Course outline
Course summary
The module explores traditional theories of strategy together with current, professional approaches to strategic thinking, including a basic overview of game theory. You will be introduced to the concepts of strategic position, choices and action and will develop your own strategic thinking on the basis of real-life case studies and business challenges. It will include the comparison of different strategic directions such as:
- Cost-leadership strategy
- Focus strategy
- Differentiation strategy
- Hybrid strategy
- Interactive and co-operative strategies (building a strategic network)
The module will also look at external and internal forces impacting your decision-making, provide you with tools for the stages of analysis (PESTEL AND VRIO), planning and evaluation.
The module will help you identify the unique characteristics of intended, realised and emergent strategies. Throughout the module you will be challenged to consider stakeholder behaviour and the value chain as part of your strategic planning.
You will learn how to move from thinking strategically to executing strategy and how to align your teams and get their buy-in around your strategic goals.
The course will dig deep into some of today’s best-in-class business strategies allowing you to learn from some of the decision-making seen across various successful brands today.
Pre-course input:
- Critically reflection of no more than 400 words on “Where do you see your strengths and weaknesses with regard to strategic thinking?”
Course content and assessment elements:
- Half-way mark self-reflective essay of 800 words
- ILO assessments (including online quizzes)
- Videos YouTube and Vimeo
- Course text books
- Theory and experiential learning
- Case-study learning, external and work-based
Final strategic plan in writing and presentation
Students who successfully complete this module as a stand-alone module will be eligible for a University transcript of credit.
Study as stand alone or in series
This module may be studied as a one off stand alone module, or in series with the wider Organisational and Industrial Leadership Programmes for which it was created to develop transformative leadership and management skills in both technical and non-technical sector organisations and enable career progression.
See:
Modules
Programme Specification
Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods
Timetables
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements
See course specific entry requirements listed below.
More information about levels and credits.
Selection criteria
In order to be eligible to study this module, students should have access to a suitable practice-based setting.
Non UK degree candidates must be working at team leader or equivalent in industry. Naric database to inform equivalence to UK honours degree.
Applicants with non-standard qualifications but substantial engineering experience may be invited to interview to present their portfolio of experience.
If applicant’s 1st language is not English, English Language test to level of IELTS 6.5 (min 5.5 for each band) is required, or the UoC English assessment programme prior to joining the programme.
