ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title STRATEGY AND ORGANISATION
Code ULMS617
Coordinator Dr DK Anderton
Strategy, IB and Entrepreneurship
Dane.Anderton@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 10

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           10

10
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 90
TOTAL HOURS 100

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Individual assignment There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When): Semester 1    60       
Group presentation There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When): Semester 1    40       

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide students with a sound understanding of what it means for an organisation to develop and implement a strategy that enables it to achieve and sustain competitive advantage. They learn to evaluate critically how the processes of strategic management assist firms in major corporate and business decisions relating to the scope, scale and direction of an organisation’s activities. Students learn how to identify and analyse strategic challenges and opportunities, and to develop, evaluate, and select recommendations for implementable strategic actions. Using a case-based approach, the module encourages students to put themselves into the shoes of managers who are faced with strategic dilemmas or underexploited opportunities. They are then given a range of approaches, frameworks and methods in order to analyse and understand these challenges on a deeper level, and develop meaningful strategic options. The module draws on both behavioural and econo mic perspectives on strategy. It aims to make students aware of central theories and debates in the strategy literature (e.g., the resource-based view of the firm, value creation and value appropriation strategies, theories of competitive positioning, the notion of the boundaries of the firm). It also helps students to develop a conceptual understanding of resilience and an awareness of strategies for coping with disruptive change. Furthermore, the module takes a critical approach, in that it provides opportunities to reflect on the purpose of a business and the effects of strategic actions on different stakeholder groups .


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Define strategy and trace its development as a business discipline, with particular reference to the broadening scope of the field from positioning, resource-based approaches, and strategies for coping with disruptive change.

(LO2) Identify key elements of strategic management, from mission through to implementation and critically evaluate how the process of strategic management assists organisations in major corporate and business decisions relating to the scope, scale and direction of an organisation's activities.

(LO3) Analyse an organisation and identify its strategic strengths and weaknesses.

(LO4) Understand the notions of value creation and strategic prioritising approaches derived from it.

(LO5) Develop a critical awareness of the key issues in international business and management, demonstrating awareness of a range of perspectives of the global economy, the inter-relationships between companies internationally, and the global nature of strategy.

(LO6) Analyse markets and industries using a variety of strategic management approaches, while understanding the limitations of those approaches.

(LO7) Develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of ethical dilemmas, corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues in strategic management and the impact this has on strategy.

(S1) Adaptability. Use of multiple cases and examples. Students need to switch from one problem set to the next quickly.

(S2) Problem solving skills. Each case involves a set of complex problems that need to be addressed.

(S3) Numeracy. The module involves a heavy emphasis on empirical analyses in the context of strategic questions.

(S4) Commercial awareness. Solutions are assessed with respect to the question of whether they are commercially viable.

(S5) Teamwork. The presentation is held by diverse teams (in terms of nationality, gender, etc.)

(S6) Organisational skills. The module has tight deadlines. The group presentation requires good organisational skills.

(S7) Communication skills. Cases are discussed interactively and presented by groups. Students need good written communication skills for their assignments.

(S8) IT skills. Use of presentation software and spreadsheet packages for problem solving.

(S9) International awareness. The module discusses case studies of international companies.

(S10) Lifelong learning skills. Nature of strategy requires application to real-life settings.

(S11) Ethical awareness. Ethical implications of strategic decision-making situations are discussed.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Online Discussions x 28 hours (scheduled)
The learning and teaching strategy is founded upon the principles established through the MBA programme (see Section 6 of the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA Programme Specification). This module will include 28 hours of directed learning delivered online using both synchronous and asynchronous methods. The teaching will use a number of digital collaboration methods such as: online classrooms; online discussion boards; podcasts; blogs; video-blogs; video-presentations; and online simulations of decision environments and cases.

Online Discussions x 10 hours (unscheduled, i.e. time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff)

Self-directed learning x 62 hours
Self-directed learning hours will be used by students to ensure that requisite reading is undertaken, preparation for online classes andpresentations, and for completion of assessed and non-assessed work that will aid and enhance the students’ own learning experience.


Syllabus

 

What is strategy?
Definitions and scope;
Trade-offs;
Exercising judgement.

Identifying and selecting business opportunities:
Business level strategy, business models, resources and capabilities;
Generic competitive strategies.

Growing the business:
Competitive landscape analysis and strategic positioning;
Diversification;
Internationalisation strategies.

Changing the business:
Creative destruction, innovation and disruption.

The complex organisation:
Managing change;
Strategic leadership.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.