BPP Publications (2012) Business Analysis: Study Text.
Dess, G., Eisner, A., Lumpkin, T. and McNamara, G. (2012), Strategic Management : Creating Competitive Advantage , McGraw Hill

Module study guide
The University Library and Learning Resources ¿ books and academic journals
The module VLE
Electronic data bases
Learning support materials
Internet

The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment) of this there will be 36 hours of class support and 114 hours of independent and self directed study.
The lecture/tutorial pattern may vary with some activities taking place in medium size group workshops.

18 hours of tutor lead sessions
18 hours of student centred learning sessions

There will be lectures to deliver the core material, as well as smaller group sessions, including problem solving, discussion and workshop type delivery. Students will be expected to complete the exercises and directed learning in the independent learning time. Tutor led sessions will introduce key developments in the area of business analysis. Tutorial/ workshop sessions will be case study based which will facilitate understanding of the theoretical concepts.

This module begins with the assessment of a business's strategic position in the present and in the future using relevant forecasting techniques, and is primarily concerned with the impact of the external environment on the business, its internal capabilities and expectations and how the organisations positions itself under these constraints. It examines how factors such as culture, leadership and stakeholder expectations shape organisational purpose. Strategic choice is concerned with decisions which have to be made about an organisation's future and the way in which it can respond to the influences and pressures identified in the assessment of its current and future strategic position. Strategic planning and strategy implementation has to be subject to financial benchmarks. Therefore, it will also focus on key management accounting techniques that help to determine strategic action and the financial ratios and measures that may be used to assess the viability of a strategy and to monitor and measure its success.

When studied as part of MSc International Accounting and Financial Management, the successful completion of this module may lead to an exemption from equivalent units in ACCA examinations. For up-to-date information on accreditation and exemptions please contact the Award leader.

An assignment of 3000 words weighted at 100% weight and assessing all learning outcomes.