MAN-30048 - Module Specification
Keele Business School
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

MAN-10018 - Management in Context

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

Crafting business strategies remains the responsibility of the top management of every organisation. In today¿s ever-dynamic, complex, and highly competitive global business environment, every organisational member is also expected to contribute to the process of formulating and executing strategies. Business organisations, therefore, expect their graduate employees to possess critical strategic thinking, decision-making skill and a thorough understanding of the ever dynamic business environment.
This module uses a combination of theory, cases analyses, reflective practice and a virtual business Simulation game (BSSG) to provide students with opportunities to develop these critical employability skills. The business simulation game allows students to apply theory in practice by working in groups and learning from each other while having fun. The BSSG creates an environment that encourages group work and interactions between students weekly. At the same time, it fosters levels of competition between groups.

Strategy is commonly considered at the very pinnacle of management topics because well-founded strategies give purpose, focus and structure to all other business activities. By contrast, a weak strategy fails an organisation, staff, customers, and investors and threatens the suppliers, communities, and regions in which it conducts its business. Yet, there is no golden rule or theory for a successful business, institutional or industry strategy in today's rapidly evolving world of opportunities.
Given this challenge, the module offers finalists a carefully designed course in marrying theory and practice. As students gain a detailed understanding of strategy theory, they are encouraged to develop sophisticated critical analytical thinking, confidence and work-relevant transferable skills in this most important subject that integrates earlier business studies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain key business strategy's concepts, theories and processes: 1
critically analyse business environmental factors and evaluate their effects on organisational performance: 1,2
critically evaluate the implications of a chosen business strategy for a given firm: 1,2
evaluate alternative competitive strategies and select a course of action: 2
evaluate the ethical and sustainability implications of strategic decisions: 1,2

Study hours

Lectures and tutorial 24 hours
Directed learning, self study and Private study and preparation for assessment 126 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment