Advanced Strategic Management

This subject is not offered in 2016.

144 hours per semester, including self-directed study/research

Admission into MC-COMMGT Master of Commerce (Management), or MC-COMMKT Master of Commerce (Marketing), or PhD with coursework (Management and Marketing)

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

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. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject examines advanced themes and issues in the theory and practice of strategic management. Embedded in the critical examination of competitive advantage as derived from sources internal and external to the firm, this subject is designed to provide students with an appreciation of strategic management as a value-added approach to conceptualising the firm and its environment in pursuit of optimum rewards. Drawing on rich and varied theoretical traditions, contemporary research and case study analysis, students will progress through a variety of process, content and contextual considerations to secure an advanced perspective of the strategic management discipline. Broad topics include strategic change, strategy formation and implementation; business, corporate and network level strategies and examination of industry, organisational and international contexts. Within these broader topics such issues as innovation and dynamic capability theory will be investigated.

On successful completion of this subject you should be able to:

• Explain the dynamic nature of business and the role of strategic management in generating and sustaining competitive advantage;
• Analyse complex management decisions using a range of theoretical tools;
• Identify and evaluate trends in the competitive environment and their impact on enterprises, including multinational firms; and
• Explain the changing roles and responsibilities of management in firms.

• Take home examination, due at the end of the semester (50%);
• One assignment totalling not more than 4000 words, due in week 8 (40%); and
• Class participation, throughout the semester (10%).

You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• High level of development: oral communication; written communication; collaborative learning; problem solving; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; evaluation of data and other information; receptiveness to alternative ideas.
• Moderate level of development: team work; statistical reasoning; synthesis of data and other information; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.