Strategic Management

Develop advanced capabilities in strategic analysis, formulation, and implementation for sustainable competitive advantage

  • Duration: 12 months (50 weeks)
  • Online live training: 2 hours/week
Apply now

Program Overview

Strategic Management represents the cornerstone of effective organisational leadership and long-term business success. This module provides a comprehensive examination of how organisations analyse their competitive environment, formulate strategic objectives, and implement initiatives that create and sustain competitive advantage in increasingly complex and dynamic markets.

Students will engage with established strategic frameworks including Porter’s Five Forces, PESTLE analysis, SWOT analysis, and the Resource-Based View of the firm. The module explores how organisations position themselves within their competitive landscape, make critical decisions about market entry and exit, and allocate resources to achieve strategic priorities whilst managing stakeholder expectations.

Contemporary strategic challenges are addressed throughout, including digital transformation, sustainability imperatives, globalisation, and the management of strategic change. The module examines both deliberate and emergent strategy formation, recognising that effective strategic management requires both analytical rigour and adaptive capability in response to environmental uncertainty.

Through case study analysis of organisations across diverse sectors, students develop the ability to critically evaluate strategic options, assess implementation challenges, and recommend evidence-based strategic interventions. The module emphasises the integration of strategic thinking with operational execution, ensuring that strategic intent translates into organisational performance.

By the conclusion of this module, participants will possess the analytical frameworks, strategic vocabulary, and critical thinking capabilities required to contribute meaningfully to strategic decision-making processes within their organisations and to assume strategic leadership responsibilities.

View More

Duration

12 weeks

Credits

20 credits

Level

Postgraduate

Assessment

Coursework & Exam

Learning Objectives

Critically analyse the external and internal environments of organisations using established strategic frameworks and tools

Evaluate alternative strategic options and recommend appropriate strategies for organisations operating in diverse competitive contexts

Assess the relationship between corporate, business, and functional level strategies and their implications for organisational performance

Examine the challenges of strategy implementation, including organisational structure, culture, and change management

Apply strategic management concepts to real-world business situations through case study analysis and critical evaluation

Demonstrate understanding of contemporary strategic issues including digital transformation, sustainability, and stakeholder management

Key Topics Covered

  • Strategic Analysis Frameworks
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Competitive Advantage
  • Corporate Strategy
  • Strategic Planning Process
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Digital Transformation
  • Stakeholder Analysis
  • Strategic Change Management
  • Porter's Five Forces Model
  • Resource-Based View
  • Generic Strategies
  • Business-Level Strategy
  • Scenario Planning
  • Strategic Alliances
  • Innovation Strategy
  • Strategy Implementation
  • Performance Measurement
  • PESTLE Analysis
  • Dynamic Capabilities
  • Blue Ocean Strategy
  • Functional Strategy
  • Strategic Options Evaluation
  • International Strategy
  • Sustainability Strategy
  • Organisational Structure
  • Balanced Scorecard

Practical & Professional Relevance

Real-World Application

Strategic management capabilities are essential for professionals operating at senior levels within organisations. The frameworks and analytical tools covered in this module are actively employed by organisations globally to navigate competitive challenges, identify growth opportunities, and make informed decisions about resource allocation and strategic direction.

Participants will develop the ability to conduct comprehensive environmental scans, assess competitive dynamics, and evaluate strategic alternatives using evidence-based approaches. These capabilities are directly applicable to strategic planning processes, business development initiatives, and organisational transformation programmes across all sectors.

The module’s emphasis on implementation challenges ensures that participants understand not only what strategies to pursue, but how to execute them effectively within complex organisational contexts characterised by competing priorities, resource constraints, and stakeholder diversity.

Career Impact

Mastery of strategic management principles significantly enhances career progression prospects for professionals aspiring to senior leadership positions. The ability to think strategically, analyse complex business situations, and contribute to strategic decision-making processes is highly valued by employers across all industries.

This module prepares participants for roles including Strategy Manager, Business Development Director, Management Consultant, and senior general management positions where strategic oversight is required. The analytical and evaluative skills developed are equally applicable to entrepreneurial ventures and consultancy practice.

Beyond specific role requirements, strategic management capabilities enable professionals to understand how their functional responsibilities contribute to broader organisational objectives, facilitating more effective cross-functional collaboration and enhancing overall organisational performance.

Skills & Competencies Developed

Strategic Analysis

Systematic evaluation of external and internal environments using analytical frameworks

Strategic Thinking

Ability to identify patterns, anticipate trends, and think holistically about organisational challenges

Decision-Making

Evidence-based evaluation of strategic options and recommendation of appropriate courses of action

Stakeholder Management

Understanding and balancing diverse stakeholder interests in strategic decision-making

Competitive Analysis

Assessment of competitive dynamics and identification of sources of competitive advantage

Change Leadership

Managing strategic change and overcoming implementation challenges

Environmental Scanning

Monitoring and interpreting external trends and their strategic implications

Strategic Communication

Articulating strategic intent and rationale to diverse audiences

Performance Evaluation

Assessing strategic outcomes and organisational performance against objectives

Interested in This Module?

Download the detailed syllabus or contact our admissions team to learn more about this module

Contact Admissions
Apply Now

Module Details

Subjects

  • Strategic Environment Analysis
  • Strategic Options Development
  • Strategy Implementation Approaches
  • Change Management in Strategy
  • Monitoring and Evaluation of Strategy

Key Topics

  • External influences on organisational strategy.
  • Strategic options for organisations.
  • Tools and approaches to strategy implementation.
  • Strategic organisational change management.
  • Monitoring and control of strategic plans.

Learning Outcomes

Analyse key external influences on an organisation’s strategy.

  • 1.1 Critically evaluate the position of an organisation in it’s current market.

    1.2 Critically analyse the effects of existing plans on an organisation.

  • 2.1 Critically explore the relationship between, corporate,
    business and operational strategies.

    2.2 Apply strategic models and tools to develop strategic
    options for an organisation.

    2.3 Evaluate strategic options for an organisation.

  • 3.1 Create a relevant vision, mission and strategic goals for
    an organisation.

    3.2 Propose a suitable structure for an organisation that fits
    a strategic plan.

    3.3 Create a resourced strategy implementation plan.

  • 4.1 Apply force field analysis to effectively distinguish forces
    of change.

    4.2 Critically evaluate various change management models.

    4.3 Identify relevant leadership and change agent skills to
    implement a strategic change in an organisation.

  • 5.1 Develop a monitoring and control system for the
    implementation of strategic plans.


    5.2 Design key success indicators in order to monitor
    the implementation of the strategic plan.


    5.3 Distinguish potential risks during implementation.


    5.4 Review the effectiveness of the strategic plan

KSBs

Knowledge
  • sUnderstand external influences on organisational strategy.
  • Know models and tools for developing and appraising strategic options.
  • Understand approaches and structures for strategy implementation.
  • Know change management models and leadership roles in organisational change.
  • Understand methods for monitoring, controlling, and evaluating strategic plans.
  • Critically evaluate organisational position and existing plans.
  • Apply models and tools to generate and assess strategic options.
  • Create vision, mission, and structured strategic plans.
  • Use force field analysis to distinguish drivers and barriers of change.
  • Design KPIs and monitoring systems for implementation.
  • Identify and manage risks during execution of strategy.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and evidence-based decision making.
  • Show adaptability when evaluating and implementing change.
  • Take accountability for creating and resourcing strategies.
  • Act with leadership and collaboration when driving strategic change.
  • Maintain focus on continuous improvement through monitoring and review.

Apply Now


Grow Professionally