LECTURE 1

Introduction to Business Strategy course

 Topic Outline
I. Aims of the course
II. Learning outcomes
III. Structure
IV. Assignments
V. Course materials
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 I. Aims of the course
• The aims of this unit is to develop students’
awareness of the different kinds of strategy which
could be used in an operational, tactical or strategic
role for an organization.
• On successful completion of this unit, students will
have developed sufficient knowledge and
understanding of strategy to make a positive, efficient
and effective contribution to the development of
business plans and operational direction.
• This could be in the role of a junior manager
responsible for having a specific input into an
organization’s decision-making and planning.

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II. Learning outcomes
By the end of this unit a student will be able to:
LO1 Analyze the impact and influence which the macro
environment has on an organization and its
business strategies.
LO2 Assess an organization’s internal environment and
capabilities.
LO3 Evaluate and apply the outcomes of an analysis
using Porter’s Five Forces model to a given market
sector.
LO4 Apply models, theories and concepts to assist with
the understanding and interpretation of strategic
directions available to an organization.
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III. Structure of the course
• This course will be delivered in 40 slots (60
hours of study) consisting of:
– 18 slots for 9 theoretical lectures
– 22 slots for tutorial sessions
Please read the unit schedule in the course syllabus
for details.

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IV. Assignments
To complete this course successfully, the students have to complete 3
individual assignments::
v Assignment 1: External audit
This assignment satisfies the following learning outcomes:
LO1 Analyze the impact and influence which the macro environment has on
an organization and its business strategies.
LO3 Evaluate and apply the outcomes of an analysis using Porter’s Five
Forces model to a given market sector.
v Assignment 2: Internal audit
LO2 Assess an organization’s internal environment and capabilities.
v Assignment 3: Strategic planning
This assignment satisfies the following learning outcomes:
LO4 Apply models, theories and concepts to assist with the understanding
and interpretation of strategic directions available to an organization.

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V. Course materials
• The set of materials for this course consists of:
– Course syllabus
– 9 lecture slides
– Assignment front sheets and briefs for assignment 1,
2 & 3.
• Course book:
Course book: Johnson, G. et al, 11th ed. (2017).
Exploring strategy: text and cases. Harlow:
Pearson.
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