PM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Resit Coursework Brief Deadline for Submission: 14:00 pm, 27 April 2017 Submit this coursework through the Student Portal with a Turn-it-in Report Word Limit: 2500 words (Plus or minus 10%) Learning outcomes assessed: 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. This coursework is worth 50% of the total marks for this module.PM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 1 of 18 Coursework Instructions Please read carefully • Carefully read the module handbook, the marking criteria and the grade descriptors. • The format is individual report. • All the analysis required should be conducted based on information gathered from credible, accurate and valid sources rather than information based on student’s individual opinion or experience. 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. Academic Misconduct You are responsible for ensuring you understand the policy and regulations about academic misconduct. You must: • Complete this work alone except where required or allowed by this assignment briefing paper and ensure it has not been written or composed by or with the assistance of any other person. • Make sure all sentences or passages quoted from other people’s work in this assignment (with or without trivial changes) are in quotation marks, and are specifically acknowledged by reference to the author, work and page.PM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 2 of 18 BlankPM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 3 of 18 Assignment Questions This assignment requires students to conduct a strategic analysis of both the internal and external environment relating to a retail company (Please choose any from the given below). Students should also provide a critique of contemporary strategic management research and practice within the report. Morrisons Ikea Superdrug Primark Asda Sainsbury's Strategic Report to Board of Directors 1. Executive Summary Provide a concise summary of the key issues identified within the report. (10 marks) 2. Strategic Purpose a. Identify the strategic purpose of the organisation in terms of its mission, vision and corporate values. (5 marks) b. Critically examine the relationship and compatibility between strategic statements and functional objectives of the company. (10 marks) 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. (15 marks) 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. (15 marks) 4. Internal Analysis Strategic Capabilities Explain what comprises strategic capabilities in terms of organisational resources and competences and how these relate to the strategies of the company. (15 marks)PM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 4 of 18 5. Basis of Competitive Strategy Describe the business level strategy of the strategic business unit (SBU) in the UK though the use of The Porter’s Generic Strategies Framework and critically evaluate how the SBU has established and defended its strategic position against its competitors. (10 marks) 6. Conclusion and recommendations Conduct an overall summary of the strategic issues facing the selected company and evaluate how the selected company can, make the most of their strengths, circumvent weaknesses, capitalize on opportunities and manage their threats. (10 marks) 7. Referencing (10 marks) End of Assignment BriefPM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 5 of 18 Marking Scheme Assessment Criteria Explanatory comments on the assessment criteria Maximum marks for each section Knowledge & Understanding of Subject  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  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 35 Cognitive & Intellectual Skills  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. 40 Graduate Skills for life and Employment indicated by  Excellent presentation skills evident in format and structure  Technology skills that contribute to 25PM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 6 of 18 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  Presentation skills TOTAL 100% Marking Criteria GSM LONDON GENERIC ASSESSMENT MARKING CRITERIA LEVEL 6 KNOWLEDG E & UNDERSTA NDING INTELLECTUA L & COGNITIVE SKILLS Graduate Skills: transferable, employability, practical and academic skills Factual and conceptual knowledge and understandi ng; use of class materials; independent reading Critical thinking; conceptualisati on; creativity; synthesis, analysis and evaluation; application; problem solving and Written, oral and presentation skills; interpersonal, group and teamwork skills; leadership skills; numeracy; digital skills; practical, professional andPM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 7 of 18 research/invest igation academic skills (including referencing/prese ntation MARKI NG BAND CLASSIFIC ATION WEIGHTED AT 35% WEIGHTED AT 40% WEIGHTED AT 25% 86 - 100% FIRST (1ST) Includes all required factual content, accurately and succinctly summarised. Well developed, persuasive, highly relevant, reasoned introduction and conclusions, demonstrating originality. Within word count or presentation time. Includes relevant factual content only. Clearly and logically structured material, showing excellent understanding of the discipline. Accurate spelling, grammar, punctuation, paragraphing. Systematic, accurate identification of relevant concepts, theories and/or principles. Information or data selected from a broad range of highly relevant, current primary and secondary sources, and categorised, analysed or evaluated using relevant, selfdetermined methods or techniques. Eloquent, professional writing style, appropriate to the assignment OR professional, engaging, confident, audible andwell pacedpresentation. Sophisticated use of technical vocabulary, where appropriate. Exceptional, in-depth understandin g of factual and conceptual material, including understandin g of the limits Well developed, perceptive, coherent arguments, systematically referencing primary and secondary literature, including Professional, creative visual presentation, including font, spacing, margins, headings, graphics, images and appendices.PM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 8 of 18 to knowledge in this area. competing perspectives, with clear rationale for choices. Calculations are accurate, clearly set out, with excellent, precise explanations. Exceptional integration of theory and practice, using appropriate conceptual frameworks. Correct and systematic use of academic conventions, references and bibliography. Independent, wide-ranging, highly relevant reading and research, from authoritative primary and secondary sources. Exceptional application of numerical and statistical methods to defined complex problems. Exceptional, consistent, flexible delivery of group work obligations. Proactiveleadership ,accepts responsibility and ameliorates conflict.Undertakes complex tasks. Substantiated, highly relevant recommendation s generating novel solutions. Excellent awareness of ethical issues. Exceptional,well articulatedreflection on own strengths and weaknesses in relation to defined professional and practical skills. Identifies and follows up required actions. 70 - 85% FIRST (1ST) Includes all required factual content, accurately and succinctly summarised. Well developed, relevant, reasoned introduction and conclusions, demonstrating some originality. Within word count or presentation time. Includes relevant factual content only. Clearly and logically structured material, showing excellent understanding of Accurate spelling, grammar, punctuation, paragraphing.PM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 9 of 18 the discipline. Systematic, accurate identification of relevant concepts, theories and/or principles. Information or data selected from a good range of relevant, current primary and secondary sources, and categorised, analysed or evaluated using relevant, selfdetermined methods or techniques. Fluent, professional writing style, appropriate to the assignment OR professional, engaging, audible andwell pacedpresentation. Excellent use of technical vocabulary, where appropriate. Excellent, indepth understandin g of factual and conceptual material, including understandin g of the limits of knowledge in this area. Well developed, coherent arguments, systematically referencing primary and secondary literature, including competing perspectives, with clear rationale for choices. Professional, creative visual presentation, including font, spacing, margins, headings, graphics, images and appendices. Calculations are accurate, clearly set out, with excellent explanations. Excellent integration of theory and practice, using appropriate conceptual frameworks. Correct and systematic use of academic conventions, references and bibliography. Independent, wide-ranging, relevant reading and research, from authoritative primary and secondary sources. Excellent application of numerical and statistical methods to defined complex problems. Excellent, consistent, flexible delivery of group work obligations. Proactiveleadership ,accepts responsibility and ameliorates conflict. Undertakes complex tasks. Substantiated Excellent,wellPM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 10 of 18 relevant recommendation s generating novel solutions. Very good awareness of ethical issues. articulatedreflection on own strengths and weaknesses in relation to defined professional and practical skills. Identifies and follows up required actions. 60 - 69% UPPER SECOND (2:1) Includes most required factual content, mostly accurately and succinctly summarised. Relevant and valid introduction and conclusions. Within word count or presentation time. Includes relevant factual content only. Clearly structured material, with some gaps in logic, but showing good understanding of the discipline. Mostly accurate spelling, grammar, punctuation, paragraphing. Mostly systematic and accurate identification of relevant concepts, theories and/or principles. Information or data selected from mainly relevant primary and secondary sources, and categorised, analysed or evaluated using relevant methods or techniques but with minor gaps or misunderstandin gs. Mainly fluent, professional writing style, appropriate to the assignment OR mainly professional, engaging, audible andwell pacedpresentation. Good use of technical vocabulary, where appropriate. Very good understandin g of factual and conceptual material, Mostly coherent arguments, with some perceptive points, mostly systematically referencing well Mostly professional, creative visual presentation, including font, spacing, margins,PM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 11 of 18 showing some appreciation of the limits of knowledge in this area. selected primary and secondary literature. headings, graphics, images and appendices. Calculations are mainly accurate, clearly set out, with good explanations. Good integration of theory and practice, using appropriate conceptual frameworks. Mostly correct use of academic conventions, references and bibliography. Independent reading and research from a range of mostly authoritative primary and secondary sources. Mainly good application of numerical and statistical methods to defined complex problems, with some gaps, errors or misunderstandin gs. Consistent delivery of group work obligations. Some leadership and ability to accept responsibility and modify responses. Undertakes nonroutine tasks. Some relevant recommendation s generating some novel solutions. Satisfactory awareness of ethical issues, where relevant. Clear reflection on own strengths and weaknesses in relation to defined professional and practical skills. Partial identification of required actions. 50 - 59% LOWER SECOND (2:2) Includes most required factual content, but with some gaps or misunderstan dings. Satisfactory introduction and conclusions. Within 10% of word count or presentation time. Includes some irrelevant factual content. Mostly clearly structured material, with some gaps in logic, demonstrates an understanding of Some mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, paragraphing.PM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 12 of 18 the discipline. Adequate identification of relevant concepts, theories and/or principles. Information or data selected from mainly secondary sources, and categorised, analysed or evaluated using mostly relevant methods or techniques but with gaps or misunderstandin gs. Writing style is appropriate but not always fluent or professional OR a presentation that is not always professional, engaging, audible orwell paced. Some use of technical vocabulary, where appropriate. Satisfactory understandin g of factual and conceptual material, but not in-depth. Limited appreciation of the limits of knowledge in this area. Satisfactory arguments, referencing mostly secondary literature and including some personal opinion Appropriate visual presentation, including font, spacing, margins, headings, graphics, images and appendices. Calculations may have some inaccuracies, or issues relating to set out and explanation. An adequate attempt to relate theory to practice, using appropriate conceptual frameworks. Inconsistent use of academic conventions, references and bibliography. Adequate independent reading and research from mostly secondary sources. Adequate application of numerical and statistical methods to defined complex problems, with some gaps or errors. Inconsistent delivery of group work obligations. Some awareness of responsibility and options. Undertakes mostly routine tasks. Basic recommendation s, which do not generate novel Some evaluation of own strengths and weaknesses in relation to definedPM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 13 of 18 solutions. Satisfactory awareness of ethical issues, where relevant. professional and practical skills. Limited identification of required actions. 40 - 49% THIRD (3RD) Includes limited required factual content, with many gaps or inaccuracies. Basic introduction and conclusions. Within 10% of word count or presentation time. Includes considerable irrelevant factual content. Unevenly structured material, with many gaps in logic and limited understanding of the discipline. Frequent mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, paragraphing. Some identification of relevant concepts, theories and/or principles. Information or data selected from secondary sources, and poorly categorised, analysed or evaluated using inappropriate methods or techniques. Awkward or inappropriate writing style OR a presentation that is not engaging, audible orwell paced. Little use of technical vocabulary, where appropriate. Basic understandin g of factual and conceptual material. Minimal appreciation of the limits of knowledge in this area. Sense of emerging argument, but mainly descriptive or personal opinion, with limited and superficial reference to literature. Negligible use of primary literature. Inappropriate visual presentation, including font, spacing, margins, headings, graphics, images and appendices. Calculations are often inaccurate, withmany Limited attempt to relate theory to practice, using Inconsistent or incomplete use of academic conventions,PM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 14 of 18 issuesrelating to set out and explanation. appropriate conceptual frameworks. references and bibliography. Basic independent reading and research from secondary sources. Weak application of numerical and statistical methods to defined complex problems, with many gaps or errors. Unreliable delivery of group work obligations. Limited awareness of options. Undertakes only routine tasks. Confused recommendation s. Little awareness of ethical issues, where relevant. Limited reflection on own strengths and weaknesses in relation to defined professional and practical skills. 30 - 39% FAIL. POSSIBLE COMPENSA TION. Includes insufficient required factual content, with significant gaps or inaccuracies. Mostly incoherent or irrelevant introduction and conclusions. More than 10% outside word count or presentation time. Includes substantial irrelevant factual content. Incoherently structured material. Serious mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, paragraphing. Limited identification of relevant concepts, theories and/or principles. Limited selection of information or data, and little attempt at collation, categorisation, analysis or evaluation. Poor writing style OR a presentation that is not engaging, audible orwell paced. Does not use technical vocabulary, where appropriate. Limited understandin g of factual and conceptual material. No appreciation of the limits of knowledge in Little or no argument, entirely descriptive or personal opinion, with no reference to literature. Poor visual presentation, including font, spacing, margins, headings, graphics, images and appendices.PM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 15 of 18 this area. Calculations are mostly inaccurate, or incorrectly set out or explained. Very weak attempt to relate theory to practice, using appropriate conceptual frameworks. Inaccurate or incomplete use of academic conventions, references and bibliography. Minimal independent reading and research. Very weak application of numerical and statistical methods to defined complex problems, with significant errors. Poor delivery of group work obligations. No awareness of options. Undertakes a few routine tasks. Irrelevant or no recommendation s. Little or no awareness of ethical issues, where relevant. Very limited reflection on own strengths and weaknesses in relation to defined professional and practical skills. 16 - 29% FAIL. NO COMPENSA TION. Includes almost no required factual content, and with very significant inaccuracies. Incoherent or no introduction and conclusions. More than 10% outside word count or presentation time. Includes mainly irrelevant factual content. Very incoherently structured material. Serious and extensive mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, paragraphing. Minimal or inaccurate identification of relevant concepts, theories and/or principles. No evidence of the selection, categorisation, analysis or evaluation of information or data. Incoherent writing style OR an inaudible, poorly paced and unengaging presentation. Does not use technical vocabulary, where appropriate. Limited No argument, Very poor visualPM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 16 of 18 understandin g of factual and conceptual material. No appreciation of the limits of knowledge in this area. entirely descriptive or personal opinion, with no reference to literature. presentation, including font, spacing, margins, headings, graphics, images and appendices. Calculations are inaccurate, with no explanations. Theory not related to practice. Very inaccurate or no use of academic conventions, references and bibliography. No independent reading and research. Minimal application of numerical and statistical methods and techniques to defined complex problems, with significant errors. Very poor delivery of group work obligations. Does not undertake even routine tasks. No recommendation s. No awareness of ethical issues, where relevant. Minimal or no evaluation of own strengths and weaknesses in relation to defined professional and practical skills. 0 - 15% FAIL. NO COMPENSA TION. Does not include required factual content. No introduction and conclusions. More than 10% outside word count or presentation time. Includes entirely irrelevant factual content. Very incoherently structured material. Serious and extensive mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, paragraphing. No identification of relevant concepts, theories and/or No evidence of the selection, categorisation, analysis or evaluation of information or Incoherent writing style OR an inaudible, poorly paced and unengaging presentation. DoesPM303 Strategic Management Spring 2017 Coursework Brief GSM LONDON Page 17 of 18 principles. data. not use technical vocabulary, where appropriate. No understandin g of factual and conceptual material. No appreciation of the limits of knowledge in this area. No argument, entirely personal opinion, with no reference to literature. Exceptionally poor visual presentation, including font, spacing, margins, headings, graphics, images and appendices. Calculations are missing, with no explanations. Theory not related to practice. No use of academic conventions, references and bibliography. No independent reading and research. No application of numerical and statistical methods to defined complex problems. No delivery of group work obligations. No recommendation s. No awareness of ethical issues, where relevant. No evaluation of own strengths and weaknesses in relation to defined professional and practical skills.