The purpose of this assignment is to discuss and analyse key themes examined in Strategic Business Analysis in teaching block 2 in essay format.
You are required to write two academic essays on the topics specified. You should make sure you have achieved the learning outcomes in your essays, use academic language and follow the document formatting requirement.
Please use real organisational examples to demonstrate the links between management and theory.
Also, note that Harvard referencing should be adopted for any data/fact/information/idea/picture/table, etc.
Detailed guidance will also be provided in the seminars as required.
It is important that you demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and critically analyse what you are reading. As an under-graduate business student it is essential that you demonstrate up-to-date knowledge regarding critical business issues and that you can reach evidence-based conclusions in your writing.
Assessment Task:
ASSIGNMENT 2 Portfolio 2
Assignment details
The questions are also included on the Nile site and in the module guide.
You must submit TWO essays of 1000 words each maximum=2000 words in total.
Choose one essay question from Seminars 13/14 and 15/16 and one essay question from Seminars 17/18, 19/20 or 21/22. To be submitted as one file.
Submission date: April 28 2021 (or dates as appropriate for franchise partners) Assessment weighting=50%
a. You must attempt ONE of either question 1 or 2
Question 1
Market-based Strategies
Discuss the view that the best way to gain competitive advantage is for businesses to use a market-based strategy.
Question 2
Resource-based Strategies
Portfolio Question
Analyse and explain how organisations can gain competitive advantage from effective management of the Value Chain.
b. You must also attempt ONE of either question 3, 4 or 5
Question 3
Mergers & Acquisitions
‘Mergers and acquisitions should be an essential part of a company’s business strategy’. Discuss.
Question 4
Collaboration and Alliances
Discuss the arguments for and against organisations collaborating in Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances.
Question 5
Implementing Strategy and Managing Change
Discuss the view that leadership and vision are the essential ingredients for success in managing change.
To summarise, your portfolio of essays must:
• include ONE from either the Seminar on Market-based or Resource-based strategy
• ONE from either the Seminar on Mergers & Acquisitions, Collaboration and Alliances or Implementing Strategy and Managing Change
– key points to note;
1. Each essay to be approximately 1000 words for each of the two questions (i.e.
2000 words in total)
2. You must have prepared actively and appropriately to meet the learning outcomes for the essays in the portfolio
3. Your essays must not be simply descriptive – it must demonstrate a substantial amount of critical analysis and synthesis using evidence-based analysis* of relevant academic models/theories with author’s reference included.
4. Using paragraphs, you should introduce your topic, then critically evaluate your research sources, comparing and contrasting ideas to summarise the key themes of the essay.
5. Your essays should include relevant organisational examples and the associated application of relevant concepts and theories.
6. Do NOT use bullet points or lists.
7. There is good quality of argument and a conclusion.
8. Full and correctly referenced sources are included in the text and with one references list at the end of each essay.
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