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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
%
Relevance
Knowledge
Argument/Analysis
Structure
Presentation
Written English
Research/Referencing
DISTINCTION
Exceptional Quality
85-
100%
Directly relevant to title/brief.
Expertly addresses the assumptions of the title and/or the requirements of the brief.
Demonstrates an exceptional knowledge of theory and practice for this level.
Insightfully interprets appropriate concepts and theoretical models.
Demonstrates originality in conceptual understanding.
Presents an exceptional critique of key research material resulting in clear, original and illuminating conclusions.
Demonstrates distinctive, insightful and creative solutions to complex problems. Produces exceptional work that makes a contribution to the development of knowledge and understanding in the subject area.
Coherently articulated and logically structured.
An appropriate format is used.
Exceptional presentational style & layout, appropriate to the type of assignment.
Effective inclusion of figures, tables, plates (FTP).
Exceptionally well written answer with standard spelling and grammar.
Style is clear, resourceful and academic.
Sources accurately cited in the text.
An extensive range of contemporary and relevant references cited in the reference list in the correct style.
Excellent Quality
70-84%
Directly relevant to title/brief.
Expertly addresses the assumptions of the title and/or the requirements of the brief.
Demonstrates an excellent knowledge of theory and practice for this level.
Expertly interprets appropriate concepts and theoretical models.
Demonstrates originality in conceptual understanding.
Presents an excellent critique of key research material resulting in clear, original and illuminating conclusions.
Demonstrates insightful and creative thinking solutions to complex problems.
Produces excellent work that makes a contribution to the development of knowledge and understanding in the subject area.
Coherently articulated and logically structured.
An appropriate format is used.
Excellent presentational style & layout, appropriate to the type of assignment.
Effective inclusion of figures, tables, plates (FTP).
Excellently written answer with standard spelling and grammar.
Style is clear, resourceful and academic.
Sources accurately cited in the text.
A wide range of contemporary and relevant references cited in the reference list in the correct style.
MERIT
Good Quality
60-69%
Directly relevant to title/brief.
Addresses the assumptions of the title and/or the requirements of the brief well.
Demonstrates a sound knowledge of theory and practice for this level.
Comprehensively interprets appropriate concepts and theoretical models.
Demonstrates originality in conceptual understanding
Presents a cohesive critique of key research material resulting in clear and original conclusions.
Demonstrates creative solutions to complex problems. Produces superior work that makes a contribution to the development of knowledge and understanding in the subject area
For the most part coherently articulated and logically constructed.
An appropriate format is used.
Very good presentational style & layout, appropriate to the type of assignment.
Effective inclusion of FTP.
Well written with standard spelling and
grammar. Style is clear and academic.
Sources accurately cited in the text.
A range of contemporary and relevant references cited in the reference list in the correct style.
PASS
Satisfactory Quality
50-59%
Generally addresses the assumptions of the title and/or the requirements of the brief.
Minor irrelevance in places.
Demonstrates an adequate knowledge of theory and practice for this level. Some minor omissions.
Satisfactorily interprets some appropriate concepts and theoretical models.
Demonstrates some originality in conceptual understanding.
Presents some critique of key research material resulting in original conclusions. Loss of focus in places.
Demonstrates some creativity in solving complex problems. Produces satisfactory work that makes some contribution to the development of knowledge and understanding in the subject area.
Adequate attempt at articulation and logical structure.
An acceptable format is used.
The presentational style & layout is largely correct for the type of assignment.
Inclusion of FTP but lacks selectivity.
Competently written with minor lapses in spelling and grammar.
Style is legible and mainly academic.
Key contemporary and relevant academic sources are drawn upon.
Most sources are accurately cited in the text and reference list/bibliography.
Minor weaknesses evident.
FAIL
Borderline Fail
45-49%
Some implications of issues explored.
Some irrelevant and/or superficial arguments.
Some omissions evident in knowledge of theory and practice at this level.
Insufficient understanding of appropriate concepts and theoretical models.
Demonstrates some conceptual understanding in places.
A limited amount of critique of key research material with description in places. Lacks creativity. Some original conclusions.
Limited attempt at articulation and problems with structure.
Some formatting errors.
Some weaknesses in the presentational style & layout.
Some inappropriate use of FTP.
Intermittent lapses in grammar and spelling.
Style hinders clarity in places and is not academic throughout.
Limited number of contemporary and relevant sources cited. Weaknesses in referencing technique.
Fail
30-44%
Significant degree of irrelevance to the title and/or brief.
Issues are addressed at a superficial level and in unchallenging terms.
Demonstrates weaknesses in knowledge of theory and practice for this level.
Limited understanding and application of concepts.
A basic argument is presented, but too descriptive or narrative in style.
Limited originality and creativity.
Conclusions are not clearly stated.
Poorly structured. Lack of articulation.
Format deficient.
For the type of assignment the presentational style &/or layout is lacking.
FTP ignored in text or not used where clearly needed.
Deficiencies in spelling and grammar make reading difficult in places.
Simplistic or repetitious style impairs clarity.
Inappropriate sources and poor referencing technique.
MBA7061 Strategy
Example Answer
Critically examine the complex challenges faced in the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic choices
Critically examining the complex challenges faced in the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic choices involves understanding several interconnected factors that can significantly impact an organisation`s ability to achieve its objectives.
1. Dynamic Business Environment
The ever-changing nature of the business environment is a primary challenge. Factors such as technological advancements, economic fluctuations, and shifting consumer preferences necessitate that organisations remain agile. Strategic choices must be adaptable to these changes, making long-term planning particularly challenging. Failure to anticipate or respond to external changes can result in strategic misalignment.
2. Resource Allocation
Effective resource allocation is crucial for the successful implementation of strategic choices. Organisations often face constraints in financial, human, and technological resources. Prioritising initiatives and ensuring that resources are appropriately allocated can be a complex task, particularly when different departments or stakeholders have competing interests. This challenge is compounded when resources are limited, necessitating difficult trade-offs that may impact overall strategy.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging various stakeholders—such as employees, customers, investors, and regulatory bodies—poses another significant challenge. Each group may have different priorities and expectations, making it difficult to achieve consensus on strategic direction. Moreover, resistance from internal stakeholders can arise if they feel excluded from the decision-making process or if they disagree with the strategic choices made.
4. Cultural Considerations
Organisational culture plays a critical role in the development and implementation of strategic choices. A culture that is resistant to change can hinder the adoption of new strategies. Leaders must navigate these cultural dynamics, ensuring that the workforce is aligned with the strategic vision and is willing to embrace change. Misalignment can lead to disengagement and lack of commitment to strategic initiatives.
5. Evaluation Metrics
Determining the appropriate metrics for evaluating strategic choices is another complex challenge. Organisations must establish clear, measurable objectives that align with their strategic goals. However, the choice of metrics can influence behaviour and decision-making, potentially leading to unintended consequences. Furthermore, qualitative factors, such as employee morale or customer satisfaction, can be difficult to quantify, complicating the evaluation process.
Continued....
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