20109 Introduction to Strategy

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business: Finance
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This subject is designed to give students a broad overview of the complexity of developing and implementing strategy in a local, national, and international business environment. They are encouraged to explore the context of wicked problems, contemporary challenges, ethical dilemmas and sustainability issues in different business and organisational environments. Students gain an understanding of how changes in the business and organisational environment, business modelling, competitive intelligence and scenario analysis inform and affect strategic decision-making and managerial processes.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1.	Analyse the connections between and impacts on an organization’s strategy and innovation processes of social, technological, economic, and environmental changes
2.	Plan for major business uncertainties using scenarios and scenario planning to design flexible strategic plans
3.	Apply strategic management principles, analytical tools, and concepts in the construction and/or critique of a strategic plan
4.	Justify strategic recommendations and actions in a challenging business context

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the following program learning objectives:

Demonstrate ability to work independently and with others as a member of a team to achieve an agreed goal (2.2)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject builds on the students’ knowledge of the organisational and business environment. It provides an opportunity to further develop and deepen their understanding of contemporary issues and how they affect business and organisational strategy, decision-making and the ability to innovate. Students develop analytical thinking, critical thinking, and problem-based learning skills for addressing wicked problems and organisational and business issues in complex and dynamic business settings. This subject contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attribute(s):

Communication and collaboration
Social responsibility and cultural awareness

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following program learning objective(s) for the Bachelor of Business International Business major:

Communicate information clearly in a form appropriate for its audience (2.1)
Make judgements and business decisions consistent with the principles of social responsibility, inclusion and knowledge of different cultures (3.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

Students are expected to attend all lectures. While lecture notes will be posted on UTS learning management system, the PowerPoint slides act as a reference point for teaching and learning, not as a substitute for attending the lectures. Much of the detail is provided only during the lecture.

The prime objective of the tutorials is to encourage an overall understanding of the content and issues addressed in each lecture. Students should come to tutorials prepared to actively participate in the learning process. This means having attended the lecture. Directions for the tutorials and other exercises will be given the week prior if not stated in the subject guide. Readings and tutorial tasks must be completed. The tutorial activities form part of this subject’s assessment items (see section on Assessment Items).
Various resources will be made available through the learning management system including the subject guide, lecture notes, weekly readings, tutorial exercises, announcements, and any supplementary resources. It is your responsibility as active learners to make sure that your UTS email is checked regularly - non-receipt of any message or announcement will not be accepted as an excuse for any shortcoming.

You are encouraged to use the Discussion Board as a forum to discuss the lecture topics and other current issues pertaining to subject. This is also a site for enquiries about readings, assessments, and other subject requirements. You are encouraged as peers to answer any questions posted on the Discussion Board that you feel confident in answering. The lecturer will clarify any answers provided by a student if required. Remember, if in doubt read your subject guide thoroughly before posting a question.

Content (topics)

Competitive Business intelligence and competitive analyses
Analysing External Environment
Industry & Sector Analysis
Strategic Purpose – Resource & Capability
Stakeholder & Culture
Business Strategy & Models
Corporate Strategy & Diversification
Strategy in Action
Mergers, Alliance & Acquisitions
Strategic Innovation
Entrepreneurial strategy and competitive dynamics
Sustainable business development
Business environments of the future
Socially responsible business

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Report (Group)

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 3 and 4 This addresses program learning objectives(s): 2.2
Weight:	30%
Length:	1500 (+-10%) words. This excludes, executive summary, references, and appendices.
Criteria:	Clear and Appropriate Report Structure Strong Analytical Approach and Strong Arguments Appropriateness of Recommendations Contribution to teamwork

Assessment task 2: Business Report (Individual)

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4
Weight:	40%
Length:	2000 (+-10%) words excluding Executive Summary, reference, and any supporting Appendices
Criteria:	Clear and Appropriate Report Structure Strong Analytical Approach and Strong Arguments Appropriateness of Recommendations

Assessment task 3: Reflection (Individual)

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3
Weight:	30%
Length:	1000 words (+/-10%). Excluding executive summary and references
Criteria:	Clarity of written Expression Appropriateness of Analysis Ability to make Interconnections between personal experience and understanding of frameworks Ability to self-critique

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Required texts

Whittington, R., Regner, P., Angwin, D., Johnson, G., and Scholes, K. (2020). Exploring strategy: text and cases (Twelfth edition). Pearson. This subject assumes that students will have a comprehensive understanding of the contents of the UTS Business School Writing Guide.

Recommended texts

Lafley, A. G. & Martin, R. L. (2013). Playing to win : how strategy really works. Harvard Business Review Press.

Rumelt, R. P. (2011). Good strategy, bad strategy : the difference and why it matters (1st ed.). Crown Business.

References

Lafley, A. G. & Martin, R. L. (2013). Playing to win: how strategy really works. Harvard Business Review Press. Rumelt, R. P. (2011)

Good strategy, bad strategy: the difference and why it matters (1st ed.). Crown Business

David, F. (2005) Strategic Management: Cases 10th ed. Pearson Education, New Jersey

Evans, N., Campbell, D. & Stonehouse, G. (2003) Strategic Management for Travel and Tourism, Butterworth

Heinemann, Oxford. Harrison, J., & St. John, C. (2004) Foundations in Strategic Management, South-western, Ohio

Hubbard, G. (2004) Strategic Management: Thinking, Analysis & Action, Pearson Education, Australia