Developing an in-depth understanding of the strategic vision and the decision-making process and the link with operational management.
Developing the knowledge and skills required for measuring competitiveness and the impact of the remote and operating environments.
Understanding the boundaries and mechanics of the value chain.
Understanding the importance of the dynamic design of the portfolio of offers and the respective roles of the corporate parent and the strategic business units in the ownership of capabilities and competences.
Comprehending the importance of corporate culture, the certainty of change and options available in the competitive arena.
Understanding the role of stakeholders and the importance of issue handling, including corporate governance.
Understanding the importance of strategic planning, management and control.
Providing a conceptual framework as an under-pinning for particular issues and examples.

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:-

1) Reflect on the importance of strategic planning in engineering management. Understand the importance of developing a ‘positive’ attitude towards the subject;
2) Demonstrate their ability to critically reflect on impact of organisational culture and its leadership on the structure, management and performance of an organisation;
3) Demonstrate their ability to reflect on the environmental factors affecting an organisation and by using analytical tools determine the organisation’s position in the competitive arena.

Post Graduate Engineers & Management, Introduction to Corporate Strategy, Overview of General Strategy Design Framework. Managers & Leaders, Organisational Culture, Mission Statements. The Building Blocks of Business Strategy – Remote and Operating Environment, SWOT Analysis, Porters 5 forces, Mergers and Acquisitions, Spin-offs, Corporate Portfolio management.

Lectures will provide a conceptual framework of all key areas, while tutorials will be used for discussion of practical examples, case studies, exploration of issues, and student presentations. External guest speakers will be invited to supplement teaching when possible.

Self-directed learning: Directed learning will take place outside of lectures and tutorials each week, as students will be required to prepare practical exercises and become aware of changes in related issues.

Essay 1: 60% weighting, 50% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2 & 3.
Outline Details: Case study report: 3-5 questions to be answered in essay form.
Word Length: 2,000.

Essay 2: 40% weighting, 50% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 1 & 2.
Outline Details: Case study report: 3-5 questions to be answered in essay form.
Word Length: 1,000.

Formative Assessment: 11 mini case studies discussed in the classroom during tutorials. These mini case studies will have as their main task to prepare the students in the run-up for the summative assessments.