Business Strategy

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

• This subject has a pre-teaching period commencing on the 26th January. Students will be required to undertake some reading material and do some preparation for a class presentation.
• The 2015 Intensive dates for this subject are: 9th - 13th February. Follow up assignment work will be required after the intensive dates.
• Please refer to the Intensive schedule located at the following address for any further information: http://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/study/courses/master-of-agribusiness/degree-structure#nav

144 Hours. Students will be required to commence reading and preparation for the residential week well in advance. After the one-week residential students will also need to commit extra time for the follow-up assignment work.

To maximize rewards from undertaking the subject, students should have two to five years experience in a working environment.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon
academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation
in the University's programs. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they
must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who
feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter
with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
students email: disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au

Students will be exposed to the theory and practice of strategy and will examine the environment within which senior management execute strategic decisions. The subject explores strategy as a mechanism for identifying and realising opportunities for growth. It emphasises the need to bring about the best fit between the firm’s internal capabilities and the business environment in which it operates.

On successful completion of this subject, students will able to:

• Describe market and non-market business strategy
• Use alternative disciplinary approaches (economics, marketing, ethics) to analyze strategic issues
• Explain how strategy becomes operational in strategic and operational plans
• Identify sources of sustained competitive advantage for a firm
• Conduct an internal and external situation analysis for an agribusiness firm or organisation
• Understand the differences between business and corporate level strategy
• Identify broad strategies for the firm in its relationships with customers, suppliers and competitors
• Show how technology management and research and development can be integrated into strategy
• Explain the similarities and differences in strategy development and implementation domestically and internationally
• Show how governance structures, culture, leadership and incentives impact on strategy implementation

• Group Case Presentations, (normally a group of 4 with a total presentation time of 20 minutes) due during the residential week - 20%;
• Individual Class Participation, throughout residential week - 10%;
• Individual Business Strategy Presentation (10-15 minute presentation), towards end of residential week - 20%;
• Major Assignment (3,500 words), due end of March - 50%

Hanson, D, Dowling, PJ, Hitt, MA, Ireland, RD & Hoskisson, RE 2010, Strategic management: competitiveness and globalisation, Pacific Rim 4th edn, Thomson Learning, Melbourne. ISBN 9780170186285. It is recommended that texts are ordered through the MSLE Student Centre EMAIL: msle-sc@unimelb.edu.au

Further readings will be mailed to students.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

It is expected students will develop:

• Awareness of, and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data
• Capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge
• Ability to integrate information across related management disciplines to solve problems in applied situation
• Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
• Highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaison with individuals and groups from industy, government and the community
• Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team in a face-to-face learning environment
• Ability to collaborate, exchange ideas and debate across on-line learning platforms.
• Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects.