nature of strategic choice for single, diversified and international businesses 5. Explain the issues involved in strategy implementation 6. Participate as a member of the management team in running a simulated business 7. Collaborate in a group project, communicating professionally, managing conflict constructively and working equitably to achieve a shared goal. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||