Students
BUS 845 – Strategic Management
2018 – S1 Day
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer and convenor
Erik Lundmark
Contact via Email
Room 518, 4ER (previously E4A)
Fridays 12.15-13.15
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(4cp in ACCG or ACST or BUS or ECON or MKTG units at 600 level) or HSYP801
|
| 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:
- To understand the nature and scope of the strategic management process and how strategy is dependendent on stakeholders and group processes
- To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
- To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models
General Assessment Information
All students are expected to ensure that they are available from the start until the end of the teaching semester, which is the final day of the official examination period. Students are also expected to actively engage in class and to be able to find time to collaborate with group members outside of scheduled classes.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study | 60% | No | Weeks 7, 8 &11 |
| Final examination | 40% | No | Examination period |
Case Study
Due: Weeks 7, 8 &11
Weighting: 60%
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) Initial individual response to specific questions relating to the case study. It will require a thorough written response to specific questions. These specific questions will be presented on iLearn. This part is assessed individually and carries 30% of the overall unit mark (50% of the Case Study). (2) a draft of the report and a plan for its completion (3) a moderate sized detailed written report and; (4) a short presentation of the key findings to the class; (5) Active participation in class discussions from week 4 through 13. In week 13, all students will have the option of submitting a peer assessment. These will be used to moderate marks within the group if group contributions have not ben equal.
The assessment description and the marking criteria can be found on iLearn. The written documents are to be submitted via Turnitin, available via iLearn.
No extensions will be granted. Late tasks will be accepted up to 72 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 Disruption of Studies 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.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To understand the nature and scope of the strategic management process and how strategy is dependendent on stakeholders and group processes
- To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
- To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models
Final examination
Due: Examination period
Weighting: 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 exam is closed book, with specified materials permitted: Original handwritten sheet of A4 paper. Both sides of the sheet may be written on. Students may not keep the sheet after the exam - it must be submitted with the examination booklet.
Research and Practice
The exam requires students to assimilate what they know from original research.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To understand the nature and scope of the strategic management process and how strategy is dependendent on stakeholders and group processes
- To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
- To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models
Delivery and Resources
The textbook used in this unit is: Johnson, G., Whittington, R. & Scholes, K., Angwin, D., & Regnér, P. (2017) Exploring Strategy (11th Edition). Harlow England: Pearson Education, ISBN: 9781292145174.
Additional required readings will be available via iLearn.
A total mark of 50 or higher (out of 100) is required to complete this unit.
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/
Learning and Teaching Activities
Active learning
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources 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
- To understand the nature and scope of the strategic management process and how strategy is dependendent on stakeholders and group processes
- To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
- To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models
Assessment tasks
- Case Study
- 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
- To understand the nature and scope of the strategic management process and how strategy is dependendent on stakeholders and group processes
- To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
- To be able to apply the key strategic management tools and models
Assessment tasks
- Case Study
- 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 outcome
- To be able to evaluate an organisation, its strategy, and its environment in terms of congruence or strategic fit
Assessment task
- Case Study
Learning and teaching activity
- 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
No changes since last offering – both the prior version of the textbook and the most recent one can be used.
Global Contexts & Sustainability
In an ever more globalised and interconnected world, the sustainability of organisational practice is increasingly important. The concepts and frameworks introduced in this unit will help students analyse and make sense of some of the complexities underlying sustainable organisational practice.
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 |
|---|---|
| 12/02/2018 | Changes of typos and location of unit convenor's office to reflect changes to building labels. |