BAM6002 Strategic Business Management
Instructions
- Section 1: The question in this section is compulsory. (40 marks)
- Section 2: Answer any two questions. All questions in this section carry equal marks. (30 marks)
Section 1: Compulsory question to be answered by all:
1. “Strategy is the comprehensive action plan that identifies the long-term direction for an organization and guides resource utilization to accomplish organizational goals with sustainable competitive advantage” (McCuddy 2007).
Critically compare and contrast the application of ‘prescriptive’ and ‘emergent’ approaches to strategy and outline their role in the delivery of this aim. Where possible use examples drawn from the literature to support points you put forward. (40 Marks)
Section 2: Answer any two from the following:
2. Using examples from the literature critically assess the factors which best facilitate the assessment and delivery of Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA) for an organisation. (30 marks)
3. Critically evaluate the benefits, costs and risks of using ‘innovation’ to drive long-term organisational development, illustrating your answer with examples of how this approach to formulating and deploying strategy works in practice. (30 marks)
4. “The use and application of a SWOT analysis is ‘blunt tool’ when applied to strategy management (McDonald 2018)’.
Critically evaluate this statement appraising issues and limitations associated with its use. What conclusions can reasonably be made about the use of this tool in strategy? (30 Marks)
5. Compare and contrast two models or theoretical approaches available to managers to assess the competitive position of an organisation to fulfil this requirement. Comment critically on the benefits and limitations of each model/approach and apply your response in context where possible