Reference no: EM133850360

Strategy

Strategy Portfolio

Assessment - Strategic Planning

Learning Outcome 1: Critically examine the complex challenges faced in the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic choices

Learning Outcome 2: Critically evaluate and synthesise information and data from appropriate sources and use these to make informed judgments in relation to strategic options within contemporary global commercial and non-commercial contexts.

Learning Outcome 3: Formulate and justify innovative, evidenced-based strategic proposals and solutions.

Background
Throughout the module we will be examining a variety of strategy issues using a variety of research materials. Strategy in the context of contemporary business world will be explored, which includes an examination of global economic systems, instability, circular economy, new business practices, disruption, and business model innovation. Traditional and contemporary approaches to strategy, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement will be touched upon. Corporate, business, functional and network strategies will also be considered.

Description of the assessment

This assignment will allow the students to apply the learning from the module to a topic and will be submitted in the form of aportfolio with both group and individual components.

Task: Students are required to form a group of maximum four members to undertake this assignment. The group is expected to execute a strategy analysis for a self-selected Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SME)from any industry.This then leads to developing a strategic plan, with justification and evidence-based strategic recommendation for organisation improvements.

Group Area -

• Executive Summary - covering all the areas of the assignment (250 words)
• Letter of Recommendation -(250 words)
• Supporting annexures

Individual Area -

Section A: Strategic Challenges
Choose one of the three main theoretical schools of strategic management-Business School, Positioning School or Resource-Based View (RBV)-to focus on throughout this assessment. In this section, address the following:
• Discuss how your understanding of the chosen theory has developed during the module and why you selected this theory over the other two.
• Reflect on how your knowledge of the history of strategic management has evolved in relation to your chosen school of thought. (600 words)

Section B: Strategic Choices
Based on your analysis of current industry trends, evaluate the strategic options/choices potentially available for your organisation, providing theoretical support to frame your discussion,propose a 3-year strategic plan that will help the company achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Address the following:
• Provide a strategic vision and mission.
• Outline key strategic goals for the next three years.
• Develop an implementation plan to achieve these goals. (600 words)

Section C:Strategic Evaluation
Using the strategic management theory you selected in Section A, critically evaluate the current strategic position of your chosen organisation from Section B. Assess the complex challenges faced in development, implementation and evaluation. Applying your theoretical knowledge to assess the strategic options available to the company. (600 words)

Section D: Strategy Selection and Conclusion
Reflect on your own understanding of the theory and consider the limitations of your chosen approach. Additionally, evaluate how governance, ethics, and corporate social responsibility are impacted by your strategic recommendations. (500 words and 200 for conclusion)

Important Information for the Portfolio

1. Students are asked to form into groups themselves at the start of Week two and by the end of Week two confirm the groups with the Lecturer. Once formed, students are required to self- allocate themselves into a group in Canvas so they can start online group collaborationin Canvas. (they can also use any other platform for team collaboration)

2. Those students who still have not joineda group by the end of Week two will be randomly allocated to a group by their lecturer.

3. Students are required to collaborate with their group members using tools such as group discussion forum in Canvas.5% marks are allocated to online collaboration.Evidenceto demonstrate theironline group collaboration in Canvas or any other platform are to be added in the Appendix section of the portfolio (no word limits on this). Get Trusted Assignment Writing Help Now!

4. Provide the full Harvard reference within the reference page for each item used, and the correct Harvard ‘shortened' reference within the portfolio.

5. Include both direct and indirect citations from a wide variety of sources. Include between fifteen to twenty sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include four refereed academic journals and five academic books.

This guide provides clarity on how to approach the assessment strategically and systematically, ensuring all components meet the outlined criteria for MBA7061 Strategy.

Group Formation (Week 1-2)
• Form groups (maximum four members) by end of Week 2. Confirm with your lecturer and register your group on Canvas.
• Allocate Sections: Decide clearly who will handle each section (A, B, C, D).

Portfolio Structure
Ensure the portfolio follows this exact format:
Group Area (shared responsibility and populated by group leader and submitted on Canvas by group leader)
Executive Summary (250 words)  - Shared and developed by all members of the team
• Concisely summarise all sections (A-D).
• Clearly state the organisation selected and core strategic recommendations.
• Write this last to reflect all final outcomes.

Letter of Recommendation (250 words)
• Address to senior management of your chosen SME.
• Summarise key strategic recommendations clearly and professionally.
• Highlight expected benefits succinctly.
Supporting Annexures
• Include supporting data, visuals, evidence of analysis, and group collaboration screenshots clearly labelled in the appendix.

Individual Areas (clearly marked with student names)

Section A: Strategic Challenges (600 words) - Student 1
• Choose one theory: Business School, Positioning School, or RBV.
• Explain why you selected this theory and how your understanding developed during the module.
• Reflect clearly on historical developments influencing this theoretical approach.
• Use critical analysis: Reference relevant literature, including at least two journal articles and core textbooks.

Section B: Strategic Choices (600 words) - Student 2
• Conduct industry analysis relevant to your chosen SME.
• Clearly articulate a strategic vision and mission aligned with your findings.
• Outline key strategic goals for the next 3 years.
• Propose an implementation plan addressing each goal specifically (use frameworks such as SMART goals, Gantt charts, or action plans).
• Ensure recommendations are realistic and evidence-based.

Section C: Strategic Evaluation (600 words) - Student 3
• Critically evaluate your chosen SME's current strategic position using the theory selected in Section A.
• Identify and critically analyse complex challenges (e.g., resources, market dynamics, stakeholder conflicts).
• Evaluate potential strategic options clearly, supported by theoretical insights.
• Highlight risks, potential barriers, and mitigation strategies explicitly.

Section D: Strategy Selection and Conclusion (500 + 200 words) - Student 4
• Reflect on the limitations of your chosen theoretical approach.
• Evaluate impacts on governance, ethics, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
• Discuss ethical implications of your strategic proposals clearly.
• Conclusion: Concisely summarise key findings and strategic recommendations.

Participation Evidence
• Include clear evidence of online group collaboration (screenshots from Canvas or other collaboration tools).
• Clearly show each member's engagement and contribution.

References and Appendices
• Use Harvard referencing consistently and correctly.
• Minimum 15-20 sources, including:
o At least four refereed academic journals.
o At least five academic books.
• Clearly list and cite sources in both short and full Harvard formats.