Academic Writing

Johnson, Scholes and Whittington (2010) suggest that strategy research, teaching and practice have changed significantly over the years, and therefore strategy could be understood by using a number of "lenses". Mintzberg et al (2000) use many more perspectives which they call " schools of strategy". Compare the schools of strategy and the strategy lenses as perspectives for understanding the complexity of strategy development and implementation. Conclude with a view as to whether or not you find the "lenses" more useful than the schools. Module outcomes tested: • use their hands-on experience in crafting business strategy; reason carefully about strategic options; use what-if analysis to evaluate action alternatives, and initiate the changes necessary to keep the strategy responsive to newly emerging market conditions. • improve their ability to manage the organisation process by which strategies get formed and executed. • develop their powers of managerial judgment, that is how to assess business risk, and gain a stronger understanding of the competitive challenges of a global market environment. Assessment Criteria Mark Introduction: a sound understanding of the schools of strategy and the lenses. 10 Comparison/similarities: a critical exploration of key similarities between models, concepts and ideas 30 Differences: a critical exploration of key differences between models, concepts and ideas 30 Synthesis of divergent ideas, drawn from extensive academic research papers and texts to provide a balanced essay 20 Presentation 10