EXECUTING BUSINESS STRATEGY: COURSEWORK WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT
STRATEGIC REPORT
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Word count:
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The word limit is 3000 words including the executive summary, but excluding the table of contents, list of figures and tables, tables, diagrams, in-text citations, reference list, and appendices.
Assignment deadline: See VLE
Assignment: 011
Module: MOD003337
Module Leader: Josh Jimenez
Semester/Trimester:
Academic year: 2023/2024
Executive Summary
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An executive summary should summarise the contents of the report. It should not simply take the form of a general introduction. It is ideally compiled after you have completed your report. Present the major points in the same order they are written in the report. It should contain all essential elements of the main report, including findings.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 2
List of Figures 3
List of Table 3
1.1. Evaluation of the strategic management, business model, and performance 4
1.2. Analysis of the business environments 5
1.3. Analysis of strategic priorities 5
1.4. References 5
1.5. Appendix 6
List of Figures
List of Table
1.1. Evaluation of the strategic management, business model, and performance
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• Explain the company’s strategy and evaluate the strategic management of your company.
• Reflecting on the lessons learnt, evaluate four major decisions from different years as follows:
• 1. Explain why you took certain decisions
• 2. Explain the context
• 3. Evaluate the outcome
• Explain your choice of generic competitive strategy and how you achieved competitive advantage.
• Explain the company’s business model (value creation, configuration, and capture) and aspects that differentiate it from your competitors.
• Applying the Balanced Scorecard, assess your company’s overall performance.
1.2. Analysis of the business environments
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• Evaluate the main trends and factors as well as principal risks and uncertainties in the external, competitive, and internal environments likely to affect the future position of your company.
• Evaluate the strengths of the five forces and the overall attractiveness of the industry.
• Evaluate the extent to which external factors and competitive forces were at play in the simulation.
• Analyse your company’s internal resources and capabilities and the extent to which they provide sustained competitive advantage.
• Apply at least one model or framework to each environment, for example Pestle, Porter’s Five Forces, and VRIO.
1.3. Analysis of strategic priorities
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• Here you should explain specific actions taken in the strategy simulation to strengthen the company’s innovation mindset across different business functions.
• With examples, evaluate the impact of innovation on the future of your business, outlining two areas of focus to drive growth through your commitment to innovation.
1.4. References
• Correct and thorough use of ARU Harvard referencing.
• Appropriate and consistent choice of visual elements,
• Legible and consistent presentation of data in graphs and tables.
• Organised and logical approach to structure, including table of contents, list of figures and tables, numbered pages, numbered sections and subsections, and reference list.
• Spelling, punctuation, and grammar: UK English consistent with good practice in business and management applications.
1.5. Appendix
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Executive Summary
This report evaluates the strategic management, business model, performance, and environments of ABC Company. It analyzes four major decisions from 2018-2022, competitive strategy, value creation, and balanced scorecard results. Trends, risks, strengths, and internal resources are assessed using PESTLE, Porter’s Five Forces, and the VRIO framework. Specific actions to strengthen innovation are outlined along with two focus areas to drive growth.
Introduction
ABC Company operates in the consumer goods industry producing household cleaning products. Founded in 2005, it has grown to a mid-sized business with 250 employees and annual revenue of $50 million. The company aims to become a leader in sustainable cleaning solutions through continuous innovation.
1.1 Evaluation of Strategic Management and Performance
ABC focuses on developing eco-friendly products to meet rising consumer demand for sustainability. In 2018, it launched a line of non-toxic cleaners which became its best-selling brand and doubled sales within two years. However, costs increased due to supply chain issues, and profits fell below targets. To regain momentum, ABC acquired a small manufacturer of natural ingredients in 2021. This lowered costs by 15% and expanded the product range, returning profits to previous levels.
The competitive strategy is differentiation through innovation. ABC achieves competitive advantage by creating unique formulations that are safer and more effective than competitors’ products. Its business model centers on sustainable value creation through new product development, with an asset-light configuration outsourcing manufacturing. Balanced scorecard results show above-average growth and customer satisfaction, though productivity and learning & growth targets were not fully met.
1.2 Analysis of Business Environments
Major trends driving the industry include increased health consciousness and demand for eco-friendly alternatives. However, rising input costs pose a risk as raw materials become more expensive. Porter’s Five Forces analysis finds industry competition is high but barriers to entry remain moderate. The bargaining power of suppliers is also moderate given ABC’s established relationships.
An evaluation of internal resources using the VRIO framework indicates ABC has valuable innovation capabilities and a strong brand, but manufacturing processes could be improved. Outsourcing limits some control over quality. Partnerships will help strengthen areas like research & development and distribution networks over the long term.
1.3 Analysis of Strategic Priorities
To strengthen its innovation culture, ABC implemented new cross-functional teams in 2020 to foster collaboration and idea-sharing. This led to a 30% increase in new product concepts being tested. The company also launched an employee suggestion program, resulting in two successful product line extensions.
Going forward, ABC will focus on developing sustainable packaging solutions to further differentiate its brand image. A second priority is investing in automated production technology to boost efficiency, lower per-unit costs, and allow for greater scale as demand increases. These initiatives will drive continued growth and competitive advantage.
In conclusion, this report has evaluated ABC Company’s strategic management assignment help Au , performance, environments and priorities through analysis of key decisions, competitive positioning, business model, and future strategic focus areas. Its commitment to innovation positions the business for ongoing leadership in the industry.
References
Brown, L. A., & Kozinets, R. V. (2020). Eco-brand extensions: Greenwashing hypocrisy and consumer skepticism. Journal of Business Research, 110, 91-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.11.006
Dangelico, R. M., & Pujari, D. (2020). Mainstreaming green product innovation: Why and how companies integrate environmental sustainability. Journal of Business Research, 111, 86-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.01.005
Golicic, S. L., & Smith, C. D. (2013). Aligning business and supply chain strategies in uncertain demand environments. Industrial Marketing Management, 42(5), 829-841. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2013.05.006
