Item 1
Managers within a strategic business unit or small organisation can make use of a variety of strategic techniques ideas and tools as part of the business planning process. Critically review the value of the main tools that exist to determine the most appropriate bases of competitive advantage including Porter’s thinking on generic strategies. (Indicative word limit: no more than 1,500 words. Harvard referencing convention must be applied).
Item 2
Produce a meaningful wiki contribution on any business related topic of no more than the equivalent of half a page of A4 paper. Include links in your references to reliable other sources for further reading (Indicative word limit: no more than the equivalent of half a page of A4 paper. Harvard referencing convention must be applied.)
Item 3
Throughout your study of this module you will be required to develop a robust checklist of review issues that would be helpful in conducting an analysis of a business plan. (Indicative word limit: no more than the equivalent of three pages of A4 paper). All published sources used in developing your checklist should be properly included in a set of references and other sources.
Item 4
Follow the link below and you will find several complete business plans. In the classroom briefing you will be allocated one plan to concentrate on. Critically analyse this document using the checklist you have developed. Comment in particular on the strengths and limitations of the plan and the degree to which it meets the needs of its target audience. Indicative word limit: no more than 3,000 words excluding appendices.
