Outline

Overview

This unit examines how organisations can develop and reshape their strategies to enable growth in a context of changing technology, business models and market structures. Topics covered include positioning for growth through external analysis, building competitive advantage through internal analysis, growing through effective corporate strategy, dealing proactively with strategic risk and uncertainty, and building strategic agility through business model innovation. This unit provides students with an opportunity to gain practical experience in applying relevant concepts, techniques, and frameworks to real-world situations, in order to generate innovative strategic responses to dynamic market conditions.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	FMBA5005
Academic unit	Management Education
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	SMBA6002
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Krithika Randhawa, krithika.randhawa@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Case study 1 Case study	20%	Week 05 Due date: 01 Mar 2024 at 17:00	Video (5 minutes maximum)
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Pitch Presentation Oral presentation	20%	Week 06 Due date: 05 Mar 2024 at 09:00	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Case study 2 Case study	30%	Week 08 Due date: 18 Mar 2024 at 17:00	Video interview (10 minutes maximum)
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Organisational sustainability assessment Critical analysis	20%	Week 09 Due date: 25 Mar 2024 at 17:00	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Participation Participation	10%	Weekly	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Case study 1: This assignment requires you to act as a strategy consultant to an organisation of your choice (from a list of organizations that will be provided). You have been asked by the top management team of your chosen organisation to provide a strategic analysis as well as two recommendations that allow the organisation to build or grow an ecosystem strategy. Applying the concepts and frameworks introduced in the unit, you will present what you consider as the most suitable ecosystem strategy and concrete ways to implement it, supported by a logical analysis of relevant information and evaluation of recommendations. You will share your strategic proposal in the form of a 5-minute explainer video. Additional details and resources for this assignment will be made available in Canvas and discussed in class.

Case study 2: This assessment comprises two parts that ask you to reflect on the key concepts introduced in this unit and your experience in making real-world strategic decisions during this unit of study. You will benchmark your insights against your learnings from two experiences that allow you to put into practice many of the strategy concepts discussed in the unit: (1) your participation in a two-day strategy simulation workshop, and (2) your journey as a strategy consultant in Case Study 1 and the group project presentation. There is an intersubjective element in the format in that each student video interviews one other student in your group and, in turn, is interviewed by this student. The video interview should contain in-depth reflective insights and a critical assessment of how the learnings can be implemented in your own professional context. Additional details and resources for this assignment will be made available in Canvas and discussed in class.

Organisational sustainability assessment: In this assessment task, you are required to reflect on and analyse how you can apply key concepts and principles of sustainability introduced in this subject to your organisation (past, present, or desired future organisation). The aim is to make a recommendation backed by a concise analysis of ways to create sustainable value in your own organisation. This will involve drawing on strategic sustainability concepts from the unit of study. You will also reflect on how these concepts can inform strategic initiatives in your organisation. Additional details and resources for this assignment will be made available in Canvas and discussed in class.

Presentation: In this assignment, you will work as a group of strategy consultants to prepare a strategic analysis and recommendations for an organisation belonging to specific industry sectors (to be announced). Student groups will analyse, assess, and propose a digital strategy for the organisation, including two distinct recommendations to grow the business. You will apply concepts and frameworks discussed in the unit, and conduct required research and analysis to diagnose the growth challenges and opportunities, evaluate strategic alternatives, and develop and justify recommendations that are desirable, feasible and viable. Groups present the proposal in the form of an oral pitch to a panel of experts and submit an annotated pitch deck. There is an opportunity to share progress and get feedback as you develop your project. Additional details and resources for this assignment will be made available in Canvas and discussed in class.

Participation: The grade for participation includes class attendance, punctuality, and in-class contributions. Students are not expected to have all the right answers nor are they expected to dominate the discussion. Students are required to come to class prepared, be familiar with the cases and readings, and contribute actively to class discussions, team activities and the group project.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Competitive Strategy: Firms and Industries in Turbulent Environments	Block teaching (4 hr)
Week 01	Corporate Strategy: Resources, Capabilities and Competitive Advantage	Block teaching (4 hr)
Week 02	Innovation Strategy: Business Models to Explore and Exploit	Block teaching (4 hr)
Week 03	Collaborative Strategy: Digital Technologies, Platforms and Ecosystems	Block teaching (4 hr)
Week 03	Collaborative Strategy: Open Innovation, Crowdsourcing and Co-Creation	Block teaching (4 hr)
Week 04	Behavioural Strategy: Strategic Leadership and Managerial Decision-making	Block teaching (4 hr)
Week 05	Strategy Simulation Workshop: Day 1	Block teaching (4 hr)
Week 05	Sustainable Strategy: Governance and Business Models for Sustainability	Block teaching (4 hr)
Week 06	Strategy Simulation Workshop: Day 2	Block teaching (4 hr)
Week 07	Strategy Pitch Presentation and Wrap-up	Block teaching (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings and attendance: Note that MBA classes held at the CBD Campus are not systematically recorded and 100% class attendance is expected for each unit of the MBA Program. If there are extenuating circumstances as to why you are not able to attend a particular class, please contact your unit coordinator as soon as possible, and also notify your group members (if the unit has a group work component). A unit requirement is 80% attendance, and those who drop below this level may not pass the unit.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. comprehend and apply a variety of tools and approaches related to strategy formulation and implementation
LO2. evaluate organisational strategies and propose solutions for strategic issues in a variety of business contexts and industries
LO3. critique and understand the limitations of strategy concepts
LO4. explore ways that ethical and socially responsible elements might be integrated into strategy formulation and implementation
LO5. effectively communicate about strategic issues.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

Business School Policies

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

FMBA5005: Strategies for Growth

MBA Session 1, 2024 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect