ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Introduction to Strategic Management
Code MKIB217
Coordinator Dr S Flankova
Strategy, IB and Entrepreneurship
S.Flankova@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2025-26 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

 6

         30
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 1: Case Study Group Presentation Assessment Type: Presentation Duration / Size: 15min Weighting: 30 % Reassessment Opportunity: Yes – students will have to submit an individual repor  15    30       
Assessment 1: Individual Report Assessment Type: Coursework Duration / Size: 3000 words Weighting: 70 % Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL penalty applies  0    70       

Aims

The module aims to:
• Introduce students to the principles of business level strategy development
• Provide students with an understanding of the main theoretical frameworks used in strategic management and business level strategy development
• Provide students with an understanding of the planning process through environmental and resource analysis
• Enable students to think strategically and be able to evaluate businesses strategic decisions
• Enable students to develop strategic recommendations based on their analysis

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to evaluate how an organisation develops a business level strategy

(LO2) Students will be able to apply selected strategic frameworks to real-world situations

(LO3) Students will be able to critically analyse various sources of information relating to the management of strategy in organizations

(LO4) Students will be able to evaluate and develop a variety of business level strategies

(LO5) Students will be able to critically evaluate and develop strategic recommendations based on their analysis

(S1) Problem solver

(S2) Team player

(S3) An excellent verbal and written communicator

(S4) Commercially aware

(S5) Internationally aware

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1: Lecture
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 24
Description: 12 lectures of 2 hours each
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2: Seminars
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 6
Description: 6 seminars to run every other week – 1 hour each
Attendance Recorded: Yes

In relation to the assessment, students will develop the strategic direction of a real-life company. The company will be sourced with the aid of the Career’s Team and ULMS Employability team. The company will provide students with a set of secondary data (company reports, consumer survey’s, KPIs, previous Strategic Objectives, etc) and students will have to utilise these data along with additional data collected from various credible source in order to develop the future direction of the organisation. The company will deliver 2 guest lectures (incorporated into the normal lecture time); one session at which they will introduce the company and set the scene and one more, for extensive Q&A prior to assignment submission. Students will not be able to contact the company individually. The primary objective of this assignment is to empower students to apply theoretical concepts of strategic management in a practical setting. Through extensive research, analysis, and strategic thinking, students will devise a customised strategy to enhance the competitive position and long-term success of the selected company.

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 120
Description: Lecture slides, further reading, group-work exercises and any other module announcements will be posted on Canvas. Students are expected to prepare for and contribute to group discussions throughout the module. Students will also be expected to conduct additional reading in preparation for each element of assessment.

Skills Mapping

Skill: Problem solver
How is it developed: During seminars by using a variety of case studies and during the assessment
Ho w is it assessed (if applicable): Presentation and Individual Report

Skill: Team player
How is it developed: During the seminars by working in groups and during the group presentation assessment
How is it assessed (if applicable): Presentation

Skill: An excellent verbal and written communicator
How is it developed: During the seminars by discussing the case studies and during the assessments
How is it assessed (if applicable): Presentation and Individual Report

Skill: Commercially aware
How is it developed: During the lectures and seminars because of the taught topics and during the assessments
How is it assessed (if applicable): Presentation and Individual Report

Skill: Internationally aware
How is it developed: During the lectures and seminars because of the taught topics and during the assessments
How is it assessed (if applicable): Presentation and Individual Report

Syllabus
 

This module will cover:
Introduction to strategic management
• Business models
• Competitive advantage
Strategy formulation process
• Mission, vision, governance
External analysis
• Macro-economic environment – PESTEL analysis
• Industry analysis – Porter’s five forces
• Strategic group mapping
• Evaluate threats and opportunities
Internal analysis
• Value chain
• Organizational resources, capabilities, and core competencies – VRIO analysis
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation
Strategic options
• The five generic competitive strategies
• TOWS matrix – tactics
• ANSOFF
Ethics, corporate sustainability, and strategy
Strategy implementation process

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.