Strategy, Business Information and Analysis

Project description
Assignment Question
Consultants and theorists that compete for giving advice to companies
cannot even agree on the most basic questions; what is strategy; does it
matter; and how is it constructed?
Required: discuss the statement and answer the three questions contained
in it.
Approaching the question
Students are reminded that whilst some questions may very evidently refer
to a particular unit they are all designed to span issues across the entire
module. A full answer to the question will require reflection on the issues
that you have encountered throughout the module. It is important to bear in
mind that the content of your answer will depend on the argument that you
wish to put forward in answer to the question and not solely on the
concepts that the question explicitly identifies.
Assessment Criteria
Demonstration of a good understanding of the concepts and ideas contained
in the module along with a critical evaluation of these concepts and ideas.
Presentation of a suitable set of references.
Word limit: 3,500
1) Use a range of sources in order to formulate your ideas and arguments. 2) Textbooks are a useful starting place but do not be restricted to them. 3) Try to keep internet sources to a bare minimum, especially where academic credibility of material cannot be verified. 4) Referencing should strictly adhere to the Harvard referencing system. 5) All sources, directly or indirectly used for completing the assignment (including Internet sources and any internal organizational documents), should be clearly identified and appropriately referenced in the main text and in the list of references. 6) Any unacknowledged or insufficiently acknowledged use of sources will be qualified as plagiarism and will be subject to the appropriate penalties.Required: discuss the statement and answer the three questions contained in it.

KEY WORDS:
Consultants
Theorists
Compete
Advice to companies
Cannot even agree
What is strategy
Does strategy matter
Construction of strategy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY / INTRODUCTION €“ Show the reader how you have approached the three questions as three sections. Write the Executive Summary last once you have finished with your final draft.1. SECTION 1 €“ WHAT IS STRATEGY (1200 words)A) MINTZBERG’S 5Ps & OTHER DEFINITIONSB) EVOLUTION from ancient times till date / business policyC) SCHOOLS of strategic thinking €“ INSIDE OUT / OUTSIDE IND) Evaluation and Critical Analysis or Conclusion of your first section.2. SECTION 2 €“ DOES STRATEGY MATTER (1200 words)A) YES €“ why / corporate size / nature of industry / competition / EoS / DMB) NO €“ why / small projects / market dynamismC) examples €“ co with strategy (fail and success) and co without€¦€¦3. SECTION 3 €“ HOW IS STRATEGY CONSTRUCTED? (1200 words)A) Market AnalysisB) Various environment of approachesC) ImplementationC) Value AdditionD) ControlCONCLUSION: 300 words