Leading for Strategic Advantage

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

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

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 is intended to provide students who do not have a business background with grounding in the field of strategy. It will expose them to key themes, issues and theories of strategy, with a particular focus on the role of leadership in developing and implementing strategy for business success. There will be a strong emphasis on using theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems, which will be achieved through the use of case studies and discussion of contemporary business problems. Students who complete the subject should have a sound theoretical and applied understanding of the role of strategic leadership in business success. Topics covered will include: the role of strategy in business performance; the impact of environments on strategy; the role of leadership in strategy formulation and implementation; working with multiple stakeholders; strategic decision making; and leadership in corporate social responsibility.

Students who complete this subject will have:

• An understanding of the importance of the leader’s role in implementing business strategy for the success of organisations;
• Knowledge of the major theories of leadership and their application to strategy formulation and implementation;
• The ability to apply their knowledge and understanding to analysing strategic challenges faced by organisations;
• The ability to use this knowledge and understanding to develop practical solutions to management problems faced by organisations; and
• The knowledge and skills to know how to make a strategically sound decision.

• A 30 minute group presentation, including a report of 1000 words, due across the semester (20%);
• 3000 word group assignment, due in Week 7 (30%); and
• 2 hour end of semester exam, exam period (50%).

Readings will be provided via the LMS. Students will be advised of readings.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

• Interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information; receptiveness to alternative ideas; and
• Oral communication; written communication; collaborative learning; problem solving; team work; statistical reasoning; application of theory to practice; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.