BSc Business Management BAM 6002 Strategic Management MODULE GUIDE 2016- 2017 Semester 1 Level HE6 Bolton Business School Contents 1. Overview 2 2. Learning and Teaching Strategy 2 3. Module Communications 2 4. Module Description 2 5. Learning Outcomes and Assessment 3 6. Assessment Deadlines 3 7. Assignment feedback 3 8. Module Calendar 4 9. Formative Assessment 4 10. Indicative Reading: 5 11. Guidelines for the Preparation and Submission of Written Assignments: 5 12. Procedures for Examinations 7 (only include this section if there is an examination in the module) 7 13. General Assessment Guidelines for Written Assessments Level FE3 ONLY include the relevant grid for your module level 8 14. Academic Misconduct and Referencing 9 15. Assessments 10   1. Overview Module Tutor: John Abbott Room: DS03 Tel: 0208 275 7547 Email:[email protected] Level: HE6 Credits: Module Pre-requisites: Web-link to Module Specification: Weblink to Moodle Class: 2. Learning and Teaching Strategy ). The module is delivered over 14 weeks. To complete the module successfully you must also allocate a substantial amount of time to independent study and research. Each topic will be introduced by a formal lecture. Students will be expected to prepare in advance of each session by undertaking some preliminary directed reading on the scheduled topic. Lectures will be followed by tutorial sessions where students will examine relevant case studies, either individually or in groups. Learning materials and module/assignment information will be available electronically via Moodle and it is important for all students to regularly check for updates before the next class 3. Module Communications The Module Tutor's contact details are provided at the top of this page. You must check your University of Bolton email address and the Moodle area dedicated to this module regularly as many module communications are channelled through these mediums. Your Module Tutor will normally aim to respond to your email messages within 2 full working days of receipt; however responses will be longer in holiday periods. 4. Module Description The module aims to develop in each student an understanding of the meaning of strategic management through the analysis of the interactions between an organisation's external environment, its core resources and capabilities and functional areas. In addition the module will aim to: - Promote awareness of how these influence the organisation's effectiveness and efficiency and the strategic choices, which are available. - Develop an appreciation of the processes and outcomes in the implementation of strategic choices -Provide students with an understanding of the link between the main functional aspects of business and their contribution to effective strategic management and business performance. - Cultivate in the student the ability to review and criticise the existing body of knowledge in strategic management. Also students will gain experience of analysing situations and evaluating alternative options. Students will develop awareness of the need to weigh arguments, make choices and appreciate that in many circumstances a single solution does not exist. 5. Learning Outcomes and Assessment Learning Outcomes Assessment By the end of this module the learner will be able to : 1. Be able to synthesise knowledge and understanding of the main concepts, principles and techniques of Strategic Management 2,500 word essay and 3 hour examination 2. Conduct a strategic analysis in a variety of industries and competitive situations. 2,500 word essay and 3 hour examination 3. Reason carefully about the strategic alternatives available in any given situation in order to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. 2,500 word essay and 3 hour examination 4. Demonstrate how the implementation of a chosen strategy would be brought about. 2,500 word essay and 3 hour examination 5. Communicate reasoning and action plans to others in a professional and persuasive manner 2,500 word essay 6. Assessment Deadlines Assessment item Due Date Weight 1 Essay of 2500 words 15 November 2016 50% 2 Open Book Examination 10 January 2017 50% 7. Assignment feedback Feedback on items of assessment can be formal (such as on a signed feedback form) or informal (such as advice from a tutor in a tutorial). Feedback is therefore not just your grade or the comments written on your feedback form, it is advice you get from your tutor and sometimes your peers about how your work is progressing, how well you have done, what further actions you might take. We recognise the value of prompt feedback on work submitted. Other than in exceptional circumstances (such as might be caused by staff illness), you can expect your assignment work to be marked and feedback provided not more than 15 working days from the deadline date. However, please note that that such feedback will be provisional and unconfirmed until the Assessment Board has met and may therefore be subject to change. Please take time you read/listen to your assessment feedback. This can be very useful in determining your strengths and key areas for development, and can therefore help you improve on future grades. 8. Module Calendar Session Date/Week Commencing Subject Area 1 20th September Introduction: module aims and overview. What is Strategic Management? 2 27th September The Language of Strategy – Mission, vision…. 3 4th October Strategy Gurus – Honda and the Power of Dreams 4 11th October External Environmental - Forces and Competition 5 18st October Strategic choice – SWOT analysis et al 6 1st November Strategic Capability and Competitive Advantage 7 8th November Value Chain Analysis 8 15th November Strategic Choice – The Strategy Clock 9 22nd November Strategy implementation: organisational structure 10 29th November Strategic Governance and Control 11 6th December Strategic issues in acquisitions and joint ventures Submission of Assignment 1 12 13th December Strategic issues in times of change 13 3rd January Revision 14 10th January Final assessment - Examination week 15 17th January Feedback - Examination 16 24th January Module review and feedback – resit exam NB: Please note that this module calendar may be subject to change. 9. Formative Assessment Formative assessment is an important aid to learning. It is designed to provide you with feedback on your progress and inform development. It can be used to identify any areas which would benefit from extra attention on your part, or extra support from your tutor. It does not contribute to the overall formal assessment for the module. Informal formative assessment is provided in this module through: - Induction – Introductory diagnostic hand-written assessment - Group activities and discussion - Day visits to events/Guest speakers - Tutorial (Group & Individual) feedback on assessment drafts - Group tutorial revision sessions in preparation for examination - IT and research skills workshops 10. Indicative Reading: Required reading: Johnson, G., Scholes, K., and Whittington, R (2010), Exploring Corporate Strategy, (8th ed), Harlow, Financial Times Press. Lynch, R., (2009), Corporate Strategy, (5th ed.), Harlow, Financial Times Press Other highly recommended texts: (current editions) Adair, J., (2010) Effective Strategic Leadership The Complete Guide to Strategic Management, London, Pan Books. Hamel, G and Prahlad, C.K., (2010) Strategic Intent, Boston, Harvard Business Press. Harvard Business School, (2005) Strategy: Create and Implement the Best Strategy for Your Business, Boston, Harvard Business Press. Hill, C W.L., and Jones, GR., R (2005) Strategic Management: An Integrated Approach, (7th ed.), Boston, Houghton Mifflin. Mintzberg, H., Lampel, J., and Ahlstrad, B., (2008) Strategy Bites Back, and Less, than You Ever Imagined, Harlow, Pearson Education. Mintzberg, H., Lampel, J., and Ahlstrad, B., (2009)Strategy Safari Your Complet Guide Through the Wilds of Strategic Management, (2nd ed.), Harlow, Pearson Education. Porter, M.E., (2004) Competitive Strategy Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors, New York, Free Press. Porter, M.E., (2008) On Competition, (11th ed.), Boston, Harvard Business Press. Stern C.W., Deimler, M.S., (2006) The Boston Consulting Group On Strategy: Classic Concepts and New Perspectives, (2nd ed.), New Jersey, John Wiley & Sons. Journals : Harvard Business Review, Management Today, Strategic Management Journal, Business Strategy Review. The Business Sections of broadsheet newspapers, eg Financial Times, Telegraph, Guardian Websites http://www.thinkingmanagers.com/business-management/edward-de-bono.php http://www.johnadair.co.uk http://www.adairleadershipdevelopment.com http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/25/japan-first-trade-deficit-12-years-tsunami http://corporate.honda.com/about/ http://www.acea.be http://www.low-cost-airline-guide.com/en/low-cost-airlines.htm http://www.elfaa.com/ http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/wps/media/access/Pearson_Default/6337/6489092/login.html 11. Guidelines for the Preparation and Submission of Written Assignments: 1. Assignments should be word-processed in Arial 12 point font, be double-spaced, on A4 size paper. Writing should appear on only one side of the paper, be fully justified and with each page being numbered in the footer, numbering to be centred. 2. There should be a title page detailing the programme, module title, assignment title, student number, marking Tutor and date of submission. Do not put your name on the assignment. It is good practice to put your student number in the top left hand side of the header of each page, and the date of submission in the top right. 3. If there is a word count limit for your programme please include the following text: Word Count: You are expected to revise and edit your assignment to remain within +/- 10% of the indicative word length outlined. In order to ensure that word counts can easily be checked you should include a note of the word count as identified by your word processing package. A deduction should be made from this figure for all tables, figures, appendices and references which DO NOT count towards the overall word limit. Students who exceed a specified word limit for a written assessment shall be subject to the following penalty system. • Up to 10% over the specified word length = no penalty • 10 – 20% over the specified indicative word length = 5 marks subtracted but if the assessment would normally gain a pass mark, then the final mark to be no lower than the pass mark for the assessment. • More than 20% over the indicative word length = if the assessment would normally gain a pass mark, then the final mark to be the pass mark for the assessment. 4. All written work must be referenced using the Harvard System, full details of which are available from the University's Library website: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/bissto/Finding-Information/Referencing/Home.aspx 5. Unless otherwise notified by your Module Tutor, electronic copies of assignments, saved as a Word document, should be uploaded to the Moodle area for this module. Your Tutor will explain the process. If you experience problems uploading your assignment to the designated area, then you must forward an electronic copy as an attached to your Module Tutor, by the due deadline. The time you send the email with your assignment as an attachment, will evidence the time the assessment was submitted. Please note when you submit your assignment to the Moodle for this module, it will automatically be checked for evidence of plagiarism as part of the process. Submission of assessments may be done on or before the published submission date. Assignments not available at this time will be considered as "late" unless an extension has been previously agreed, with the Programme Leader for your programme. Students who fail to submit assessments by the specified date (without an extension being granted or without accepted Mitigating Circumstances) will be subject to the following penalties: • Up to 7 calendar days late = 10 marks subtracted but if the assignment would normally gain a pass mark, then the final mark to be no lower than the pass mark for the assignment. • More than 7 calendar days late = 1 mark will be awarded. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that the assignment is submitted in the format/s specified in the Module Guide or on the Assessment Brief. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS ENSURE YOU KEEP A COPY OF ANY ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED BY WHATEVER METHOD 6. In the case of exceptional and unforeseen circumstances, an extension of up to 14 days after the assessment submission deadline may be granted by your Programme Leader, following firstly discussing the problem with the Module Tutor. You should complete an Extension Request Form available from your Tutor and attach documentary evidence of your circumstances, prior to the published submission deadline. Requests for extensions for periods longer than 14 calendar days must be made using the Mitigating Circumstances procedures. Please note that the failure of data storage systems is not considered to be a valid reason for an extension. It is therefore important that you keep multiple copies of your work on different storage devices before submitting it. Please refer to the Assessment Regulations for further details: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/studentinformation-policyzone/Student-Information-Policy-Zone-2016-17.aspx 12. Procedures for Examinations 1. Examinations are usually held during Week 15. Examination timetables are posted on the web in advance of the examination period: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Timetables/ExamTimetables/Home.aspx 2. It is essential that you note the dates of any examination, including resit examinations and ensure that you are available to take them. Please note that we do not accept holiday bookings as a legitimate reason for missing an examination. 3. Examinations take a variety of forms. Some may be traditional closed book format; some may use a case study which you are given in advance. Some may allow you to use textbooks or notes during the examination. Please ensure you check the format of your examination in advance. 4. It is important that you prepare fully for examinations. Revision slots are indicated on your module calendar. Failure to attend these and other timetabled sessions will seriously jeopardise your success in examinations. 5. You will need to check the room location and equipment requirements in advance. Please ensure that you reach the examination room at least 20 minutes prior to the timetabled start. You will need to bring with you your University of Bolton and Student Identity Card, as proof of your identity. Failure to supply your identify cards may result in you not being allowed to take your examinations. 6. Students whose English is a second language may take a hard-copy language translation dictionary into the examination. Such dictionaries must not be marked in any way. 7. If you require any special examination arrangements to be made, please ensure that Disability Service is made aware of these well in advance. 8. Please refer to the Examination Procedures for further details. http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Everything/StudentInfoPolicyZone/2016-17-documents/Exam-Procedures-2016-17.pdf 9. Past examination papers are available via the following link: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Quality/EEE/ExaminationPapers/Home.aspx 13General Assessment Guidelines for Written Assessments Level HE6 Relevance Knowledge Argument/Analysis Structure Presentation Written English Research/Referencing Class I (Exceptional Quality) 85-100% Directly relevant to title. Expertly addresses the assumptions of the title and/or the requirements of the brief. Demonstrates an exceptional knowledge/understanding of theory and practice for this level. Demonstrates the ability to expertly identify and critically appraise the most important issues, themes and questions. Demonstrates originality in conceptual understanding. Makes exceptional use of appropriate arguments and/or theoretical models. Presents an exceptional critical evaluation of the material results in clear, logical and insightful conclusions. Demonstrates distinctive or independent thinking. Coherently articulated and logically structured. An appropriate format is used. The presentational style & layout is correct for the type of assignment. Effective inclusion of figures, tables, plates (FTP). An exceptionally well written answer with standard spelling and grammar. Style is clear, resourceful and academic. Sources accurately cited in the text. An extensive range of contemporary and relevant references cited in the reference list in the correct style. Class I (Excellent Quality) 70-84% Directly relevant to title. Addresses the assumptions of the title and/or the requirements of the brief. Demonstrates an excellent knowledge/understanding of theory and practice for this level. Demonstrates the ability to identify and critically appraise the most important issues, themes and questions. Makes creative use of appropriate arguments and/or theoretical models. Demonstrates some distinctive or independent thinking. Presents an excellent critical evaluation of the material results in clear, logical and illuminating conclusions. Coherently articulated and logically structured. An appropriate format is used. The presentational style & layout is correct for the type of assignment. Effective inclusion of figures, tables, plates (FTP). An excellently written answer with standard spelling and grammar. Style is clear, resourceful and academic. Sources accurately cited in the text. A wide range of contemporary and relevant references cited in the reference list in the correct style. Class II/i (Very Good Quality) 60-69% Directly relevant to title. Addresses most of the assumptions of the title and/or the requirements of the brief. Demonstrates a very good knowledge/understanding of theory and practice for this level. Demonstrates the ability to identify and critically appraise key issues, themes and questions. Uses sound arguments or theoretical models. Presents a sound critical evaluation of the material resulting in clear and logical conclusions. Logically constructed in the main. An appropriate format is used. The presentational style & layout is correct for the type of assignment. Effective inclusion of FTP. A very well written answer with standard spelling and grammar. Style is clear and academic. Sources accurately cited in the text and a wide range of appropriate references cited in reference list in the correct style. Class II/ii (Good Quality) 50-59% Generally addresses the title/brief, but sometimes considers irrelevant issues. Demonstrates a good knowledge/understanding of theory and practice for this level through the identification and critical appraisal of some key issues, themes and questions. Presents largely coherent arguments. Evidence of attempted analysis and critical evaluation, with some descriptive or narrative passages. Conclusions are fairly clear and logical. For the most part coherently articulated and logically structured. An acceptable format is used. The presentational style & layout is correct for the type of assignment. Inclusion of FTP but lacks selectivity. Competently written with minor lapses in spelling and grammar. Style is readable and academic in the main. Most sources accurately cited in the text and an appropriate reference list is provided which is largely in the correct style. Class III (Satisfactory Quality) 40-49% Some degree of irrelevance to the title/brief. Superficial consideration of the issues. Demonstrates an adequate knowledge/understanding of theory and practice for this level. An attempt is made to critically appraise some key issues, themes and questions. Presents basic arguments, but focus and consistency lacking in places. Issues are vaguely stated. Descriptive or narrative passages evident which lack clear purpose. Conclusions are not always clear or logical. Adequate attempt at articulation and logical structure. An acceptable format is used. The presentational style & layout is largely correct for the type of assignment. Inappropriate use of FTP or not used where clearly needed to aid understanding. Generally competently written although intermittent lapses in grammar and spelling pose obstacles for the reader. Style limits communication and is non-academic in a number of places. Some relevant sources cited. Some weaknesses in referencing technique. Borderline Fail 35-39% Significant degree of irrelevance to the title/brief. Only the most obvious issues are addressed at a superficial level and in unchallenging terms. Demonstrates weaknesses in knowledge of theory and practice for this level. Key issues and themes not identified or appraised. Limited argument, which is descriptive or narrative in style with little evidence of analysis. Conclusions are neither clear nor logical. Poorly structured. Lack of articulation. Format deficient. For the type of assignment the presentational style &/or layout is lacking. FTP ignored in text or not used where clearly needed. Deficiencies in spelling and grammar makes reading difficult. Simplistic or repetitious style impairs clarity. Style is non-academic. Limited sources and weak referencing. Fail <34% Relevance to the title/brief is intermittent or missing. The topic is reduced to its vaguest and least challenging terms. Demonstrates a lack of basic knowledge of either theory or practice for this level, with little evidence of understanding. Inadequate arguments and no analysis. Descriptive or narrative in style with no evidence of critique. Conclusions are sparse. Unstructured. Lack of articulation. Format deficient For the type of assignment the presentational style &/or layout is lacking. FTP as above. Poorly written with numerous deficiencies in grammar, spelling and expression. Style is non-academic. An absence of academic sources and poor referencing technique. 15. Assessments Module Number and Name: Strategic Management BAM 6002 Assessment Number 1: Essay (50%) Assessment Title: Nissan and Brexit! Assessment Length: 2500 words Submission Deadline: 15th November 2016 23:00pm Learning Outcomes: Synthesise the characteristics of strategic decisions and be able to evaluate the effectiveness strategies in practice. Critically analyse an organisation's strategy and identify available strategic and sustainable alternatives to achieve competitive advantage. Use appropriate theoretical frameworks to critique research material and draw useful conclusions. Demonstrate appropriate academic writing style and referencing technique. Assignment Brief: Nissan and BREXIT! Nissan's car manufacturing plant in Sunderland is the UK's largest, producing 500,000 vehicles a year. But it could face a crunch point for investment as soon as next year to build the new Qashqai. "Nissan's competitive advantage is the result of always striving to create and produce products of the highest quality at a reasonable price". Critically analyse and evaluate appropriate strategic theories/options relating to Competitive Advantage to underpin your answer. Your answer should be based upon an analysis of the strategic position prior to BREXIT and now. A simple historical narrative of the Nissan is not acceptable. Your work must be original – presented in a way that differs significantly from the strategy literature Your work must be referenced using the Harvard Referencing System. All sources used must be cited correctly in the text and summarised in full in your bibliography. Your work must be presented in essay style. Your work must be ORIGINAL – Presented in a way which differs from other Published Material and no cut and paste! Secondary Research- It is expected that the Reference List will contain between 15 and 20 sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include 4 refereed academic journals and 5 academic books. Specific Assessment Criteria Assessment Criteria First class: This piece of work shows evidence of wider research with reference to a number of differing academic viewpoints. The essay has recognised relevantly and discussed in detail, all the required external environmental factors which affect the management operation of mega events. Several reasoned and logical arguments have been developed well and supported by a wide range of appropriately researched literature. Reference to two or more academic models is clear, relevant and informative. Presentation is of a high standard, and in the appropriate essay style. The high number of appropriate sources has been referenced accurately and to a high standard. Second class: A clear and informative piece of work with evidence of wider research and discussion. The essay has correctly recognised and discussed, all the required external environmental factors which affect the management operation of mega events. Some reasoned arguments have been developed and supported by a good number of sources. Reference to two academic models is clear. Presentation is of a good standard, in the appropriate essay style. A good number of appropriate sources have been referenced well, with most complying with the Harvard style. Third class: A reasonable attempt has been made at researching the essay but greater in depth discussion and academic debate is required. The essay has recognised the external environmental factors which affect the management operation of mega events, however mostly the discussion is superficial and lacking in any depth. Reference to two academic models has been attempted. Presentation of the essay is limited, and Only the minimum of 5 sources has been provided, with at least one academic text and two academic journals included. Fail: Students who do not meet the requirements of a third class grade will not successfully complete the assessment activity. 14. Academic Misconduct and Referencing Academic misconduct may be defined as any attempt by a student to gain an unfair advantage in any assessment. This includes plagiarism, collusion, commissioning amongst other offences. In order to avoid these types of academic misconduct, you should ensure that all your work is your own and that sources are attributed using the correct referencing techniques. You can also check originality through Turnitin. Please note that penalties apply if academic misconduct is proven. See the following link for further details: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Everything/StudentInfoPolicyZone/2016-17-documents/Academic-Misconduct-Regulations-and-Procedures-2016-17.pdf