right000INTB707 Strategy in Uncertain Times
right000INTB707 Strategy in Uncertain Times
Semester 1 2024
Assessment 2 Take home test
The questions contained in this short answer assessment pertain to the case study found on Canvas on the Assessment Homepage / Assessment Details. The questions require you to apply strategic theories, frameworks, and/or concepts that we have covered in class in Weeks 2-7 to the case.
Instructions (please read carefully!):
There are five compulsory questions, each worth up to 20 marks.
The test is open book, and you are required to draw on a variety of academic sources when answering the questions.
Please add your name and ID number to the Header of this document
DELETE ALL RED TEXT PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR ANSWERS. FAILURE TO DELETE RED TEXT WILL LEAD TO A PENALTY DEDUCTION OF 50%!!
Each answer should:
Observe permitted word counts closely (which include managerial recommendations).
Include a definition of each theory, framework, or concept being used.
Draw on the number of academically credible sources specified for each question (which will include at least one in-text citation that supports your definition).
Feature citations of academic journal articles only (i.e., do not cite ANY websites).
Apply theory directly to the case study, drawing on supporting evidence from the case.
Avoid overly relying on direct quotes paraphrase instead.
Submission & due date
Submit your completed assessment to the Turnitin link on Blackboard by Friday 12 April, 11.59pm.
Marking criteria
Your answers will be graded on the following criteria:
Depth of understanding of theory, framework, or concept being used, reflected in the quality of analysis and its direct application to the case study (up to 7 marks).
The quality and accuracy of definitions of theories and frameworks (up to 4 marks).
The insightfulness of managerial recommendations (which should be practical, actionable, and fit for purpose at the case firm) (up to 4 marks).
Use of the required number of academic sources when answering each question (up to 5 marks).
Tips:
The course Essential Readings will generally be a good source for definitions of theories.
A good starting place for other academic sources beyond the Essential Readings are your fellow students Discussant Presentations, Google Scholar, and the AUT Library website.
Your answer sheet should include a reference list at the end, formatted in APA (6th or 7th) style.
You may choose to use the same academic source in more than one question, if appropriate.
You are not required to cite the case study.
PLEASE NOTE:
1) This material is protected by COPYRIGHT. You may not distribute, sell, or further reproduce any part of this material to any other person. Failure to comply with the terms of this warning may expose you to legal action for copyright infringement and/or disciplinary action by the University.
2) This is an individual assessment. Evidence of collaboration or high Turnitin matches with other students or other material (e.g., articles, textbooks or websites) will be referred to academic integrity.
Question 1: Drawing on Adner (2017), on the next page plot the ecosystem in which the case firm resides. Additionally (on this page), use no more than 250 words to briefly define a business ecosystem and highlight any issues or challenges the firm faces with regards its ecosystem (e.g., are all actors satisfied with their roles and relationships; do they all have the capabilities required; are there any existential threats to the ecosystems viability?) Within your 250 words, include at least two managerial recommendations for how the firm should strategically approach or manage its ecosystem (these recommendations should be formatted as bullet points see below). Recommendations must be practical and specific, that the managers can action. Ensure you cite at least 2 academic sources in your answer.
Your answer:
Managerial recommendations:
PLOT THE CASE FIRMS ECOSYSTEM ON THIS PAGE
TIP: You may find it easiest to plot the ecosystem on the Week 2 Workshop PowerPoint slide provided in Week 2 on Canvas/Teams, then paste an image of your ecosystem map on this page (delete this tip first).
Question 2: You have a maximum of 300 words to discuss and assess the current dynamic capabilities (Teece, 2007) demonstrated by the case firm and what dynamic capabilities the firm should attempt to acquire. Then make at least two recommendations that are practical and specific that the managers can action to give the organisation more dynamic capabilities. Ensure you define dynamic capabilities, and cite at least 3 academic sources in your answer.
Your answer:
Managerial recommendations:
Question 3: Using a combination of internationalisation theories from Weeks 6 and 7, you have a maximum of 300 words to discuss whether the firm should internationalise or not, and if so, how best to do it. Ensure you define all the theories you are using and cite at least 3 academic sources in your answer.
Your answer:
Question 4: Drawing on Pisano (2015) provide the managers of the case firm with some potential avenues for innovation. You have a maximum of 300 words to discuss what routine, disruptive, radical, and architectural innovations might be possible. Also, provide at least two (bullet point) managerial recommendations (with appropriate justifications) for those options that provide the best path forward. Ensure you cite at least 3 academic sources in your answer.
Your answer:
Managerial recommendations:
Question 5: Plot the current business model of the case firm on the Business Model Canvas provided (on the next page). Additionally, (below this question) you have a maximum of 200 words to define a business model and provide at least two managerial recommendations that are practical and specific that the managers can action to improve the business model (these might build on other managerial recommendations from your previous answers). Ensure you cite at least 2 academically credible sources in your answer.
Your answer:
Managerial recommendations:
Business Model Canvas: Good Buzz
Key Partners Key Activities Value Propositions Customer Relationships Customer Segments
Key Resources Channels Cost Structure Revenue Streams
Reference list
Please format all in-text citations and references used in this assessment in APA 7th Ed. It is likely your reference list will include references for about thirteen different academic journal articles.
Assessment 2: Take-home test case analysis
Due: Fri, 12 Apr 2024 23:59Due: Fri, 12 Apr 2024 23:59
Type:Take-home test based on case analysisLength: 1500 words (+/- 10%)Submission:Turnitin link on Canvas
Due:Friday 12 April 2024, 11:59pm
Requirements: Students will be provided with a case to analyse and questions to answer.The case study will be released through Canvas at leastthree weeks(Week 4) before the submission is due.Refer to"Assessment"on the Canvas landing page where you will find thecase studyand thetemplate(scroll to the bottom).The questions will require you to apply strategic theories, concepts, or frameworks to the case study. The theories, concepts, and frameworks to be used will have been discussed during Weeks 1-7.Please note:
The test is open book
Each answer should include a definition of the theory, concept, or framework, drawing on a suitable combination of at least three academically credible sources with in-text citations.
Each answer should cite academic journal articles only (i.e., do not cite websites).
Each answer should apply the theory, concept, or framework to the case firm.
A good starting place for other academic sources beyond the Essential Reading of the week are your fellow students Discussant Presentations.
Your answer sheet should include a reference list at the end, formatted appropriately.
More detail about this assessment will be provided early in semester.
Course Learning Outcomes
Discuss and evaluate choices and issues which arise in the formulation, development and implementation of strategies.
Evaluate how international expansion impacts the formulation and implementation of strategy.
Critically analyse how the strategic management process differs across contexts.
Apply advanced skills in analysis and demonstrate critical strategic management insight.
