Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer (Day) David Rooney david.rooney@mq.edu.au Contact via email Room 511, E4A Wednesday 4pm - 6pm Lorraine Nicolas lorraine.nicolas@mq.edu.au
Credit points	Credit points 4
Prerequisites	Prerequisites 4cp in ACCG or ACST or BUS or ECON or MKTG units at 600 level
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit will equip students with the ability to analyse complex business problems from the cross-functional and multi-dimensional perspective required by general managers. The unit examines the process of formulating competitive strategy at the business level based on systematic analysis of a firm's internal resources and capabilities in conjunction with a structured examination of the various dimensions of its environment. On the basis of this analysis, appropriate strategies with which to pursue sustainable competitive advantage and strategic congruence can be developed. Topics addressed include business-level and corporate-level strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship, and dynamic strategy and game theory.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

1. To understand the nature and scope of the strategic management process and of the different strategic approaches available to an organisation
2. To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
3. To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models

General Assessment Information

Individual Assignment

Due Date: Beginning of Class W5

Weight: 30%

This assignment will cover material in week one through five. It will require a thorough written response to specific questions. These specific questions will be presented on iLearn.

This assignment should be submitted in an electronic copy to the university’s plagiarism checking software, Turnitin. Title your document with your surname and student number, e.g., Smith20062007. Turnitin can be found on the subject’s iLearn website. Turnitin currently accepts MS Word (xxx.doc) format. (i.e. not PDF, PowerPoint, etc). For more information see: http://www.turnitin.com/static/training.html. In addition, you should submit a hardcopy in class at the earliest class after deadline.

No extensions will be granted. Late tasks will be accepted up to 120 hours after the submission deadline. There will be a deduction of 10% from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved.

Research and Practice

The assignment requires students to conduct original research, which involves the collection and analysis of information from a range of sources. This unit uses research from external sources as listed in the references lists on iLearn.

Group Assignment

Due Date: draft W7 final W11 oral W12

Weight: 30%

Students are responsible for forming groups of 4 people (if groups do not even up the lecturer of your class may change the composition of your group). Students should strive to create balanced groups with regards to gender, ethnicity and other characteristics. The assignment will focus on a detailed case analysis and will include the application of many of the concepts covered in lectures. It will require extensive collaboration between group members. The assessment submission will be in the form of: (1) a draft of the report and a plan for its completion (2) a moderate sized detailed written report and; (3) a short presentation of the key findings to the class; (4) Active participation in class discussions from week 1 through 13. In week 13, all students will be required to submit a peer assessment. These will be used to moderate marks within the group. Further details will be provided on iLearn.

This assignment should be submitted in hardcopy in class and in an electronic copy to the university’s plagiarism checking software, Turnitin. Title your document with the surname and student number of the group member submitting, e.g., Smith20062007. Turnitin can be found on the subject’s iLearn website. Turnitin currently accepts MS Word (xxx.doc) format. (i.e. not PDF, PowerPoint, etc.). For more information see: http://www.turnitin.com/static/training.html .

Research and Practice

Final examination

Due Date: Examination period

Weight: 40%

The final examination is designed to assess the students’ body of knowledge and critical thinking skills. The examination consists of questions requiring written responses. These questions require some elaboration and explanations of how concepts can be applied in practice. The exam is of three (3) hours duration and will be held in the examination period. The exam examines the range of topics covered in the lectures and readings.

The only exception to not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances you should consider applying for Special Consideration. If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Special Consideration process the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period. You are advised that it is Macquarie University policy NOT to set early examinations for individuals or groups of students.

All students are expected to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching semester, which is the final day of the official examination period. Extension requests detailing process and conditions – extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, business and university workload is not acceptable. A medical or other certificate is required prior to the submission date.

Research and Practice

The exam requires students to assimilate what they know from original research.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due
Individual Assignment	30%	Beginning of class week 5
Group Assignment	30%	Draft W7, Final W11, Oral W12
Final examination	40%	Examination period

Individual Assignment

Due: Beginning of class week 5
Weighting: 30%

This assignment will cover material in week one through five. It will require a thorough written response to specific questions. These specific questions will be presented on iLearn.

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. To understand the nature and scope of the strategic management process and of the different strategic approaches available to an organisation
2. To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
3. To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models

Group Assignment

Due: Draft W7, Final W11, Oral W12
Weighting: 30%

The assignment will focus on a detailed case analysis and will include the application of many of the concepts covered in lectures. It will require extensive collaboration between group members. The assessment submission will be in the form of: (1) a draft of the report and a plan for its completion (2) a moderate sized detailed written report and; (3) a short presentation of the key findings to the class; (4) Active participation in class discussions from week through 13. In week 13, all students will be required to submit a peer assessment. These will be used to moderate marks within the group.

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. To understand the nature and scope of the strategic management process and of the different strategic approaches available to an organisation
2. To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
3. To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models

Final examination

Due: Examination period
Weighting: 40%

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. To understand the nature and scope of the strategic management process and of the different strategic approaches available to an organisation
2. To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
3. To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models

Delivery and Resources

Technology used: iLearn (https://ilearn.mq.edu.au ) and Macquarie University email.

Access to a personal computer is required to access iLearn; students are required to use word processing and Turnitin for submitting assignments. You will need to bring a WiFi enabled device to every class to use in student centred, problem based learning activities and for access to online analytical tools. The web page for this unit can be found at: iLearn http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/

Unit Schedule

Week

Topic Name

Assessment Tasks

Introductions

Who, Why, What, Overview, Lenses

Pre Reading: Chapters and sections from the textbook, other readings found on iLearn

What is strategic management?

Chapter 1 Introducing strategy

Reading 1a from iLearn

The dynamic view of creating strategy

Chapter 15 The practice of strategy

Reading 3A from iLearn

Strategic leadership

Chapter 14 Leadership and strategic change

Reading 4a from iLearn

Context and macro economic environment

Chapter 2 The environment

Reading 5a from iLearn

Resources and capability

Chapter 3 Strategic capabilities

Chapter 5 Culture and strategy

Reading 6a from iLearn

New ventures, entrepreneurship, innovation

Chapter 9 Innovation and entrepreneurship

Reading 7a from iLearn

Alliances and cooperation

Chapter 10 Mergers, acquisitions and alliances

Reading 8a from iLearn

Corporate governance

Chapter 4 Strategic purpose

Reading 9a from iLearn

Case analysis workshop

Reading to be advised

Strategy development workshop

Based on week 10 reading

Group Presentations in Class

Review

Learning and Teaching Activities

Active learning

This unit is taught using lectures and a combination of student presentations, video presentations and discussions. Students are expected to read prescribed text chapters before lectures, attend lectures, join in discussions and complete all assessments. Reflection is crucial to integrating unit material. Therefore active participation in discussions and exercises is of great importance not only to the participating student but to the whole class.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. To understand the nature and scope of the strategic management process and of the different strategic approaches available to an organisation
2. To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
3. To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models

Assessment tasks

Individual Assignment
Group Assignment
Final examination

Learning and teaching activities

This unit is taught using lectures and a combination of student presentations, video presentations and discussions. Students are expected to read prescribed text chapters before lectures, attend lectures, join in discussions and complete all assessments. Reflection is crucial to integrating unit material. Therefore active participation in discussions and exercises is of great importance not only to the participating student but to the whole class.

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. To understand the nature and scope of the strategic management process and of the different strategic approaches available to an organisation
2. To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
3. To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models

Assessment tasks

Individual Assignment
Group Assignment
Final examination

Learning and teaching activities

This unit is taught using lectures and a combination of student presentations, video presentations and discussions. Students are expected to read prescribed text chapters before lectures, attend lectures, join in discussions and complete all assessments. Reflection is crucial to integrating unit material. Therefore active participation in discussions and exercises is of great importance not only to the participating student but to the whole class.

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

2. To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
3. To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models

Assessment tasks

Group Assignment
Final examination

Learning and teaching activities

This unit is taught using lectures and a combination of student presentations, video presentations and discussions. Students are expected to read prescribed text chapters before lectures, attend lectures, join in discussions and complete all assessments. Reflection is crucial to integrating unit material. Therefore active participation in discussions and exercises is of great importance not only to the participating student but to the whole class.

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

3. To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models

Assessment tasks

Individual Assignment
Group Assignment
Final examination

Learning and teaching activities

This unit is taught using lectures and a combination of student presentations, video presentations and discussions. Students are expected to read prescribed text chapters before lectures, attend lectures, join in discussions and complete all assessments. Reflection is crucial to integrating unit material. Therefore active participation in discussions and exercises is of great importance not only to the participating student but to the whole class.

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. To understand the nature and scope of the strategic management process and of the different strategic approaches available to an organisation
2. To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
3. To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models

Assessment tasks

Group Assignment
Final examination

Learning and teaching activities

This unit is taught using lectures and a combination of student presentations, video presentations and discussions. Students are expected to read prescribed text chapters before lectures, attend lectures, join in discussions and complete all assessments. Reflection is crucial to integrating unit material. Therefore active participation in discussions and exercises is of great importance not only to the participating student but to the whole class.

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. To understand the nature and scope of the strategic management process and of the different strategic approaches available to an organisation
2. To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
3. To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models

Assessment tasks

Individual Assignment
Group Assignment
Final examination

Learning and teaching activities

This unit is taught using lectures and a combination of student presentations, video presentations and discussions. Students are expected to read prescribed text chapters before lectures, attend lectures, join in discussions and complete all assessments. Reflection is crucial to integrating unit material. Therefore active participation in discussions and exercises is of great importance not only to the participating student but to the whole class.

Changes from Previous Offering

The individual assessment has been moved to week six as student feedback indicated that many felt they had to short time to complete the assignment. In addition, a full session has been dedicated to the group assignment. In this session (W7) students will present early drafts and plans for the assignment.

Research and Practice

The assignments requires students to conduct original research, which involves the collection and analysis of information from a range of sources. This unit uses research from external sources as listed in the references lists on iLearn.

Changes since First Published

Date	Description
29/07/2014	l