Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
MAN-10018 - Management in Context
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.
Aims
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: 1critically analyse business environmental factors and evaluate their effects on organisational performance: 1,2critically evaluate the implications of a chosen business strategy for a given firm: 1,2evaluate alternative competitive strategies and select a course of action: 2evaluate the ethical and sustainability implications of strategic decisions: 1,2
Lectures and tutorial 24 hoursDirected learning, self study and Private study and preparation for assessment 126 hours
Description of Module Assessment
1: Assignment weighted 60%Students are given a strategic assignment to critically analyseStudents will use an approved AI to generate a draft business plan for a fictitious company's product of their choice. Students will then critically evaluate the draft based on some directed questions and develop a 1500-word strategic business plan.
2: Group Assessment weighted 40%3000 word Group Report or equivalent alternative formatStudents submit a 3000-word report or equivalent alternative format on a group project. Students working in groups undertake a strategic analysis with real companies based on some guided questions and develop a strategic plan that gives the company a sustainable competitive advantage over its rivals.