Preface

This compendium provides a comprehensive overview of the most important topics covered in a strategic t course at the Bachelor, Master or MBA level. The intention is to supplement renowned strategy textbooks such as Johnson and Scholes.

This compendium is designed such that it follows the structure of a typical strategy course.

Throughout this compendium theory is supplemented with examples and illustrations.

Contents

1. Introduction

2. The Basis of Strategy: Structure
2.1 Introduction –definition ‘Structure’ is the allocation and control of work tasks
2.2 Functional Structure
2.3 Divisional structure
2.4 Product structure
2.5 Geographical structure
2.6 Matrix structure
2.7 Complex forms of organisation

3. The Levels and Formulation of Strategy
3.1 Introduction - definition
3.2 Process of strategy
3.3 Levels of strategy
3.4 Types of Strategy
3.5 Other Types of Strategic formulation

4. Schools of strategy
4.1 Introduction - Definition - there are three ‘schools’ of strategy
4.2 The ‘planning’ school
4.3 The ‘positional’ school
4.4 The ‘resource based’ school
4.5 Key points

5. Stakeholder theory
5.1 Introduction – definition of Stakeholders
5.2 Explanation
5.5 External stakeholders

6. External Analysis
6.1 Introduction – Definition: External Analysis
6.2 Explanation

7. Internal Analysis
7.1 Introduction and Definition of The Value Chain
7.2 Explanation
7.3 Definition: margin
7.4 Examples
7.5 The Human resource audit
7.6 Culture

8. SWOT Analysis
8.1 Introduction SWOT Analysis -definition
8.2 Explanation

9. Generic Strategy
9.1 Introduction: Definition
9.2 Explanation
9.4 Key Points

10. Strategy implementation
10.2 Contingency view
10.3 Managing change
10.4 Lewin’s Force Field analysis