NBS8078 : Strategy for Managers
NBS8078 : Strategy for Managers
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Tom McGovern
- Lecturer: Mr Johannes Schmalisch
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
None
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
None
Aims
• To provide students with an introductory appreciation of the formulation and implementation of business strategy.
• To focus attention on the way in which strategic decisions are made and the influencing factors.
• To provide students with a critical understanding of various models of strategic management.
• To develop students’ analytical skills so that they can critically evaluate various sources of information from industry, financial and corporate sources relating to the management of strategy in organisations.
• To provide students with the necessary skills to critically evaluate the corporate and business level strategies of an organisation, to reflect on research conducted on the subject and to serve as an intellectual platform to prepare students to proceed to further modules of study.
Outline Of Syllabus
1. Introduction to Strategy
2. Porterian Strategy
3. Hybrid Strategies
4. Small group teaching on Porterian Strategy and Hybrid Strategies
5. Strategy, Resources and Capabilities: Resource Based View
6. Small group teaching on Strategy, Resources and Capabilities: Resource Based View
7. Strategic Decision-Making
8. Organisational Decline, Failure and Turnaround Strategies
9. Small group teaching on Organisational Decline, Failure and Turnaround Strategies
10. Revision
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
After completing the module students should be able to:
• Evaluate fundamental concepts and approaches to business strategy and the strategic management process.
• Critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of strategic management theories and ‘tools’.
• Develop an appreciation of the broader social significance of the discourse of strategy.
Intended Skill Outcomes
After completing the module students should be able to:
• Critically evaluate and apply the theories, tools and techniques of strategic management to analyse the strategy of an organisation.
• Demonstrate strategic and critical thinking skills to evaluate complex issues and problems and to provide solutions.
• Evaluate the implications of internal organisational processes and external environmental factors for strategic decision-making and performance.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Pre-recorded lecture materials. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | PiP lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 25 | 1:00 | 25:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | PiP. Small group teaching addressing theory and practice through case study analysis. Formative feed |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 25 | 1:00 | 25:00 | Time for students to read and analyse case studies for the small group teaching sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 23 | 1:00 | 23:00 | N/A |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The focus is on enabling students to understand the fundamentals of business strategy. The lectures provide a framework supportive of student centred learning of these fundamentals. The students are given a selection of case studies to enable them to apply the perspectives, tools and techniques of strategic management, to analyse the key strategic issues and problems facing companies and organisations.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 1 | A | 100 | A 2 hour exam. |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dual Award Shadow Module |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case study | 1 | M | Formative assessment will be provided during discussions and feedback in class on case studies that have been provided in advance. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assessment method ensures that students have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the fundamental ideas and common techniques associated with the practice of business strategy.
Formative Assessment: Students are provided with case studies in advance related to the topic that will be taught and discussed in class. The case studies are chosen to help students to relate theory to practice. The discussions and debates that take place in the classroom together with feedback are designed to help students to develop their understanding and critical thinking of the main theories in strategic management.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NBS8078's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NBS8078's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.