Contemporary Analysis

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ASSESSMENT 3 BRIEF

Subject Code and Title MGT604 Strategic Management

Assessment Contemporary Analysis

Individual/Group Individual

Length Up to 2,000 words

Learning Outcomes a) Critically examine how strategic management and core competencies can build and sustain competitive advantage in different organisational contexts

b) Critically evaluate different strategy formulation processes utilized by organisations and evaluate their relevance to particular organisational contexts

c) Develop and plan the implementation of a selected strategy for different organisational levels including for change management processes

d) Consider the external environment of an organisation and analyse capabilities that can enhance potential market opportunities and manage risk.

Submission By 11.55pm AEST/AEDT Friday of Module 6.1 (Week 11)

Weighting 40%

Total Marks 40 marks

Context:

The assessment of this subject supports students in developing their skills and knowledge in

the foundational management topics that include external environmental assessment,

problem diagnosis, strategy development, and the consideration of cultural and ethical

contexts. Effective strategic management is designed to proactively respond to changes in

technology, external environment, and market tastes. A contemporary understanding of the

dynamic forces shaping strategic choices is essential for the successful execution and

delivery of strategy.

Instructions:

1. Over the duration of the course, you are to monitor news and online sources of

opinion to identify three (3) separate strategic influences that together impact on

the outcomes of an organisation of your choice. These influential factors may be

local, national or international in nature, but they must represent a changing or

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evolving story. For example, advances in battery technology, stricter emission

controls, and a general move towards sustainable energy has resulted in General

Motors (and indeed almost all car manufacturers) actively marketing electric or

hybrid models for release in coming years. Note this example is not to be used in

your submission.

2. You are to discuss how the practice of strategy categorises these strategic influences,

and identify the implications for the organisation in question.

3. Drawing upon your understanding of theories, models and frameworks discussed in

class, you are to identify a strategic course of action to address these circumstances

(by either capitalising on positive influences, or minimising the impact of negative

influence) in a way that will result in long-term benefit to the organisation. This

should include a statement of the firm’s revised goals as a result of this change in

strategy.

Your Contemporary Analysis should be structured as follows:

Section 1: Title page

Section 2: Executive Summary

An executive summary provides a succinct summary of the content within the report. It

presents information in such a way that readers are able to understand the intention and

key elements of the report without having to read the entire document.

Section 3: Table of Contents

Table of Contents must have accurate page numbers and be attractively formatted.

Section 4: Introduction

The introduction sets the scene and provides context for the aim. It provides background to

the issues being addressed only.

Section 5: Aim

The aim should start with the words, “The aim of this report is to…”. It should be a simple

and concise restatement of the assessment task.

Section 6: Discussion

 This section should provide information regarding the analysis you undertook

addressing the key deliverables.

 Identify three strategic influences that together impact on your chosen organisation.

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 Discuss how the practice of strategy categorises these factors and identify the

strategic implications for the organisation in question.

 Identify a strategic course of action that can be adopted by the organisation you

have chosen.

 Present a statement of the strategic goals the firm should set, and their implication

on the organisation.

Section 7: Conclusion

The conclusion restates the aim then provides a brief and concise summary of the discussion

to demonstrate that the aim of the report has been achieved. No new information is to be

included in the conclusion.

Section 8: Recommendations.

Recommendations represent the next steps derived from the report. For example, if your

report concludes that a new factory is required to address the strategic change then the

next steps will include obtaining finance to purchase the new facility and/or assembling and

mobilising a team to explore options for location and size of the new facility.

Section 9: References

Please use the correct API referencing style and list in alphabetical order. It is recommended

that you use reference management software such as EndNote or Mendeley to make the

job of referencing simple and straightforward. Remember, every factual statement in your

report will require a reference.

Section 10: Appendices

This is where you provide supporting material which is unsuitable for inclusion in the body

of the report, but still has some value to contribute to the report.

Submission Instructions:

This Contemporary Analysis is to be written according to academic writing guidelines and

must be submitted in compliance with the following;

1. You should make significant references to the subject material and substantial wider

reading. A minimum four (4) academic (books & peer-reviewed journal articles) &

five (5) other sources (newspaper article, trade publications, websites, etc.) must be

used. These should be referenced in the APA style, both in-text and in a reference

list. References to ‘Wikipedia’ or similar unsubstantiated sources will not be

accepted. The assignment is to include in-text citations and a reference list following

the latest APA referencing style. The APA referencing guide can be located in the

Academic Writing Guide at http://library.think.edu.au/ld.php?content_id=1882254

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Students are to submit Assessment 3, Contemporary Analysis (with references) via the

Assessment link in the main navigation menu in MGT604 Strategic Management on the

Student Portal. The Learning Facilitator will provide feedback via Grade Centre in the

Student Portal. Feedback can be viewed in My Grades.

Students should use the brief to guide what to include in the assessment and the following

rubric to inform the standard required.

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Rubric: Assessment 3 – MGT604 Assessment 3 Contemporary Analysis

Assessment Attributes

Fail (Unacceptable) 0-49%

Pass (Functional) 50-64%

Credit (Proficient) 65-74%

Distinction (Advanced) 75 -84%

High Distinction (Exceptional) 85-100%

Research and

comprehension:

30%

Content does not adequately demonstrate a postgraduate standard of detail and thought.

Content somewhat superficial or with some gaps in understanding.

Good coverage of the topic with clearly articulated explanation of the topic. Reasonable fit between theory and practice.

Thorough coverage of the topic. Good application of theory. Good use of credible sources.

Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding; insightful discussion; excellent and relevant application of theory. Multiple and credible references used.

Analysis and

synthesis:

30%

Reader cannot understand the foundations of the topics from the information provided. Poor logic. No evidence provided to support arguments.

Basic intent covered; analysis and arguments could be more convincing with some evidence provided.

Reader understands the arguments presented through focused analysis and evidence.

Reader has a good sense of the analysis and evidence which is well discussed in argument. Insights are drawn from synthesised information

Readers’ understanding of the analysis and arguments is clear; logical and well organised; detailed and insightful analysis; structured arguments; synthesis and understanding of links between issues.

Writing mechanics:

15%

Layout is confusing; logic, flow and use of language difficult to follow; numerous spelling and grammatical errors.

Layout is adequate with acceptable logic flow and use of language. Some misspellings and grammatical errors.

Overall presentation is easy to digest; language succinct and well chosen; less than four spelling and grammatical errors.

Good presentation content and language; easy to read and draw conclusions; no more than two spelling and grammatical errors.

Overall style, use of language, figures and tables encourages comprehension; creative and engaging report.

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Reflection and

conclusions:

25%

Little reflection evident; unclear conclusions.

Poor reflections and generic or somewhat irrelevant conclusions.

Good reflections highlighting key aspects; relevant conclusions which are a mix of generic and specific conclusions.

Rich reflections drawing from good research, analysis and synthesis. Relevant and specific conclusions.

Insightful conclusions drawing from the discussion and evidence; creative and insightful reflection with relevance to the topic.