Global Business Strategy
2,500 words
Global Business Strategy – Strategic Analysis of a Global Company
This assessment is an individual portfolio for the Global Business Strategy module. The assignment requires students to conduct a comprehensive strategic analysis of a named global company that is facing a significant business problem and to develop strategic options that can support the organisation's sustainable growth and future success. The selected company can be from any industry and may be a large or small global organisation. Students must identify a company that has experienced significant challenges during the past five years or is currently facing strategic difficulties. These may include loss of market position, inability to gain or regain market share, operational challenges, or declining revenues and profits. The assessment requires students to investigate the company's strategic purpose, vision, mission and objectives before examining the internal and external global business environment that may have contributed to its challenges. Relevant strategic theories and models should be applied to support the analysis. The portfolio is developed progressively across the semester. The first stage focuses on selecting the global company, identifying its key problem and analysing the internal and external business environment. The second stage examines sustainable business strategies, diversification and competitive advantage through a resource audit, together with an appropriate model for supporting global business growth. Students must also propose an appropriate mode and strategy for entering an international market in which the selected company does not currently operate. The third stage focuses on strategic change, leadership and governance. Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of effective leadership styles, the role of leadership in strategic change, good governance and the importance of ethics in international business. Practical examples should be used to demonstrate how leadership, governance and ethical considerations can contribute to business growth. The fourth stage addresses good strategy execution and evaluation. Students must justify how the proposed strategy can be effectively implemented using available organisational resources and process management tools that support continuous improvement. The analysis should lead to strategic recommendations and an evaluation of how the proposed strategies could affect the company's future performance and competitiveness in the global market. After completing the individual portfolio tasks, students must prepare a summary report of approximately 1,000–1,500 words. This report should synthesise the key learning and insights gained from each task and demonstrate how the different strategic concepts have been applied to the selected organisation. The final e-portfolio is compiled as a single academic report in PebblePad and submitted as a PDF through Turnitin. The overall report should be approximately 2,500 words ±10%, excluding references and appendices, and sources should be cited using the ULBS Harvard referencing style.
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Leadership and Professional Development
2,500 words
Leadership Mindset – Professional Development Portfolio
This assessment is a Leadership Mindset Professional Development Portfolio designed to encourage students to think strategically about their career development, align their professional goals and demonstrate leadership potential. The assessment focuses on self-awareness, strategic planning, professional behavioural skills and the ability to develop an ongoing process of personal and professional growth. Students are required to complete a Portfolio through PebblePad, equivalent to 2,500 words. The portfolio is assessed on a Pass/Fail basis and students must complete all required sections before downloading the completed portfolio and submitting it through Turnitin. The portfolio does not require academic referencing because it is a self-reflection and professional development assessment. The portfolio consists of several key components, including a personal SWOT analysis, evidence of communication requesting feedback, a Personal Development Plan (PDP), a CV and a cover letter. The SWOT analysis requires students to identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in order to understand their current skills, identify development gaps and recognise opportunities for improvement. Students must also reflect on the Professional Development Pyramid or another suitable professional development model and select three behavioural skills or competencies they wish to develop. Examples include strategic thinking and leadership. Feedback must be requested from four to six people from the student's personal and professional network, such as family members, friends, peers, mentors, employers or colleagues. This feedback is then used to support the student's development priorities. The action-planning section requires students to reflect on the feedback received and identify three development priorities or goals. For each priority, at least two SMART actions must be established. The action plan should include specific steps, timelines and required resources, while also identifying potential obstacles and explaining how these obstacles may be addressed. The goals and actions should demonstrate a clear connection between the student's self-reflection, feedback and professional development objectives. The final reflection considers the value of the PebblePad portfolio process in shaping personal and professional growth. Students are expected to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of self-development and explain how their development process can be reviewed, revised and adapted for continuing professional growth. The assessment learning outcomes focus on reflection on personal strengths and areas for improvement, advanced critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making, intercultural communication, inclusivity and sustainability, interview and presentation competencies, and the ability to articulate an adaptable self-development process. The marking criteria emphasise self-reflection, clarity of goals, strategic action planning, persuasive understanding of professional development, and clear and professional presentation.
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Corporate Strategy
4,000 words
Strategic Case Study – Corporate Strategy
This Corporate Strategy assessment requires students to undertake a critical strategic analysis of a chosen organisation and develop evidence-based recommendations for its long-term growth and competitive position. The assignment is presented as a 4,000-word Strategic Case Study and focuses on analysing practical business situations through the application of corporate strategy theories, analytical tools and strategic frameworks. The assessment aims to develop students' ability to evaluate an organisation's competitive advantage, identify significant strategic challenges and opportunities, and propose practical strategies for sustainable growth. The report begins with an introduction explaining the purpose of the case study and identifying the selected company. The strategic positioning section then examines the organisation's current competitive advantage, differentiation from competitors, fundamental competencies and resources. Relevant theories and strategic frameworks should be applied to support the analysis. The external environment section requires a critical evaluation of industry attractiveness using Porter's Five Forces. Students must also examine the factors driving organisational change, compare the selected organisation with close rivals and provide strategic recommendations for addressing identified challenges. The international strategy section critically analyses the effectiveness of the company's existing international expansion strategy and requires students to propose a new expansion strategy for a geographical location in an international market. An appropriate internationalisation theory and market-entry mode should be applied to support the proposed strategy. The challenges and opportunities section examines major issues affecting the organisation, including areas such as market competition, technological disruption and regulatory change. Students must identify opportunities that could strengthen the company's competitive position and use an appropriate framework to consider the development, leadership and implementation of organisational change. The proposed leadership-driven strategy should also be reflected upon in relation to the company's strategic goals. The final main section provides two to three actionable strategic recommendations that the organisation should implement to sustain or enhance its competitive advantage. Students are also required to include an appendix of no more than 500 words containing concise explanations, models or frameworks demonstrating their understanding of theories and concepts relevant to the assessment. The appendix should support the main analysis and be clearly referenced within the report. The assessment develops several strategic management capabilities. The assessed learning outcomes include critically analysing a company's strategic position using analytical tools and theoretical frameworks; developing corporate-level strategies and considering their implementation and control; integrating innovative and sustainable practices into strategic planning; and using performance measurement instruments to assess strategic initiatives. The brief also aligns with CMI Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership Practice units covering strategy development and strategic change. The submission is an individual written coursework assignment submitted through Turnitin. The written assignment must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document rather than PDF. Students must acknowledge and reference any AI tools used in developing the assignment and provide appropriate acknowledgement of all sources.
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