Students
BBA 350 – Strategic Management
2014 – S2 Day
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Tutor
Brett White
Contact via brett.white@mq.edu.au
E4B104
By appointment
Deborah Howlett
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
3
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to BBA and MKTG101 and 6cp at 200 level including (ACCG200 or ACCG253 or AFIN253)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
The purpose of this unit is to equip students with the ability to approach complex business problems from the cross-functional and multidimensional perspective of the general manager. The process of formulating and implementing competitive strategy at the business level requires the systematic analysis of a firm's internal resources and capabilities in conjunction with a structured examination of the various dimensions of its (external) macro and industry environments. Once this is achieved, management can develop appropriate strategies with which to pursue sustainable competitive advantage in domestic and international markets. Students learn how to use several diagnostic models to evaluate a firm's relative strengths and weaknesses, the threats and opportunities in its external environment, and the key issues that influence how the firm should compete. Case analysis is used extensively to link concepts and frameworks to real-world examples. Group work engages students in the challenges of interpersonal communication, task allocation, coordination and control.
|
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:
- Critically assess the nature, origins and practice of Strategic Management.
- Critically appraise the different approaches to strategy
- Assess the nature of business and industry level strategic issues and the environment in which they are generated
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the main forms of strategic analysis and the ability to apply these to real life cases.
- Demonstrate awareness of contemporary challenges for and critiques of Strategic Management
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Final Examination | 40% | University Examination Period |
| Essay | 30% | Week 5 |
| Case Study/ Report | 30% | Week 11 |
Final Examination
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 40%
Examination Conditions:
A three (3) hour final examination under closed book conditions and within the University formal examination period.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically appraise the different approaches to strategy
- Assess the nature of business and industry level strategic issues and the environment in which they are generated
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the main forms of strategic analysis and the ability to apply these to real life cases.
- Demonstrate awareness of contemporary challenges for and critiques of Strategic Management
Essay
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 30%
The essay question will be available on ilearn in week 2. It will be centred around a conceptual understanding of the nature of Strategic Management: 2000 word limit
Submission:
Hand in essay in registered tutorial to tutor in Week 5, with assessment marking sheet and Turnitin report and receipt attached to each essay
Extension:
No extension will be granted without a Disruption to Studies Application being lodged and received by LIC
Penalties:
No extensions will be granted. Late tasks will be accepted up to 48 hours after the submission deadline (BBA350 tutorial in week 5). There will be a deduction of 20% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late. (eg. 25 hours late in submission - 40% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically assess the nature, origins and practice of Strategic Management.
- Demonstrate awareness of contemporary challenges for and critiques of Strategic Management
Case Study/ Report
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 30%
Groups of (5 students) prepare a case study written report and oral presentation on a chosen organisation. This will require a comprehensive analysis using strategic analytical tools/instruments learned in class and applied to the chosen organisation. Details will be available on Ilearn
Submission:
Handed in to tutor in registered tutorial in Week 11 to tutor, with assessment marking sheet and Turnitin report and receipt attached to each report.
Each group member must complete a Peer assessment in week 12.
Extension:
No extension will be granted without a Disruption to Studies Application being lodged and received by LIC
Penalties:
No extensions will be granted. Late tasks will be accepted up to 48 hours after the submission deadline (BBA350 tutorial in week 12). There will be a deduction of 20% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late. (eg. 25 hours late in submission - 40% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Assess the nature of business and industry level strategic issues and the environment in which they are generated
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the main forms of strategic analysis and the ability to apply these to real life cases.
Delivery and Resources
What is required to complete this Unit satisfactorily:
To complete this Unit satisfactorily, students are required to:
1. participate constructively in group work;
2. take a responsible approach to their own learning, including reading assigned parts of the text, attending classes and engaging in learning activities in classes.
Classes
Number and length of classes: 3 hours face-to-face teaching per week, consisting of 1 x 2 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial.
The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/
Prizes
A Certificate Prize will be awarded to the student/s achieving the highest mark within the cohort.
Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials
·Prescribed text: Grant,R; Butler,B; Orr,S & Murray,P (2014) Contemporary Strategic Management: An Australian Perspective. 2nd Ed Wiley Australia.
These texts are available from the University Co-Op bookshop.
NOTE:
·It is imperative that students keep abreast of current developments both in Australia and abroad via the public and popular media in respect to strategic management. At the beginning of each lecture, students will be asked to participate in a discussion of the preceding week’s newsworthy items, this may well be examinable
Technology Used and Required
Students are required to learn how to use power point, word processing and iLearn and have access to a personal computer in order to keep abreast of iLearn announcements and undertake other necessary tasks.
Unit Web Page
The web page for this unit can be found at: iLearn http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
Changes since the last offering of this unit
More readings will be available to students via iLearn and the textbook has been changed, see above
Learning and Teaching Activities
Lectures and Tutorials
Current Affairs Discussion
Group and Tutorial Participation
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
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Critically appraise the different approaches to strategy
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the main forms of strategic analysis and the ability to apply these to real life cases.
Assessment tasks
- Final Examination
- Case Study/ Report
Learning and teaching activities
- Read in advance the relevant week's chapter and article, be able to apply concepts in tutorial exercises; respond to questions raised during lectures; demonstrate enthusiasm for the subject and attend all group meetings.
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Critically assess the nature, origins and practice of Strategic Management.
- Critically appraise the different approaches to strategy
- Assess the nature of business and industry level strategic issues and the environment in which they are generated
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the main forms of strategic analysis and the ability to apply these to real life cases.
Assessment tasks
- Final Examination
- Essay
- Case Study/ Report
Learning and teaching activities
- The unit is taught by lecture, tutorial discussions and student's reading of text and articles.
- What is expected from students? Read in advance; prepare case studies if required for tutorials; follow current developments and news;
- Read in advance the relevant week's chapter and article, be able to apply concepts in tutorial exercises; respond to questions raised during lectures; demonstrate enthusiasm for the subject and attend all group meetings.
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Critically assess the nature, origins and practice of Strategic Management.
- Critically appraise the different approaches to strategy
- Assess the nature of business and industry level strategic issues and the environment in which they are generated
- Demonstrate awareness of contemporary challenges for and critiques of Strategic Management
Assessment tasks
- Final Examination
- Essay
- Case Study/ Report
Learning and teaching activities
- The unit is taught by lecture, tutorial discussions and student's reading of text and articles.
- What is expected from students? Read in advance; prepare case studies if required for tutorials; follow current developments and news;
- Read in advance the relevant week's chapter and article, be able to apply concepts in tutorial exercises; respond to questions raised during lectures; demonstrate enthusiasm for the subject and attend all group meetings.
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Assess the nature of business and industry level strategic issues and the environment in which they are generated
Assessment tasks
- Final Examination
- Essay
- Case Study/ Report
Learning and teaching activities
- What is expected from students? Read in advance; prepare case studies if required for tutorials; follow current developments and news;
- Read in advance the relevant week's chapter and article, be able to apply concepts in tutorial exercises; respond to questions raised during lectures; demonstrate enthusiasm for the subject and attend all group meetings.
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Demonstrate awareness of contemporary challenges for and critiques of Strategic Management
Changes from Previous Offering
Research and Practice
This unit uses research from external sources and Macquarie academics. This unit gives you practice in applying research findings in your assignments.
The following sources are used throughout the Unit:
1. Strategic Business Journal
2. Harvard Business Review
3. Wall Street Journal
4. The Economist
5. Academy of Management
6. Fortune