Word count requirements
The word count for this assignment is 2,000 words.
You must state on the front of your assignment the number of words used and this will be checked.
The main text for this assignment must be word-processed in Arial, font 12, double spacing, minimum 2cm margins all around.
You must observe the word count specified in this assignment brief. The School has a policy of accepting variations to the recommended word count of plus or minus 10%.
What is in the word count?
The word count includes:
– the main text, including in-text reference citations and quotations.
The word count does not include:
– Appendices.
These may be used to include supporting data, which may be too detailed or complex to include as a Table. They are not a device to incorporate material, which would otherwise cause you to exceed the word limit.
– Title page
– Contents page
– Abstract/executive summary
– Tables, figures, legends
– Reference lists
– Acknowledgements
Assessment Task
2,000 words total
Case study: 1,000 words
Theoretical analysis: 1,000 words
Choose an organization to write about. You can use any organization from the list provided on the VLE, or you can discuss alternative organizations with the module leader.
Part 1 (50% of mark):
Drawing on a range of documents, compose a case study of no more than 1000 words in which you explore one aspect of how your chosen organization’s strategy interacts with society.
Your exploration of the organization’s strategy should be directly related to a central theme of the module, such as the relationship between strategy and structure, rational planning, positioning, the resource-based view, business models, innovation and entrepreneurship, ethics, corporate social responsibility, corporate governance, financialization, organisational identity, strategic management of change, emergent strategy, etc.
Your case study should provide robust empirical evidence in narrative form, allowing the reader to gain a clear sense of the organization’s strategy and how the organization interacts with wider society. Keep in mind that a good case study synthesizes diverse information into a coherent narrative, demonstrates independent research capabilities, and evidences an ability to evaluate complex problems from a range of viewpoints. Case studies that demonstrate creativity and original insights will be rewarded.
Part 2 (50% of mark):
Compose a theoretical analysis of no more than 1000 words in which you draw on at least one academic article or book from the VLE module Reading List, as well your own independent research, to critically analyse the power relations between the organization in question and the wider society in which it operates. This theoretical section of your essay should consider the strategic choices made by your chosen organization in relation to one aspect of strategic management, showing evidence of independent reading. You may also wish to include diagrams, tables, or relevant examples to further demonstrate the depth and breadth of your understanding of how theoretical literature applies to your case.
Your essay should have a title, e.g., “A case study and analysis of [Organization’s] [specific strategic issue].” Each of the two sections of the essay should be clearly organised with introductory and concluding statements. You do not need a separate introduction and conclusion for the entire essay.
END OF ASSESSMENT
Generic marking criteria
G1: Argument
G2: Structure
G3: Use of sources
G4: Referencing
G5: Presentation
Module specific learning outcomes relevant to this assessment
S1: Demonstrate critical perspectives on strategy formulation, decision-making, implementation, and outcomes.
S2: Synthesize diverse information into a coherent narrative. Demonstrate clear understanding of the interplay and integration between strategic management and other organizational activities.
S3: Demonstrate independent study skills, research capabilities, and ability to analyse and evaluate complex problems from a range of viewpoints.
S4: Use Harvard style referencing correctly.
S5: Well-prepared, well-organized, with smooth transition of sentences and paragraphs. Appropriate tone and use of language. Correct punctuation.
