Assignment Briefing for Undergraduate students

Assignment

1. Assignment Briefing

2. Submission format   This is an individual a s sig n men t and t he submission format is in the form of an E-report . The file on Turnitin must be in Word format and include the first page of this cover sheet . The first page of the cover sheet should be in the picture format in order to ensure the accepted similarity of Turnitin . Name of the file includes Student ID_Unit name_Assessment no. (E.g. “1010001_BS_A1.1”) Ensure that authenticity declaration has been signed electronically. The similarity allowed is up to 25% after excluding references. P lagiar i sm is un a cce p t a ble . Students mu s t cite all sou r ces and i n p ut the infor m at i on by p araphra s ing, su m mar i s ing or u sing d ire c t quot e s. A Referral G r a de i s g i v e n w hen P lagiar i sm is i d ent i f ied i n y o ur w ork. There a r e no e xc e pt i o ns   Y our e v i d en c e /fi n din g s m u st be c it e d u s ing H ar v ard R efer e n c ing S t yle . Please refer to Reference guiding posted on Moodle. The Reference page is compulsory to upload on Turnitin. This assignment should be written in a concise, formal business style using Arial 11 or Times New Roman 13 font size and 1.5 spacing . The word limit is 3,500 words (+/- 10%) . You MUST com p lete a nd s ubm i t s oft c op y of y o ur w ork o n the d ue da te s stat e d on Assignment brief . All l ate w ork is not allowed to submit. Th i s rule is n ot w ai v ed under a n y ci r cu m sta n ce s . R ead ALL In s truc t ions on th i s P age and r e view t h e P a s s, Mer i t and D i stin c t ion criteria carefully.

3. LO1 Analyse the impact and influence that the macro environment has on an organisation and its business strategies LO2 Assess an organisation’s internal environment and capabilities LO3 Apply the outcomes of an analysis, using an appropriate strategic management tool, in a given market sector LO4 Develop a strategic management plan in an organisation, informed by models, theories and concepts, to achieve competitive advantage in a given market sector . Unit Learning Outcomes

4. The industry/sector for analysis In this individual assignment, you can choose one company as your case example from any sector/industry(could be operating in Vietnam or internationally).   You may have more to analyse if you choose a company that is large and competes on an international basis. You have learnt various concepts and frameworks during this course, it is time to harness them to write up an analytical report about the company using the perspective of business strategy management, apply a range of appropriate models, concepts, and analytical tools/frameworks in business strategy .

5. Format for the submitted work The assignment will be submitted as a n analytical report and be presented in polished and professional manner complete with a contents page, with each section clearly identified and a final references section. The standard conventions of report writing will be followed, including the overall presentation of the work and the use and inclusion of supporting references and quotations within the text when appropriate. University policy regarding the use and format of supporting references within the text and the presentation of the final references section must be followed. The maximum word count is 3,500 words (+/- 10%).

6. Learning outcome What could you be doing in this learning outcome? 1 Analyze the impact and influence that the macro environment has on an organization and its business strategies PART A . ( ≤ 300 words) Describe organization: Briefly describe the current status and historical background, vision, mission, strategic goals/objectives/values of the chosen company. (300 words) PART B ( ≤ 1200 words) (P1, M1) Research the Macro Environment: Begin by conducting thorough research on the macro environment factors that can affect organizations. These factors often include political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal (PESTEL) influences. Evaluate Impact: Apply appropriate analytical framework (e.g., Porter’s Five Forces) to evaluate the competitive forces of a given market sector for the company. Assess recent and expected future changes for each force Evaluate Strategic Responses: Evaluate how the organization has responded or could respond strategically to the identified macro environmental influences. This could involve discussing existing strategies, such as market expansion, product diversification, cost-cutting measures, or technological innovation, as well as proposing new strategies. Draw Conclusions: Draw conclusions based on the analysis, highlighting key insights and implications for the organization's future strategic decision-making processes. Recommendations: Provide recommendations for how the organization can proactively manage or capitalize on macro environmental influences to achieve its objectives and enhance its competitive position. EVALUATION

7. Learning outcome What could you be doing in this learning outcome? 2. Assess an organization's internal environment and capabilities Conduct thorough research on the organization's internal factors such as organizational structure, culture, resources, capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and performance indicators. Identify and analyze key internal factors and capabilities that influence the organization's ability to achieve its goals and objectives. Evaluate the organization's strengths and weaknesses in relation to its competitive position, market opportunities, and industry dynamics. Apply relevant frameworks and tools (such as SWOT analysis, VRIO framework, or value chain analysis, stakeholder analysis) to assess the strengths, weakness of the organisation ) to assess the organization's internal environment comprehensively. Draw conclusions based on the assessment and recommend strategies for leveraging strengths and addressing weaknesses to enhance organizational performance. (<1000 words) (P2, M2) EVALUATION

8. Learning outcome What could you be doing in this learning outcome? 3. Apply the outcomes of an analysis, using an appropriate strategic management tool, in a given market sector Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the given market sector, including factors such as industry structure, competitive landscape, market trends, and opportunities and threats. Select an appropriate strategic management tool relevant to the analysis, such as Porter's Five Forces, SWOT analysis, PESTEL analysis, or , BCG, Ansoff ). Apply the selected tool to analyze the market sector thoroughly, identifying key insights, patterns, and strategic implications. Interpret the findings of the analysis and draw meaningful conclusions about the market sector's attractiveness, competitive dynamics, and strategic challenges and opportunities. Develop strategic recommendations based on the analysis, outlining actionable strategies for organizations operating within the given market sector to capitalize on strengths, mitigate weaknesses, and respond to external threats and opportunities. Present findings and recommendations in a clear, concise, and well-structured manner, supported by evidence and data. (<500 words) (P3, P4, M3) EVALUATION

9. Learning outcome What could you be doing in this learning outcome? 4. Develop a strategic management plan in an organization, informed by models, theories and concepts, to achieve competitive advantage in a given market sector. Identify the key factors that are crucial for the successful implementation of the strategic management plan. These may include leadership commitment, organizational culture, resource allocation, communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, and performance measurement systems. For each identified factor, discuss its significance in the context of the chosen company and its strategic objectives. Explain how each factor contributes to the successful implementation of the strategic management plan. Highlight the potential benefits and outcomes associated with addressing each factor effectively. Acknowledge potential challenges and barriers that may hinder the implementation of the strategic management plan. Discuss strategies or mitigation measures to overcome these challenges and ensure successful execution. Integrate the identified key success factors into the strategic management plan. Ensure that each factor is addressed adequately in the plan, with clear action steps and responsibilities assigned for implementation. Based on the analysis of key success factors and the strategic management plan, develop actionable recommendations for the chosen company to enhance its implementation effectiveness and achieve its strategic objectives. Present findings and recommendations in a clear, structured, and well-supported manner. Use visual aids such as charts, graphs, or tables to enhance understanding and communication of key points. (<500 words) (P5, P6, M4) EVALUATION

10. Pass Merit Distinction LO1 Analyse the impact and influence that the macro environment has on an organisation and its business strategies       LO1, LO2, LO3 and LO4 D1 Create a set of valid strategic directions, objectives and tactical actions for successfully achieving strategic alignment, based on critical interpretation of internal and external data, and information. P1 Applying appropriate frameworks, analyse the impact and influence of the macro environment on a given organisation and its strategies. M1 Critically analyse the macro environment to determine and inform strategic management decisions. LO2 Assess an organisation’s internal environment and capabilities P2 Conduct an internal environment and capabilities assessment of a given organisation using appropriate frameworks. M2 Interpret information and data to assess strengths and weaknesses of an organisation’s internal capabilities, structure and skill set. LO3 Apply the outcomes of an analysis, using an appropriate strategic management tool, in a given market sector P3 Determine appropriate management tools to analyse a given market sector for an organisation and inform strategy. P4 Devise appropriate strategic objectives, based on the outcomes of analysis for an organisation to inform strategy. M3 Justify use of an appropriate strategic management tool for a given market sector, to inform strategy and strategic objectives for an organisation.   LO4 Develop a strategic management plan in an organisation, informed by models, theories and concepts, to achieve competitive advantage in a given market sector. P5 Apply a range of models, concepts or theories to interpret and devise strategic planning for a given organisation. P6 Design a strategic management plan, applying appropriate strategies to improve competitive edge and market position based on the outcomes. M4 Produce a strategic management plan that has tangible and tactical strategic priorities and objectives.  

11. How to submit your assessment The assessment must be submitted by 10.00 AM, Monday 13th May, 2024 . Softcopy submissions are required. You can access the submission link through the Moodle. Your coursework will be given a zero mark if you do not submit a copy through Turnitin on Moodle . Please take care to ensure that you have fully submitted your work. Please ensure that you have submitted your work using the correct file format, unreadable files will receive a mark of zero. The Faculty accepts Microsoft Office and PDF documents , unless otherwise advised by the module leader. All work submitted after the submission deadline without a valid and approved reason (see below) will be given a mark of zero . The University wants you to do your best. However, we know that sometimes events happen which mean that you can’t submit your coursework by the deadline – these events should be beyond your control and not easy to predict. If this happens, you can apply for an extension to your deadline for up to two weeks, or if you need longer, you can apply for a deferral, which takes you to the next assessment period (for example, to the resit period following the main Assessment Boards). You must apply before the deadline. Students MUST keep a copy and/or an electronic file of their assignment . Checks will be made on your work using anti-plagiarism software and approved plagiarism checking websites.