Every year thousands of new businesses are created. A few will grow to become global companies employing thousands of people, others will never make the world stage; in fact, the majority will cease trading within two or three years.
To survive, managers need a good understanding of the business environment, the opportunities and threats it offers, a realistic appreciation of the abilities and limitations of the business, knowledge of what they want to achieve, and a fairly clear idea of the direction in which the business should go. The route the business takes to achieve its objectives is often known as the corporate or business strategy. In this course, we look at some of the tools that we can use to decide on the strategy. As you will see, the tools we describe are those which link the various functions of the business and are to do with operating the business as a complete organisation rather than as a collection of functions or departments. The business strategy concerns the overall direction of the organisation. Here, we consider the operational or functional strategies that contribute to the business strategy.
After participating in this course, you should be able to:
- explain how businesses need to align their objectives and capabilities with the needs of their customers and with the environment
- give examples of business objectives, mission and value statements
- understand how the business environment provides opportunities for the business but also limit its freedom of action
- explain how the resources and behaviour of the organisation constrain the choice of strategy
- describe a range of business strategies and explain the circumstances in which they might be appropriate for a business
- describe how an organisation copes with an uncertain future and responds to complex environmental change.
Syllabus
Introduction
Objectives
Section 1: Environment, Values and Resources
Introduction
1.1 Values
1.2 Resources
1.3 Environment
Summary
Section 2: Strategic Planning
Introduction
2.1 Types of business strategies
2.2 Choosing a strategy and setting targets
2.3 Implementing strategy
Summary
Course Review Activity
Course Summary
References
Recommended Reading
Tutor-marked Question Paper
Study Hours
This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.
The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 20 hrs.
Tutor Support
With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.
You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you willalways succeed!
Assessment Method
After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.
Benefits
What's Included
- All study materials
- Study Guide
- Full Tutor and Admin support
Qualifications
On completion of your course, you will receive two certificates:
Certificate 1 is issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges: Business Strategy (Byte Size Skills Course) Certificate
Business Strategy (Byte Size Skills Course) Certificate issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, to view a sample of the college’s award, please click here.
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