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Strategy

Course unit fact file
Unit code BMAN30022
Credits 10
Unit level Level 3
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Offered by Alliance Manchester Business School

Overview

This course provides a foundation for understanding key approaches to strategic management. Students will learn about the tools and concepts used to analyse firms’ competitive environments, evaluate strategic options, and make decisions that allow firms to create value and develop a sustainable competitive advantage. Through real-world business cases, students develop analytical and problem-solving skills essential for strategic decision-making.

Pre/co-requisites


 

Aims

This course introduces the key strategic management concepts, frameworks, and tools. It focuses on the critical decisions that influence firms’ direction and performance, including their business model choices, strategic positioning, and growth strategies. The unit provides students with the necessary skills to analyse real-world strategic situations and make informed recommendations.

Syllabus

  1. Overview and introduction to strategy
  2. The process of strategy-making
  3. Value creation
  4. Business models
  5. Strategic positioning
  6. Resources and capabilities
  7. External environment
  8. Identifying strategic options
  9. Evaluating strategic options
  10. Review and summary

Teaching and learning methods

Methods of Delivery:

Lectures: Provide theoretical knowledge and introduce strategic management tools.

Case Studies: Facilitate real-world application of strategic management concepts.

E-Learning:

Recorded lectures and online quizzes will supplement learning.

Canvas hosts all materials, including the course workbook and case studies.

Delivery Mode:

Primarily in-person lectures, with asynchronous resources (e.g., recorded lectures) to support flexibility.

Knowledge and understanding

Understand and evaluate strategic options for improving firm performance. 

Analyse strategic environments.

Intellectual skills

Synthesise insights across diverse analyses to gain in-depth insights and derive strategic decisions.

Practical skills

Apply strategic management frameworks to analyse business cases.

Develop strategic recommendations based on rigorous analysis.

Transferable skills and personal qualities

Communicate strategic analyses effectively in written and oral forms.

Collaborate in teams to solve complex business problems.

Assessment methods

Individual essay (100%)

 

 

 

Feedback methods

Written feedback will be provided within 15 working days.

 

Recommended reading

 

Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2016). Strategic Management (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Fisher, G., Wisneski, J. E., & Bakker, R. M. (2020). Strategy in 3D. Oxford University Press.

Additional readings will be provided during the lectures, focusing on each of the respective topics.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 20
Independent study hours
Independent study 80

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Karl Taeuscher Unit coordinator
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