BS4S16 Leadership & Management Theories Assignment Brief

/in /by

BS4S16 Leadership & Management Theories Assignment Brief
You are required to complete one assignment to test the following module learning outcomes:
1. Critically evaluate the development of leadership and management theories;
2. Critically appreciate the nature of leadership and management theories and their application
in a range of leadership and management settings.
1. Assignment Question
Critically evaluate the application of leadership theories to a leader or management theories to a
contemporary organisation.
2. Guidance
2.1 Structure
Students will decide on the appropriate structure and content but we would expect to see the
following elements:
 Introduction (explaining the purpose and structure of the report):
o the terms of reference for the report in general, the theoretical area and focus of
your report and approach taken (including method(s) used);
o setting the context (background to sector, organisation, organisational structure,
culture etc.).
o Structure of the report.
 Main body of the assignment (with subheadings for easier navigation & professionalism):
o Contextual discussion of the broader development of leadership or management
theory as appropriate to the chosen topic for critical evaluation;
o critical evaluation of leadership or management theories see
http://studyskills.southwales.ac.uk/tabs1/analysing/;
o application of critiqued theory to evidenced practice within the selected
contemporary organisation;
o evaluation and commentary on the fit (or lack of fit) between your critiqued theory
and practice as evidenced.
 Conclusions:
o Your conclusions should relate to the terms of reference for the report (in other
words you should be reaching conclusions about theory, practice and the fit
between theory and practice).
2
2.2 Additional guidance
 This is an individual assessment, not a group task.
 You may use either a leader or an organisation depending on whether you are looking at
leadership theory or management theory. If you are choosing an organisation, it is a good
idea to choose one with which you are familiar. It is often advisable to use your own
organisation where possible as you will often have better access to information. Remember
you are required to present evidence not make assertions about practice.
 If you use your own organisation, then you may wish to seek a sponsor for your work who
can help you to navigate access to documentation. If you are using confidential sources then
clearly mark your work as confidential on the front cover.
 You must be ethical in your approach to your work at all times. Your document will be
entered onto a global database (Turnitin) so bear this in mind. Your sponsor/boss may ask to
read your work;
 If you are not currently working then ensure that you choose a leader or an organisation
where there is good access to information in the public domain;
 Whether you are looking at a leader or an organisation, you need to identify relevant
practice. In the case of a leader this may relate to their traits and behaviours. Things that
they have said and done. In relation to your organisation you need to be looking at the
policies and approaches of organisations. You need to provide suitable EVIDENCE (which is
normally referenced). For example, classical and human relations approaches to
management have different conceptions of motivation, incentives and rewards, ways of
organising work and tasks etc. How are these reflected in company policies? Do not fall into
the trap of making assertions. You should only be giving your personal opinion here in
exceptional circumstances and if it is your opinion, make this clear to the reader.
 Remember to use a range of sources of information from both internal and external sources
to build up the reliability of your evidence;
 In your introduction you should BRIEFLY state your methodology. This will normally involve
secondary research only but in exceptional cases, depending on your chosen theoretical
focus, you may hold interviews with relevant staff if considered appropriate. You are advised
to discuss this with your tutor. You may also use your own observations i.e. reflective
practice. Remember to reference this section of your report.
 Academic Literature should be sourced from a range of textbooks and peer reviewed journal
articles. A limited range of readings are made available. Start off with the lectures provided,
then consult text books, to give you a framework from which to build your understanding.
Do not use literature from unreliable sources like Wikipedia, Businessballs, online study
sources. It is essential that you are read peer reviewed journal articles to build your critical
evaluation;
 Use the University’s Harvard referencing system as per University regulations (see
http://studentlibrary.southwales.ac.uk/referencing/.
3
Further general guidance on approaching your assignment work in the module is provided in the
Module Handbook and you are strongly advised to read this prior to commencing your
assignment work.
2.3 Presentation
Your work should:
Be presented using 12 pt Arial font and double line spacing;
Follow best practice in relation to report writing (see
http://studyskills.southwales.ac.uk/tabs1/reports/);
Use different headings and sub-headings to provide clarity to your work with a supporting
numbering system;
You are encouraged to provide different figures (tables, diagrams etc.) as appropriate. They
should be clearly numbered and included on the contents page. They should be used to
illustrate a point but NOT to make a point;
Do not include any appendices as they will NOT be read;
Be your own independent work and free from plagiarism by ensuring that work is clearly
referenced;
Use Harvard style citation and referencing using the University’s published guidelines;
Be written in appropriate academic style. You are advised NOT to discuss the theory, then
the practice and then the fit. An integrated approach whereby you critically evaluate a
section of theory, apply it to practice and then discuss the fit works best as your reader will
be able to follow your discussion more easily.
Be professionally presented. You may wish to consider writing out your practice elements in
italics so it is easily identified and use an emboldening technique to link theory and practice;
Have a good standard of written English and been spell checked and proof-read;
Have a clearly labelled front page detailing the module code and title, title of the
assignment, tutors name, your name and enrolment number and the date of submission;
.
3 Submitting Your Work
 The assignment script must be submitted electronically via ‘Turnitin’ by the last day of week
8, Sunday 2300 hours, UCT. All scripts are automatically processed via Turn-it-in upon
submissions in the VLE.
 Each submission is final and no further changes are allowed on the script’s content. There is
no multiple submissions function and therefore students cannot check the originality score
and make changes.
 Please note that tutors will not be able to pre-assess draft assessments.
 The maximum word for the assessment is 6,000 words, +/- 10%. This word count does not
include any appendices (which you should not need to any extent as all salient points should
be in the body of your report) but excludes the words in the reference list. This word count
must be adhered to.
 The University’s late submission policy will be adhered to (see xxx for details).
4
 Late assignment submissions: a late submission (up to 5 days after the assessment deadline)
is capped at a grade of 40 (passing Grade). Submitting an assignment after the 5 day limit,
results to a grade of 0.
 If there are circumstances preventing you from submitting your assignment or you want to
requests an extension you should email at extenuating.circumstances@unicaf.org to
complete the extenuating circumstances form. Tutors are not responsible to grant
extensions to students.
Feedback will be available within twenty working days
4 Assessment Weightings
Element Weight %
Presentation, structure, style and referencing 10
Contextual discussion of the broader development of
leadership or management theory as appropriate to the
chosen topic for critical evaluation;
10
Critical evaluation of literature 30
Critical discussion of practice relating to leader or
organisation
30
Commentary on the fit between theory and practice 20
See the detailed assessment criteria below. Note that the Faculty of Business and Society’s
postgraduate assessment criteria (provided below) will be used to assess the quality of these aspects
of your work.
You are advised to read these criteria carefully before you start your work, whilst you complete your
work and then again before you submit your work. Remember to use the assessment weightings to
guide your effort.
5 Plagiarism
Please note that plagiarism in either examination or coursework will be dealt with in line with
University policy.
If you are in any doubt as to the difference between plagiarism and referencing the work of
someone else it is absolutely imperative that you seek guidance from the module leader or a
specialist study skills adviser (meetings can be arranged by skype). Ignorance of what constitutes
plagiarism will not be a defence. The information below should be read and fully understood.
What is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is when you take the ideas, thoughts, words or inventions of someone else and present
them as your own. It includes copying from fellow students as well as from books, and taking ideas
and images from others as well as their actual words. It is a very serious academic offence.
You must ensure that all work submitted for assessment is your own, and has not been previously
submitted for any other award or module even by yourself (this is call “recycling”). When you use
source material summarise or paraphrase it in your own words, and cite your source in the text or
5
footnotes. The same applies to direct quotations but these should be used sparingly. If you take up
an idea from someone else, or wish to discuss someone’s critique of a particular theory, you must
again cite the source. Only your own original thoughts and evaluations should remain unreferenced.
Plagiarism is an infringement of University Regulations. If you are found guilty of plagiarism, you
may be failed in the complete stage of the award, and in extreme cases may be discontinued.

 
Looking for a Similar Assignment? Order now and Get 10% Discount! Use Coupon Code "Newclient"

BS4S16 Leadership & Management Theories Assignment Brief

/in /by

BS4S16 Leadership & Management Theories Assignment Brief
You are required to complete one assignment to test the following module learning outcomes:
1. Critically evaluate the development of leadership and management theories;
2. Critically appreciate the nature of leadership and management theories and their application
in a range of leadership and management settings.
1. Assignment Question
Critically evaluate the application of leadership theories to a leader or management theories to a
contemporary organisation.
2. Guidance
2.1 Structure
Students will decide on the appropriate structure and content but we would expect to see the
following elements:
 Introduction (explaining the purpose and structure of the report):
o the terms of reference for the report in general, the theoretical area and focus of
your report and approach taken (including method(s) used);
o setting the context (background to sector, organisation, organisational structure,
culture etc.).
o Structure of the report.
 Main body of the assignment (with subheadings for easier navigation & professionalism):
o Contextual discussion of the broader development of leadership or management
theory as appropriate to the chosen topic for critical evaluation;
o critical evaluation of leadership or management theories see
http://studyskills.southwales.ac.uk/tabs1/analysing/;
o application of critiqued theory to evidenced practice within the selected
contemporary organisation;
o evaluation and commentary on the fit (or lack of fit) between your critiqued theory
and practice as evidenced.
 Conclusions:
o Your conclusions should relate to the terms of reference for the report (in other
words you should be reaching conclusions about theory, practice and the fit
between theory and practice).
2
2.2 Additional guidance
 This is an individual assessment, not a group task.
 You may use either a leader or an organisation depending on whether you are looking at
leadership theory or management theory. If you are choosing an organisation, it is a good
idea to choose one with which you are familiar. It is often advisable to use your own
organisation where possible as you will often have better access to information. Remember
you are required to present evidence not make assertions about practice.
 If you use your own organisation, then you may wish to seek a sponsor for your work who
can help you to navigate access to documentation. If you are using confidential sources then
clearly mark your work as confidential on the front cover.
 You must be ethical in your approach to your work at all times. Your document will be
entered onto a global database (Turnitin) so bear this in mind. Your sponsor/boss may ask to
read your work;
 If you are not currently working then ensure that you choose a leader or an organisation
where there is good access to information in the public domain;
 Whether you are looking at a leader or an organisation, you need to identify relevant
practice. In the case of a leader this may relate to their traits and behaviours. Things that
they have said and done. In relation to your organisation you need to be looking at the
policies and approaches of organisations. You need to provide suitable EVIDENCE (which is
normally referenced). For example, classical and human relations approaches to
management have different conceptions of motivation, incentives and rewards, ways of
organising work and tasks etc. How are these reflected in company policies? Do not fall into
the trap of making assertions. You should only be giving your personal opinion here in
exceptional circumstances and if it is your opinion, make this clear to the reader.
 Remember to use a range of sources of information from both internal and external sources
to build up the reliability of your evidence;
 In your introduction you should BRIEFLY state your methodology. This will normally involve
secondary research only but in exceptional cases, depending on your chosen theoretical
focus, you may hold interviews with relevant staff if considered appropriate. You are advised
to discuss this with your tutor. You may also use your own observations i.e. reflective
practice. Remember to reference this section of your report.
 Academic Literature should be sourced from a range of textbooks and peer reviewed journal
articles. A limited range of readings are made available. Start off with the lectures provided,
then consult text books, to give you a framework from which to build your understanding.
Do not use literature from unreliable sources like Wikipedia, Businessballs, online study
sources. It is essential that you are read peer reviewed journal articles to build your critical
evaluation;
 Use the University’s Harvard referencing system as per University regulations (see
http://studentlibrary.southwales.ac.uk/referencing/.
3
Further general guidance on approaching your assignment work in the module is provided in the
Module Handbook and you are strongly advised to read this prior to commencing your
assignment work.
2.3 Presentation
Your work should:
Be presented using 12 pt Arial font and double line spacing;
Follow best practice in relation to report writing (see
http://studyskills.southwales.ac.uk/tabs1/reports/);
Use different headings and sub-headings to provide clarity to your work with a supporting
numbering system;
You are encouraged to provide different figures (tables, diagrams etc.) as appropriate. They
should be clearly numbered and included on the contents page. They should be used to
illustrate a point but NOT to make a point;
Do not include any appendices as they will NOT be read;
Be your own independent work and free from plagiarism by ensuring that work is clearly
referenced;
Use Harvard style citation and referencing using the University’s published guidelines;
Be written in appropriate academic style. You are advised NOT to discuss the theory, then
the practice and then the fit. An integrated approach whereby you critically evaluate a
section of theory, apply it to practice and then discuss the fit works best as your reader will
be able to follow your discussion more easily.
Be professionally presented. You may wish to consider writing out your practice elements in
italics so it is easily identified and use an emboldening technique to link theory and practice;
Have a good standard of written English and been spell checked and proof-read;
Have a clearly labelled front page detailing the module code and title, title of the
assignment, tutors name, your name and enrolment number and the date of submission;
.
3 Submitting Your Work
 The assignment script must be submitted electronically via ‘Turnitin’ by the last day of week
8, Sunday 2300 hours, UCT. All scripts are automatically processed via Turn-it-in upon
submissions in the VLE.
 Each submission is final and no further changes are allowed on the script’s content. There is
no multiple submissions function and therefore students cannot check the originality score
and make changes.
 Please note that tutors will not be able to pre-assess draft assessments.
 The maximum word for the assessment is 6,000 words, +/- 10%. This word count does not
include any appendices (which you should not need to any extent as all salient points should
be in the body of your report) but excludes the words in the reference list. This word count
must be adhered to.
 The University’s late submission policy will be adhered to (see xxx for details).
4
 Late assignment submissions: a late submission (up to 5 days after the assessment deadline)
is capped at a grade of 40 (passing Grade). Submitting an assignment after the 5 day limit,
results to a grade of 0.
 If there are circumstances preventing you from submitting your assignment or you want to
requests an extension you should email at extenuating.circumstances@unicaf.org to
complete the extenuating circumstances form. Tutors are not responsible to grant
extensions to students.
Feedback will be available within twenty working days
4 Assessment Weightings
Element Weight %
Presentation, structure, style and referencing 10
Contextual discussion of the broader development of
leadership or management theory as appropriate to the
chosen topic for critical evaluation;
10
Critical evaluation of literature 30
Critical discussion of practice relating to leader or
organisation
30
Commentary on the fit between theory and practice 20
See the detailed assessment criteria below. Note that the Faculty of Business and Society’s
postgraduate assessment criteria (provided below) will be used to assess the quality of these aspects
of your work.
You are advised to read these criteria carefully before you start your work, whilst you complete your
work and then again before you submit your work. Remember to use the assessment weightings to
guide your effort.
5 Plagiarism
Please note that plagiarism in either examination or coursework will be dealt with in line with
University policy.
If you are in any doubt as to the difference between plagiarism and referencing the work of
someone else it is absolutely imperative that you seek guidance from the module leader or a
specialist study skills adviser (meetings can be arranged by skype). Ignorance of what constitutes
plagiarism will not be a defence. The information below should be read and fully understood.
What is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is when you take the ideas, thoughts, words or inventions of someone else and present
them as your own. It includes copying from fellow students as well as from books, and taking ideas
and images from others as well as their actual words. It is a very serious academic offence.
You must ensure that all work submitted for assessment is your own, and has not been previously
submitted for any other award or module even by yourself (this is call “recycling”). When you use
source material summarise or paraphrase it in your own words, and cite your source in the text or
5
footnotes. The same applies to direct quotations but these should be used sparingly. If you take up
an idea from someone else, or wish to discuss someone’s critique of a particular theory, you must
again cite the source. Only your own original thoughts and evaluations should remain unreferenced.
Plagiarism is an infringement of University Regulations. If you are found guilty of plagiarism, you
may be failed in the complete stage of the award, and in extreme cases may be discontinued.

 
Looking for a Similar Assignment? Order now and Get 10% Discount! Use Coupon Code "Newclient"

Strategic Analysis: Tools & Techniques – Coursework 1

/in /by

Strategic Analysis: Tools & Techniques – Coursework 1
This assessment is 50% of the overall grade
Task
Present a critical strategic analysis of the current Strategic Change within the
following case:
Post Holdings buying Weetabix
You are required to cover the following topics covered in the module:
 Strategic Position of the company
 Stakeholder Analysis
 External Analysis
 Industry Analysis
News & Web Links
The links below provide some starting points but students MUST add their own detailed
research to develop the analysis:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39625715
https://www.weetabixfoodcompany.co.uk/press/news-archive/post-holdings-completes-
acquisition-of-weetabix

About Post Holdings

https://www.ft.com/content/1c98e144-23aa-11e7-8691-d5f7e0cd0a16
The following structure is required for the submitted report:
 Introduction to the report
 An evaluation of the relevant levels of strategy
 A critical evaluation of the key stakeholders
 External Analysis – using PESTEL to identify and explore key trends
 Industry Analysis – using 5 Forces to critically analyse the relevant industry factors
 Conclusion
The coursework is an individual piece of work. It will be 3,000 words, inclusive of
appendices (+/- 10%). Please note that text in diagrams or tables will count towards the
word count.
University of South Wales (USW)
It is important that attention be focused on a strategic appraisal of the company as opposed
to providing lots of interesting facts over what interests you or what you find on the
internet. Assessment will focus on students’ abilities in applying strategic models and
frameworks in a coherent manner that enables them to develop a clear strategic view of the
strategic position being studied. You do not need to reference many academic sources in
this element of the assessment, but you must reference sources of company or market
information. Furthermore, you must reference sources for any theoretical background
that you decide to include.
Hand in date: tbc
Marking Criteria
Marking criteria are:
Indicative
Percentage
Criteria
30% Application of Frameworks and models
The required frameworks and models introduced in the assignment task
should be applied correctly to identify the key issues emerging relevant
to the business example selected.
60% Depth of Strategic Evaluation.
Key strategic factors should be critically evaluated to develop the
required depth of analysis of the business example selected. A strong
analysis needs to be evidence based rather than appear to be personal
opinion so must draw on relevant sources e.g. news & media, industry
publications, company web pages and documentation
10% Clarity of Structure and Presentation
The report is well organised and logically constructed, following the
layout indicated in the assignment task. The quality of writing, spell
checking, grammar and referencing need to demonstrate accuracy to
ensure the reader can focus on the analysis provided
(The marks for each criterion are to illustrate where the main effort should be spent)
Please remember that an assignment is not meant to DESCRIBE what you have found.
Analysis means commenting on your findings and EXPLAINING what the evidence suggests
about the company.
Marking Criteria
 Introduce the case event
a. Provide a brief overview of the case to set the key themes to be explored
b. Avoid an overlong description of the company
University of South Wales (USW)
 An evaluation of the levels of strategy relevant to this case i.e. Corporate, SBU
a. Students should identify the generic position that guides the company activity
b. Use Bowman’s clock (using products/services to illustrate the way the
strategy is being met) to structure the analysis of strategic position
c. Come to a clear understanding of the company’s position. They need to
clearly determine how and why a differentiation strategy has been developed
d. Use rivals sparingly to clarify the strategic intent of the company. Should
avoid overcomplicating models
e. Link to the Industry analysis that is to follow
 An evaluation of the key stakeholders
a. Identify and consider the relevance of a range of stakeholders that are
impacted by the case study
b. Map the positions of main stakeholders and analyse the impact on the
company
 A critical analysis of the main external factors driving the strategy/ ies being explored
a. Need to do a PEST or variation first then 5 Forces
b. Analysis should focus on the KEY drivers of change rather than cover every
issue found
c. The PEST must not focus on what the company is doing but identify trends in
the environment
d. Models will probably contain more examples than the analysis explores. This
is fine as long as the analysis has picked on the main themes
 A critical analysis of the industry factors impacting on the competitive position of the
company
a. There should be an awareness of how the PEST and 5 Forces are linked
b. Draw out and analyse the key themes that are impacting on the varied forces
c. Avoid just listing a series of bullet points that offer no discussion of impact
d. Develop the competitive advantage analysis with an understanding of group
mapping
e. Provide examples of competitive characteristics that illustrate the nature of
the competitive position
 Conclusions & Recommendations
a. Draw the main aspects of the analysis together
b. Set out key points considered for strategic development
University of South Wales (USW)
General Guidance to students
Structure
 The introduction should be brief. It is not meant to provide a history of the company
 The Conclusion needs to draw the analysis to a close and comment on the
sustainability of the company’s strategic position. Remember you do not introduce
new findings into the Conclusion
 If you include Appendices you must refer to them in the relevant section of the
report findings
 References should clearly list all the material that has been referred to in the report
and set out using Harvard style:
Models/Content
 Remember to use the models in a ‘dynamic’ way i.e. place relevant examples onto
the models. Do not simply copy and paste ‘generic’ examples from the lecture slides
 Words in the models are included in the word limit. The models lose their value if
they are full of text. They should aid understanding not confuse the reader because
too much has been stuffed into them
 Models should be included in the main body of the report. Only place them in the
appendices if they are close to a full page
 You may well refer to points made in earlier parts of the report to show the
connections in the analysis. This shows an awareness of the links between themes
 You will struggle to stay within the word limit so focus on the KEY DRIVERS in your
analysis
 You will not be able to use all of the examples if you have done the level of reading
required so ‘cherry pick’ those that best illustrate the key drivers
 Facts and figures need to be supported with sources clearly referenced.
Presentation
 Be your own independent work and free from plagiarism by ensuring that work that
is not your own is clearly referenced
 Use Harvard style citation and referencing using the Drop-in centre published
guidelines
 Be written in appropriate academic style
 Be professionally presented
 Be word processed using font size 12 for the main text and 1.5 line spacing
 Have numbered pages
 Have been spell checked and proof-read
 Be anonymous and have your Student Enrolment number on every page
 Have a clearly labelled front page detailing the module code and title, title of the
assignment, tutors name, your enrolment number and the date of submission
 Be submitted via the Turnitin link on the module VLE

 
Looking for a Similar Assignment? Order now and Get 10% Discount! Use Coupon Code "Newclient"

Strategic Analysis: Tools & Techniques – Coursework 1

/in /by

Strategic Analysis: Tools & Techniques – Coursework 1
This assessment is 50% of the overall grade
Task
Present a critical strategic analysis of the current Strategic Change within the
following case:
Post Holdings buying Weetabix
You are required to cover the following topics covered in the module:
 Strategic Position of the company
 Stakeholder Analysis
 External Analysis
 Industry Analysis
News & Web Links
The links below provide some starting points but students MUST add their own detailed
research to develop the analysis:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39625715
https://www.weetabixfoodcompany.co.uk/press/news-archive/post-holdings-completes-
acquisition-of-weetabix

About Post Holdings

https://www.ft.com/content/1c98e144-23aa-11e7-8691-d5f7e0cd0a16
The following structure is required for the submitted report:
 Introduction to the report
 An evaluation of the relevant levels of strategy
 A critical evaluation of the key stakeholders
 External Analysis – using PESTEL to identify and explore key trends
 Industry Analysis – using 5 Forces to critically analyse the relevant industry factors
 Conclusion
The coursework is an individual piece of work. It will be 3,000 words, inclusive of
appendices (+/- 10%). Please note that text in diagrams or tables will count towards the
word count.
University of South Wales (USW)
It is important that attention be focused on a strategic appraisal of the company as opposed
to providing lots of interesting facts over what interests you or what you find on the
internet. Assessment will focus on students’ abilities in applying strategic models and
frameworks in a coherent manner that enables them to develop a clear strategic view of the
strategic position being studied. You do not need to reference many academic sources in
this element of the assessment, but you must reference sources of company or market
information. Furthermore, you must reference sources for any theoretical background
that you decide to include.
Hand in date: tbc
Marking Criteria
Marking criteria are:
Indicative
Percentage
Criteria
30% Application of Frameworks and models
The required frameworks and models introduced in the assignment task
should be applied correctly to identify the key issues emerging relevant
to the business example selected.
60% Depth of Strategic Evaluation.
Key strategic factors should be critically evaluated to develop the
required depth of analysis of the business example selected. A strong
analysis needs to be evidence based rather than appear to be personal
opinion so must draw on relevant sources e.g. news & media, industry
publications, company web pages and documentation
10% Clarity of Structure and Presentation
The report is well organised and logically constructed, following the
layout indicated in the assignment task. The quality of writing, spell
checking, grammar and referencing need to demonstrate accuracy to
ensure the reader can focus on the analysis provided
(The marks for each criterion are to illustrate where the main effort should be spent)
Please remember that an assignment is not meant to DESCRIBE what you have found.
Analysis means commenting on your findings and EXPLAINING what the evidence suggests
about the company.
Marking Criteria
 Introduce the case event
a. Provide a brief overview of the case to set the key themes to be explored
b. Avoid an overlong description of the company
University of South Wales (USW)
 An evaluation of the levels of strategy relevant to this case i.e. Corporate, SBU
a. Students should identify the generic position that guides the company activity
b. Use Bowman’s clock (using products/services to illustrate the way the
strategy is being met) to structure the analysis of strategic position
c. Come to a clear understanding of the company’s position. They need to
clearly determine how and why a differentiation strategy has been developed
d. Use rivals sparingly to clarify the strategic intent of the company. Should
avoid overcomplicating models
e. Link to the Industry analysis that is to follow
 An evaluation of the key stakeholders
a. Identify and consider the relevance of a range of stakeholders that are
impacted by the case study
b. Map the positions of main stakeholders and analyse the impact on the
company
 A critical analysis of the main external factors driving the strategy/ ies being explored
a. Need to do a PEST or variation first then 5 Forces
b. Analysis should focus on the KEY drivers of change rather than cover every
issue found
c. The PEST must not focus on what the company is doing but identify trends in
the environment
d. Models will probably contain more examples than the analysis explores. This
is fine as long as the analysis has picked on the main themes
 A critical analysis of the industry factors impacting on the competitive position of the
company
a. There should be an awareness of how the PEST and 5 Forces are linked
b. Draw out and analyse the key themes that are impacting on the varied forces
c. Avoid just listing a series of bullet points that offer no discussion of impact
d. Develop the competitive advantage analysis with an understanding of group
mapping
e. Provide examples of competitive characteristics that illustrate the nature of
the competitive position
 Conclusions & Recommendations
a. Draw the main aspects of the analysis together
b. Set out key points considered for strategic development
University of South Wales (USW)
General Guidance to students
Structure
 The introduction should be brief. It is not meant to provide a history of the company
 The Conclusion needs to draw the analysis to a close and comment on the
sustainability of the company’s strategic position. Remember you do not introduce
new findings into the Conclusion
 If you include Appendices you must refer to them in the relevant section of the
report findings
 References should clearly list all the material that has been referred to in the report
and set out using Harvard style:
Models/Content
 Remember to use the models in a ‘dynamic’ way i.e. place relevant examples onto
the models. Do not simply copy and paste ‘generic’ examples from the lecture slides
 Words in the models are included in the word limit. The models lose their value if
they are full of text. They should aid understanding not confuse the reader because
too much has been stuffed into them
 Models should be included in the main body of the report. Only place them in the
appendices if they are close to a full page
 You may well refer to points made in earlier parts of the report to show the
connections in the analysis. This shows an awareness of the links between themes
 You will struggle to stay within the word limit so focus on the KEY DRIVERS in your
analysis
 You will not be able to use all of the examples if you have done the level of reading
required so ‘cherry pick’ those that best illustrate the key drivers
 Facts and figures need to be supported with sources clearly referenced.
Presentation
 Be your own independent work and free from plagiarism by ensuring that work that
is not your own is clearly referenced
 Use Harvard style citation and referencing using the Drop-in centre published
guidelines
 Be written in appropriate academic style
 Be professionally presented
 Be word processed using font size 12 for the main text and 1.5 line spacing
 Have numbered pages
 Have been spell checked and proof-read
 Be anonymous and have your Student Enrolment number on every page
 Have a clearly labelled front page detailing the module code and title, title of the
assignment, tutors name, your enrolment number and the date of submission
 Be submitted via the Turnitin link on the module VLE

 
Looking for a Similar Assignment? Order now and Get 10% Discount! Use Coupon Code "Newclient"