1. Apply academic concepts and frameworks of strategic management and digital innovation, using appropriate digital tools and data, to analyse organisational contexts and identify evidence-based recommendations.

Knowledge & Understanding, Application & Problem-solving

2. Address the role of technology in shaping organisational decision‑making by researching and analysing strategic and digital innovation challenges and opportunities within both the internal and external business environment

Research Skill, Digital Literacy

3. Communicate and reflect on your developing understanding of strategic management and digital innovation

Communication, Reflection

This module is assessed through two individual assessments, designed to support students’ progression towards applied analysis, evaluation and critical reflection. At this level, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and understanding in context, analyse information, and begin to evaluate approaches using established concepts and frameworks.

The assessment supports a developmental approach, recognising that this module represents many students’ first structured opportunity to undertake applied and critical analysis within a strategic and digital innovation context.

Assessment 1: Applied Written Case Study

This assessment requires students to undertake a case-based exploration of a real-world organisational context, focusing on issues of strategic management and digital or technological innovation. Students will analyse how organisations respond to strategic challenges and opportunities arising from digital technologies, innovation processes, market change and customer behaviour.

Using established strategic and innovation frameworks introduced within the module, students will be expected to:

apply theory to a defined organisational context

analyse internal and external factors influencing strategic and innovation decisions

evaluate alternative strategic or innovation-led responses, and develop informed recommendations using evidence from credible sources.

Formative Feedback Opportunities include:

Case selection and scoping activity
Early-stage approval of organisational choice and strategic focus, with tutor guidance on suitability and scope.

Framework application workshops
In-class activities applying strategic management and digital innovation frameworks to example cases, with tutor-led discussion and feedback.

Draft structure or plan feedback
Optional formative feedback on case study structure, analytical focus or use of theory during scheduled support sessions.

Peer discussion and review
Guided peer-review activities focusing on clarity of analysis, use of evidence and linkage between theory and practice.

These activities support students in developing confidence with applied analysis and evaluation prior to final submission.

Assessment 2: Structured Reflective Vlog

This assessment focuses on students’ ability to reflect critically on their learning and engagement with strategic management and digital innovation, informed by participation in structured learning activities and peer interaction.

Students will be required to take part in the following formative assessments, to support the final summative Vlog:

share and articulate their developing understanding of strategic and digital innovation concepts in a supported learning environment

engage with peer perspectives and feedback

use peer feedback to inform a structured academic reflection on their learning.

The reflective output will be underpinned by appropriate reflection theory, to support students in moving beyond description towards analytical and evaluative reflection.

This assessment supports the development of:

emerging critical awareness

professional communication skills

and reflective practice as a foundation for Level 6 study and employability.

Formative Feedback Opportunities include:

Guided reflective tasks
Structured reflective prompts introduced during workshops to support movement from description to critical reflection.

Concept articulation activities
Opportunities for students to verbally share and test their understanding of strategic and digital innovation concepts in a supportive learning environment.

Peer feedback and discussion
Peer engagement activities focusing on interpretation of learning, perspective-sharing and reflective depth.

Vlog planning and structure guidance
Tutor guidance on reflective structure, use of reflection models and effective professional communication in a digital format.

Formative feedback supports students in developing analytical reflection, professional communication skills and self-awareness, preparing them for Level 6 study and employability.

This module develops students’ understanding of strategic management and digital innovation within organisational contexts. It introduces the process, content and purpose of strategy formulation, alongside the role of creativity, innovation and digital technologies in shaping organisational performance and competitive advantage.

Students will explore strategic options and strategic decision-making, informed by analysis of the internal and external business environment, organisational structure and culture, and the strategic management of technology. The module also considers international and global perspectives, recognising the increasing importance of digital innovation in enabling organisations to compete and grow in dynamic markets.

A core focus of the module is the development, evaluation and commercialisation of innovative products and services. Students will examine the relationship between creativity and innovation, customer psychology, and the adoption and diffusion of innovation, considering how market insight and digital data inform strategic choices. Contemporary themes such as digital innovation, sustainability, ethical considerations and emerging technologies (including artificial intelligence) are introduced to reflect current business practice.

Learning is supported through applied and inquiry-based activities that enable students to formulate, evaluate and communicate strategic and innovation-led responses to real-world business challenges.

Simulation / Applied Learning

Applied learning is embedded through the use of real-world organisational case studies and inquiry-based workshops. Students simulate professional strategic analysis by diagnosing organisational contexts, evaluating strategic and innovation challenges, and developing evidence-based recommendations reflective of contemporary business practice.

Employability, Enterprise and Professional Practice

The module supports employability by developing transferable skills in strategic thinking, problem-solving, professional communication and reflective practice. Students gain experience of analytical and decision-making processes commonly used in management and consultancy roles, supporting progression towards placements, graduate employment and Level 6 study.

Experience

This module aligns with the Experience principle of the Employability Framework by engaging students in applied strategic and digital innovation analysis. Through case-based investigation, evaluation of organisational challenges and reflective communication, students gain hands-on experience of professional workflows associated with strategy development, innovation management and consultancy practice.

Students develop confidence in applying theory to practice, using evidence to justify recommendations and reflecting on their professional development in preparation for advanced study and graduate employment.

This module introduces students to the principles of strategic management and digital innovation, exploring how organisations formulate strategy, manage technology, and develop innovative products and services in dynamic and global business environments. Students will analyse strategic options, customer behaviour and innovation processes, applying theory and evidence to contemporary business challenges.

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 300 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 72 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 228 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks. Learning support material will be provided for the module.

The module will draw upon a mixture of activities including lectures, web-based activities, case study analysis, relevant videos and in-class discussions, individual and group problem solving and self-directed learning.

In addition to formal teaching, the module emphasises collaborative learning through group discussions and workshops.

Self-directed learning plays a crucial role in the module, with students encouraged to explore extensive online resources, digital libraries, and the module’s Blackboard system. This independent study component fosters digital literacy and research proficiency, allowing students to consolidate their learning at their own pace while preparing for assessments.

Johnson, G., Scholes, K. and Whittington, R. (2023). Exploring Strategy. 13th edn. Harlow: Pearson Education.

Grant, R. M. (2022). Contemporary Strategy Analysis. 11th edn. Chichester: Wiley.

Bharadwaj, A., El Sawy, O. A., Pavlou, P. A. and Venkatraman, N. (2013) ‘Digital business strategy: toward a next generation of insights’, MIS Quarterly, 37(2), pp. 471–482.

Kane, G. C., Palmer, D., Phillips, A. N., Kiron, D. and Buckley, N. (2019) The Technology Fallacy: How People Are the Real Key to Digital Transformation. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Tidd, J. and Bessant, J. (2021) Managing Innovation: Integrating Technological, Market and Organizational Change. 7th edn. Hoboken: Wiley.