Overview
Strategy and Change is a capstone unit in the Bachelor of Business. Organisational strategy and change is increasingly becoming important in a highly competitive business environment. In this capstone unit, you will explore the process used in strategy formulation and implementation and consider how decisions are made to effectively implement change. You will assess how internal and external pressures influence decision making and the subsequent formulation and implementation of strategy and change in a range of different types of organisations. The unit examines how organisations align resources in setting strategy and mechanisms deployed to review performance. You will also gain insights on the importance of risk management in strategy implementation and change process.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Completion of 48 credit points in first year of study
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2022
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student Evaluations
This unit truly teaches business strategy and strategic thinking. Further, many other business concepts are thoroughly covered.
Continued alignment of weekly topics with supporting discussion of business media coverage adds value and relevance.
Feedback from Student Evaluations
The lecturer was very good at explaining what is expected and easy to approach with any queries. Weekly workshops were very helpful as well - very relevant and current.
Engaged participation in workshops is a valuable way to extract the most out of a unit. Raising questions for discussion adds value and interest.
Feedback from Student Evaluations
The unit coordinator made attending this subject very rewarding in terms of skills and knowledge learnt from the unit. Every week he facilitated interesting and engaging workshop discussions that helped us to understand the content.
The unit lends itself to applied discussion and critical analysis of real-world strategic issues. Everyone's contribution is respected and encouraged.
Feedback from Student Evaluations
Moodle was easy to follow in regards to what was needed each week.
The new Tile structure to suit access from multiple digital devices has been beneficial.
Feedback from Student Evaluations
My only suggestion would be to discuss the workshop material in line with the actual week as was done previously. Delaying the workshop for the benefit of students reading the material the week before had no extra benefit for me.
It is agreed that lagging the workshop sessions to follow the week after the Lecture session was not as beneficial as intended. Reverting to discussion of topics in the scheduled week will require viewing of recorded lectures and recommended readings before attending the workshop discussion.
Feedback from Student Evaluations
A lot of valuable supplementary material was provided which was of value as well but unable to read all of them each week. Could they be implemented within unit in another way, so as to not affect workload to much?
Distinguishing required reading from supplementary reading that extends the topic is important. The eReading list recommends whether a reading is essential or recommended.
Feedback from Reflection by the unit coordinator
The presentation of strategy topics have relied too much on examples in the specified text.
Although these cases are authentic, the future offering of the unit should incorporate a compelling and insightful narrative, discussion of contemporary issues drawing on the lecturer's experience in the strategy field, and an examination of companies receiving current media attention. This will enable rich discussion of the frameworks and enhance student critical thinking skills.
- Analyse strategy, planning and decision making processes in organisations
- Evaluate and identify internal and external pressures that inform strategy and change to the business model
- Undertake scenario analysis, assess risks, and align resources to achieve key priorities
- Assess how organisations use strategy in change management process
- Analyse how performance targets and key measures are set, monitored and improved at organisational, functional and individual level.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Case Study - 40% | |||||
| 2 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 60% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Case Study - 40% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 60% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Exploring Strategy
Edition: 12 (2020)
Authors: Whittington, R., Regner, P., Angwin, D., Johnson, G., & Scholes, K.
Pearson
Harlow Harlow , UK
ISBN: 978-292-28245-9
Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
f.beshah@cqu.edu.au
m.n.johnson@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Globalisation and strategic change in the 21st Century
Chapter
Chapter 1. Whittington et al (2019) Exploring Strategy, Text and Cases, 12e, Pearson.
Plus selected papers in eReading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly workshop requirements are provided in Moodle
Groups need to be formed by Week 4. Please access the group list and put your self into a Group.
Module/Topic
Macro-environmental factors affecting organisational strategy
Chapter
Chapter 2. Whittington et al (2019) Exploring Strategy, Text and Cases, 12e, Pearson.
Plus selected papers in eReading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly workshop requirements are provided in Moodle
Module/Topic
Industry and sector analysis
Chapter
Chapter 3. Whittington et al (2019) Exploring Strategy, Text and Cases, 12e, Pearson.
Plus selected papers in eReading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly workshop requirements are provided in Moodle
Module/Topic
Resources and capabilities analysis
Chapter
Chapter 4. Whittington et al (2019) Exploring Strategy, Text and Cases, 12e, Pearson.
Plus selected papers in eReading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly workshop requirements are provided in Moodle
Groups for Assessment 2 need to be finalised this week.
Module/Topic
Business level strategies and models
Chapter
Chapter 7. Whittington et al (2019) Exploring Strategy, Text and Cases, 12e, Pearson.
Plus selected papers in eReading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly workshop requirements are provided in Moodle
Module/Topic
VACATION WEEK
Chapter
VACATION WEEK
Events and Submissions/Topic
VACATION WEEK
Module/Topic
Corporate strategy and mode of diversification
Chapter
Chapter 8. Whittington et al (2019) Exploring Strategy, Text and Cases, 12e, Pearson.
Plus selected papers in eReading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly workshop requirements are provided in Moodle
Assessment 1 - Individual Case Analysis (Harvey Norman) Due: Week 6 Friday (22 Apr 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
International strategy
Chapter
Chapter 9. Whittington et al (2019) Exploring Strategy, Text and Cases, 12e, Pearson.
Plus selected papers in eReading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly workshop requirements are provided in Moodle
Module/Topic
Mergers, acquisitions and alliances
Chapter
Chapter 11. Whittington et al (2019) Exploring Strategy, Text and Cases, 12e, Pearson.
Plus selected papers in eReading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly workshop requirements are provided in Moodle
Module/Topic
Evaluating strategies
Chapter
Chapter 12. Whittington et al (2019) Exploring Strategy, Text and Cases, 12e, Pearson.
Plus selected papers in eReading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly workshop requirements are provided in Moodle
Module/Topic
Strategy development processes
Chapter
Chapter 13. Whittington et al (2019) Exploring Strategy, Text and Cases, 12e, Pearson.
Plus selected papers in eReading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly workshop requirements are provided in Moodle
Module/Topic
Leadership and Strategic Change
Chapter
Chapter 15. Whittington et al (2019) Exploring Strategy, Text and Cases, 12e, Pearson.
Plus selected papers in eReading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly workshop requirements are provided in Moodle
Module/Topic
The practice of strategy
Chapter
Chapter 16. Whittington et al (2019) Exploring Strategy, Text and Cases, 12e, Pearson.
Plus selected papers in eReading list
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Case Study
Assessment Task:
This individual assessment involves the application of strategic management theories, concepts and tools covered in the unit to analyse the case mentioned below (a copy of which is provided in Moodle). The aim of this assessment is to evaluate your understanding of important strategic management issues from a given set of information. This will require your critical analysis of external environmental factors (PESTLE factors), industry forces (Porter's five forces model), and value chain analysis in assessing the nature of competition in an industry. It is important that the case analysis report is limited to case information only (i.e. no additional research about the company or the industry is necessary).
Title of the case: Harvey Norman: identifying strategic opportunities in a post-COVID-19 environment (the case can only be accessed through the unit's Moodle page)
In analysing this case, please address the criteria detailed in the section below.
Submission checklist for Assessment 1:
· Formatted is Business Report
Cover page with name and ID (use the cover page provided in Moodle)
· 1.5 line spacing and 12 size font in Times New Roman
· Length 1500-Words
· Submissions should be made in .doc or .docx format
· Submit online through Assessment 1 submission link in Moodle
Week 6 Friday (22 Apr 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Penalties apply for late submission (5% mark will be deducted from the total mark for Assessment 1 per day (or part of the day) unless an approved extension has been granted)
Week 8 Friday (6 May 2022)
As per University policy, assessment tasks will be returned to students within two University scheduled weeks.
1. Brief introduction of the company (10% Marks)
2. Critically analyse the external environmental forces (PESTLE factors) influencing the company (20% Marks)
3. Critically analyse the industry forces (Porter's five forces model) to identify the core competencies of the company and its competitive advantages (20% Marks)
4. Critically analyse the strategies followed by the company (20% Marks)
5. Analyse (through value chain analysis) whether the company's capabilities and competencies are sufficient to leverage identified opportunities in a post-COVID-19 environment (20% Marks)
6. Referencing - including proper in-text citations and reference list using APA (7th edition) referencing style (10% Marks)
The assessment will be marked against the rubric which will be made available on the Moodle page and can be accessed from this link.
- Undertake scenario analysis, assess risks, and align resources to achieve key priorities
- Assess how organisations use strategy in change management process
- Analyse how performance targets and key measures are set, monitored and improved at organisational, functional and individual level.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
2 Presentation and Written Assessment
Assessment Task:
This is a group assignment that involves submission of a 2500-words (+/-10%) strategic plan (in Business Report format) followed by a 15-minute student-led presentation of the report findings. This assessment item accounts for 60% of your final grade for this unit and must be completed by students as a group.
This assessment consists of two parts:
Assessment 2(A): A strategic plan (30%); and
Assessment 2(B): A group presentation (30%).
Overall, Assessment 2 is about formulating a future strategic plan (maximum 2500-Words) for General Motors Company as it seeks to rebuild its business in an increasingly electric vehicle world.
The General Motors case is available in Moodle (see Assessment tile)
In Assessment 2(A), each group is required to write a critical and analytical strategic management plan using contemporary concepts, theories, and models. As a group, you will have to use your knowledge and understanding from the material covered in the unit, to analyse the GM case and to formulate a future strategy to rebuild its business in an increasingly electric vehicle world. This strategy may encompass various strategies (joint venture, strategic alliance, etc.) given it is a global business.
In order to demonstrate your ability to conceptualise key strategy and change management concepts and theories, you should also read beyond the materials provided in the eReading list. At a minimum, the group is required to use at least 10 (post-2010) quality academic references (Academic texts, journals, reports, books etc.) to support the analysis detailed in your strategic plan. Please be sure to follow business report format and use the APA (7th edition) referencing style.
See Moodle for more detailed assessment rubric.
Late submission and academic misconduct penalties apply as per the university regulations
Total Weighting 60%:
- Assessment 2(A): A 2500-word strategic plan (written in business report format) uploaded through Turnitin in Moodle (30%)
- Assessment 2(B): Presentation (15 minutes maximum) PPT recorded and uploaded to Turnitin in Moodle (Exam Week) (30%)
Submission checklist for Assessment 2:
Assessment 2(A): Strategic Plan: 30%
- Format is Business Report
- Cover page with the name( s) and ID(s) (use the cover page provided in Moodle
- 1.5 line spacing and 12 size font in Times New Roman
- Length 2500-words (+/- 10%)
- The written report should use .doc or .docx format.
- Submit the file online through Assessment 2 submission link in Moodle. Only one person needs to submit on behalf of the other group members.
Assessment 2(B): Presentation: 30%
- Each person in the group must present their section of the Presentation (individual mark)
- The presentation is to be recorded in PPT and uploaded to Moodle
- Length of presentation should not exceed 15-minutes
- Only the group leader needs to submit on behalf of others in the group
Please Note: Assessment 2 is a group/team task. You need to organise a team of 3-5 members (max.) by Week 4; registration of group membership is through Moodle. The objectives of the team-based assessment are to enable you to develop your communication and interpersonal skills, achieve cross-cultural understanding, strengthen your critical and rational thinking abilities and learning and enjoy different perspectives on the same topic. It is expected that you will be attending lectures regularly and work on this assessment in your group in class with guidance from the local lecturer. Therefore, regular attendance is highly recommended. As already mentioned, only one person from the group is required to submit the report and presentation in Moodle.
The assessment will be marked against the rubric which will be made available on the Moodle page and can be accessed from this LINK.
Week 12 Friday (3 June 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Penalties apply for late submission (5% mark will be deducted from the total mark for Assessment 2 per day unless an approved extension has been granted)
Results will be released after the grades are finalised by the Faculty Academic Board.
- Analyse strategy, planning and decision making processes in organisations
- Evaluate and identify internal and external pressures that inform strategy and change to the business model
- Undertake scenario analysis, assess risks, and align resources to achieve key priorities
- Analyse how performance targets and key measures are set, monitored and improved at organisational, functional and individual level.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
