Critically examine the complex challenges faced in the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic choices
MBA7061 Strategy
Assessment Brief – AS1
Key dates and details
Assessment Type:
Portfolio (3000 Words)
Assessment Title
(weighting):
Assignment One – Strategic Planning – Portfolio – 70% (Group and
Individual)
Word Count
3000 Words
Learning Outcomes:
2,3,4
Submission Date:
Learning Outcomes Assessed
LO2
Critically examine the complex challenges faced in the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic choices
LO3
Critically evaluate and synthesize 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.
LO4
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 a portfolio 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 organization from IT/Technology industry. This then leads to developing a strategic plan, with justification and evidence-based strategic recommendation for organization improvements.
Group Area –
Executive Summary – covering all the areas of the assignment (250 words)Letter of Recommendation – (250 words)Supporting annexures
Individual Area –
Strategic Challenges – Introduction to chosen organization followed by critical analysis of key strategic challenges faced by chosen organization. Present a prioritized summary of the organization’s key strategic challenges, supporting this with an explanation of how these priorities were arrived at. (600 words)Strategic Choices – Next based on your strategic analysis, evaluate the strategic options/choices potentially available for your organisation, providing theoretical support to frame your discussion. (600 words)Strategic Evaluation – Select and critically evaluate two strategic choices. Assess the complex challenges faced in the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic choice for your chosen organisation. (600 words)Strategy Selection and Conclusion – Recommend a suitable strategic option. Present informed judgments in relation to selection of recommended strategic option. Justification should be evidence based and should put organisation in a better position. ( 700 words – including 100 words for conclusion
Important Information for the Portfolio
Students are allocated into groups at the start of the module.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. Evidences to demonstrate their online group collaboration in Canvas or any other platform are to be added in the Appendix section of the portfolio (no word limits on this).Provide the full Harvard reference within the reference page for each item used, and the correct Harvard ‘shortened’ reference within the portfolio.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.Make use of relevant core texts and research items from within the module.Your cover page would be the first page of your group portfolio. Ensure in your cover page, the names and IDs of all members are included as well as the module name, tutor name, academic year/cohort/group.The assignment will be submitted as a single file.Only one person in the group will make summative submission via Turnitin.
Structure and Format for Assignment 2
Format and Structure
Weightage
Title Page
Executive Summary
5%
Letter of Recommendation
5%
Strategic Challenges
20%
Strategic Choices
20%
Strategic Evaluations
20%
Strategy Selection and Conclusion
20%
References and Appendices and
supporting annexures
5%
Proof of participation of Online
Collaboration
5%
Minimum Secondary Research Source Requirements for both assignments:
Level HE7 – It is expected that the Reference List will contain between fifteen to twenty sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include four refereed academic journals and five academic books.
Important and helpful information
Late work will be subject to the penalties:
Up to 7 calendar days late = 10 marks subtracted but if the assignment would normally gain a pass mark, then the final mark to be no lower than the pass mark for the assignment.More than 7 calendar days late = This will be counted as non-submission and no marks will be recorded.
Late submission of assessments on refer and those which are graded Pass/Fail only, is not permitted. Students may request an extension to the original published deadline date as described below.
Please refer to the Module Guide for information regarding indicative reading, guidelines for the preparation and submission of assignments, and the assessment criteria.
Submission, Assessment & Feedback
Electronic copies of assignments should be submitted via “Turn-it-in”. Please ensure you
follow the instructions provided by your module tutor and on the assessment brief. Written feedback in the form of annotations onto your electronic submission and summary comments will be provided within three working weeks of the submission deadline, together with your internally moderated grade for the assignment
This assessment satisfies the learning outcomes as specified in your module guide. The pass mark for this assignment is 50%
Guidelines for Written Assessments Level HE7
