Introductory description

This module, for MMORSE students only, will develop a student's understanding of the range of methods and models available to support the development of effective strategic decision making and equip them with the knowledge and skills to identify and apply a selection of methods that are appropriate for supporting the development of effective strategic decisions.

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.

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:

• Problem structuring methods
• Visioning approaches
• Strategy formulation approaches including SWOT / TOWS analysis
• Scenario planning
• Evaluation approaches
  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.
  The module is taught alongside IB3490 - this version is for MMORSE students only who are given an extended assessment
  covering an additional topic.

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 methods to gather and structure data, to support divergent and convergent thinking and to assess qualitative data inputs can be incorporated within the strategy development process.
• Analyse information and present it in an intelligible form.
• Reflect upon the application of methods.

Indicative reading list

Core Text:
F A O'Brien and R G Dyson, Supporting Strategy: Frameworks, Methods & Models, Wiley, 2007.

Other Illustrative Texts:
Cairns, G. and Wright, G., 2020. A reflection on the mass production of scenarios in response to COVIDâ19. Futures & Foresight
Science, 2(3-4), p.e34.
Crawford MM, and Wright G, (2022_. The value of mass-produced COVID-19 scenarios: A quality evaluation of development
processes and scenario content. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 183, p.121937.
Dyson, RG, ‘Strategic development and SWOT analysis at the University of Warwick’, European Journal of Operational Research,
152, 2004, 631-640.
Hindle, G.A. and Vidgen, R., 2018. Developing a business analytics methodology: A case study in the foodbank sector. European
Journal of Operational Research, 268(3), pp.836-851.
Kunc, M. and O'Brien, F.A., 2017. Exploring the development of a methodology for scenario use: Combining scenario and
resource mapping approaches. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 124, pp.150-159.
Kunc, M. and O’Brien, F.A., 2019. The role of business analytics in supporting strategy processes: Opportunities and
limitations. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 70(6), pp.974-985.
Wright, G., Cairns, G., O'Brien, F.A. and Goodwin, P., 2019. Scenario analysis to support decision making in addressing wicked
problems: Pitfalls and potential. European Journal of Operational Research, 278(1), pp.3-19.

MMORSE 4th year students are given additional material for their assessment, for example:
O'Brien, F. (2011). "Supporting the strategy process: A survey of UK OR/MS practitioners." Journal of the Operational Research
Society62(5): 900-920.
O'Brien, F.A., 2015. On the roles of OR/MS practitioners in supporting strategy. Journal of the Operational Research
Society, 66(2), pp.202-218.
Rigby, D. (2001). "Management tools and techniques: A survey." California Management Review43(2): 139-160.

Subject specific skills

Apply the methods taught, including gathering data.
Undertake additional research to expand understanding of specific topics and synthesise learning.

Transferable skills

Demonstrate written, analytical and verbal communication skills.
Utilise and develop analytic skills.
Use information technology (e.g. WP, www, specialist packages)
Work with others (e.g. teamwork).