Strategy and Structure
- Management Sciences
- 800 level
- 2 credit units
- 221 pages
- 14 units
This course explores the interconnectedness of strategy and structure within organizations. It covers strategic management principles, corporate strategy formulation, and the need for organizational structure. It also examines techniques of delegation, the importance of mission and vision statements, and the role of organizational core values. Students will learn about change management, organizational justice, and communication planning to foster effective organizational performance.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 30 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of BUS804, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
BUS804 · Unit 1: DEFINITION OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
Strategy and structure are two independent elements in business that are somewhat co- dependent. The strategy which is created often determines the structural elements associated with the business. Some businesses also use the inverse and shape strategy, which is based on structure. Combining these forces effectively leads to a cohesive business model that functions to achieve common goals.
What you should be able to do
- Apply strategic management principles to organizational decision-making
- Analyze and design effective organizational structures
- Formulate corporate strategies to achieve organizational goals
- Implement change management techniques to facilitate organizational transformation
- Evaluate the role of organizational justice in promoting employee satisfaction
What it prepares you for
- Business Analyst
- Management Consultant
- Project Manager
- Strategic Planner
- Organizational Development Specialist
- Consulting
- Management
- Human Resources
- Public Sector
- Non-Profit
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Strategic Management
Unit 4: Corporate Planning Contents
Requires understanding of various strategic planning techniques and their applications in different organizational contexts.
- Module 3: Need for Organizational Structure
Unit 5: Forms of Organizational Structure
Involves understanding the complexities of organizational structures and their impact on organizational effectiveness.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Strategic Management
Unit 1: Definition of Strategic Management · 2 hours
Read the definition of strategic management. Understand the importance of strategic management in an organization. Identify the ingredients to successful planning and implementation.
- Week 2Module 1: Strategic Management
Unit 2: Corporate Strategy · 2 hours
Explore the need for strategy. Understand the different levels of strategy. Identify the key components of a corporate strategy.
- Week 3Module 1: Strategic Management
Unit 3: Concepts of Strategy · 2 hours
Discuss the origin of business strategy. Understand the stages of strategy. Identify the components of strategy.
- Week 4Module 1: Strategic Management
Unit 4: Corporate Planning Contents · 2 hours
Understand why managers plan. Analyze the nature of planning. Identify the steps in planning.
- Week 5Module 1: Strategic Management
Unit 5: Organizational Structures and Effectiveness · 2 hours
Understand the significance of organization structure. Identify the components of organization structure. Analyze the dimensions of organization structure.
- Week 6Module 2: Techniques of Delegation in an Organization
Unit 1: Techniques of Delegation · 2 hours
Understand the techniques of delegation. Analyze parity of authority and responsibility. Discuss the scalar principle.
- Week 7Module 2: Techniques of Delegation in an Organization
Unit 2: Corporate Mission and Vision Statements · 2 hours
Understand the importance of a mission statement. Identify the features of a vision statement. Understand the basic elements of a mission statement.
- Week 8Module 2: Techniques of Delegation in an Organization
Unit 3: Organizational Core Values · 2 hours
Understand the importance of organizational core values. Identify the purpose of organizational core values. Explore different types of organizational core values.
- Week 9Module 2: Techniques of Delegation in an Organization
Unit 4: Change Management · 2 hours
Define change management. Understand the benefits of change management. Explore different types of change management.
- Week 10Module 2: Techniques of Delegation in an Organization
Unit 5: Communications Planning in Organization · 2 hours
Define communication planning. Understand the reasons for communication in an organization. Explore the process of communication.
- Week 11Module 3: Need for Organizational Structure
Unit 1: Definition of Need for Organizational Structure · 2 hours
Understand the need for organizational structure. Identify the importance of organizational structure. Analyze the nature of organizational structure.
- Week 12Module 3: Need for Organizational Structure
Unit 2: Organization Theories and Application · 2 hours
Discuss organizational theories. Evaluate types of organizational theories. Understand formal and informal organizations.
- Week 13Module 3: Need for Organizational Structure
Unit 3: Organizational Change · 2 hours
Define organizational change. Understand types of organizational change. Explore how to overcome resistance to change.
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking strategic management concepts (Units 1-3)
- Analyze case studies applying organizational structure principles (Units 4-5)
- Practice delegation scenarios and identify best practices (Module 2)
- Review change management models and their application (Module 3)
- Focus on key definitions and frameworks from each unit
Questions students ask about this course
What is BUS804 about?
This course explores the interconnectedness of strategy and structure within organizations. It covers strategic management principles, corporate strategy formulation, and the need for organizational structure. It also examines techniques of delegation, the importance of mission and vision statements, and the role of organizational core values. Students will learn about change management, organizational justice, and communication planning to foster effective organizational performance.
How many units does BUS804 have?
BUS804, Strategy and Structure, has 14 units across 3 modules, over 221 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is BUS804?
BUS804 carries 2 credit units, at 800 level in Management Sciences.
Is BUS804 hard?
BUS804 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does BUS804 take to study?
About 30 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.
How is BUS804 assessed?
BUS804 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with BUS804?
Business Analyst, Management Consultant, Project Manager, Strategic Planner and Organizational Development Specialist.