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Advanced Strategic Management

Module description

Building upon foundational knowledge of strategic decision-making, the Advanced Strategic Management module offers a deeper perspective on the multifaceted nature of strategy implementation processes. This will give you the opportunity to explore in more detail some of the core and emerging issues facing organisations today.

The module is organized around the following key focus areas:

1. Organisational Design: We explore advanced concepts related to structuring and optimizing organizations for strategic success.
2. Organisational Networks: Delving into the intricate web of relationships within and beyond an organization, we emphasize their impact on strategy execution.
3. Models of Organisational Change and Innovation: We explore insights into innovative approaches and change management models that drive strategic adaptation.

Theoretical discussions are enriched by empirical case examples, providing practical context for participants.  

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module aims to achieve three key objectives:

• Insights and Perspectives: The module provides participants with insights into a range of strategy-related perspectives, issues, and trends. These topics are currently receiving attention from scholars and practitioners alike.
• Application to Real-World Cases: The module emphasizes the practical relevance of these insights and perspectives by relating them to real-world business cases and scenarios.
• Critical Evaluation and Understanding: Students are encouraged to critically evaluate and deeply understand the practical application of the concepts and ideas presented in the module.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Critically discuss organisational design principles, and the different types of organizational structures that support effective strategy design and execution
• 2. Evaluate models that drive innovation and facilitate strategic adaptation and sustained long-term firm performance
• 3. Evaluate the significance of managing both internal and external organisational networks, and how network dynamics impact successful strategy implementation.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Synthesize theory and organisational data in order to think strategically about organisational design, networks, and innovation.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Analyse and critically evaluate real-life company situations and business cases

Syllabus plan

The module is structured into three parts. Indicative content will include the following; In Part 1, we delve into organisation theory and organizational design, emphasizing key principles and various structural approaches (ranging from traditional to experimental). We explore how these principles and organizational structures directly impact strategic success. Part 2 focuses on key theoretical concepts and ideas from network theory. We explore how networks within and between organisations foster and sustain relationships critical for effective strategy execution. Finally, in Part 3, we delve into theoretical models of organisational change and innovation, focusing on their link with processes of strategic management and adaptation.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Some classes will be based on specific chapters from Thompson, J L., Scott, J M., & Martin, F. (2023). Strategic Management: Awareness and Change. Cengage (10th Edition). London: Cengage Learning.
• For other classes there will not be a set text. Students are required to take responsibility for any reading recommended in lectures. Any additional recommended reading lists specific to a particular topic will be provided in class.

Key words search

Strategy implementation; networks; innovation; organizational design; organizational change