Introductory description

The module provides students with a sound basis for understanding corporate strategy. The managerial perspective may be of use for students intending to work in the corporate world, and provides frameworks for business analysis and strategy. The module also provides multiple perspectives upon corporate strategy which broadens perceptions of the scope of the academic subject.

Module web page

Module aims

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.

The module focuses on the analysis of business strategy by starting with key issues and drivers for change in the broader business environment. The module then moves on to consider competitive strategy at the industry level, the corporate level and at the level of the individual business unit. A sub-text of the module, which is amplified in Corporate Strategy Part B, is a broader conception of strategy and the company as a human (i.e. not just economic and ‘rational’) concern, operating with a number of limitations that need to be taken into account, and within societies or communities that present a number of often disparate ‘stakeholders’.

1. What is Strategy?
2. Introduction – The External Environments
3. Generic Strategies and Competitor Analysis
4. Analysis of Strategic Capability
5. Formulating a Corporate Strategy
6. Strategic Alliances
7. Mergers and Acquisitions
8. Global Sourcing and Ethical Issues
9. Risk Uncertainty and Strategy

Learning outcomes

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

• Critically analyse a company's strategic situation.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the nature of the changing business environment and carry out comparative analysis of strategy choices within various business situations.
• Think strategically i.e. not be limited to functional myopia but be capable of perceiving a wider and picture and begin to tackle functional and intra-organisational tensions.

Indicative reading list

Grant, R. 2016. Contemporary Strategy Analysis (9th edition). John Wiley & Sons.
Johnson, G., Whittington, R., Scholes, K., Angwin, D., Regner, P. 2013. Exploring Strategy (10th edition). Pearson Education Ltd.

Subject specific skills

Demonstrate skills in structuring and analysing strategic management situations.
Link multiple levels of analysis.
Recognise process effect.

Transferable skills

Work in teams to analyse and evaluate strategic situations.
Present orally and in writing the results of strategic analysis.