Coursework Assignment Brief Semester C 16 Module Code PM 303 Module Title Strategic Management Programme BSc (Honours) Level Level 6 Awarding Body University of Plymouth Module Leader Dr Ufi Cullen Format Strategic Report Word Limit Maximum 2,500 words ±10% excluding Cover Page, Table of Any Special Requirements Deadline Date For Submission Learning Outcomes To Be Examined In This Assessment Percentage Of Marks Awarded For Module Assessment Criteria Knowledge & Understanding of Subject Cognitive & Intellectual Skills Individual Contents, Bibliography and Appendices The Report should be submitted on the Student Portal along with a Turnitin Report. 09th August 2016 2:00 pm 1. Critically examine the relationship and the need for compatibility between corporate strategic and functional management policies. 2. Analyse the internal and external influences on corporate objectives and strategy. 3. Demonstrate the need for flexibility in strategic management and the practical limits of quantifying corporate strategy. 50% of the total marks for the module Explanatory comments on the assessment criteria  High level of knowledge and understanding of the given concepts and frameworks of strategic management evident in accurate analysis and identification of strategic capabilities and macro-environmental factors of the selected company  Shows an awareness of the ambiguities and limitations of knowledge evident in the evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the given strategic management frameworks  Very high standard of critical analysis on future strategic choices of the company evident in consistency and logical line of reasoning in recommendations. Future strategic choices are justified clearly and logically. All the evidence provided within the report.  Clearly structured and logically developed content.  Excellent evaluation and synthesis of sources. Maximum marks for each section 35 40 Page 1 of 4 Use of Research Informed Literature Graduate Skills for life and Employment indicated by  Substantial evidence of well-executed independent research evident through a bibliographical analysis, up-to-date information.  Relevant data and examples, all properly referenced.  Successful application of Harvard Referencing throughout  Consistent analysis and evaluation of sources  Excellent presentation skills evident in format and structure  Technology skills that contribute to effective execution of referencing, heading/subheading and table of contents  High ethical standards evident in excellent implementation of referencing and Turnitin score does not exceed the upper limit overall  Research, discovery, and information retrieval skills and a general capacity to use information evident in refined content from external sources through paraphrasing and summarising  Analytical skills evident in applying the given frameworks in a real life situation  The capacity for critical, conceptual and reflective thinking evident in arguments developed and recommendations  Decision-making in complex and unpredictable context evident in consistent and logically reasoned future strategy analysis of the company 10 15 Assignment Brief This assignment requires students to conduct a strategic analysis of both the internal and external environment relating a company operates in the retail business sector. Students are required to examine the strategic choices facing this organisation and evaluate these choices as to their suitability, acceptability and feasibility. Students should also provide a critique of contemporary strategic management research and practice within the report. Strategic Report to Board of Directors Please note each of the following eight sections must be addressed. 1. Executive Summary Provide a concise summary of the key issues identified within the report. Page 2 of 4 2. Strategic Purpose 2.1. Assess the strategic purpose of the organisation in terms of mission, vision and values. 2.2. Critically examine the relationship and compatibility between strategic statements and functional objectives of the company. 3. External Analysis Conduct both of the following tasks 3.1. Analyse the broad macro-environment of the company in terms of political, economic, social, technological, ecological and legal factors. Discuss threats and opportunities in order for the company to gain sustainable competitive advantage. 3.2. Utilize Porter's Five Forces analysis in order to define the attractiveness of the industry and the market of your choice and to identify potentials for change. 4. Internal Analysis Strategic Capabilities Conduct both of the following tasks 4.1. Identify what comprises strategic capabilities in terms of organisational resources and competences and how these relate to the strategies of the company. Distinguish between basic and unique resources. 4.2. Analyse the business functions of the company 5. Basis of Competitive Strategy Critical Analysis of the generic strategies of the company through The Strategy Clock. In your answer identify which of the available positions does the company take and briefly analyse the various practices the company adopts to sustain their competitive advantage and meet customer needs. 6. Strategic Choice and Strategy Evaluation 6.1.In the light of the preceding sections, examine the key directions for future growth for the company. Using Ansoff's Matrix, examine each of the four (4) options given below, detailing what each choice would possibly entail. 6.1.1. Market Penetration Page 3 of 4 6.1.2. New Product Development 6.1.3. New Market Development 6.1.4. Diversification 6.2.Choosing one of the options of Ansoff's matrix, assess the level of; 6.2.1. Suitability 6.2.2. Acceptability 6.2.3. Feasibility 7. Conclusion and recommendations Conduct an overall summary of the strategic issues facing the selected company and evaluate how the selected company can, a) Make the most of their strengths b) Circumvent weaknesses c) Capitalize on opportunities d) Manage their threats A SWOT analysis with bullet points is not required here; instead focus on key issues raised in the report. Important Notes All the analysis required should be conducted based on facts & figures. Academic opinion and commentary from industry experts may all be utilised to aid evaluation and justify selection. Please consult class notes and key texts such as Johnson et al. (2014) regarding these strategic concepts of the company. Total Marks for Report 100 Page 4 of 4