Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2022 - 2023

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of business strategy concepts and their application to business and real-life. It provides a framework to integrate knowledge from the various business disciplines. The module aims to develop 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 and meeting 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. 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 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 formal lectures and workshops
Assignment Completion	110	Case Study - including interim presentation and final report
Independent Study	48	Study of materials pre and post lecture
Independent Study	44	Study for examination
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	%	Examination Weight	%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable

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,
Grant, Robert: 0, Contemporary Strategy Analysis, Wiley,
Porter, M.E.: 0, Competitive Advantage, Free Press,
Mintzberg, H, J. Lampel.: 0, A Strategy Safari, Prentice Hall,

Other Resources

None

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