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Strategy & Strategic Management - MAN00137M

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

This module provides an introductory primer to the theory and techniques of strategic management. It aims to introduce students to the various theories underlying approaches to strategy formulation and implementation in organisations.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module provides an introductory primer to the theory and techniques of strategy and strategic management. It aims to introduce students to the various theories underlying approaches to strategy formulation and implementation in organisations. In addition the application of these theories through the practice of strategic management is explored by using the various analytical and decision-making techniques to analyse case studies.

From completing the module, learners will enhance their critical thinking, critical reading and critical writing skills, in addition to understanding how academic writing and debate evolves, and engage with this process through the assessment tasks. Learners will also develop their analytical skills when considering the difference between the theoretical approaches and models used in the module, and how they can be applied to the real world.

Module learning outcomes

Academic and graduate skills

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:-

  • Demonstrate their knowledge of the main theoretical approaches to strategic management and understand the economic and social contexts that gave rise to their formulation;

  • Understand a wide range of strategic management techniques and critically evaluate their usefulness in a variety of contexts;

  • Integrate theory and technique in the analysis of the strategic options available to a wide range of different types of organisation;

  • Critically evaluate the main debates in the subject area as represented in recent research and make reasoned choices concerning the alternative approaches proposed.

Module content

Subject content

  • The nature and development of strategy and strategic management

  • Macro and micro-environmental analysis

  • Analysing the internal resources and capabilities of the organisation

  • Understanding the generation of and selection of strategic options

Weekly Topics:

  1. What is Strategy?

  2. What is Strategic Management?

  3. Design and Planning School of Strategic Management

  4. Positioning School of Strategic Management

  5. Cultural School of Strategic Management

  6. Emergent School of Strategic Management

  7. Marketing and Branding as Strategic Forces

  8. Strategy as Practice

  9. Scenario Planning

  10. Corporate Governance and Strategic Management

  11. Recap and Assessment Advice

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Essay/coursework 30
Essay/coursework 20

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Essay/coursework 30
Essay/coursework 20

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

A robust reading list is provided which covers all of the key topics covered on the module.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.