Please note that this sample assignment is for our new suite of level 7 qualifications

in strategic management which became available on October 1st 2016.

Unit M/615/2675 Strategic Planning

Level 7 15 Credits
Related Qualifications

ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Management 603/0629/4

ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Management 603/0630/0

You have successfully gained a junior management role in the UK in an organisation

called Vista, which is a multi-national company. This is an interesting time for the
business as it has decided to review its mission, vision and strategic direction. In this
process the Board wishes to involve staff at various levels in the organisation and it
has established a series of teams which will look at the strategy and feedback their
work to the Board. You have been asked to join Team Singapore which is comprised
of staff from across the company. It will work virtually before meeting in Singapore
for a final face to face session.

This is an exciting opportunity for your personal and career development and you are
keen to make the most of it.

Task 1
In preparation for the first virtual meeting you decide to make detailed notes in which
you:

 explain organisational vision, mission, strategy and business plans and the
relationships between them
 explain how external factors affect organisations and how changes in the
external environment affect organisational strategy
 evaluate how stakeholder expectations influence organisations

LO1 AC 1.1
LO2 AC 2.1, 2.2, 2.3

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Task 2

At the first virtual meeting of the team all members have been asked to make an
individual contribution, which will be circulated to other team members prior to the
next meeting. Your task is to provide a document which:

 analyses the mission and vision statements of named organisations.

To gain a merit grade you must have a further section in the document which:

 evaluates the impact of a named organisation’s vision and mission on its

strategy.

To gain a distinction grade you must add another section to the document which:

 analyses how external influences affect organisational strategy in a named

organisation.

LO 1 AC 1.2, 1M1, 2D1

Task 3

Following the virtual meeting you have been asked to review an organisation’s
strategy and business plans as this may influence thinking for Vista’s future direction.
Produce a presentation with accompanying notes which:

 explains the importance of review in developing organisational strategy and

business plans.
 evaluates the tools which can be used to review organisational strategy and
business plans

To gain a merit grade your presentation must also:

 review the position of an organisation in its current market using appropriate

tools.

To gain a distinction grade your presentation must also:

 analyse the competitive strengths and weaknesses of an organisation’s

current business strategy and business plans.

LO3 AC 3.1, 3.2, 3M1, 3D1

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Task 4

Whilst completing the above tasks your team has decided that there is clearly a
number of strategic options to consider. With this in mind you decide to model
strategy options for a smaller organisation as an illustration. Produce a document for
circulation which develops:

 strategy options for a chosen organisation, using modelling tools

 criteria for reviewing the potential strategy options.

To gain a merit grade you must also:

 apply the criteria and evaluate the options for delivering the strategic direction
of the organisation you have chosen.

LO4 AC 4.1, 4.2, 4M1

Task 5

The Board has decided that the meeting in Singapore should take place and you
have received your travel and accommodation documents. The agenda for the
meeting will include how to create a strategic plan. In preparation for this critical
meeting you decide to produce a file for your own use. The file will:

 explain the structure of a plan needed to deliver the strategy

 explain how stakeholders are involved in the formulation of the plan
 provide a dissemination process to ensure stakeholders are informed and
committed to the plan.

To gain a merit grade you must also:

 create monitoring systems to ensure the successful implementation of a

strategic plan.

To gain a distinction grade you must also:

 construct a strategic plan for a named organisation.

LO5 AC 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 5M1, 5D1

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Guidelines for assessors

The assignments submitted by learners must achieve the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by the assessment
criteria for the unit. To achieve a merit or distinction grade, the learners must demonstrate that they have achieved all the criteria
set for these grades. Where work for the pass standard is marginal, assessors can take account of any extension work completed
by the learners. The suggested evidence listed below is how learners can demonstrate that they have met the required standards.

Task LOs and AC Suggested evidence Suggested additional Suggested additional

number PASS evidence MERIT evidence DISTINCTION
1. LO1 The learner must give a clear explanation of
AC 1.1 the terms which are listed in AC 1.1
differentiating between them and explaining
& their interrelationship. The learner should
provide an evaluation of how stakeholder
LO2 AC 2.1, expectations can influence organisational
2.2, 2.3 strategic planning looking at the evidence
from different perspectives and making valid
conclusions. The explanation of the affect of
external factors and how changes in the
environment impact on organisations must
be detailed. Learners must ensure there is a
broad range of evidence presented including
examples to illustrate the points which are
made.
2. LO1 The organisations used for the analysis of 1 M1 The learner must 2 D1 The learner must
AC 1.2 vision and mission statements must be carry out a clear analyse how external
named. The analysis must be detailed with evaluation of the impact influences affect and can
& examination of the different points made of the mission and vision compromise organisational
demonstrating clarity. statements of a named strategy in a named
1 M1, 2D1 organisation showing organisation.
the relationship and

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 impact on strategy.
3 LO3 The learner must produce a presentation and 3 M1 The learner must, 3 D1 The learner must within
AC 3.1, 3.2 supporting notes, which provide a full within the presentation the presentation and
explanation of the importance of review in and supporting notes, supporting notes, analyse
& developing organisational strategy and demonstrate a the competitive strengths
business plans. The explanation must show a comprehensive review and weaknesses of an
3 M1, 3D1 comprehensive understanding of the review of an organisation’s organisation’s current
process and its application. In addition, the position in its current business strategy and
learner must provide a balanced evaluation of market using business plans. In the
the tools which can be used to review appropriate tools. analysis, the learner should
organisational strategy and business plans examine different points in
leading to judgements. detail demonstrating a full
understanding of the chosen
organisation’s strategy and
plans. The choice of
organisation is critical in
ensuring the learner is able
to provide sufficient
evidence at the right depth.
4 LO4 3.1 The learner must develop strategy options for 4 M1 The learner must
AC 4.1. 4.2 a named organisation, using at least two apply the criteria and
4M1 modelling tools. The modelling tools must be then produce a
appropriately applied and lead to relevant and balanced evaluation of
feasible options. There needs to a range of the options identifying
criteria which are specific, enabling a strengths and issues.
thorough review to take place.
5 LO5 The learner can approach the work for the 5 M1 The learner must 5 D1 The learner must
AC 5.1, 5.2, pass criteria from a theoretical perspective produce within the file, produce a strategic plan for
5.3 but using examples to illustrate the points monitoring systems a named organisation. This
5M1 which are made. In the file there must be a which will help to ensure must include / demonstrate
5D1 full and detailed explanation of the structure the successful consideration of a range of

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 of a strategy showing how stakeholders will implementation of a business principles from key
be involved in the formulation of the plan. strategic plan. The business sources to ensure
This should also include a clear outline of the monitoring systems the achievement of sound
dissemination process that will be used to should be realistic, business objectives. The
ensure that stakeholders are informed of the timely and applicable in learner may need guidance
plan and how commitment will be generated. organisations. on the choice of the
organisation and care should
be taken with using public
limited companies where
strategy plans can be
complex.

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