Strategic Management (U02706)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : MSE-3-SM

Strategic Management (SM) is an integrated course which focuses on the nature of the general management function. It deals with the entire business, and considers how its different parts fit together from the perspective of the firm?s general management. The course is partly taught through the case study method, and is aimed at providing an organising framework for integrating concepts and techniques of strategic management, as well as applying those in a variety of organisations and business contexts.

Emphasis will be placed on developing skills for conducting a strategic analysis of a firm, including an ability to research information on it; analyse the strategic issues facing a firm through the application of concepts and frameworks of Strategic Management; formulate recommendations based on this analysis.

The course begins by dealing with strategic analysis. It provides frameworks and techniques for analysing the performance of the firm, its industry environment as well as its resources and capabilities. The second part of the course addresses the formulation and implementation of business-level strategies, i.e. how an individual business can compete successfully in the marketplace. The two key dimensions of business strategies (cost and differentiation) are examined, and we explore the implementation of firms? business strategies in various industry contexts. The third part of the course looks at corporate strategy, dealing with vertical integration, diversification and issues of implementation at corporate level.

As part of their continuous assessment, students work in teams on the analysis of a strategic situation faced by a firm and the formulation of strategic options available to its top management. The second leg of course assessment consists of an individual examination.

? Keywords : strategic management

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Business Studies Honours entry Compulsory course for honours students in Business Studies

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Common Courses (Management School and Economics), (Management School and Economics, Schedule H)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

? Other Required Attendance : 1 hour(s) per week for 6 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
07/01/2008	14:00	15:50	Lecture Theatre 5, Appleton Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	14:00	15:50	Central

? Additional Class Information : 1 hour tutorial per week

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

- understand key concepts and techniques of strategic management
- apply strategy concepts and frameworks taught to real-world situations and problems
- apply a framework for conducting a strategic analysis and formulate recommendations
- appreciate current strategic issues facing business in today's competitive markets and their responses