Strategy and Change

ST3S07 Strategy and Change 2013/2014

Coursework 3

This is an individual assignment and is weighted at 50% of the module marks. Students should attempt one of the following tasks: -

EITHER,

Students are required to offer a critical perspective to the following:

“Are mergers and acquisitions the most appropriate approach to strategic development in today’s business environment?”

You must support your discussion with academic references, contemporary examples and produce appropriate conclusions. (2,500 words +/- 10%)

Marking criteria:

Element Weight %

Presentation - Structure, referencing, grammar 10

Critical perspective 50

Use of contemporary examples 20

Conclusion 20

Students may start with an explanation of strategic development and then develop the discussion to consider definitions of development methods; mergers, acquisitions, alliances and joint ventures. Better answers will consider organic methods of growth. Students should use the literature to develop a critical evaluation of these methods and each student will have to decide upon the analytical emphasis of the essay; it is expected that individuals will adopt their own valid approach. There is NO ‘template’ answer.

When discussing the literature, it should be in essay format (no headings) and: -

• Provide a sound introduction, discussion and conclusion.

• Form a coherent argument.

• Define and discuss approaches to strategic development.

• Support your analysis with evidence. Evidence may be drawn from any published source, but particularly academic peer reviewed articles and texts. Credit will also be given for practical illustrations, i.e. contemporary industry events, to support or refute academic positions.

OR,

Students are required to offer a critical perspective to the following question:

“Can change be effectively managed in today’s business environment?”

You must support your discussion with academic references, contemporary examples and produce appropriate conclusions. (2,500 words +/- 10%)

Marking criteria:

Element Weight %

Presentation - Structure, referencing, grammar 10

Critical perspective 50

Use of contemporary examples 20

Conclusion 20

Students may start with an explanation of why there is change in today’s business environment and then develop the discussion to consider definition(s)

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