MM296-Building competitive advantage: Business Strategy and Operations

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Joseph Lane
Email: j.lane@henley.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Mr Ajeseun Jimo
Email: a.l.jimo@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Aims:

The first half of the module introduces students to the concept of competitive advantage, why this is important for organisations, and how this can be achieved through the development and application of business strategies. In addition to asking the core question of how an organisation can build and sustain competitive advantage, the module will introduce students to critical perspectives on the theories, frameworks and analytical tools used in the strategy process. Sources of competitive advantage in the external and internal environments of organisations will be explored, as well as consideration of fundamental concerns facing organisations operating in an increasingly global and dynamic business environment.

The second half of this module focusses on operations management, which can be seen as the function of the organisation that manages the resources that are devoted to the creation and delivery of services and products that create value for the organisation’s customers. Integrating operations management alongside strategic management responds to the resulting opportunities and challenges faced by organisations today. It focusses on the key principles that underpin operations management in order to provide a theoretical and practical grounding that provides a broad understanding as to how operations managers can lead the delivery of products and services that both delivers value for their customers and delivers on the organisations business objectives and strategic vision.

Overall, the module will highlight the importance of different functions within an organisation working together and the role of operations and processes in supporting strategic initiatives in developing and sustain competitive advantage over the long-term.?

This module is also delivered at the University of Reading Malaysia.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

• Apply key concepts, theories and tools to significant, relevant, and authentic problems facing organisations 


• Demonstrate an understanding of core theory and academic literature relating to the areas of business strategy and operations management.


• Explain and debate the perspectives of business strategy in organisations and the role of operations and processes in supporting organisations in the delivery of their strategy


• Analyse and evaluate a range of data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, and to use that research for evidence-based decision-making


• Effectively communicate the results of analysis, synthesis and application of concepts and theories

Additional outcomes:

In addition, the module aims to:

• Encourage development of oral and written communication skills through group-based working


• Encourage both independent and collaborative learning skills, including reflection through activities and in-class discussions


• Encourage the development of investigative skills through the use of web-based and other resources


• Enhance employability by developing capabilities to analyse organisations, to formulate good questions, and to make good strategy or operational policy decisions.

Outline content:

Topics to be included in this module:

• Competitive advantage


• External and internal strategic analysis


• Competitive strategies


• Strategy in the twenty-first century


• The nature of operations and processes and key dimensions of operations strategy


• Delivery system and process design


• Meeting customer demand, including capacity, inventory and supply chain management


• Measuring and improving operations performance

Global context:

The module draws on examples of practice and case studies from around the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Core material will be covered in lectures in which class interaction will be encouraged. These will be supported by seminars which will include individual and group-based activities on relevant topics and cases.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

2x25% weighted individual in-class tests; one taking place in week 11 of each teaching term. These will be combined multiple choice questions and a longer free-text question.

1x50% weighted individual written assignment. 2,000 word maximum limit. This will combine both strategy and operations topics and will be due in week 1 of Summer Term.

Formative assessment methods:

Tutorials are an opportunity to receive both oral feedback on a variety of small group tasks. Tasks are typically a case analysis. This way, students receive an opportunity to practice and develop various skillsets related to the learning outcomes, particularly the assignment and relevant transferable writing and analytical skills.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late: 

- where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days; 

- where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found 

at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A weighted average of 40% or more.

Reassessment arrangements:

Students will be required to produce an individual essay submitted at the end of the August University resit period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 5 September 2023