This course is an introduction to the field of strategic management, placing special emphasis on strategic responses to the challenges that arise from globalisation and from operating in an international business environment. Strategic management consists of the analyses, decisions and actions that enable companies to create and sustain competitive advantage in the long run. Strategy is fundamental to an organisation's success, all the more so in international firms that face the dynamics of global competition in a rapidly changing world economy.

The course analyses the forces driving the objectives and strategies of international business by relying on available theories and analytical frameworks. Durable, cogent economic and organizational principles and theories provide a secure foundation both for the study of how firms compete, and for making good strategic decisions.

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:
LO1 Understand issues related to strategic direction, strategic decisions, and strategy delivery;
LO2 Understand how globalisation affects the strategy of international firms;
LO3 Conduct research and apply analytical concepts and frameworks to the study of real-world strategy choices
LO4 Enhance students’ critical and analytical skills to formally analyse and assess the extent to which firms achieve strategic success;
LO5 Effectively work in teams.

Part 1: Introduction: 1 Lecture: Introduction to the module – What is strategy and why it is important; Tutorial: Assignment info. 2 Lecture Industry and its Strategy; Tutorial: Case Study Part 2: Strategic Directions: 3 Lecture Internal Environmental Analysis: CSR; Tutorial: Case Study. 4 Lecture Internal Environmental Analysis: Innovation; Tutorial: Case Study. 5 Lecture External Environmental Analysis: Foreign Direct Investment; Tutorial: Case Study. 6 Lecture External Environmental Analysis: Global Collaboration; Tutorial: Case Study. Part 3: Strategic Decisions: 7 Lecture Strategic Positioning and the Scope of the Firm; Tutorial: Case Study. 8 Lecture Corporate Strategies; Tutorial: Case Study. 9 Lecture Corporate Strategies: Managing Group of Businesses: Diversification; Tutorial: Case Study. 10 Lecture Corporate Strategies: Strategies for International Growth; Tutorial Part 4: Strategy Delivery: 11 Lecture Organizational Structure: Elements of Organizational Design; Tutorial: Case Study. 12 Lecture Strategy Matter? Tutorial: Final Q&A.

Scheduled Teaching:
1 hour lecture.
2-hour tutorial.
3 hours per week (3x12 weeks) = 36 hours.

Self-directed learning:
114

Report - 100%
LO - 1 - 4.
Pass mark - 50%
3,000 words max. (+/- 10%)
The student will be required to assess four attributes of the chosen company, providing their own understanding and analytical review of the conclusions reached.