Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module BUSI55E15: STRATEGIC AWARENESS

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI55E15: STRATEGIC AWARENESS

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap
Tied to N1KE12
Tied to N2KE12
Tied to N2KF12

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide students with the opportunity to study key topics relating to management strategy at an advanced level.

Content

  • definitions of strategy;
  • evolution of strategy, strategic thinking, development, implementation, management thinking;
  • corporate, business and operating strategy;
  • generic strategy approaches;
  • Port, Mintzberg, Ohmae, Kay, Quinn, BCG, Pascale, Tichy, Hamel and Prahalad (industry/market strategies through competency-based strategy approaches);
  • vision, mission, leadership;
  • strategic flexibility, structure, systems, culture and strategy;
  • situational analysis - PEEST, stakeholder analysis, the operating environment, markets and customer analysis;
  • competitive positioning;
  • capability and resource;
  • EFQM, Balanced Scorecard;
  • strategic planning and implementation;
  • strategy comparisons between industries;
  • building a customer centred organisation;
  • customer relationship management;
  • Business Performance Measurement;
  • the future of strategy;
  • strategic flexibility.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • Have developed a critical understanding of strategic concepts and approaches
  • Have a critical appreciation of the relationship between strategy and other business/management disciplines
  • Have a critical appreciation of the various elements of strategic awareness and analysis
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • Be able to apply selected tools and techniques of strategic planning
Key Skills:
    Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, seminars, facilitated discussion sessions and guided reading. Extensive use will be made of case studies and business simulations. All sessions have a high participation element, and an emphasis on action-learning.
  • Assessment of this module is by summative assignment, designed to: test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge; test conceptual understanding and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 3 daily 2 hours 6
Seminars 3 daily 3 hours 9
Practicals 3 daily 1 hour 3
Preparation & Reading 132
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written assignment 3,000 words maximum 100%

Formative Assessment:

Feedback on group and individual activities undertaken during contact hours. Feedback on learning set reflections and action points related to this module.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University