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IB349-12 Operational Research for Strategic Planning

Department
Warwick Business School
Level
Undergraduate Level 3
Module leader
Frances O'Brien
Credit value
12
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

To develop an understanding of the range of methods and models available to support the development of effective strategic decisions.
To equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify and apply a selection of methods that are appropriate for supporting the development of effective strategic decisions.
To instill in students an appreciation of how the methods can be incorporated within the planning process.

Module web page

Module aims

To develop an understanding of the range of methods and models available to support the development of effective strategic decisions.
To equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify and apply a selection of methods that are appropriate for supporting the development of effective strategic decisions.
To instill in students an appreciation of how the methods can be incorporated within the planning process.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

A conceptual model of the strategic development process is introduced which identifies a set of essential elements for example: vision development, strategy creation, strategy rehearsal and evaluation, performance measurement. Frameworks, methods and models to support the development process include but are not limited to:

  • Corporate modelling
  • System Dynamics for policy design
  • Strategy formulation approaches including SWOT / TOWS analysis
  • Gaming
  • Scenario planning
  • Visioning approaches
  • Performance measurement

The module will focus on a selection of methods; this selection may vary from year to year. The teaching style emphasises the practical application of techniques for strategy support through the use of case studies and group exercises.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Understand the range of methods and models available to support the development of effective strategic decision making.
  • Appreciate how the methods can be incorporated within the planning process.

Indicative reading list

Core Text:
F A O'Brien and R G Dyson, Supporting Strategy: Frameworks, Methods & Models, Wiley, 2007. Journal article lists are included with each lecture eg:
D O’Connell, K Hickson, A Pillutla (2011) Organisational visioning: An integrative review. Group & Organization Management 36 (2): 103-125
G Wright & G Cairns, Scenario thinking: Practical approaches to the future, Palgrave Macmillan, 2011
RG Dyson (2004)‘Strategic development and SWOT analysis at the University of Warwick’, European Journal of Operational Research, 152, 2004, 631-640.
Maani KE and Cavana RY, Systems thinking and modelling: understanding change and complexity, Prentice Hall, 2000.
Sterman JD, Business Dynamics: systems thinking and modelling for a complex world, London: Irwin/McGraw-Hill, 2000.
Warren K, Competitive Strategy Dynamics, Chichester: Wiley, 2002.

Subject specific skills

Use a selection of the methods covered on the module in practical situations.

Transferable skills

Demonstrate written, analytical and verbal communication skills.
Utilise and develop analytic skills.
Convey their understanding of key concepts using different forms of communication (eg write reports, make presentations).
Use information technology(e.g. WP, www, specialist packages).
Work with others (e.g. teamwork).

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 10 sessions of 2 hours (17%)
Seminars 9 sessions of 1 hour (8%)
Private study 33 hours (28%)
Assessment 58 hours (48%)
Total 120 hours

Private study description

Private Study.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A2
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Individual Assignment 90% 49 hours Yes (extension)
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Participation 10% 9 hours No

Participation in activities on a weekly basis via my.wbs

Reassessment component
Individual Assignment Yes (waive)
Feedback on assessment

Formative feedback is provided to groups of students on a (non-assessed) presentation of the case company used in their individual assessment. Summative feedback is provided via a feedback form attached to the submitted assessment document.

Courses

This module is Optional for:

  • UIBA-N203 BSc in International Management
    • Year 4 of N203 International Management
    • Year 4 of N203 International Management
    • Year 4 of N238 International Management with Finance
    • Year 4 of N256 International Management with Marketing
    • Year 4 of N236 Management with Digital Business (with Placement Year)
  • UIBA-N201 BSc in Management
    • Year 3 of N201 Management
    • Year 3 of N20B Management
    • Year 3 of N230 Management with Finance
    • Year 3 of N232 Management with Finance
    • Year 3 of N250 Management with Marketing
  • Year 3 of UIBA-NN35 Undergraduate Accounting and Finance
  • UIBA-N4N7 Undergraduate Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year and Intercalated Year/Undergraduate Partnership Programme)
    • Year 5 of N4N7 Accounting and Finance (Foundation Year and Intercalated)
    • Year 5 of N4N8 Accounting and Finance (Foundation Year and UPP)
  • Year 4 of UIBA-N4N4 Undergraduate Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year)
  • UIBA-NN36 Undergraduate Accounting and Finance (with Intercalated Year/Undergraduate Partnership Programme)
    • Year 4 of NN36 Accounting and Finance (Intercalated)
    • Year 4 of NN37 Accounting and Finance (Undergraduate Partnership Programme)
  • Year 3 of UCSA-I1N1 Undergraduate Computer Science with Business Studies
  • Year 4 of UCSA-I1NA Undergraduate Computer Science with Business Studies (with Intercalated Year)
  • Year 1 of UIOA-EEU Undergraduate EU Exchange
  • UIOA-ESO Undergraduate European Exchange
    • Year 1 of UESO Undergraduate European Exchange
    • Year 1 of UESO Undergraduate European Exchange
  • Year 3 of UIPA-L8N1 Undergraduate Global Sustainable Development and Business
  • Year 4 of UIPA-L8N2 Undergraduate Global Sustainable Development and Business Studies (with Intercalated Year)
  • Year 4 of UIBA-N1R1 Undergraduate International Business with French
  • Year 4 of UIBA-N1R2 Undergraduate International Business with German
  • Year 4 of UIBA-N1R3 Undergraduate International Business with Italian
  • Year 4 of UIBA-N1R4 Undergraduate International Business with Spanish
  • Year 3 of UIBA-MN31 Undergraduate Law and Business Studies
  • Year 3 of UIBA-MN32 Undergraduate Law and Business Studies
  • UIBA-N20G Undergraduate Management (with Foundation Year and Intercalated Year/Undergraduate Partnership Programme)
    • Year 5 of N20G Management (Foundation Year and Intercalated)
    • Year 5 of N20H Management (Foundation Year and UPP)
    • Year 5 of N23B Management with Finance (with Foundation Year and Intercalated Year)
    • Year 5 of N23C Management with Finance (with Foundation Year and Undergraduate Partnership Programme)
    • Year 5 of N25B Management with Marketing (with Foundation Year and Intercalated Year)
    • Year 5 of N25C Management with Marketing (with Foundation Year and Undergraduate Partnership Programme)
  • UIBA-N20A Undergraduate Management (with Foundation Year)
    • Year 4 of N20A Management (with Foundation Year)
    • Year 4 of N23A Management with Finance (with Foundation Year)
    • Year 4 of N25A Management with Marketing (with Foundation Year)
  • Year 3 of UMAA-G1N4 Undergraduate Mathematics with Business Studies
  • Year 4 of UMAA-G1N5 Undergraduate Mathematics with Business Studies (with Intercalated Year)
  • UIOA-EOS Undergraduate Overseas Exchange
    • Year 1 of UEOS Undergraduate Overseas Exchange
    • Year 1 of UEOS Undergraduate Overseas Exchange
  • Year 4 of UPXA-F3ND Undergraduate Physics and Business Studies (with Intercalated Year)
  • Year 3 of UPXA-F3N2 Undergraduate Physics with Business Studies
  • Year 1 of UIOA-EUS Undergraduate USA Exchange